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Commentary Stronger than ever By Bill Forry Managing Editor The question has been posed it doesn’t exist in all, or even in dozens of times in the last week most, of Dorchester. from media who descended It doesn’t find its genesis in on our Dorchester neighbor- the sacristy of a church, or the hood from all over the world gymnasium of a school, or the in the wake of the Marathon stacks at the Adams Street bombings: What is it about library. It doesn’t spring from the Richard family —and their seeds sprinkled amid the fields Ashmont-Adams community of Garvey Park or the marshy —that is so special? reeds that line Pope Park, where The truth is that the vibrant, eight-year-old Martin Richard caring community that revolves and his siblings chased balls around families like the Rich- and birds and flag football belts. ards of Carruth Street can’t In old Dorchester, life cen- be bottled, capped, and shared tered around these things: Park with the world. Try though we benches and pews and three- will, that unique chemistry decker porches where children can’t be defined on a t-shirt or a and their charges congregated Facebook page. It can’t even be and found common bond based claimed for all of our neighbor- on a shared faith, a shared hood, because— quite frankly, (Continued on page 3) After the dancing: A time to take stock From March 24-31, Boston * * * was host to thousands of Irish At this time last year, Melissa dancers — as well as Irish dance McCarthy of Norfolk was get- teachers, family members and ting used to sporting the title friends — from the US and all of “No. 1,” having finished first around the globe for the annual at the Worlds in the age 15-16 World Irish Dancing Champi- category. This year, McCarthy onships. The competition, which competed in the girls under 17 was centered in the John B. division and came in third. Hynes Convention Center and The question was obvious, Sheraton Boston Hotel, featured but had to be asked: Was she solo and team dancing across disappointed? The answer was many age groups an unequivocal “No.” The Boston Irish Reporter’s “I was very excited about the Sean Smith caught up with whole experience,” she said. “My several local participants for particular competition was full Cherry blossoms are a sure sign of spring in Ireland. Travel column, Page 14. their perspectives on the event. (Continued on page 7) Judy Enright photo Authors rue latest BC archive ruling After the US Supreme Court which reads in part: terviews could be and how this declined to consider an appeal “We began this fight almost PSNI (Police Service of North- filed on behalf of Ed Moloney exactly two years ago and all ern Ireland) request has both and Anthony McIntyre that along the campaign has run on dubious motives and derives the justices take up a lower two tracks, one legal, the other from a broader failure of the court’s refusal to grant them political. The legal track has parties in the North to agree legal standing in their efforts to almost come to an end but the on a way to deal with the past block an attempt by the police political campaign continues. in such a way as to allow the in Northern Ireland to gain “In recent weeks the United future to begin… access to their interviews with States government has been “All of those involved in this Cate McGrail, president of the Eire Society of Boston, and IRA activists that have been made aware of just how dam- campaign can be assured that Seamus Mulligan flank Sister Lena Deevy in a picture taken archived at Boston College, the aging to the political situation it is not over yet.” at a gala salute to the founder and longtime head of the Irish two men issued a statement, in Northern Ireland these in- International Immigration Center. A page of photos, Page 17.

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Exp______email: [email protected] www.aisling-gallery.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Stronger The Clock in Peabody Square 2:50 than ever Marathon Monday (Continued from page 1) The clock was stopped and has been A motionless presence in our midst struggle and, typically, a shared ancestry. As we remember Martin, Krystle, Lu It was a strong and potent formula for survival, And then Sean but it could also prove brittle. Many found cause to And the scores of others who were injured leave this place because — strong though it was— it wasn’t strong enough to withstand forces of change, And the scores of others who ran towards, not away. We wish them the strength, determination, and upheaval, the gravitational pull of a different place, heart the promise— often empty—of something better beyond Time has stood still since that day of a Marathon runner. the old neighborhood. As we have lived in the moment. Family, friends, neighbors, and complete strang- The chemistry that bonds modern Dorchester resi- Some of those moments have been hard ones: ers, dents together is stronger than the ones our parents Waiting for word from the doctors we hold out cups of water and slices of orange and grandparents knew. It’s more lasting because it’s Asking helplessly “how can we help” as the clock marks their long journey forward. leavened with people like Bill and Denise Richard and Hugging each other through tears, scores of like-minded couples for whom community is because what else can you do? And we will be with them all the way. not fixed to a single creed, schoolhouse, or country of origin. In Ashmont-Adams, the warren of side streets that The clock could stay stopped forever, 2:51 cradles the Richard clan in its bosom in this time of But that is not who we are. their loss and grief, the collective identity and spirit of We still mourn. 2:52 the place have been forged by the people themselves, We do not forget. by thousands of actions, large and small. All of them But the clock must start running again 2:53 have been, at their roots, acts of affection: Bus trips to As Bill and Denise, Janey and Henry, Pawtucket to watch minor league baseball, but mostly begin a new race, to belt out sudsy sing-alongs on the ride home; backyard on an unfamiliar course. Vicki Kayser Rugo turkey fry competitions and chili cook-offs; the early Dorchester June scramble to build a Dot Day parade float, complete with a replica of their beloved Peabody Square clock. Those who populate this place don’t gaze past each Martin Richard was a other into some suburban mirage in the distance. In one huge sports fan who another, they recognize common cause and recall shared wore his favorite Red victories— signature buildings, thriving restaurants, Sox player’s jersey to T stations and convenience stores, bike racks and bike school the week before stores, and an old, rusting, four-faced sidewalk clock Patriot’s Day. Denise made new again. They’ve staggered and stumbled Richard turned her beneath their shared burdens— sudden deaths and focus to making the stolen wallets, life-changing diagnoses and penny-ante Neighborhood House annoyances of city life that screech into earshot like Charter School’s library a Mattapan trolley car as the larger troubles fade off a top-notch resource for into the ether. They’ve buried neighbors and plotted students. memorials, but mostly they’ve celebrated life’s simpler Photos from Richard pleasures: Little league championships, First Commu- family, nions, Game 7s, and Super Bowl Sundays. Dorchester Reporter That’s the big secret to their success: The people who files. live in Ashmont-Adams like each other. They want to live here. They enjoy their time together. They’ve built a world that is better than the one than they found at joined them in his wheelchair for a nationally observed clock last Tuesday, reached into its innards and gave the start. minute of silence. A grimace of genuine pain furrowed the pendulum a gentle push. That’s all it took to set This week, the people came together around the Tom Menino’s brow and he hid his eyes in his hands the hands and the gears moving again. The old clock clock in Peabody Square once more. It was telling that a few times. was fixed years ago and — like the community that their mayor— the only one many of them have ever Then, as the bells peeled from the top of All Saints, gave it life again— it’s in good working order. Better known — left the barricades of Boylston Street and Jeff Gonyeau, the man who stopped the Peabody Square than ever, in fact. ‘The Irish Servant Girl Boxing takes hold at St. Peter’s in America’ is topic of Former pros, Eire Society lecture at cops teach Fontbonne Academy kids the ropes By Eoin Cannon Date is Sunday, May 5; Special to the Reporter After almost disap- time is 1:30 p.m. pearing from the youth sports landscape, boxing On Sun., May 5, at 1:30 Irish Famine Curriculum has made something of a p.m., Fontbonne Academy Project, was awarded an comeback in Dorchester. in Milton, the Eire Soci- honorary degree from More gyms are open- ety, the Charitable Irish the National University ing their doors to young Society, and the Forbes of Ireland in 2011 for her Museum will be present- work in Irish Studies. people, whether they are Alvaro Monteiro, 16, former professional boxer Joey DeGrandis, Jucilino looking for serious com- ing Professor Maureen A reception with re- Barros, 17, and Stephen Doran, Boston Police Department Safe Street Team. Murphy, who will give freshments and Irish petition or just the skills Photo by Eoin Cannon boxing teaches: discipline, a lecture entitled “Hope traditional musical en- composure, self-defense. in Mission Hill, and the the same men who had the Boston Police Depart- from the Ocean: the Irish tertainment will be held In places where the training he did in local hired him at the Bureau ment’s Safe Street Team Servant Girl in America.” at the nearby Forbes youth need those skills the gyms eventually led him of Narcotics and Danger- started doing some coach- Professor Murphy is the Museum on Adams Street most, though, instead of to a New England ama- ous Drugs in 1971 heard ing. Then Doyle’s friends Joseph Dionne Professor immediately at the conclu- commercial gyms it some- teur heavyweight title that their friend, Father asked him to help out. of Curriculum and Teach- sion of Professor Murphy’s times takes the old, famil- in 1967. A few lifetimes Richard Conway of St. It was going to be a long ing at Hofstra University. lecture. iar networks of priests, later – a year in the Peter’s, was looking for a commute from his home in She was a senior editor on Admission is $15 per police, youth workers, Korean DMZ, a career boxing coach. the suburbs, but when he the prize- winning effort, person, payable at the and ex-fighters and the as a DEA agent with a Conway had got wind met Conway, and when he the Dictionary of Irish door, but those interested commitment they make decade undercover, a book of some interest in box- got a taste of the vibrancy Biography and has edited in attending are requested to passing those values on. authored in retirement – ing among the youths in the big old building on new editions of Asneath to make reservations by Paul Doyle knows both Doyle now runs a boxing at the teen center and, Bowdoin Street, he com- Nicholson’s Annals of calling Barbara Fitzger- the before and the after program in the Catholic after word got around he mitted. Two years later, the Famine in Ireland ald at 617-698-8758 or the phases of this phenom- Charities Teen Center wanted to start a program, the boxing program is a and Ireland’s Welcome to Charitable Irish Society enon. at St. Peter’s Church on Mark Wahlberg stepped hit at the teen center and the Stranger. Professor voice mail at 671-330- He spent his childhood Bowdoin Street. up to donate the initial Doyle is the lead coach. Murphy, the co-director of 1737. Doyle got involved when equipment. Officers of the New York State Great Dot’s (and CM’s) Kenny wins McDonough writing award Dorchester’s David Ken- exhibit located within held at the TD Garden. the development of lan- The competition, pre- ny, a student at Catholic The Sports Museum until The winners watched guage and writing skills sented by The Sports Memorial High School, is April 2014. the game from the press while incorporating the Museum and sponsored the winner of the Grade Thanks to the continued level at the TD Garden topic of sports and con- by Bank of America and 9 division of “The 2013 support from the Boston and experienced what it’s cepts such as teamwork, the Boston Globe, is open Will McDonough Writing Celtics, the contest win- like for writers to cover respect, and persever- annually to students in Contest.” ners attended the Boston a professional sporting ance. grades 4-12. The Sports Kenny’s essay, “Next Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets event. Each winner was Will McDonough, a Museum received ap- Statue for The Sports Mu- game on Wed., April 10, also awarded an e-reader. Boston Globe columnist proximately 2,000 entries seum,” will be displayed immediately following The McDonough contest for 44 years, passed away for this year’s contest. in the Will McDonough the awards ceremony is designed to encourage in January 2003. David Kenny Essay winner Page 4 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Taoiseach has A classic British conservative commencement – and not a friend of Ireland date at The Heights By Joe Leary Special to the BIR Rarely has a world leader’s life been so polarizing By Ed Forry as that of former British Prime Minister Margaret Ireland’s Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be the commence- Thatcher’s. After her death and funeral last month in ment speaker and give the commencement address to grad- London, many actually celebrated as others mourned uates at Boston College this month, BC has announced. her passing. Boston College President Rev. William P. Leahy, SJ, She was a hero to the hard-line Unionists in Northern will present Kenny with an honorary Doctor of Laws Ireland despite the fact that she signed the Anglo –Irish degree at the May 20 ceremony where 4,400 Boston treaty that ultimately led to peace many years later. College students will receive their undergraduate and Subsequently, she would frequently remark that she graduate degrees, according to a had made a mistake and had turned against the treaty. statement from the university. Her uncompromising attitudes directly led to her BC spokesman Jack Dunn said refusal to give one inch to prevent the deaths of the that Boston College was “de- ten hunger strikers in Northern Ireland prisons in lighted to have the prime minis- 1981. For many Irish, this was her most grievous ter speak at its commencement, crime. These prisoners, all young Catholic Republican given the school’s historic ties to men, were protesting their treatment and could easily Ireland and Northern Ireland. have been saved had Thatcher Boston College was founded by modified her hard-line position. a Jesuit from Ulster 150 years But Northern Ireland was at ago to serve the sons of Boston’s war with itself, attitudes were Irish immigrants. Given our con- frozen, and Thatcher refused to nections to Ireland, and Boston College’s reputation compromise. The ten protesters as America’s foremost university in the field of Irish died in a span of seven months; Studies, we are pleased that the Taoiseach will join us change finally came but not soon for our commencement and receive an honorary degree enough to save lives. during our sesquicentennial celebration,” said Dunn. The leader of the hunger strik- Enda Kenny has been leader of the Fine Gael party ers, Bobby Sands, was the first in for more than a decade, and was elected Taoiseach to die at 27 years old. Ironically, in March 2011. He has served in politics for 40 years, he was elected to the British Margaret Thatcher and was a member of the Mayo County Council from Joe Leary Parliament in the month before 1975 to 1995. The Taoiseach’s father, Henry Kenny, he died, taking advantage of an unexpected opening. British pride could not allow such an affront even represented Mayo in the Dail for 21 years until his death All this was just too much for the Conservatives, who though ownership of the islands was of very little value. from cancer in 1975. That year, Enda Kenny was first immediately changed the law to make sure it wouldn’t More than 1,000 men and women died as the British elected to the Dáil Éireann (House of Deputies) to fill the happen again. Navy and SAS troops retook the territory. Thatcher seat his late father had held. He is a native of Islandeady In Ireland, the view of many is that Thatcher’s un- was considered a hero for her role in protecting British in County Mayo and a former primary school teacher. yielding positions with regard to the hunger strikers sovereignty on the islands. Kenny’s visit to Boston will mark his second trip to the prolonged the conflict. There was much rioting and tur- But her main problems were at home. She became city in little more than one year. In February 2012, moil both in the prison and in major Northern Ireland prime minister in May 1979 after the Conservatives he spent two days cities. Even today, 32 years later, deep scars remain. won the Parliamentary elections. She faced the here on a trade mis- The reactions to the death of Margaret Thatcher are Hunger strikers in 1981, the Argentines in 1982, sion, seeking to at- mostly guided by where people stand on the political and the Scottish miners and their unions from 1981 tract new investment spectrum, liberal or conservative, and she was the firm through1985. It is the miners in Scotland and other to his country and leader of Britain’s Conservative party. But beyond her parts of northeast England who are the most bitter speaking at a lun- British constituency, she fouynd favor for her views and unforgiving of Thatcher and the Conservatives. cheon sponsored by from the likes of Dick Cheney and Henry Kissinger She presided over the sale of state assets to wealthy Enterprise Ireland. here in the United States, both of whom attended her businessmen, closed mines, and initiated a new local Also on that visit, funeral in London. tax system that was essentially a flat tax (the dream Kenny addressed Much has been made of her friendship with Ronald of the American wealthy). graduate students at Reagan when he was our president, but the president Thatcher’s party has been destroyed in Scotland. Harvard’s Kennedy alienated far fewer people than the prime minister When she took over in 1979 the conservatives won 22 School. during their contemporaneous administrations. And seats there. By 1997 the party had lost all of them. This month, the when Reagan died there were no celebrations. Prime Minister David Cameron today has only one Taoiseach will spend Perhaps it was the “war” with Argentine over the Scottish conservative in the House of Commons. the weekend in our Falkland Islands that further encouraged a hardened Thatcher was deposed by her own party in 1990 city, and will be a Thatcher. The islands, set approximately 7,000 miles when its leaders, frustrated by the ways and means of guest at Dorchester’s from London off the coast of Argentina, had been a the “Iron Lady,” forced her to resign. In the end, they John F. Kennedy source of dispute for many years. The Argentines, were afraid of their own jobs as Margaret Thatcher’s library at a May 18 however foolishly, decided to occupy the islands uni- brand of government had become too great a burden. Enda Kenny dinner marking the laterally by invading the small British community. 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s historic visit to Ireland in 1963. Dunn said that BC will also present honorary degrees Off the Bench to James A. Woods, SJ, founding dean and namesake of the University’s Woods College for Advancing Stud- ies; Wayne Budd, former US attorney and long-time BC trustee; Cornelia Kelley, headmaster emerita of Boston Latin School; and Mary Lou DeLong, who Mother Ireland is calling, has served in several key administrative roles at BC. Boston College also announced earlier this month that former Irish President Mary McAleese has ac- cepted an invitation to become its Burns Library Vis- and the Irish are gathering’ iting Scholar, beginning this fall. As Burns Scholar, By James W. Dolan grew, they used their brains as well as their brawn to McAleese will present public lectures during the influence the course of history. fall semester while pursuing research in the Burns Special to the Reporter They’ll be coming from around the world to celebrate Politics was a natural outlet. Taking care of your Library Irish Book and Manuscript Collection. The the “Gathering” this summer in Ireland. Those with own combined with wit and persuasion proved a win- Irish Collection of Burns Library, the largest and most roots in the motherland are being summonsed home ning formula for political success. Those achievements comprehensive in the United States, includes materials to celebrate their heritage. translated into opportunities in education and business. from Nobel laureates William Butler Yeats, Samuel “They all look like us,” will be the common observa- With power came assimilation but the Irish retain a Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, and Seamus Heaney. tion as the Irish convene in the land from which so strong connection to their motherland, with its natural many departed in the past two centuries. The dialects beauty and music but, most of all, its people. of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will They spring from a land of contradictions; ruggedly mix with the musical rhythm of the brogue. beautiful but forlorn, connected but isolated. There is a Boston Irish The Irish are a proud people. Some are still trying sadness swirling from the depths of its troubled history to get over the fact that Christ did not choose Ireland that drink and gaiety can, at least for a time, dispel. REPORTER as his birthplace. Why did he favor the arid deserts of Irish literature and humor erupted from its troubles The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: the Mideast over the green grandeur of the Erin Isle? like some volcanic residue; literature to describe and Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., “Surely it’s because we would have treated him bet- explain; music and humor to lift spirits. To be Irish is 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 ter and there’d have been no redemption,” one wag to understand the futility of it all yet know the differ- [email protected] www.bostonirish.com observed. “If he was Irish, they’d be hearing confessions ence between defeat and surrender. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) at the pub. Come to think of it, they do but without Faith is the light that makes the darkness bearable. Edward W. Forry, Publisher absolution,” commented another. Humor makes it fun. It’s what permits the Irish to see Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor During the diaspora most left grieving. Their ances- the human condition in a way that makes even sorrow William P. Forry, Contributing Editor and tragedy a source of amusement. Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor tors will return with an appreciation of what was gained and what was lost as the Irish spread their unique Ireland is a poem that needs to be experienced; a News Room: (617) 436-1222 gifts around the world. With no natural resources to mother in a land of farewells forever mourning her Ads : (617) 436-1222 export, Ireland sent its people. Most left willingly but lost children. Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] under duress; others were transported on prison ships. So come and enjoy the people who can have a good On The Web at www.bostonirish.com The echo of their grief still resounds in the wind time and laugh at themselves even when things look Date of Next Issue: June, 2013 that blows from the sea through the rugged hills and bleak. If they can enjoy a party under such circum- Deadline for Next Issue: Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. valleys of this majestic land. stances, imagine the fun you’ll have at a joyful time On they came with little but their faith, determina- like the “Gathering.” Slainte! Published monthly in the first week of each month. James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond tion, and good humor. Wherever they settled, that the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish country was richer for it. They joined armies, and judge who now practices law. Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. built canals, railroads, and bridges. As their numbers Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5

Lighted candles and flags in hand, thousands gathered at Garvey Park in Neponset on Tuesday night to mourn the deaths of Martin Richard and two others and the injuries to scores more in Monday’s marathon bomb attacks. Chris Lovett photo

Boston is the only place I’ll ever be able to truly call ‘Here I am, part of this. We all are’ home. I think of the evening spent in the home of a West Roxbury couple, both Duke graduates, hosting me in By Adam Feeney ment, the revelry. I think of the year I spent hours an informational interview as part of my application I thought I was fine, but as I lay my head down on screaming words of encouragement to runners at there. At one point the wife said, “No matter where my pillow last night, the tears started flowing. I think the conclusion of Heartbreak Hill; my voice sore and you end up, or for how long, when you come back to of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who lived on Carruth my head pounding from cheering on fellow Eagles, Boston, it will still feel like home. You come back and Street, the same street where my grandparents lived friends, young guys exuberantly doling out high-fives it feels like you never left.” The husband, not from the for decades and just a short jaunt from my childhood as their adrenaline pumps. I think of the older woman area, chimed in and said, “She’s right, and she’s lucky home on Milton Street. I think of the excitement I had struggling, my words of encouragement unexpectedly to be from here.” at that age of going “in town” with my mom, taking receiving a response. “Thank you…thank you…thank I’ve been frustrated with the city, bored of the city, the T out of my little world of Cedar Grove and into you,” she said while quickly grasping my hand, her suffocated by it, embarrassed by some of its actions, the bustling metropolis beyond. strength wavering but her determination intact—the proud of it, fascinated by it, in awe of its beauty, its I think of being a young teenager, considering myself voices and cheers from the crowd acting as a bulkhead history, its heritage. Boston is family and when fam- badass for meandering the Back Bay after class at that wouldn’t let her slip away. ily hurts, I hurt. I didn’t want to make myself part Boston Latin; a young urban sophisticate in my mind I received a forwarded e-mail yesterday telling of of this. I was safely tucked away in my office in the swaggering down Boylston and Newbury. I think of a BC alumnus, a few years older than me, and his financial district on Monday afternoon and everyone my first summer job at the aquarium and the pride I wife having each lost a leg on Monday. He took part I know and love was unharmed. But here I am, part had in showing people from around the world a piece in the same OL program I did. He most likely spent of this. We all are. of my city. his Marathon Mondays at BC the same way, loving Adam Feeney lives in Cedar Grove. I think of Marathon Mondays at BC—the excite- every minute of it. A RECEDING GREEN WAVE By Peter F. Stevens BIR Staff The 2013 mayor’s race in Boston re- For nearly all of the 20th century, the Boston Irish had a lock – even a strangle- flects how much things have changed hold – on the office of mayor. Not until the outgoing Tom Menino followed Ray Flynn in the post was the near-monopoly since an Irishman first claimed the of old sod de- Point of View scendants truly post nearly 130 years ago broken. Now, as the field to follow Menino takes shape at O’Brien in a different light. Many On election night, the Irish turned out for 2013, a trio of well-known locals upscale sorts began to view him as an in force for their candidate, a man whose with green bloodlines might possibly anomaly—one of the “good Irish.” financial outlook shared more in common get back the job once held by the likes O’Brien’s business value to New Eng- with his Protestant and Republican foe, of James Michael Curley, John “Honey land merchants and moguls notwith- Augustus Man, than with fellow immi- Fitz” Fitzgerald, John B. Hynes, Kevin standing, the question of how far the grants. O’Brien lost the election, but by White, and Flynn. ambitious publisher could rise among a narrow margin. The Boston Irish contenders are City what historian George Potter termed the A year later, the name of Hugh O’Brien Councillor John R. Connolly, State Rep- “Irish-hating ice-cicles of Yankeeland” once again topped the Democratic resentative Martin J. Walsh, and Daniel intrigued local Democratic leaders who mayoral ticket, and enough Yankee F. Conley, the Suffolk District Attorney, ruled the city’s Irish neighborhoods. In voters swallowed misgivings about an a former city councillor from Hyde Park. Hugh O’Brien 1875, the forty-nine-year-old business- Irish-born candidate and helped the im- Only time will reveal if any of the tri- man won election to Boston’s Board of migrant poor sweep him into office. His umvirate will be sitting where Menino secure street sweeping or dockside work Alderman, and the watchful eyes of the campaign platform of lower taxes and still holds sway, or whether another so many of his fellow Irish immigrants Irish community noticed when, over his demonstrated ability as an alderman local stalwart such as City Councillor were forced to take. Young O’Brien, the next seven years, even hard-boiled to back that promise had proven a fiscal Felix Arroyo wins, which would make however, set his eyes on a far loftier Yankees lauded his “conscientious hard siren song too sweet to resist for many him the first minority to win the mayor’s future—one amid the rarefied circles of work.” Brahmins. seat. Even if Connolly, Walsh, or Conley Yankee commerce. As a self-made man embracing New Hugh O’Brien took the oath of office pull it off, demographics will make any Following his stint at the Courier, England traditions of industriousness on January 5, 1885, heralding a new new Boston Irish mayoral choke-hold O’Brien took a slot at the private printing and self-discipline, O’Brien belied the vi- political era for Boston and for the re- unlikely in the future, and their chances firm of Tuttle, Dennett and Chisholm on cious stereotypes of “Paddy and Bridget” gion. He wasted little time in keeping for victory will not be as daunting as School Street, learning the ins and outs espoused by Brahmins inside their his campaign promises of sound spend- were those of the city’s first Irish mayor, not only of printing but also of publish- boardrooms, clubs and mansions and ing and lower taxes, worked to improve Hugh O’Brien. O’Brien was not only of ing his own paper, the Shipping and by Yankee tradesmen on construction the city’s parks and roads and helped to Boston, but also of Ireland itself. He was Commercial List. His publication proved sites and in local watering holes. The lay the groundwork of the Boston Public sworn in as the city’s first Irish-born a smash hit among Yankee merchants burgeoning Democratic luminaries of Library, a site where even “Paddy and mayor on Jan. 5, 1885. To many Yankees and Brahmin financiers who depended the Irish community first put O’Brien’s Bridget” would be allowed to read and and Brahmins, his ascent represented in any way upon the flow of goods and political palatability to Yankees to the study. a once unthinkable development in a business news across Boston’s docks. test in late 1883 by nominating the O’Brien would hold the office until region notable for its antipathy toward The Irish Catholic had garnered quite a publisher and alderman as the party’s 1889, winning reelection. Still, not un- Irish Catholics. feat in making himself indispensable to mayoral candidate. til 1903, when Patrick Collins won the O’Brien’s odyssey to the top of the heap well-heeled Protestants whose Back Bay In the weeks before voters hit the polls, mayor’s race, would the Irish dominance in Boston politics began in 1832 when and Beacon Hill brownstones generally many Yankees recoiled against the no- of the job begin. Boston has changed his parents emigrated from Ireland to meant only one thing to immigrants of tion of an Irish-born mayor. Then they greatly in the past two decades with Boston with their five-year-old son. He “the old sod”—backbreaking work as attacked his character—but not with other immigrant groups and minorities displayed a considerable intelligence maids or handymen. Brahmins who the ethnic “ammunition” many Bosto- beginning to flex their rightful political early on, but was yanked from the city’s mocked “Paddy, the hopeless, witty Irish- nians expected. The Boston Transcript, muscle in the way that the ward bosses public school system as a twelve-year- man, given to drink and quick to tears the political conduit of conservative once did. Connolly, Walsh, or Conley old to work as an apprentice to a printer and laughter, who loved nothing more Protestants, did not assail O’Brien’s might well win, but don’t expect another for the Boston Courier. A tradesman’s than ‘rows and ructions,’ and Bridget, birthplace or his “Papist” religion, but historical “green wave” washing over the future beckoned the youth, lucky that the chaste and prudent but comically raised allegations of his “junketeering” mayor’s office. he could escape the low-paying and in- ignorant serving girl,” looked grudgingly as an alderman. Page 6 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell internationally famous in 1995 when he managed to Britons, turned their backs as her funeral cortege Five Days In April – It was five fever-pitch days lose $1.3 billion of his bank’s money betting on risky passed. Long bitter memories surfaced for the so-called glued to the television not unlike the televised national trades. His trades were responsible for the collapse of Iron Lady, who was unceremoniously dumped by her mourning when John F. Kennedy was assassinated his employer after 233 years in business. long-suffering former Tory allies in 1990. and buried half a century ago, in November 1963. The Now some 18 years later, after he served a prison Lahinch Golf Club Losing Members, Revenue recent real-life TV drama was bomb blasts, deaths, sentence, Leeson landed in Galway, keeping himself – One of Ireland’s premier golf clubs is having some and maiming, sprinkled with extraordinary humanity alive with after-dinner speeches on a topic he is keenly financial problems that are mostly attributable to a and an end-game manhunt with all the drama of an ad familiar with: risk management. He is in partnership troubling decline in dues-paying members – some 500 hoc documentary. Fifty years ago we were also linked in a Dublin financial services firm that specializes in have been lost in the past few years. The Lahinch club, by television in bidding a somber, tearful farewell to advising distressed borrowers, at a minimum those who founded in 1892, had a profit decline of 46 percent last a young and glamorous presi- owe at least $1.3 million. He has a similar business in year as well as a decline in overseas club memberships. dent. This time, what began on the North, advising debtors who owe $6 million or more. However, the famed golf club remains a financially Boylston Street at the Boston You can’t make these things up. viable enterprise, with a memorable course layout and Marathon finish line was a Ironic Justice Prevails In Galway – In a recent is in no danger of closing its famed facility. physical and psychic invasion, agreement between the Sisters of Charity and the Seamus Connolly Papers On Exhibit At BC – an obscenity that shattered agency, COPE, which specializes in helping victims Seamus Connolly, a world renowned Irish musician, Boston and the world for a of domestic violence, a former Magdalen Laundry will performer, and teacher, and the Sullivan Artist-in- few dreadful days and proved become the newest shelter for women and children in Residence at Boston College, has had his papers on ultimately that our city, often need. In days gone past, the laundry housed hundreds exhibit at the Burns Library since the beginning of thought of as cold, austere and of girls and young women who had become pregnant the year. The papers and material from the long and a tad too proper, has more than or were stubborn and were incarcerated under harsh rich professional life of the ten-time Irish solo fiddle its share of duende and heart. conditions in laundries and other institutions run by champion are available for viewing at the Burns until London, New York and cities the Catholic Church and marginally overseen by the May 23. Also on exhibit until later this months with Irish government of the day. the Connolly material are additional items from the Bill O’Donnell across the continent echoed that heart in a bonding display The Galway Magdalen Laundry had a capacity of Burns Library Irish collections. of love and allegiance. roughly 110 at its peak in the 1950s and was closed in Versatile Actor & Pro Dead At 86 – Milo O’Shea “Boston Strong,” Big Papi, Tom Menino, top 1984. The Magdalen Laundries over the years had some was the consummate pro, an actor who could play Boston cop Ed Davis, the first responders, the doc- 10,000 women sentenced to live in laundry locations. comedy or drama and bring a unique style to every- tors and nurses at Boston’s world famous hospitals, Currently, there are about 1,000 former Magdalen thing he touched on stage, movies, or TV. I chatted the Watertown and Boston police, and the anonymous residents still living who qualify for indemnity pay- with Milo on several occasions and he was unfailingly men and women who raced toward the smoking bomb ments for the years they were institutionalized. That gentle, a bit courtly, and without a hint of the legend he blast to soothe and save the wounded. They all enabled award process is active and ongoing. had gracefully grown into. I recall disliking the venal us to get through it. Did You Know That … She was known throughout judge character he played in “The Verdict,” shot here It was the ecstatic people from the Watertown neigh- England and Ireland as the “Joan of Arc” of the English in Boston, and after meeting him could hardly believe borhood who gathered and cheered when the younger prisons? Sister Sarah Clarke, a member of the La he was the same man. But that was Milo the actor on brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was finally flushed Sainte Union Sisters, was born in Eyrecourt, Co. Gal- film and on stage. A pro. out. It was the Boston Globe’s full-throated coverage way, and became a nun in 1939. She spent more than As Leopold Bloom in “Ulysses,” he set the tone per- throughout the five days, with special “Terror at the 50 years fighting for prisoner rights in British jails and fectly and to a large extent owned the movie and his Marathon” sections. It was Kevin Cullen leading the was a major contributor in helping to free the unjustly character. Milo worked all the time – on Irish televi- charge, along with his fellow columnists and a score of convicted Irish men and women involved in what are sion with mutual friends, and on stage, beginning at reporters who made the five days tolerable and even known as the Birmingham Six, the Guildford Four, and the venerable Gate Theatre in Dublin. Later he spent understandable. the Maguire cases. All innocent, all ultimately freed. most of his time in the US, with his wife, the actress It was the FBI leading the task force with the round- Kitty Sullivan. He appeared in the finale of “Cheers,” the-clock vetting of thousands of feet of tapes and still Russian Delegation Commuting To G8 Sum- among other American TV shows. photographs to pinpoint the two bombers and get their mit in the North – The Russian official group that RANDOM CLIPPINGS likenesses out to the public in astonishingly swift time. President Vladimir Putin will lead at the June G8 Ireland’s tourism, car rental and hotels are doing At Fenway it was the crowd celebrating “Boston Strong” summit in Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh, will not be something right. Newest polling shows that efforts with Neil Diamond flying into Boston on a 4:30 a.m. staying in the North during the conference but instead to bring down prices are working, with most visitors flight from Los Angeles to lead the fans in his paean will be Spending overnight at Sligo’s Clarion Hotel. believing that Ireland is a cost efficient value destina- to Red Sox Nation, “Sweet Caroline.” The Russian delegation has block- booked the hotel’s tion. … Our National Idiot (he has earned the title), We lost four precious, innocent people to the violence 162 rooms and will make the 130-minute round trip Donald Trump, had his usual inane comment about of the two evil bastards who took our nation’s gifts and highway commute each day. Some have suggested that the Boston bombers: “Waterboard the suspect,” said then spit in our faces. Scholarships, free rides at state security considerations have prompted the Russians to The Donald. … Thought an Irishman might never sit colleges, citizenship for one brother, and a life far from avoid overnighting in the North, or it may be attributed on the British throne. Well, Prince William, future the ugly madness in the Chechnya region begot IED- to current diplomatic tensions between Russia and king of England, has a certified Dublin ancestor,Luke type, backpack-wrapped bombs that ripped apart the another G8 attendee, Britain. White, who married Lavinia Spencer in 1919 and victims on Boylston Street. But courage, compassion, Opportunists Use Boston Bombs to Dampen he was the grand-uncle of Diana, mother of Prince kindness, and the resolute spirit of the city of my birth Immigration Bill – The surviving brother of the duo William. … It says here that the true test of Pope got us through the ordeal and will carry the day come that unleashed two devastating shrapnel bombs on Francis’s papal reign will be how successful he is in next Patriots Day run and beyond. Count on it! Boylston Street during the Boston Marathon had not cleaning out the corrupt Curia and the cabal cohorts Maze Prison OK’d For Museum, Peace Centre – even been when the anti-immigration drumbeat began. there. Another hot rumor about the new pope: he may The Maze Prison, or, as the IRA knew it, the H-Blocks, In a shameless attempt to dampen the hopes for com- close the embarrassing Vatican Bank and God knows has passed yet another planning checkpoint and by prehensive immigration reform or to possibly skewer that’s overdue. Put it out to bid. virtue of the approval by Stormont’s Planning Minister, the work of the bipartisan Senate group, elements, The folks at the JFK50 celebration of his trip to Alex Attwwood, is now on the road to becoming a some from the GOP, have begun questioning a plan Ireland in June 1963 confirm that Caroline Ken- museum of the Troubles and a conflict resolution cen- to allow millions of immigrants a path to citizenship nedy and her aunt, former ambassador to Ireland ter. It has not been an easy or non-contentious process, using the Boston bombings as ustification. Rubbish!!! Jean Kennedy Smith, will travel to Wexford next with unionist politicians expressing fears that the site Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) is suggesting that month for the celebration. … Former Irish presidents of the hunger strikers deaths more than 30 years ago the terrorist bombings should become part of the debate are busy people. Mary Robinson has been named as will become a “shrine to terrorism.” and several Republican voices have surfaced, sensing a special UN envoy to the troubled East Congo and The former prison, which housed both republican and a moment in time to seek Mary McAleese is due any day now at Boston College loyalist prisoners, closed in 2000 when its prisoners some retrenching in the move to reform the present to be a Burns Library visiting scholar. … Good move were released under terms of the Good Friday Agree- dysfunctional system. by the Bank of Ireland: its UK financial services will ment. The buildings to be conserved are the H6 prison The move to side track or minimize immigration be operating in 11,500 post office branches in England. block, the hospital, the emergency control building, and reform is a clumsy political ploy by nativist elements A great fit. the chapel. The site, outside Belfast, was originally and anti-Obama forces who favor Romney’s discredited The help of US Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) on the farmland and later an airfield. “self deportation” and do not represent reasonable BC archives tape case is too little, too late. The Supreme Supporters of the site envision it becoming a solid public opinion, or so the polls suggest. Court has ruled. The horse, sadly, is out of the gate. tourist site and an anchor attraction for wider devel- Thatcher Passing Roils Britain, Ireland –The … Talks are underway between Peter Robinson and opment and the creation of as many as 5,000 jobs. late British Prime minister Margaret Thatcher was, Martin McGuinness on how to break the hostile Reconstruction with additions is set to start later this to deal in understatement, the least liked British leader deadlock between the two. Is a reconciliation in the year, officials said. since Oliver Cromwell. A conservative’s conserva- works? … SDLP’s Alasdair McDonnell is offering a Ireland’s President No Mere Seat-Warmer – tive, the grocer’s daughter had spine to spare but it reform package to get the flag marches and protests Michael D. Higgins was the oldest candidate in the was rarely if ever used to enhance civil liberties or resolved. … Fox Cable News and its propagandists 2011 election to succeed Mary McAleese as president. democracy, or to bring people together. She destroyed should be ashamed of themselves for insulting the Prior to his election, he had for several decades rep- the British miners and their jobs, followed a disastrous parents of the murdered Newtown children. Who has resented Galway in the Irish parliament. Early in his policy of privatization, pitted the working class against a better right to lobby the wimpy senators scared to life he had lived in the US and was a frequent visitor the privileged, and took immense pleasure in showing death they may get unelected? to Boston in the late 1980s and early 1990s. the Irish, in virtually all matters, a disdain bordering The owners of the Michelin-star restaurant on Bag- Constitutionally, the Irish presidency is a ceremonial on a long-nourished prejudice against her neighboring got Strteet in Dublin are readying an Irish food line position and the holder of the office is discouraged, island and its people. for entry into the US market. … Jury’s Inn, with 32 and generally prohibited, from discussing serious She was an enthusiastic supporter of Apartheid hotels in Britain and Ireland, has just connected on government policy issues. Despite the prescribed role, South Africa during its worst abuses, called Nelson a big loan guarantee that they hope may consolidate President Higgins is a plain-spoken man who never let Mandela “a terrorist”; she championed one of South debt and get the chain back on its footing. … One in politics get in the way of his candor or his conscience. America’s bloodiest dictators, Pinochet, even as he five children living in Northern Ireland are in house- His most recent speeches have dealt with Europe’s stood indicted by the world court; she thought the Irish holds below the poverty line. Prompts me to ask where economic policies, which he called “the great flaw of our in Northern Ireland should be sent off to the Republic are the billions in British subsidies being spent if not times” while criticizing the EU’s austerity programs in the south if they didn’t like the North; she refused for hungry kids? … A few years back, Iris Robinson in response to the recession as a “crisis of legitimacy.” to grant political status to the Irish prisoners and (First Minister Peter’s wife) had a psychiatrist friend Higgins’s speech to the European Parliament in Stras- hunger strikers and relented only after ten had died; who claimed he could cure homosexuality. He is bourg drew repeated and enthusiastic applause. and she was infamous for calling the Irish (presum- now facing charges of improper financial dealings In a more recent speech, the president again dis- ably Ireland’s acclaimed diplomatic corps) “all liars” with patients, and substandard patient care. Nothing played his direct, no-nonsense approach when he was and not to be trusted. Not to leave out the Falklands’ about gender-bending attempts apparently. … The heavily critical of the Irish banks and their reckless war, where she ordered the sinking of the Belgrano Irish Times reports that some members of the family behavior that contributed to the crisis that has forced as it was retreating to safety, unnecessarily killing of James Joyce are having an internal spat about Ireland to seek and receive hefty bailouts from the many on the ship. the famed author’s image on a 10-euro coin, with one EU and the IMF. There was great jubilation over Thatcher’s recent Joycean relative saying the coin has an error and it Rogue Trader Who Lost a Billion Plus Now death coming from London, and Derry and Belfast. all goes back to 1941 and the failure of the Irish state Advises Debtors – Some readers might remember Bar- During her official funeral in London many residents to send a representative to his grandfather’s funeral ings Bank currency trader Nick Leeson, who became of the British capital, likely some Irish but surely many in Zurich. Long memories and sharp elbows. Wow. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 After the dancing: Good time to take stock (Continued from page 1) There’s a huge contingency in of really good dancers, some of Africa, South America, as well the best around. Just to be in as Europe, and Russia. They the top three feels like an ac- have the same competitions we complishment. have. Irish dance is growing and “Overall, I was really happy growing. People see it as a focal with the three rounds I danced point for exercise, or a way to [competitors dance one round in build confidence, as well as a soft shoe, one in hard shoe; the part of heritage. And the most top 50 advance to a third and important thing is, through final round]. I felt good about Irish dance you have friends myself and how I had done, and for life. There’s something for I’ve always believed that was everyone.” important.” Like most all Irish dance in- McCarthy, who was compet- structors, O’Shea-Chaplin and ing for the seventh time, enjoyed Chaplin say they seek to find having the Worlds in her part that elusive middle ground in of the world (this was only the readying their charges for a second time in the Worlds’ 40- major event like the Worlds. plus years that the event had “We talk about the right bal- taken place outside of Ireland): ance all the time,” said Chaplin. “It was the same experience, “We want the kids to work hard but this time more of my family and do their best, but also to and friends were able to come enjoy the experience of being and watch.” in the Worlds. Some may not Competitions haven’t been have a chance to go there again, the only venue for McCarthy’s after all. And when the Worlds dancing. She has appeared in takes place in your hometown, “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn” you really want them to savor and “Riverdance,” among other the moment: We tell them, ‘This productions, and feels her com- is the Olympics.’ petitive dancing has benefited “What I love is when a team of as a result. younger kids – like our under- “You need to have the ‘look,’ 13s, who came in 10th – does the stage presence, when you even better than you can imag- compete,” she explained. “You ine. You feel so good for them. get to work on that a lot when But all our dancers stepped up, you’re in something like ‘Celtic and we were proud of them.” Sojourn,’ so I found it very Added O’Shea-Chaplin: “It’s helpful.” a great opportunity for positive McCarthy is already planning reinforcement. We tell parents, ahead for the Nationals, which ‘No matter how the kids do in take place in July in Anaheim, the Worlds, you’re their World.’” Calif., but she feels confident * * * about a return to the Worlds. Emily Stewart has been on “Each time you compete in the a journey, literally and figura- Worlds, it’s a learning experi- tively, to the Worlds. ence,” she said. “I already know I A freshman at Emmanuel am capable of dancing at a high College, 19-year-old Stewart – level, and of reaching the top, so who was featured in the Boston I will never stop trying.” Irish Reporter preview of the Worlds in March – moved from * * * California in part to work with For the Harney Academy of Brighton-based Irish dance Irish Dance — where Melissa teacher Attracta Quinn, who McCarthy is a student — the runs the Scoil Rince Naomh Worlds were pure bliss, espe- Attracta. Stewart had come in cially for its ceili dance competi- 11th at last year’s Worlds (her tors. Harney teams took home first under Quinn’s tutelage), eight titles in all, including and entered this year’s compe- five first-place finishes, with tition as the North American one team earning a first and champion in her age group. second-place title. Competing in the Ladies “We were over the moon,” said 19-20 category, Stewart placed Liam Harney, the academy’s fourth. founder. “It was one of the “I am so happy with the best performances for a North results, and with the progress American studio at the Worlds. I’ve made,” said Stewart. “I felt I felt so happy and proud for our very pleased with how I danced dancers, and their teachers.” that day; I knew I’d given my One factor in the Harney best effort.” Academy’s success was the fact Her best effort had to be sub- of the event being held in Boston, stantial, Stewart said, because Harney said, which enabled her age category is arguably the more Harney dancers to take most competitive at the Worlds, part than in years when the since most entrants have com- Worlds were in Ireland. piled several years – perhaps a Ultimately, though, it was all decade or more, in some cases about talent and ability, as well – of training and experience. Area dancer Melissa McCarthy – who last year won age the girls 15-16 division at the World To be part of that mix was a as those intangible but very real Irish Dancing Championships — finished third in the girls under 17 division this year: “Each qualities that spur competitors revelation for Stewart. time you compete in the Worlds, it’s a learning experience. I already know I am capable of “All the top girls were there, to do their best. dancing at a high level, and of reaching the top, so I will never stop trying.” “I think we gained strength and it was so amazing. I remem- within our teams as the week ber when I was much younger, most of his dancers in action. one-time Worlds champion imagined – I didn’t think it was seeing the dancers in this age went on,” said Harney. “One But he was elated nonetheless and “Riverdance” cast member all necessary,” said a laughing team would do well, and that range and thinking, ‘I wish that at having his home ground be Scott Doherty, performed at the O’Shea-Chaplin, who also was was me.’ And now, here I am.” would get the next team going, the host site for the competition. event’s opening ceremony. congratulated by her former and the momentum just kept Stewart credited her progress “This was near and dear to What’s more, O’Shea-Chap- teacher, now 89 years old, and 25 to a number of factors. building. With each competi- my heart. Boston being the host lin’s founder – and veritable lo- former pupils who are now Irish tion, we were able to make a “It’s the journey I’ve been city just never seemed possible cal Irish dance institution – Rita dance teachers themselves. “But on,” she said. “Attracta is a big statement, and our confidence to me, so it elevated the whole O’Shea-Chaplin was honored I felt very honored, and it felt grew and grew.” reason why I got to where I am. week. throughout the week for her very much like a culmination of Through working with her, I’ve Harney praised all his danc- “One thing I think was nearly 60 years of contributions so many years of work.” ers, solo and team alike, but become more competitive, I’ve particularly significant was it to Irish dancing, as dancer, cho- Not many others share the been getting the experience. singled out the under-16 girls seemed to me that there was far reographer, and teacher. same perspective on Irish danc- ceili team for its effort. “It was The time, the amount of commit- more of a local turn-out to see “It was a great week for her,” ing that O’Shea-Chaplin does, ment, it’s all definitely paid off. a huge competition, and they the competition than in other said O’Shea-Chaplin’s daugh- so she has been particularly im- were up against some incredible “When Attracta and I talked places. People in Greater Boston ter, Lisa Chaplin, who also pressed by its world-wide popu- before the Worlds, she told me I dancers. They had to compete really came out for the Worlds.” teaches at the academy. “She larity during the past decade or for two days, and did very well.” was 100 percent ready to go out * * * was up on a stage with Mayor so, on the heels of “Riverdance” and perform my best. She had He also gave a nod to the Another Greater Boston Irish Menino, and all the teachers and other productions. senior (high school/college age) me believing in myself.” dance school had an enjoyable from Galway [O’Shea-Chaplin’s “When I first moved to Mas- Making the triumph all the mixed team: “I hoped it would be time of it at the Worlds, and not birthplace] took her out for a sachusetts, there were probably the essence of a true ceili team. more fulfilling for Stewart was just on the dance stage. treat, and Mary Duffy – who’s three Irish dance teachers – now the presence of her parents, They came together in a big way, The O’Shea-Chaplin Academy the choreographer for ‘Lord of there are almost 70 in this area with each other and as a team.” who came in from California. of Irish Dance had six soloists the Dance’ – presented her with alone. You see other kinds of “Attracta’s family came, too, Perhaps the only disappoint- place in their categories, and all an honor. We were so happy dance schools offering not only ment for Harney was that which was wonderful – they’ve six O’Shea-Chaplin teams made to see all the appreciation she ballet or jazz, but Irish dance,” become my second family.” because he was serving as vice- it through to the finals, four of was given.” she said. “And, of course, at chair for the Worlds this year, them getting into the top 10. An- “It reached greater propor- the Worlds you can see how he wasn’t able to actually watch other O’Shea-Chaplin dancer, tions than I ever could have big Irish dance has become: Page 8 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Immigration Q & A Irish International Immigrant Center Protecting against An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 immigration scams Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q. I hear that there are a number of scams being Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] practiced on immigrants in the US. How can they protect themselves? A. There are indeed many immigration scams, with new ones appearing all the time. The latest one to come to our attention involves a telephone call to an immigrant from someone claiming to be from US Citi- zenship and Immigration Services. The caller claims that there is some discrepancy in the agency’s infor- mation on the immigrant, and that there is a penalty that must be paid to clear it up. Next – you guessed it – the caller instructs the immigrant to wire money to an address provided. Real US immigration officers will never ask for money over the telephone, nor will they seek personal financial information such as bank account or Social Security numbers, which can be used in identity theft. From left, Michael Lonergan, Consul General of Ireland; Jude Clarke, J-1 IWT Program Manager; Ann- The general principle to remember with regard to Marie Byrne, Director of Learning Exchange Programs; John Cullinane, CEO, The Cullinane Group; telephone scams is that one never should give out Megan E. Carroll, Esq., Director of Intern Placements J-1 IWT Program; Kim Jorgensen, Program sensitive information or send money to anyone. This Administrator, Learning Exchange Programs; Ronnie Millar, Executive Director, Irish International applies, by the way, to all unsolicited telephone calls, Immigrant Center. Photo courtesy IIIC whether they relate to immigration, sales offers, invest- ment opportunities, claims that relatives need money IIIC Hosts Entrepreneurship Event gration Lawyers Association’s National Day of Action, in an emergency, and so on. for Local Irish Students, Graduates she spoke with the offices of Representative Capuano It also is important for those seeking immigration Last month, the IIIC was pleased to host John Cul- (MA), Representative Kuster (NH), Senator Collins benefits to be very careful in dealing with anyone of- linane, President of the Cullinane Group, Inc., for a (ME), and Senator Leahy (VT). All were optimistic fering application support online. Aside from outright special breakfast presentation for our Boston J-1 Irish that immigration reform would happen later this year. fraud, there also is a large risk that websites will Work and Travel visa holders last month. Mr. Cul- Shortly after this visit, we saw movement on im- contain outdated or incorrect advice. And beware in linane spoke about entrepreneurship and gave these migration reform with the release of the 844-page particular those sites that are dressed up to look like young adults tips and tools to succeed both currently “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigra- official government sites, using symbols such as the seal and in their future endeavors. Having founded the tion Modernization Act.” We expect MIRA, AILA and of the United States, the US flag, photos of President first successful software company in the world, he is others to be issuing detailed analyses very soon. IIIC’s Obama, etc. But it is easy to recognize authentic of- well-suited to provide quality advice and the partici- immigration attorneys and board member attorneys ficial websites: they always end in the suffix .gov and pants (and attending staff) came away with a wealth will also be analyzing the proposals. never .com, .net, etc. of information. Please keep in mind that this bill reflects many Note also that all government application forms are This event was part of series of talks on entrepreneur- hard-fought compromises and political calculations, free. USCIS forms can be downloaded from uscis.gov. ship presented to our J-1 IWT participants in varying resulting in things that we will not like, but that prob- Never pay anyone for copies of blank forms. And never cities across the US, organized by Megan Carroll, ably can’t be changed significantly. Secondly, this is pay application fees to third parties; these fees are Director of Intern Placements. the first stage of the process, with many amendments always paid directly to the government in accordance The IIIC extends its gratitude to John Cullinane to come in the Senate Judiciary Committee markup, with instructions on the application forms. for taking the time to speak to our visa participants. on the Senate floor, and when the Senate negotiates The safest course for prospective applicants is to visit with the House on a final version. one of our weekly legal clinics as advertised monthly IIIC Visit to Washington Promotes We have to remain hopeful and vocal. Please con- in the Boston Irish Reporter for a free, confidential Comprehensive Immigration Reform sider getting involved in the various advocacy efforts consultation with an immigration lawyer concerning On April 11, IIIC’s managing attorney, Jeannie Kain, that will be happening over the next few months. It is any applications that you are planning to file. was in DC to promote comprehensive immigration re- important that the voice of Irish immigrants is heard Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform form in meetings with Congressional offices from four at this time. Please see our website, iiicenter.org, for generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigra- New England states. As part of the American Immi- more details tion law is always subject to change. US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US Department of State regularly amend regulations and alter process- ing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of an IIIC immigration specialist or an Matters Of Substance immigration lawyer. Self Care in a Crisis show signs of stress in this symptoms; common reac- etc.) sort of situation and these tions after any natural or Recognize how your own signs are normal. human-caused disaster. past experiences affect Over time, as your life Call 1-800-985-5990. It’s your way of handling this gets back to normal, they Free. It’s Confidential. event, and think of how FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. should decrease. After a Signs of distress may you handled past events. stressful event, it is im- include: This is especially true Attorney John Philip Foley portant to monitor your Sleeping too much or of immigrants who have Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business own physical and mental too little moved away from home Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas health and to know the Stomachaches or head- countries affected by vio- signs of stress in yourself aches ALL Nationalities & AILA Members lence or natural disasters. and your loved ones. It Anger, feeling edgy or Know that feeling helps to understand how lashing out at others stressed, depressed, you may relieve stress and Overwhelming sadness guilty, or angry is com- By Danielle Owen when it may be time to Worrying a lot of the mon after a traumatic Considering all the reach out for help. time; feeling guilty but event (even if you weren’t tragic events that have We feel that it is im- not sure why directly involved) occurred in recent weeks, portant to highlight a Feeling like you have to Talk about your feelings we in the IIIC’s Wellness key support service that keep busy to loved ones and friends services have seen an is available right here in Lack of energy or always often. increase in phone calls Massachusetts to all of us feeling tired Take time to renew your and consultations where 24/7 without health insur- Drinking alcohol, smok- spirit through meditation 4th Annual Business Leaders Breakfast we have heard people with Guest Speaker ance or referrals. Disaster ing or using tobacco more and/or prayer. saying they are feeling Distress Helpline (offered than usual; using illegal It may take time to feel “overwhelmed” or even via SAMHSA) offers sup- drugs that you’ve regained con- “under siege.” For some, port for anyone experi- Eating too much or too trol over your life but with our sense of safety and encing stress, anxiety, little support, it is possible. Be security has been com- and other depression-like Not connecting with patient with yourself and promised. Many people others others. Call Danielle at Feeling like you won’t the IIIC if you need help IRISH INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER ever be happy again accessing resources or if Rejecting of help. you just want to chat at LEGAL IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE You can manage and 617-542-7654, Ext.14 or e- Senator Elizabeth Warren The Irish International Immigrant Center provides free legal alleviate your stress by mail [email protected]. support and representation to the Irish immigrant community. taking time to take care Don’t suffer more than Seaport Boston Hotel Weekly legal clinics are held throughout the Greater Boston area, of yourself: you need to. The Distress where you can receive a free and confidential consultation Eat healthy foods, and Helpline provides 24/7, One Seaport Lane, Boston, MA with our staff and volunteer pro bono attorneys. drink water, and avoid year-round crisis counsel- For support or information, call us at (617) 542-7654. Monday, May 13 • 7:30am excessive amounts of caf- ing and support. The line Upcoming Clinic Schedule feine, alcohol, tobacco or also offers wonderful fact illegal drugs. sheets offering tips about Join us for an engaging discussion on immigration, Tuesday, May 7th IIIC, 100 Franklin St., Downtown Boston Get enough sleep and how to manage these the economy and current political issues. rest and get physical ex- stressful symptoms at Monday, May 13th at 6:30pm The Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington Street, Brighton ercise (even just a walk). disasterdistress.samhsa. Sponsorship opportunities available. Relax your body often gov/disasters/incidents- Tuesday, May 21st IIIC, 100 Franklin St., Downtown Boston by things that work for of-mass-violence.aspx Seats are $250 each. All proceeds support our you—take deep breaths, legal, wellness and education services to immigrants. Wednesday, May 29th at 6:30pm St. Mark’s Parish, 1725 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester stretch, meditate, or en- Danielle Owen is the Please register by calling Mary Kerr at 617.695.1554 or gage in enjoyable hobbies IIIC’s Director of Wellness by emailing [email protected]. Phone: 617.542.7654 | Fax: 617.542.7655 | www.iiicenter.org (knitting, jewelry making, & Education Services Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More Liz Hanley: ‘I don’t worry about how all these kinds of music fit together in my life; it’s just part of who I am’

By Sean Smith ing them on stage), she’s his native Leitrim and its Special to the BIR also in her element play- “coal pits of misery.” It’s easy to get the ing with the multi-genre Even given the prem- wrong impression about rock band Emanuel and ise that music and other Liz Hanley. the Fear, or with her forms of artistic expres- Watching her play fiddle new theatrical/musical sion all have an innate on a set of reels, or hear- project, Frogbelly and personal dimension, there ing her sing a traditional Symphony. is a definitively auto- Irish song like “Bonny In the midst of all her biographical facet to “The Light Horseman” – or a non-Irish music activi- Ecstasy of St. Cecilia,” contemporary one, like ties, however, Hanley has reflected in the CD’s Robbie O’Connell’s “Keg found time to affirm her musical selections and folk/trad roots with the re- also its personnel. For of Brandy” – you can only Liz Hanley performing with Sean Earnest at BCMFest in January: “I don’t conclude she was born an cent release of her first solo starters, Hanley’s father album, “The Ecstasy of St. co-produced the album worry about how all these kinds of music fit together in my life; it’s just part Irish musician. And that’s of who I am.” Michael McNally photo not an unreasonable as- Cecilia.” The 11-track CD and provided fiddle ac- sumption, given that she includes songs and tunes companiment and a reci- O’Leary – the latter two There is a sense that she but her exposure to Irish grew up in that most Irish from the traditional Irish tation for the concluding collaborated with Hanley is undergoing a transfor- music through family of Greater Boston commu- repertoire like the Na- track, “Southwind.” on arrangements – she mation and letting go of and friends made a last- nities, Milton, Mass., and poleonic ballads “Isle of “It was a lot of fun work- has gotten to know during these possessions, ready ing impression. Still, it that her father, Andy, is a St. Helena” and “Bonny ing with my father, and he her years in New York. to go on to the next stage. wasn’t until late in high mainstay in the local Irish Light Horseman,” the had plenty of good ideas The album’s title offers “The songs and tunes school that Hanley made music scene. anti-war “My Son Tim” and suggestions,” says the conclusive explana- on this album are things a decided move to tradi- But while her Bos- and “Johnston,” a tale of Hanley. “I’m glad we were tion to the vision behind I’ve collected over time, tional music, the result ton Irish roots certainly an unfortunate Good Sa- able to record ‘Southwind,’ the CD, as Hanley ex- from different parts of of attending the Boston played an important role, maritan. Hanley also does since that was something plains. “First of all, St. my life, and in presenting Harbor Scottish Fiddle the 27-year-old Hanley compositions such as “Keg I used to play with him Cecilia is, of course, the them I am ‘letting them Camp, where she met really hit her musical of Brandy,” “Bodenstown when I was younger.” patroness of musicians. I go’ and moving forward. many other young people stride when she moved to Churchyard” – Thomas Another notable guest was raised Catholic, and That doesn’t mean I’m with multiple musical New York City to attend Davis’ famous musing appearance (on “Sanctu- when I was confirmed done with Irish music, of interests. The next phase college. She has stayed on Wolfe Tone – Liam ary”) is by Mick Moloney, my confirmation name course. It’s just that I have of her development was there, and is now happily Weldon’s chilling “Dark a teacher and mentor for was Cecilia, so that’s one come a certain distance in at NYU, where at her residing in Brooklyn. Horse on the Wind” and Hanley during her studies connection. ‘The Ecstasy my life and music, and I parents’ suggestion she What’s more, although “Sanctuary,” poet-play- at New York University. of St. Cecilia’ is a famous wanted to share this good made the acquaintance Hanley seems quite at wright Vincent Woods’s And throughout, Hanley painting by Raphael that feeling even as I go on to of Moloney, a widely home sharing Irish tunes poignantly bittersweet is assisted by a stalwart depicts Cecilia with all whatever lies ahead.” respected performer and and songs at a session reminiscences (with a trio of multi-instrumen- her instruments at her Hanley began her mu- scholar of Irish music. (when she’s not perform- melody to match, written talists Cleek Schrey, Jef- feet, listening in rapture sical life at age seven by Mairtin O’Connor) of ferson Hamer, and Eamon to the music of Heaven. playing classical violin, (Continued on page 14) Steafán Hanvey “Once” and Dad Bobbie is coming have The Troubles very well-covered to Boston

By Sean Smith The unlikely story that Special to the BIR Steafán Hanvey likes to joke that during his child- made it big on film hood he was probably “the most photographed boy in Northern Ireland.” But given that his father is one of By R. J. Donovan the more prolific, productive photojournalists of the late Special To The BIR 20th century, he may not necessarily be exaggerating. “Once” is like The Little Engine That Could. It first Hanvey, a native of Downpatrick in County Down, sprang to life as a modest 2006 independent Irish film is the son of Bobbie Hanvey, whose photographs of- shot in just 17 days on a shoestring budget of a mere fer a staggeringly comprehensive look at the people $150,000. Despite its modest beginnings, it went on to and times of Northern Ireland, especially during The capture the hearts of critics and audiences everywhere. Troubles. In his heyday, Bobbie – now semi-retired – In addition to grossing $20 million worldwide, the film and his camera seemed to be everywhere, capturing includes in its score the beautiful “Falling Slowly,” the contradictions of everyday life in the six counties, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. from tragedy to joy, decaying urban landscapes to A stage production, based on the original film writ- bucolic countryside, jovial-looking farmers to hard- ten and directed by John Carney, was subsequently bitten combatants. developed here in Cambridge in 2011 at the American In 2001, the first part of the Bobbie Hanvey Pho- Repertory Theatre. A run at the New York Theater tographic Archives was formally installed at Boston Workshop followed. After further fine-tuning, the College, in the university’s John J. Burns Library, musical moved on to Broadway in 2012, earning eight with several subsequent additions. Tony Awards including “Best Musical.” Broadway in Boston recently announced that “Once” Steafán Hanvey chose a different mode of artistic ex- Steafán Hanvey: “I think the best way I can put pression than Bobbie, as a singer-songwriter (although will be prominently featured in its 2013-2014 season. is, I have never written about Northern Ireland; An Irish céilidh come to life, the show’s national tour Bobbie is a noted musician himself). But much like Northern Ireland has written me.” his father, he has come to find that the environment (yet to be cast) will play The Colonial Theatre next in which he lived most of his life to be an integral before his stop at BC, Hanvey reflected on the evolu- January. Meanwhile, the Broadway production is still part of his muse. So, in the past few years, he has put tion of his music and writing, not only as an artistic going strong at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre. Extend- forth this vision by recording a CD, “Nuclear Family,” endeavor but also as a means of comprehending what ing its reach even further, “Once” opened in Dublin which is part of a larger project, “Look Behind You,” a he, and so many others in Northern Ireland, endured. in February, with another production now playing in multimedia presentation about Northern Ireland that “It became evident to me that the story of my family London’s West End. utilizes his father’s photography as well as snippets includes a lot of people – not just my immediate family, Set in a weathered Dublin pub, “Once” is the sweet from radio interviews Bobbie conducted and other but the various relationships in my life, and virtually but emotionally elevating story about the power of music broadcast material. the Northern Irish community,” he explained. “It also to draw people together. The two main characters are Last month, Hanvey came through the Boston area to became apparent that this story couldn’t be explained simply called Guy and Girl. Guy is a struggling Dub- present “Look Behind You” at several venues, including in isolation. My father’s photos have told, and continue lin street musician who works in his father’s vacuum BC, Club Passim, and Bridgewater State University, to tell, the story of my family. So the idea of bringing cleaner shop to earn a living. He’s been in love, but that as part of a North American tour. Interviewed shortly (Continued on page 13) (Continued on page 14) Page 10 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BostonIrish Cultural Centre’s Irish Festival Once Stonehill... Now Canton

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WWW.CELTICTHUNDERCRUISE.COM Page 12 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com all but one of the songs are in Gaelic. Ó Lionáird to Ó Lionáird’s use of Gaelic. CD Review and producer Leo Abraham – who supplies electric Ultimately, it’s the beauty and depth of Ó Lionáird’s guitar, piano, and electronic effects/programming – voice on which the album is built, and he does not By Sean Smith create an atmospheric, pensive, sometimes haunting come up short, demonstrating not only the durability Special to the BIR invention of vocal majesty, with an impressive array but the versatility of sean-nos singing – by no means Iarla Ó Lionáird, “Foxlight” • Grand-nephew of of contributors that includes fiddler/experimentalist a thing of the past. the great Cork traditional singer Elizabeth Cronin – Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh, electronics whiz Leafcutter who passed along songs such as “Lord Gregory,” “The John, Norwegian Sami singer Sara Marielle Gaup, Enter the Haggis, Green Linnet,” and “Siúil A Rúin” – Ó Lionáird grew up and a string quartet. “The Modest Revolu- steeped in the sean-nos style, yet also was influenced by Ó Lionáird’s compositions tend toward the spiritual tion” • For its 10th tradition-inspired, and metaphysical, of finding or reaffirming one’s con- release, the Canadian innovative com- nection with the natural world: “I am the wild thing/ indie folk-rock band has poser/arranger and the newborn moth awoken/the hunting bird/the badger made an album based Chieftains founder in the ground searching/you are the wild one, sad eyed on an intriguing, rather Sean O Riada, who fox,” he sings in the album’s title track; “I could be idiosyncratic concept: Its wound up settling in the city, speeding around going crazy/those lights songs are all drawn from in Ó Lionáird’s bending across my eyes,” he says in “Iothalainn Dé/ stories and features that home town of Cuil For the Heavens,” “but I’m here at home, where it’s appeared in a randomly Aodha and started raining drops of heaven/falling, falling from God’s chosen edition of one newspaper, in this case the March a choir in which haggard.” Non-Gaelic speakers will, of course, have to 30, 2012, Globe and Mail of Toronto. Ó Lionáird per- study the CD sleeve notes for translations (not all of The resulting assortment of narratives and subjects formed for years. which are provided) to get what the songs are about, would seem the perfect vehicle for a group that likes This background but the delicate, uncluttered and generally spacious variety in its sound – Celtic, melodic rock, country – traditional music in a modernist context – undoubt- sound – soft piano, shimmering electric guitar, muted rock, rockabilly, to name a few. Lead vocalists Brian edly helped prepare Ó Lionáird for his stint with the percussion – bespeak this pastoral, introspective qual- Buchanan (who also plays guitars, banjo, fiddle, ac- groundbreaking Irish/African/techno group Afro Celt ity to Ó Lionáird’s work. cordion and piano) and Trevor Lewington (guitars, Sound System, and his various collaborations (includ- The traditional songs, like “Fainne Geal an Lae banjo, mandolin, keyboards) handle the songwriting ing with Peter Gabriel) and solo work, which has now (Bright Ring of Day”) – supported by O’Raghallaigh chores quite admirably: Instead of merely setting resulted in his third album. (who plays the Scandinavian hardanger fiddle here) the newspaper prose into quatrains or some other Six of the album’s songs are Ó Lionáird originals, and tender acoustic guitar by Neil McColl – O’Carolan’s sort of rhyming scheme, they locate and pull out the two others are his settings of poems by Domhnall Ó “Eleanor Plunkett” and the delightful “Goat Song,” carry emotional, political, social, or personal subtext of each Liatháin and the 16th-century religious poet Aonghus their own distinctiveness in tone and structure, which selected story. Fionn Ó Dáligh, and the remainder are traditional; helps lend a kind of historical and stylistic perspective In “Copper Leaves,” for example, the Canadian gov- ernment’s decision to phase out the penny becomes a light-hearted but affectionate lament (“We all abused you, threw you on the tracks and stood with bated brain/A simple thrill to kill the boredom of a wasted summer day, and now they’re showing you the door”), set to an infectious newgrass-style arrangement. The passing of banjo legend Earl Scruggs is noted via the rockabilly-flavored “Down the Line” (“Skin of fire, bones of coals, these piston arms are born to roll down, down the line”) while “Blackout” is a moody meditation – highlighted by Craig Downie’s bagpipe solo – on the rising concern over sports-related con- cussions aligned with bittersweet reminiscence over past glories of the Toronto Maple Leafs (the song also references the tragedy of Leafs star Bill Barilko, who perished in a plane crash after helping the team win the 1951 Stanley Cup). Elsewhere, “Pardon” evokes the chilling determina- tion of an accused criminal to earn vindication, with Mark Abraham’s bass and Bruce McCarthy’s drums providing the impetus. “Can’t Trust the News” (inspired by a woman’s desire to overcome past trauma by going on an international odyssey) is a stately, robust affair, lifted by Downie’s trumpet, that brings back memories of Big Country; and “Balto” (Canada’s most famous husky) is the album’s most manifestly Celtic number, thanks to Buchanan’s lilting fiddle and Downie’s bag- pipes, and a strathspey-like break. The volume of musical genres and styles favored by the band does suit the album concept, as mentioned, but can make for a somewhat uneven listening experi- ence. Perhaps the signal achievement of “The Modest Revolution” is that it serves to redeem journalism as more than the first draft of history or – as more than a few critics claim – the manifestation of political and personal biases; somewhere in all that newsprint are all the elements that help form the basis of the human experience.

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150 Centre Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Steafán Hanvey and Dad Bobbie have The Troubles very well-covered (Continued from page 9) with you? Can anyone else including a heavily rever- bombs.’ Or descriptions hear ‘Derry-stroke-Lon- him in as a visual element, possibly understand what bed excerpt from a Bobbie of people like ‘hunger donderry’ or ‘Londonder- to relay this story that I you lived through? Hanvey radio broadcast. striker’ and ‘prisoner of ry-stroke-Derry.’ But a express in my music, re- “My father dealt with “The idea was to build conscience.’ There was a journalist, Gerry Ander- ally happened organically. The Troubles through intensity at the end, to definite vocabulary to The son, came up with another “A lot of Northern Irish camera lenses and mi- reach a breaking point,” Troubles, and it was all solution: He would just writers, like Seamus He- crophones,” said Han- said Hanvey. “The song part of the landscape in say ‘Stroke City.’” aney and Paul Muldoon, vey, who was born a few also is an allusion to the Northern Ireland.” Hanvey notes that the have dealt with The Trou- months after the tragic explosive nature of the In “Look Behind You,” title “Look Behind You” bles head-on, no matter Bloody Sunday event in family, of a pressure-cook- Hanvey also discusses is open to interpretation how they tried to evade 1972. “He’s got all this er existence and where it the role geography and as well: It connotes intro- them. I never have writ- stuff he can look at and might lead. place-naming played in spection, but also can be ten directly about The listen to when he thinks “All of this is tied into Northern Ireland during a warning. Troubles – ‘Look Behind about that era. So, with what many of us carry The Troubles. “A part The admiration Hanvey You’ is the closest I’ve my music and the mul- around. This is my oppor- of North Armagh which carries for his father — come. ‘Look Behind You,’ timedia project, now I’m tunity, after years of not included Lurgan and and Bobbie’s steadfast- like ‘Nuclear Family,’ is looking back. There’s no Steafán Hanvey pre- being able to talk about Portadown became known ness in showing life in not meant to be political, agenda here, no one is senting his multimedia religion or politics, or as ‘the Murder Triangle’ Northern Ireland from but rather a biographical/ right or wrong; I just want show “Look Behind You” things that were happen- because of a number of literally every angle, as autobiographical work. to explore my impressions at Boston College last ing right in front of me, to killings there associated well as from the social “I think the best way I of being a person from month. deal with it in some way.” with Loyalist gangs that and political ones – is can put is, I have never Northern Ireland.” Sean Smith photo “Look Behind You” is took place in the 1970s. obvious. But in expressing written about Northern At first glance, a song a somewhat more direct “And in the years after that appreciation, Hanvey Ireland; Northern Ireland like Hanvey’s “Marta’s that nourishes you and assessment by Hanvey of 1988, if you said ‘Bal- also raises the seemingly has written me.” Always Going Home” prepares you for life in Northern Irish life. Much lygawley’ — which is in unending question of how Context is everything would seem to have little the world, or is it a refuge, of his presentation con- Tyrone — people would much a person may be a when it comes to Steafán connection to Northern where you hide?” cerns the use of language, automatically associate product of his or her envi- Hanvey’s music. There Ireland or The Troubles. “Into Your Sun,” the last especially by the media the name with a bombing ronment. are few, if any, overt It’s a commentary on an track on “Nuclear Family” and authorities, to de- of a bus carrying British “My father had to walk references in his songs to unsuccessful romance (which also includes Bob- scribe, explain or — most soldiers, eight of whom the line in a place where bombings, shootings, or from Hanvey’s past, with a bie Hanvey’s photos in the of all — normalize the were killed, by an IED,” people were obsessed with other incidents associated young Polish woman who accompanying booklet) events of The Troubles. said Hanvey, who in this sides. What would he have with The Troubles, nor to cautioned him against get- has similar contradic- “ ‘Controlled explosions’ part of his presentation done if there had been no personalities great and ting too attached to her; tions. A soothing viola and were OK, and murders interpolates several pho- Troubles? How would his small in Ulster’s history; she couldn’t promise how woodwind gavottes with were OK if they weren’t tos his father took of the life, his art, be different? you won’t hear anything long she might stay for any Hanvey’s gentle acoustic ‘sectarian,’ ” he said. bomb scene. Perhaps the And so, you can also ask, that sounds like a Repub- period of time, because at guitar through lyrics that “Bombs were ‘made safe’ most chilling image shows what would I have done if lican or Loyalist anthem, some point she would have speak of being discon- because they were de- a crater in the foreground, there’d been no Troubles? either. to go home. nected and directionless, fused. A victim of a bomb- denoting where the bomb Would there be a need for Yet, below the surface, “It got to be her mantra,” “completely at odds with ing or shooting might be exploded; the remains this catharsis, this elegy?” Northern Ireland lingers said Hanvey. “So I would your world.” He sings, described as ‘a legitimate of the bus lie quite some Ultimately, though, in Hanvey’s songs. He say to her, ‘You’re always “You showed me how to target’ — in one case, it yards in the distance, Hanvey looks at the “Nu- takes a long view of his going home.’ I think one love myself, forgive my- was a building contrac- showing how far the explo- clear Family/Look Behind native land, and invites of the things about grow- self and then fun began. tor who had worked with sion carried it. You” projects as “a nice you to consider what it ing up when and where I And away I ran, into your the British, and had sold “There has been, of journey for a father and might mean for someone did was you developed a sun.” The reprise of that pizza to a policeman. This course, an ongoing con- a son to take. I get to tell to have been born, spent sense of protective humor. line, however, ends with is what you would hear on troversy about referring to his story, which definitely childhood, and come of age But underneath it all I’m a chilling coda: “I’ve got a radio or TV almost every ‘Derry’ or ‘Londonderry,’” should be heard and seen, in such a place and during asking, ‘Where is home? gun.” And then the song hour, every day, every Hanvey said. “The solu- even as I try to tell mine.” such a time. What kind of Is it in Poland, or is it in gradually comes apart at week. tion seemed to be to call Steafán Hanvey’s web- adult do you grow up to Ireland?’ And when you the seams, with howling, “You would hear phras- it both names, with a site is at steafanhanvey. be? What mix of angels think about it, what does distorted electric guitars es for weapons like ‘bar- little dividing stroke in com and demons do you carry ‘home’ mean? Is it a place and a rising cacophony, rack-busters’ or ‘drogue the middle. So, you would THEY SERVED US. NOW WE CAN SERVE THEM.

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traumatic brain ★ injury or combat stress, and their families. Participation is limited and advanced registration required. www.runtohomebase.org Page 14 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com “Once” is coming to Boston (Continued from page 9) with people.” awards, “my thing was im- cal to its enduring success. love departed, and now The Broadway produc- mediately to say ‘thanks, Audiences consistently he writes haunting songs tion was embraced by thanks, (let’s move on).’ remark on the show’s based on his loss. As he critics. The New York And then when there was authenticity. begins to lose faith in his Daily News said: “‘Once’ talk of it going to Broad- Walsh has said, “I be- abilities, an unexpected is the sweetest and most way, I remember I was lieve in the rich communal presence enters his life. romantic show on Broad- very nervous. And hon- nature of theater. Sitting Girl is a Czech immi- way and proves that not estly, like I was against in a seat and connecting grant and young mother. all love stories lead to the it . . . for me, Broadway with a story . . . (Audi- She’s direct, abrupt, and bedroom.” (Indeed, there meant sort of hamming ences are) imagining it, fairly humorless. Yet she is a happy ending, but it’s it up. Of course you’re and they’re giving their sees something wonderful not the standard version. tempted, and you’ve got hearts and their heads to in Guy’s music and she en- And audiences have found people whispering in your it and just losing them- courages him. Inevitably, that element to be genu- ear, saying ‘You know, if selves in it.” complications follow. inely compelling.) this does well, you’re going Broadway in Boston’s The show’s book is by Chris Jones wrote in to be like seriously rich.’ upcoming season will Irish playwright Enda The Chicago Tribune: . . . (But) that’s not why also include “A Christmas Walsh. Music and lyr- “The music, although -- that was never why we Story, The Musical,” “Mil- ics are from Glen Han- beautiful, does not come Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti of the original did this.” lion Dollar Quarter,” “We sard and Markéta Irglová, with the usual tricks. Broadway company of “Once.” The national tour of Reflecting on the careful Will Rock You,” “I Love who starred in and wrote There is neither digital the Tony Award-winning musical comes to Boston’s attention paid to creating Lucy, Live On Stage,” and the score for the original scenery nor spectacle -- Colonial Theatre in January of 2014. the stage musical, he said, “Flashdance - The Musi- film. although I swear I saw the Joan Marcus photo “They did treat it with cal” in addition to return When Walsh was ap- streets of Dublin and the grace. They did treat it engagements of “Wicked,” proached to write the possibilities of the world with a short treatment of precarious world of indie with respect. They did get “American Idiot,” and book, the award-wining beyond.” the film script and asked films, the project suffered the right people.” a re-imagining of “The playwright and screen- The back story of the him to write the music. a serious setback when What’s unique with the Phantom of the Opera.” writer was resistant ini- film’s inception is an in- At the time, the male lead Carney lost both Murphy stage version is that the Season tickets are on tially. However, upon teresting one. Composer was to be played by Irish and the film’s producer. actors also double as the sale now. Tickets for reflection, he saw that Glen Hansard, now one actor Cillian Murphy, At that point, he offered show’s musicians. In New individual shows, includ- the story had elements of of Ireland’s most highly known for such films as the male role to Hansard, York, the bar on stage ing “Once,” will go on sale “It’s A Wonderful Life” at regarded musicians, was “28 Days,” “Inception,” who admits he did not is also used as a bar for soon. its heart. In an interview working as a busker him- and “The Dark Knight.” consider himself an actor. audience members during R. J. Donovan is pub- with Playbill.com, he said, self on the streets of When Carney had trouble The setback and resulting intermission. No word lisher of OnStageBoston. “It’s about a guy who’s sort Dublin when he first met finding a suitable female choices, however, would yet on what will happen com. of given up on his life, or in writer John Carney. The lead for the film, it was help make the film a hit. at The Colonial. *** our case, his music. And two would go on to become Hansard who suggest- Appearing earlier this Aside from its many “Once,” January 7 – 19, someone comes around members of the musical ed Markéta, with whom year on CBS Sunday awards, “Once” has prov- 2014, Citi Performing Arts and goes, ‘You know, actu- group The Frames. he had previously played Morning, Hansard said en to be true “audience Center Emerson Colonial ally you’re not done yet . . As Hansard tells the music. that after the film began show,” meaning that word Theatre, broadwayinbos- . your music can connect story, Carney came to him As often happens in the collecting accolades and of mouth has proven criti- ton.com. Liz Hanley: ‘I don’t worry about how all these kinds of music fit together in my life; it’s just part of who I am’ (Continued from page 9) her flourish as she has.” larly on “Johnston,” with that I’ve been influenced Emanuel and the Fear, or “Mick was a big influ- It was also through Mo- its Appalachian-Celtic by naturally managed to with Frogbelly and Sym- ence,” she says. “He runs loney that Hanley made vibe, and “Isle of St. Hel- sneak in. Also, the varied phony – which performed the Washington Square her Irish music record- ena.” But “Sanctuary” backgrounds of the musi- at The Plough and Stars in Harp and Shamrock Or- ing debut, appearing as a is unquestionably a high cians that I collaborated Cambridge in February – chestra through NYU and featured performer on “An point, as she invests the with on this album found there are always her Irish/ encouraged me to join, so Irish Christmas,” high- song with a dignified yet their place in the songs folk/acoustic events and that deepened my experi- lighting the 2011 edition profound empathy, helped as well. I guess you could activities in New York or ence in Irish music. He of the annual concert he by Moloney’s bassy back- say the threads spun elsewhere (she performed also steered me to people organizes in celebration ing vocals, a delicate piano themselves.” locally at BCMFest in like Brian Conway, Dana of winter solstice. Hanley played by Brendan Dolan, Hanley says her other January with guitarist not only had the opportu- “It’s an Irish album in Lyn, Tony DeMarco and the sense that most of the and a perfectly situated musical endeavors, with Sean Earnest). others who helped me to nity to play fiddle but also material comes from the horn trio. Emanuel and the Fear and “It feels perfectly natu- learn more about Irish to showcase her distinc- Irish tradition or from Her fiddling gets the now Frogbelly and Sym- ral to me,” she says. “I love fiddle.” tively unself-conscious Irish songwriters and spotlight on two instru- phony (which includes rocking out with Emanuel Says Moloney, “Because and candid vocal style. musicians,” says Hanley mental tracks, a jig med- her boyfriend, Thomas and the Fear or Frogbelly of her training, Liz defi- That singing was what of her debut CD. “But I ley that combines Jimmy Lebioda), involve a similar and Symphony, but if I nitely had the chops as far caught Moloney’s ear enjoy exploring the com- Keane’s “April’s Fool” and affinity for exploration. can I’ll be quite happy to as playing music goes, but when he first got to know mon threads between the traditional “I Ne’er “These are musicians who grab my fiddle and go have not everyone can make Hanley. “Liz had been Irish and other kinds of Shall Wean Her,” and a also have backgrounds tunes at a pub in town. I the transition from clas- in a few of my classes, music.” set of traditional reels, and experience in folk don’t worry about how all sical to Irish music — and and I knew she was an “Crooked Road to Dublin” and acoustic, as well as these kinds of music fit yet she did, almost right accomplished musician,” about her voice. It’s a and “Considine’s Grove.” other genres. That doesn’t together in my life; it’s just away. She was willing to he recalls. “Then she rare combination to find “I didn’t consciously mean we’re playing jigs part of who I am.” do whatever she could to started coming out to someone who is that good explore the threads be- and reels, but that there Liz Hanley will open for learn, whether going to the Harp and Shamrock at playing and singing.” tween Irish and American are certain themes or The Yanks (Dan Gurney, sessions or working on Orchestra meetings, and Hanley’s voice is in music,” says Hanley. “I’m characteristics associated Isaac Alderson, Dylan performances; she also when I asked if anyone equally fine form on “The influenced by so many with folk that run through Foley and Sean Earnest) understood about the there could sing she put Ecstasy of St. Cecilia,” styles, including the tra- our music.” on June 19 as part of the importance of being tied her hand up. When she whether by itself (“Boden- ditional music of Ireland. As you might imagine, “Backroom” series at The into a community when sang, I was immediately stown Churchyard” and It is from this tradition Hanley’s calendar doesn’t Burren in Davis Square, you’re part of Irish music. impressed: There was just “Dark Horse on the Wind”) that I chose the songs and have many open spots. If Somerville. See www.bur- I’ve been very glad to see something very special or accompanied – particu- tunes, but other styles she’s not doing gigs with ren.com for more details.

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There has always been on the very day before wholesale and schedules a bit of disconnect be- Sports/Clark Booth his emotionally shatter- turned upside down by tween the games we play ing funeral. It may have all leagues and when and times of distress. been the only dumb thing they finally resumed, it sided, and easy, so before industry and set the stage Rozelle ever did, but it was with proper defer- Sports equate with “fun” the argument could fully for fabulous growth after and are classified as “en- was no less monumental. ence to the very painful develop, it was over. the war. But it was also The NFL survived mood of the moment. Cer- tertainment.” So when However, the fact that a shrewd move on FDR’s bad things happen, ought Rozelle’s blunder because emonies were touching the season hadn’t been part as an element of war football’s sky-rocketing and dignified as a whole the games to be stopped? suspended would be- policy. The country had our world, the Marathon Are they appropriate popularity allowed it. new generation of smart mayhem dramatized how come a factor in 1917 accepted conflict as ines- But it did whip up a young sports executives when their relative unim- when America edged into capable but the distaste much it had changed, and portance is resoundingly whole new round of fierce demonstrated they fully how random and capri- World War I. This time for foreign entanglements debate about whether understood how far be- underscored by the bitter the demand for baseball remained strong. Recog- cious the carnage can be, sweep of harsh reality? games remain relevant yond the fields of play the and, above all, how mind- to shut down was more nizing the war would be when grave hardship games now extend. Should we be happily strenuous. The secre- long, nasty, and brutally less is its inspiration. at play when and where and/or civic turmoil rears. The atrocity last week It is not the first such tary of war had issued a taxing, FDR understood Five years later, during in Boston does not com- great sadness abounds? “work or fight” edict and that diversions, distrac- madness to beset sport. These are hardly ques- the tormented spring of pare in scale or scope to The Munich Olympics Newton D. Baker did not tions, and a sustained 1968 as uproar was flar- the atrocity back then in tions that drive philoso- consider playing baseball sense of the normal would some four decades ago phers daft, merely the ing in American urban New York, although you has that awful distinc- to be “work.” He ordered be vital to national morale enclaves, the discussion can tell that to the victims stuff of common sense. ballplayers to either en- and believed sports could tion. But has it changed Yet the answers have was again bestirred with along Boylston Street the games irreparably? list in the Army or work serve that purpose best. If professional teams again and their families, if you not always been clear in a defense plant. MLB the quality of the games Soon enough, we’ll find while consensus remains having to adjust. wish. If “9-11” changed out. Alas! resisted, claiming the wasn’t high during the In subsequent years, elusive. Spanish-American War war, it was nonetheless In a society that as- as the sports industry as a precedent. among baseball’s finest boomed on the way to its cribes far more meaning In the end, a compro- hours. to athletics than can present humongous di- mise was worked out and Interesting how dif- mensions, the discussion ever be conveyed by final it was rather silly. Play- ferent were those times. Burials in scores, few have much would gradually fade. ers were obliged (among Pearl Harbor was at- We would have a full- Massachusetts time even for the ques- other things) to do one tacked, you’ll recall, on a tions. Yet they’ve per- fledged constitutional hour of daily military Sunday and the terrible crisis called Watergate or Ireland sisted over the last near drills conducted by Regu- news was exploding on century and a half that in the early 1970’s and it lar Army NCOs on the radio air- waves across would have no effect on highly structured and field before every game. the nation just as the organized sport – profes- so much as a period or an They marched around NFL’s weekly games were inning of any team’s play. sional and amateur – has with baseball bats over beginning. With martial served as the bedrock of And then came ‘”9-11.” Gormley their shoulders. It was law being immediately The terrorist attack on our popular culture. hardly boot camp, but it declared, and troops tak- Duringthe deeply New York City in Sep- satisfied Baker. Among ing position around gov- tember of 2011 rattled Funeral Home disturbing Marathon those accused of shirking ernment buildings and tragedy there has been many conventional at- 617-323-8600 such meager duty was major industrial sites all titudes, the least impor- widespread insistence a young Red Sox lefty- over the land, the NFL’s that sports helped get tant doubtless having to hurler named Babe Ruth. full slate of games merrily do with how we view the us through the ordeal by For years after the war continued uninterrupted. providing forums where games we play. But in the illustrious Bambino Two Sundays later, with fairness, the role of sport outrage could be vented and boxing-great Jack the nation mobilizing 2055 Centre Street and resilience demon- back in that black Sep- Dempsey ranked high fiercely, the Bears met tember was memorable. West Roxbury, MA strated and spirits re- among the jocks bearing the Giants for the cham- newed and, in the end, Moreover, on that terrible the stigma of having been pionship, with Chicago occasion, everyone got it resolution celebrated. accused “slackers.” winning, 37-9. www.Gormleyfuneral.com Once again, the kingdom right. There was no such It’s not just war that Games were postponed of sport is mighty happy controversy in World War has raised the question to take a bow for all that. II. Only a month after over the years. Unforget- But isn’t it fair to wonder Pearl Harbor, President tably, it was the Kennedy – once again – if such Roosevelt declared: “I assassination in Novem- explanations are not too honestly feel it would ber 1963, that stirred the simplistic and such lofty be best for the country greatest of the contro- claims more than a bit to keep baseball going. versies. With the nation exaggerated. There will be fewer people totally traumatized, all At the least, it renews unemployed and every- the games, leagues, and a time-honored debate. body will work longer and sporting contractors – big Looking back over the harder hours than ever and small, professional years it is one that has before. That means they and amateur – scrambled been consistently fasci- ought to have a chance furiously to adjust. But nating. for recreation. Baseball not the most lordly of the These questions were provides a recreation that lot, the National Football first raised during the does not last over two League. Spanish-American War hours and can be got for Equally unforgettable at the end of the 19th very little cost.” were the pious intona- century when baseball If it seems lame now, tions of NFL Commission- was the only truly orga- for baseball, which was, er Palmer (Pete) Rozelle nized game in town and then far and away the na- declaring that the dead the suspension of the tion’s major sport, it was young president would National League season a fabulous endorsement. have dearly wanted the was proposed to presum- Moreover, all the games lads to play. So a full slate ably allow a sharper focus were thus reprieved, with of games proceeded hid- on the vanquishing of all contributing mightily eously two days after the our foes. But among our to the war-effort. president had been shot, many wars, this one was All of which hugely ben- even as he lay in state relatively short, one- efited the entire sport’s in the Capitol Rotunda, EIRE pub

795 Adams St. • Dorchester “President’s Choice” Serving Lunch & Dinner Every day, 7 days a week Page 16 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic

This month we will review one of the ways in which Cross Irish can say, “This is my hat”, Tá seo mo hata, or “Those are your shoes”, Tá seo do bhróga. You recall the words for some the articles of clothing. Words Remember that Irish makes the word for clothing either singular or plural whereas English makes The Irish no difference. “your clothes.” (one person) t’é adach crosswords are “your clothes” (referring to a group of people) ‘ur n-éadaí a service of an We will get to the method using ar in the next column. Right now we will work on the “other way.” Ireland-based There are two ways to show possession in Irish. The one we will now use is to use the “possessive website which adjectives” such as “my”, “your”, and their”. You have already learned the simple forms before provides Irish a consonant. Now we will study the forms of “pos- sessive adjectives” or “possessive pronouns” Family Coats of before words beginning with a vowel. Only “my” and “your-singular” is the m- or d- pronounced; all Arms by email. others are simply /uh/. Remember that the words for “my”, “your” and “his” lenite or “aspirate” a fol- You are invited lowing consonant, others do not. Let’s review the forms and pronunciation before a word beginning to visit with a consonant. Mo chóta /muh HOH-tuh/ “My coat” www. Do chóta /duh HOH-tuh/ “Your coat” A chóta /uh HOH-tuh/ “His coat” bigwood.com/ A cóta /uh KOH-tuh/ “Her coat” Ar gcótaí /uh GOH-tee/ “Our coats” heraldry ‘Ur gcótaí /uh GOH-tee/ “Your-plural coats” A gcótaí /uh GOH-tee/ “Their coats.” Now here is how to use these before words starting with a vowel. Notice the change from do “your” ©-bigwood.com to t’ in “your”. IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS M’ uncail /MUN-kuhl/ “My uncle” T’ uncail /TUN-kuhl/ “Your uncle” ACROSS church near Clonmines, having a ruined twin on the A uncail /uh UN-kuhl/ “His uncle” 1. Cake to start with, but no ham following on the way Wye in South Wales. (7,5) A huncail /uh HUN-kukl/ “Her uncle” back in Waterford fishing village where whales have 10. Bear they beat rears up in Dublin entertainment Ar n-uncail /uh NUN-kuhl/ “Our uncle” been known to beach. (8) place burnt down in 1951 and reopened 1966. (5,7) ‘Ur n-uncail /uh NUN-kuhl/ “Your-plural uncle” 4. Elk Ike disposed of in attractive Clare resort shel- 13. In an informal way chartered accountant leads A n-uncail /uh NUN-kuhl/ “Their uncle” tered from the Atlantic by the Duggerna Rocks. (6) Saul astray. (6) Here are a few things to remember. First, it’s easy 9. Cut ham in pieces for she who wanted Oisín to stay 16. Disorderly M.C. able to issue instruction not to to distinguish between “his/her” and “our”, “you-all”, in Tir na nOg. (5) panic. (2,4) and “their” in written Irish. But how do you tell the 10. Mr. Baba seen in Donegal incident. (3) 17. This is made up of unsolicited circulars about milk, difference in spoken Irish between most of these 11. Pins that sound like a scot back in Lusk categori- Juan. (4,4) plurals if all are pronounced /uh/? The same as in cally. (5) 18. Play a sneaky trick on a German night in one of Bible reading – context, context, context. There is 12. Get a rub of this old thing for luck in Tramore the Ireland’s four green fields. (8) always going to be some sort of previous reference licensed premises. (5) 19. Religious doctor outside the untidy room in Leitrim such as, “Which uncle is yours’?” or “Which coats 14. The two of them are in Drumshanbo, then. (4) site of old ironworks on shores of Lough Bofin. (6) are theirs’?” 15. “The —— things a man is ashamed of, the —— 20. Fast musical makes rope tangle around the saint. (6) respectable he is.” Shaw. (4) 24. Piece of computer information inclusively concealed Second, notice that before a consonant “his” 17. A jig can’t run around, but this will take you on a by Templemore establishment . (4) lenites it but before a vowel the reverse seems trip around the lakes of Killarney. (8,3) 27. “There’s no such thing as — publicity, except your true, “hers” takes a prefixedh- but “his does not. 21. Garden tool, one of those from Mallow? (4) own obituary.” Brendan Behan (3) Irish can emphasize who possesses something 22. Young creature hidden in Ballinakill ambulance. (4) by simply suffixing whereas English requires that 23. Fool will moor up facing north. (5) CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 19 the possessive adjective be louder – “That’s MY 25. Dish of powdery boiled potatoes is insincere when coat” or in cases where you are prepared to draw mouthed. (5) your “shooting iron”, keeping your voice level and 26. Sunshine lad! (3) lengthening the possessive adjective – “That’s 27. Arts graduate so Roman as to be fundamental. (5) Irish Sayings myyyy coat, mister!” 28. Old men get confused as to the megalithic monu- Again, Irish adds emphasis to “my” and “your” Even a tin knocker will shine on a dirty door. ment, with a fine example in Kilternan, Co. Dublin. (6) Every patient is a doctor - after his cure. differently from the other possessives by attaching 29. The do far out in small East Galway town near –sa or -se directly to the object in question, “The Windy day is not a day for scallops (thatching).” Ross Abbey beside the Black River. (8) “People live in each other’s shelter.” Mo chótasa “MY coat” or do chótasa “YOUR “The world would not make a racehorse of a donkey.” “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have coat” and mo léinese “MY shirt” and do léinese DOWN “YOUR shirt”. (Recall that you cannot lenite words sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall 1. A burn can meander in sheltered Donegal resort on unless you have rounded a corner.” that begin with the consonants l-, n-, or r-or words the shores of Lough Swilly under Slieve Snacht. (8) from English that begin with an such as ) “There is no strength without unity.” h- hata. 2. Len comes over with 26 across, almost. (6) To emphasize other possessive adjectives you “You must live with a person to know a person. If you 3. Hurl off this tree? (3) have to add the emphatic forms of the personal want to know me come and live with me.” 5. I, to a confused Greek character, of little conse- pronouns after the object. “Praise the young and they will blossom” quence. (4) “The raggy colt often made a powerful horse.” “HIS shoes” A bhróga seisan 6. Lose control and do this to the traces, that’s one “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” “HER shoes” A bróga sise point! (4,4) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” “OUR shoes” Ar mbróga muide 7. Shifty eye, ask inside for small Sligo seaside resort “Both your friend and your enemy think you will “YOUR-pl. shoes” ‘ Ur bróga sibhse near a number of dolmens and ring forts. (6) never die.” “THEIR shoes” A bróga siadsan 8. Brain bent, yet wanders to Co. Wexford Cistercian

Here is a reminder of words that you have already ADVERTISEMENT learned just for review. We will practice them in the next column. Na h-Ėadai – “Articles of Clothing” Photography by Singular Plural “coat” cóta “coats” cótaí /KOH-tuh/ /KOH-tee/ “cap” caipín “caps” caipíní Image Photo Service /KAH-peen/ /KAH-peen-ee/ “dress” gúna “dresses” gúnní /GOO-nuh/ • Weddings • Anniversaries /GOO-nee/ “jacket” seaicéad “jackets” seaicéid • Banquets • Portraits /SHAH-ket/ /SHAH-kej/ “shirt” léine “shirts” léinteacha • Reunions /LEY-nuh/ /LEYN-cha-kuh/ “trousers”treabhsar “trousers-pl” treabhsair • Groups • Families /TREW-sur/ /TREW-seer/ “shoe” bróig “shoes” bróga /brohg/ /BROHG-uh/ • Special Occasions “skirt” sciorta “skirts” sciortaí /SKER-tuh/ /SKER-tee/ (617) 291-6609 Add the word for “hat” hata /HAH-tuh/ or “hats” hataí /HAH-tee/ and we are ready for the next lesson. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17

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8. 9. 10. BRETT’S BOSTON By Margaret Brett Hastings Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events The Eire Society of Boston observed its 76th an- niversary on April 25 with a Gold Medal dinner at the Boston Park Plaza hotel. The 2013 Gold Medal Honoree is Sister Lena Deevy, LSA, founder and recently retired head of the Irish International Immigrant Center.. In honoring Sister Lena, the society described her as “part visionary, part missionar, (she) has led and nurtured an organization now internationally respected and honored for its protean work, largely among the young and under-served.... Sister Lean Deevy is 12. a singular exemplar of the belief that one person 11. can make a difference!” 1.) Cate McGrail, President Eire Society; Sr. Lena Deevy; Seamus Mulligan; 2.) Jim Carmody, Milton; Mary Ellen Langan, Newton and Fr. Wendell Berrill, Hingham; 3.) Connie and Peter Koutoujian, Waltham; 4.) Sheila Dwyer, Westwood; Maria Hill, Milton; 5.) Jeff Flagg, W. Roxbury; John Rattigan, Newton; 6.) Tom Carty, Dedham; Sr. Margaret Leonard, Dorchester; Trish Carty, Dedham; 7.) Scotti Finnegan, Chatham; Mary O’Neil, Newton; Edris Kelley, Marshfield; 8.) Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian; Sr. Lena Deevy; 9.) Ed Duffy, Milton; Margaret Flagg, W. Rox- bury; 10.) Richard and Beverly Armour, Norwood; 11.) Mari Bartholomew, Quincy; Maureen Connolly, Hingham; 12.) Paul Finnegan, Boston; Patrick King, So. Boston; 13.) Bill, Mary Beth and Barbara Fitzgerald, Milton; 14.) Jim Riley, Weymouth; Catherine Shan- non, Scituate. 13. 14. Page 18 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People It’s May, and Ireland is awash in colorful blooms

By Judy Enright Special to the BIR Ireland is literally awash in blooms. Masses of daffodils lined highways in April, yellow flag iris and primrose are everywhere and, in home gardens, the growing season has begun in earnest. All over the country, gardens have opened to the public and, if you are an avid gar- dener or just an admirer of beautifully designed and planted gardens, this is the time of year for you. HOUSES, CASTLES, GARDENS Some 72 properties all over Ireland – North and the Republic – are included in “Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland.” Among the listings are the magnificent National Botanic Gardens in the Glasnevin section of Dublin. There you can see the lovely glasshouses and Primrose grow wild off Irish roads. Judy Enright photos A butterfly rests atop a flower in an Irish garden. the Great Palm House with plants from around the world. Castle Murray House in Dunkineely, wooded country in Europe and has only of people for Trinity College in Dublin. Also included are Kylemore Abbey and Tara Hotel in Killybegs, and more. Visit small and scattered remnants of that The surveys were mainly carried out Victorian Walled Garden in Co. Galway, donegalgardentrail.com for details. native woodland remaining. in Co. Mayo (Erris, Clare Island, and Castlecoote House and Gardens in Co. For details on other garden trails and For the past 32 years, Groundwork Inishturk), Co. Galway (Aran Islands Roscommon, the Japanese Gardens and gardens open to the public, be sure to has attracted people from all over the and South Connemara) and Co. Kerry St. Fiachra’s Garden in Co. Kildare, the visit discoverireland.com world to join rhododendron clearance (Dunquin and the Great Blasket Island.) Birr Castle Demesne in Co. Offaly, Castle BURREN IN BLOOM work camps each summer in Killarney The photographs convey details about Durrow Hotel Gardens in Co.Laois, The 8th Burren in Bloom Festival will National Park. There are no work camps clothes, customs, housing, and modes of Hunter’s Hotel gardens and Powerscourt be launched on May 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the scheduled for this year, however. transport. In the surveys, Dr. Browne House and Gardens, both in Co. Wicklow, Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan Groundwork has also focused on measured and classified humans and Gregan’s Castle Hotel Gardens and the with music and a walk. Further events, removing ponticum from Glenveagh “racial types.” Alive or dead, the head of Vandeleur Walled Garden, both in Co. designed to draw attention to the diver- National Park in Co. Donegal. the Irish peasant was a source of intense Clare; Fota House Arboretum and Gar- sity and beauty of this unique landscape, SHEEP interest to Browne and his colleagues. dens in Co. Cork and many, many more. are scheduled around Co. Clare through- We groaned about our March weather Sounds like an interesting exhibit. And, don’t miss Rowallane Garden or the out May and into the beginning of June. in New England with so much snow and For details, contact museum.ie/en/intro/ Mt. Stewart House and Gardens, both The Festival includes lectures, guided loss of power, but farmers in Northern country-life.aspx in Co. Down, or Springhill House and walks, a May 25 marathon, art exhibi- Ireland and Wales suffered all of that in a DOGS Costume Collection in Co. Londonderry. tions, set dancing and other musical two-day storm plus the loss of thousands The Irish Independent ran a story Be sure to visit hcgi.ie for details. events, a food festival in Lisdoonvarna, of sheep, lambs, cattle and calves. recently by Michael Brennan, deputy WICKLOW GARDENS and more. There’s a wonderful Art and A story by Dan Keenan, in The Irish political editor, saying that Transport Wicklow Gardens 2013 will celebrate Craft Fair every Sunday at 10 in St. Times on April 16, quoted the Depart- Minister Leo Varadkar plans to consult 24 years of showcasing beautiful gardens John’s Hall in Ballyvaughan, too, where ment of Agriculture as saying that the Road Safety Authority about securing open to the public in a county known as I’ve found many treasures, including 18,000 sheep (13,797 new season lambs) dogs in cars with seatbelts. There are no “the Garden of Ireland.” goats’ milk soap that’s perfect to bring and more than 500 cattle (200 calves) rules here or in the US about restraining From April through September, there home as a gift. died after being caught in the two-day dogs despite the fact that a large dog can will be 22 gardens on show including a The Burren is a not-to-be-missed part snowstorm. Drifts buried some while inflict severe injuries on passengers and few just outside Wicklow’s border. Each of Ireland that has limestone pavements, others starved or froze to death in iso- itself in a collision. Might be something garden is “naturally beautiful, diverse grassland, Arctic, Alpine and Mediter- lated fields that farmers couldn’t reach for us to think about. and distinctive in mood and theme.” ranean plants and flowers, Celtic ring- because roads were blocked. We heard EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Due to Wicklow’s temperate climate, a forts and Megalithic tombs, medieval tell of one farmer who brought his sheep Coming to Ireland this spring or sum- variety of trees, plants and shrubs await churches and castles. There are many under cover but the weight of the snow mer?? There’s certainly plenty to do and the visitor with many private gardens pubs (we especially like McDermott’s caused the barn roof to collapse and all lots of fun places to go. opening exclusively for this annual event. in Doolin and had a great lunch at Cas- were lost. Conditions were said to be the If you’re in the Westport, Co. Mayo Visit wicklowgardens.com to find out sidy’s in Carran) and you can find other worst in 50 years. area, be sure to stop by Westport House more. excellent restaurants and comfortable Seeing the green fields in the Republic for a day of fun for the entire family. DONEGAL GARDENS accommodations throughout Co. Clare. now filled with black-faced sheep and There’s an adventure activity center Co. Donegal has an extensive gar- For more information, visit burrenin- their lambs is so comforting; to me, this and a pirate adventure park and you den trail that this year includes “The bloom.com is Ireland as it is meant to be. I love can visit the historic Westport House Irish Garden for the White House,” in RHODODENDRONS seeing the sheep on hillsides and don’t with its original artifacts and artwork, Castlefinn. Brilliant pink rhododendrons cover the mind when they wander the roads – so gardens, tearooms and gift shop. See Diarmuid Gavin designed the garden Vee Valley above Clogheen, Co. Tipper- long as they don’t dart out in front of my WestportHouse.ie for more. that will open at the end of June and ary, between mid-May and the middle car. Sheep are not only an integral part From Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May replicates a garden being built at the of June each year. The blooming season of the landscape, but, for many, also an 5, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, will hold a White House in Washington, DC. is short and depends on the weather integral part of the country’s economy. sports festival with cycling, paracycling, Among the gardens on the Donegal and, since this year’s cold delayed many Hopefully, the Northern and Welsh a women’s 10K mini-marathon (walk, trail is Glenveagh Castle and the na- plants, probably later in May would be farmers will be able to recuperate from jog or run), adventure sports on Lough tional park, which is a wonderful place the best time to see this flowery show. these very sad losses. Iannagh, and more. For details, visit to spend the day, take a guided tour Sadly, even though the flowers are March was reportedly the coldest mayosports.ie through the Scottish castle, or hike the gorgeous, the plants are incredibly on record with the highest winds in Love the races? Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, assorted trails in the park (open 9 a.m. invasive and are eradicated to prevent five years. Dublin Airport reported the has a series of horse races planned in- to 6 p.m. daily.) them from depriving other plants of coldest mean temperatures since 1942 cluding May 27 and 28, June 25 (Ladies Glenveagh’s last owner was the Ameri- light and water and ultimately killing and, on March 12, Markree in Co. Sligo Day), July 22 and 23, August 12, 27 can Henry McIlhenny, who bought the them. Rhododendron growing wild in was colder than Russia’s average daily and Sept. 24. For more, contact ballin- estate in 1937, restored the castle, and Ireland are Rhododendron ponticum, a temperature over the same period. The roberacecourse.ie developed the gardens. In 1975, he sold species not native to the country that was sun only peeked out for 58.9 hours during For more information about things to the estate to the Office of Public Works, introduced to the Vee Valley area in the the entire month of March – the least do and places to go in Ireland, be sure allowing for the creation of a National 1960s and has since taken over the entire amount of sunshine since 1996. to visit discoverireland.com or stop into Park that was opened to the pubic in mountainside, killing off nearly every But then April arrived and there has any of the many tourist offices across 1984. In 1983, he donated the castle to other plant that previously grew there. been sun aplenty with some showers Ireland. Enjoy your trip whenever you go the state along with the gardens and Groundwork, a voluntary environ- sprinkled in to assure that the hills and be sure to visit your favorite travel much of the contents. The castle was mental group, was established in 1981 and fields are at their greenest for the agent or go online to get the best prices. opened to the public in 1986. to organize Rhododendron eradication spring and summer visitors – and farm Garden promoters have partnered work camps and help to conserve Ire- animals – to enjoy. with numerous hospitality outlets, in- land’s last remaining fragments of native PLASTIC BAGS cluding Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy, woodland. Today, Ireland is the least About 10 years ago, Ireland began charging in grocery stores for plastic bags, which encouraged shoppers to bring their own bags. England followed suit this spring and will now charge for Phillips Candy House plastic bags. That’s great news for the fine chocolates since 1925 environment. We recently heard that Manchester- by-the-Sea and Brookline have banned plastic bags. Wouldn’t it be nice if other cities and towns did the same? MUSEUM OF COUNTRY LIFE Until June, an exhibit at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Co. Mayo, will focus on 63 early photographs of Dr. Charles R. Browne, a medical doc- tor and anthropologist, taken along the west coast of Ireland in the 1890s. The museum is in the grounds of Turlough Park House, on the N5, eight miles east of Castlebar, and is free and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Yellow flag iris grow wild in the Irish Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. dampness. Browne undertook physical surveys Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 When in Paris . . . with Oscar Wilde By Thomas O’Grady Joseph’s, the only English-language church in Paris, Special to the BIR baptized Wilde “conditionally” and administered the PARIS – I am sitting in a café/bar called Le Comptoir sacrament of Extreme Unction. des Saints-Pères in the area of the so-called Left Bank of On December 3rd, Fr. Cuthbert officiated at Wilde’s Paris known as Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I am keeping funeral Mass in nearby Église de Saint-Germain-des- an eye out for the spirit of James Joyce who, according Prés. The interior of that church, dimly lit and austere to Ernest Hemingway, ate regularly at this address yet also a serene place to sit and reflect, seems to fit in the 1920s when it was a bit more fashionable and with the end of a life summarized thus by Richard when it was known as Michaud’s. Hemingway sets Ellmann: “During the first period he was a scapegrace, the scene in his memoiresque narrative A Moveable during the second a scapegoat.” (Probably Wilde Feast: “It was where Joyce ate with his family then, would appreciate that today a small garden next to he and his wife against the wall, Joyce peering at the the church holds a sculpture by Pablo Picasso honor- menu through his thick glasses holding the menu up ing the memory of Guillaume Apollinaire, a short-lived in one hand; Nora by him, a hearty but delicate eater; poet who dominated the Parisian literary scene just Giorgio thin, foppish, sleek-headed from the back; Lucia a decade or so after Wilde’s death. Philosopher René with heavy curly hair, a girl not quite yet grown; all Descartes, famous for his declaration of “Cogito ergo of them talking Italian.” sum” —“I think, therefore I am”—is interred inside the The Paris of Joyce and Hemingway has been thor- church.) Wilde’s funeral was attended by a small group oughly documented by scholars and tour guides, and of friends who exited the side door of the church to fol- devoted readers of those literary giants can follow low the hearse to his first burial place, the Cimetière them virtually step by step through the streets of their de Bagneux in Montrouge, Hauts-de-Seine, in south adopted city. In fact, in the Shakespeare and Company suburban Paris. bookshop, named after Sylvia Beach’s bookshop that Oscar Wilde But in 1909 his remains were re-interred in Cimetière published Joyce’s Ulysses in 1922, I recently picked du Père-Lachaise, the largest burial ground within the up a copy of The Paris of Joyce & Beckett by Brian unabashed wit in his writing, and also in conversation, city limits of Paris. He keeps distinguished company O’Shea and Sean Donlon and also a copy of Walks in ultimately can be seen as a mask for his true self—a there: legendary lovers Abelard and Heloïse, beloved Hemingway’s Paris by Noel Riley Fitch. I have visited lonely and conflicted figure, even a lost soul. And that chanteuse Édith Piaf and jazz violinist Stéphane Grap- many of the locations identified and mapped in those is the version of Wilde that I have been thinking about pelli, novelist Marcel Proust and the aforementioned books, including rue Cardinal Lemoine, the remarkably as I have been walking the streets of Paris, tracking poet Guillaume Apollinaire, American authors Richard unremarkable street where Joyce lived in 1921 while the last dark days of his life in the City of Light. Wright and Gertrude Stein, Polish composer Frédéric completing Ulysses and where Hemingway also took The best account of that life is Richard Ellmann’s Chopin and Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modi- an apartment shortly after he first arrived in Paris biography, published in 1987. So, having re-read the gliani . . . and, of course, Jim Morrison, iconic singer in December of 1921. Not long after the publication last couple of chapters of that book, I found myself of the American rock band The Doors. Morrison’s of Ulysses, the paths of those two masters crossed standing on rue des Beaux-Arts, a narrow street, now gravesite may be the only rival to Wilde’s as a place and their lives overlapped, and in A Moveable Feast lined with high-end art galleries, that runs along the of essential pilgrimage for the hundreds of thousands Hemingway describes a chance encounter with Joyce edge of Saint-Germain-des-Prés from the École natio- of visitors that Père-Lachaise draws annually. No on Boulevard Saint-Germain: “He asked me to have a nale supériere des Beaux Arts down to the left bank doubt, the lines from Wilde’s poem “The Ballad of drink with him and we went to the Deux-Magots and of the Seine, the river that glides through the center Reading Gaol,” cut as an epitaph into the back of his ordered dry sherry although you will always read that of Paris like the Liffey through Dublin. Wilde died in tombstone, prophesy the nature of some of those who he drank only Swiss white wine.” Les Deux Magots l’Hôtel Alsace on that street. Aptly enough, given that pause at his final resting place: is still a going concern. I had a café allongé there a Wilde reportedly declared during his final weeks that “I couple of days ago. am dying beyond my means,” the Alsace is now a four- And alien tears will fill for him Given all the attention paid to Joyce and Hemingway star luxury accommodation known simply as L’Hôtel. Pity’s long-broken urn, by devotees and fanatics, I am a bit surprised that there Wilde’s connection to the place is acknowledged by a For his mourners will be outcast men, is no equivalent book-length “Guide to Oscar Wilde’s medallion next to the front door and, higher up on the And outcasts always mourn. Paris.” Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde visited Paris front wall, by a stone plaque mentioning that he died frequently during his lifetime and died here in 1900. on the premises. (There is also a plaque recognizing Carved from a twenty-ton block of stone by celebrated Unlike Joyce and Hemingway, he is buried here. (So that renowned Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein, the tombstone—an ana- is Samuel Beckett.) lived in the hotel for an extended period in the 1970s tomically correct nude male “flying demon-angel,” as Back in 2005, I attended a performance at Dublin’s and ’80s). Epstein described it—was initially deemed indecent renowned Abbey Theatre of a critically acclaimed Wilde’s death, from cerebral meningitis, according to by French authorities and covered with a tarpaulin. production of Wilde’s dramatic masterpiece The Im- Ellmann, was slow and painful. Bedridden for most of Over the past century it has been vandalized, and in portance of Being Earnest. The production, which his final two months, he managed a stroll one evening recent years it has been defaced by admirers of Wilde featured an all-male cast, included a prologue that is that gave him occasion to utter to an acquaintance these leaving lipsticked kiss marks on its surface. In 2011, not part of the original play script. It involved an actor famous not-quite-last words: “My wallpaper and I are officials at the cemetery constructed a glass case around (the brilliant Alan Stanford) playing the part of Oscar fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has the gravesite: now the glass is smeared with kisses. Wilde himself, abject and adrift in Paris, being asked to go.” That same evening he imbibed absinthe, his In death, just as in life, peace has not come easily for to devise an entertainment for his friends there. So longtime drink of choice, which exacerbated his condi- Oscar Wilde. this framing device was plausible enough—and it also tion. He would die a month later, on November 30th, had a bit of magic to it, as suddenly, with just a slight but not without further drama in the form of a deathbed Thomas O’Grady is Director of Irish Studies at the adjustment of costume and coiffure, the character of conversion to Catholicism. Much earlier in his life, University of Massachusetts Boston and in the spring Wilde morphed into the character of Lady Bracknell. Wilde had declared: “Catholicism is the only religion of 2013 a Visiting Scholar at the American University And so the play proper began. to die in.” Summoned to his bedside twenty-four hours of Paris. But that prologue continued to lend flavor to the pro- before he expired, Rev. Cuthbert Dunne, an Irish-born duction, as it cast Wilde as an artist whose sheer and member of the Passionist order of priests based at St.

of mercies, my sweater rial put downs. And, in I helped her maneuver passed muster. Still, my heart of hearts, I knew into the car. Something Earning Mom’s approval when your mother hits her critique had merit. Not caught her eye. She looked By Martin McGovern stared at me and I sensed what was bothering her. you with such a one-two every baseball hat suits down, lingered a second, something was not to her T h e n , w i t h m o r e punch, you reel. Muttering me and some of my pants and then turned to me. I usually see my mother liking. strength in her voice, she and mumbling, I retreated do swim on me. “Martin, those are lovely twice a year. From Boston, To break the ice, I said, piped up, “You have no in a bit of a huff. Yet, what stuck with shoes.” Her candor works I head home to Dublin for “So, you have nothing to arse in those trousers.” A 56-year-old man, I me is that my mother, at both ways. say to me before I head I said, “Even with a nice felt like a boy in short 78, is still insisting I look Bingo! With my moth- Commentary out for a bit. No, ‘Good wake-up kiss, that’s the pants and directions of old “respectable” upon leav- er’s approval secured, a morning, my handsome best I get?” But she was echoed in my ears: Tuck ing the house. Yes, she little jolt of elation coursed five days in the spring and son.’?” Remaining silent, not done with me. “No, in your shirt, comb your chided me in her cheeky through me. the fall to spend time with she kept me in focus, but that hat looks terrible on hair, and please tie your way, but there is also a A Weymouth resident, my parents who, despite exercised one of her fin- you,” she exclaimed. shoe laces. maternal reassurance in Martin McGovern is the the challenges of age and gers in a circular motion. So Eleanor did not ap- Over the course of the that embrace. Director of Communica- health, retain consider- “What does that mean, prove of my baggy chinos morning, however, my snit A day or so later, El- tions at Stonehill College. able zest for life. Eleanor?” I asked, using or baseball hat, which she passed swiftly, and I actu- eanor stopped midway as On a recent visit, I had her Christian name, as I regarded as “silly.” Mercy ally got a chuckle recalling an early breakfast with my have done since I was in my mother’s cheeky sarto- father, as is our routine. my 20s. She twirled her Then, before heading out finger again and, finally, I PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 17 for the morning, I checked heard a faint voice issue a Looking to buy on my mother, who was firm order, “Turn around.” still sleeping. Sneaking “A command? That’s over to her, I planted a your morning greeting in the kiss on her check, which to me?” I inquired. “Go woke her up a bit. How- on,” she said dismis- ever, as she came to life, sively. Obedient, I turned Boston Area? she did not speak. She just around, still clueless as to Or perhaps your looking for that getaway out in the Berkshires. Jack Conboy Exclusive Buyers Agent Large Format Printing 781-799-7706 Billboards • Banners [email protected] 1022 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester From the Berkshires to Boston 617-282-2100 carrolladvertising.com Reliability • Integrity • Trust Page 20 May 2013 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

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