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Beannachtaí na Nollaigh Christmas Blessings by Mary McSweeney (See Page 3) Page 2 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

John and Diddy Cullinane, and Gerard and Marilyn Doherty, Event Co-chairs Solas Awards Dinner Friday, December 10, 2010 Seaport Hotel, Boston Cash bar reception 5:30pm Dinner 6:30pm Seats are $200 each 2010 Solas Awardees Congressman Richard Neal Robert Glassman This year, the IIC is also pleased to introduce the Humanitarian Leadership award, honoring two exceptional people, who have contributed significantly to the recovery work in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake there. Please join us in honoring Sabine St. Lot, State Street Bank Corporation, and Marie St. Fleur, Director of Intergovernmental Relations, City of Boston Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. If you or your organization would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Irish Immigration Center by sponsoring the Solas Awards Dinner, or you would like to attend the event, please call Mary Kerr, Solas Awards Dinner coordinator, at 617-695-1554 or e-mail her at [email protected].

We wish to thank our generous sponsors: The Law Offices of Gerard Doherty, Eastern Bank and Insurance, Wainwright Bank, State Street Corporation, Arbella Insurance Company, Carolyn Mugar, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Michael Buckley Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 ON THE TOWN WITH THE BIR American Ireland Fund Honors Hospice Founder More than 1,000 guests gathered at the Westin Bos- ton Waterfront on Nov. 18 for The American Ireland Fund’s 29th Annual Boston Gala. Over $2 million was raised for the vital work of The American Ireland Fund across the island of Ireland. The event honored Jane McKenna, a Dublin mother who, after tragically losing her two young daughters, crusaded for more than a decade to establish the Lau- raLynn Hospice in Dublin. Scheduled to open next year, the facility will become the first hospice in Ireland dedicated to children. In addition to benefiting that program, three local Boston charities – The Catholic Schools Foundation, the ArtsEmerson Irish Festival, and The Campaign for Catholic Schools – were also beneficiaries of the fund’s largesse. The dinner was chaired by Joseph (Jay) L. Hooley, President and Chief Executive Officer of State Street Corporation. James R. Boyle, President of John Han- cock Financial Services, and John J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Staples, Inc., served as Vice Chairmen. Attendees included: Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, Lt. Governor Tim Murray, State Treasurer-elect Steve Grossman and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Other guests included Jack Sebastian, Goldman Sachs & Co.; William J. Teuber, Jr.,EMC Corp; Mike Sheehan and Karen Kaplan, Hill Holliday; Robert and Myra Kraft, The New England Patriots; Gerald Hassell, BNY Mellon; From left, Mike Sheehan, Chief Executive Officer, Hill Holliday; Jay Hooley, President & CEO, State and Scott Powers, State Street Global Advisors. Street Corporation and 2010 Boston Dinner Gala Chairman; Jane McKenna, founder of The Laura Lynn “The Boston Gala historically has been among the Hospice and 2010 Boston Dinner Gala Honoree; Steve Greeley, Executive Director, The American Ireland city’s most successful fundraising events each year, Fund. Allan Dines photo. and this year, under the leadership of Jay Hooley, has been no different. In fact, it has been one of our best,” said Steve Greeley, Executive Director of The American Ireland Fund. “The event was at capacity Stoughton Author Returns Kennedy Smith, Labor’s Sweeney and we were pleased to welcome guests from around the world coming to celebrate with us. It is an honor to Irish Cultural Centre Medal of Freedom Recipients for the Boston Irish-American community to be able The Irish Cultural Centre of Canton will host author President Obama has named Ambassador Jean to give back to Ireland at a time when our support is Kyle Darcy, in a reading and book signing on Sun., Dec. Kennedy Smith and AFL/CIO labor leader John needed there now more than ever.” 5, at 1 p.m. “Under Current Conditions,” Darcy’s debut Sweeney to be among 15 recipients of the Presidential novel, is based on actual events and not only illustrates Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. the benefits of a keen instinct, but also underscores the The award is presented to individuals who have made dire consequences of its failure. Set in Boston in 1999, especially meritorious contributions to the security or the story begins with a lucrative business opportunity, national interests of the United States, to world peace, but an innocuous change in circumstances leads to or to cultural or other significant public or private kidnapping and FBI stings, culminating in 2009 with a endeavors. The awards will be presented at a White precedent setting international murder trial. The book House ceremony early next year. In addition to Kennedy is scheduled for release in stores on December 1, 2010. Smith and Sweeney, the 2010 honorees will include “My publisher provided me with a limited number President George H. W. Bush, Germany Chancellor of advanced copies for events such as September’s Angela Merkel, Congressman John Lewis; John Irish Festival in Canton,” Darcy says. “The response H. Adams, co-founder the Natural Resources Defense everywhere has been extremely positive. This upcom- Council; Maya Angelou, author, poet, educator, pro- ing event on Dec. 5 is guaranteed to be a lot of fun.” ducer, actress, filmmaker, and civil rights activist; Children’s Irish Christmas Dec. 11 -- The Cul- Warren Buffett, American investor, industrialist, tural Centre will host a Children’s Irish Christmas on and philanthropist; Jasper Johns, American artist; Sat., Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon. The family event Gerda Weissmann Klein, Jewish Holocaust survivor; will feature a full buffet breakfast, Christmas carol- Dr. Tom Little, an optometrist murdered on Aug. 6, ing, Irish dance performance, children’s author, and 2010, by the Taliban in Afghanistan; Yo-Yo Ma, Cellist; The boys of CM at the Irish Pastoral Centre. holiday hay rides. Santa will be there all morning with Sylvia Mendez, civil rights activist; Stan Musial, gifts for every child. Cost: $10 per person, hay rides Hall of Fame baseball player, St. Louis Cardinals; and $3 additional. Tickets available in advance by calling Bill Russell, Hall of Fame basketball player who spent Exploring Irish Culture the ICC at 781-821-8291 or at the door. his entire career with the Boston Celtics. Through Service and Prayer Students in Catholic Memorial High School’s Irish Wrapup Fall Concert Set Bulger Talks Curley Studies program, above, led congregants in prayer in Blessed Edmund Rice’s mother tongue on the at BC’s Connolly House at His Honor’s Home afternoon of Nov. 18 at the Irish Pastoral Centre’s monthly Mass, celebrated by Father John McCarthy, On Sun., Nov. 7, , one of the Fiddler Laurel Martin and multi-instrumentalist William M. Bulger a Limerick native. In addition, students from CM’s Eire Society’s Gold Medal recipients, recalled the life Mark Roberts will conclude the fall Boston College Edmund Rice Society served and ate lunch with the of the controversial but beloved-by-many mayor, Celtic Roots concert series with a concert on Tues., seniors at the center, bringing smiles to the women congressman, and governor , Dec. 7, at the Connolly House, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Martin, James Michael Curley and men who benefit from the Centre’s ministry. who inspired the author along with generations of a protégé of Seamus Connolly and a former member “It’s wonderful as a teacher to see the young men in the Bostonians. Bulger was growing up in Boston just as of the BC Irish Studies music faculty, released her first Irish Studies program stand up and initiate a prayer, Curley’s career and life were winding down. What better CD “The Groves” in 2006 and also has recorded with and hear a roomful of elderly chime in response,” said place to speak about James Michael Curley then at the the fiddle ensemble Childsplay. Roberts, who plays Irish Studies teacher Mary Concannon. Added stu- Curley Mansion on the Jamaicaway in Jamaica Plain. guitar, banjo, flute and whistle, has recorded and dent president John Stark ‘15: “The goal is to serve Following the program, Mr. Bulger signed his book toured extensively for more than 25 years; his music people in communities like this and make people feel “James Michael Curley.” A good time was had by all. was featured in the John Sayles film “The Secret of good about their lives.” Roan Inish.” Mary McSweeney’s “Beannachtaí na Nollag” To order, please make checks payable to Ideal Christmas Gifts! Boston Irish Reporter and send this order form to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon St., Ste 120, Dorchester MA 02125 The full color print is numbered and signed q Send ___ copies of Beannachtaí na Nollag @ $85.00 each to: by the artist for just $85.00, including ship- ping and handling. To order, just fill out this Name______coupon. Hurry - New England orders must be placed by December 14 to assure delivery Address______before Christmas. City______State______Zip______Special 2 for 1:Order today and receive an additional unframed, unmatted print at no __Visa __MC Expire______extra charge. Card Number______Page 4 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Irish Should Ireland Will Return to Prosperity, Take a Look at But Price Will Be High for Many

Australian Deal By Joe Leary foreign investment, but if Ireland is to remain strong Special to the BIR as an EU partner, outside investment is vital. Ireland simply grew too fast. A small nation, val- The huge loan from Europe is only part of the of the on Visa Options iantly emerging from third-world status, overnight Cowen/Lenihan recovery program. A very tough four- became one of the most successful and wealthiest in year budget plan submitted to the Irish Parliament By Ed Forry would cut government spending by approximately 10 A Boston lawyer with expertise in immigration law the world. But its set of economic checks and balances was inadequate to the new order million euro and increase taxes by 5 million euro in is calling on Irish advocates to reach out for Congres- an effort to bring Ireland’s deficit to under 3 percent sional help in amending a special visa program that and in the end, when the worldwide recession hit, Ireland’s systems of GDP – the European standard. Under the budget benefits Australians who want to work in the United plan, more Irish at lower incomes will pay taxes; States. were swamped by unscrupulous opportunism, greedy bankers, and college fees will go up; the minimum wage will go Attorney John Philip Foley, an immigration special- a “no regulation, don’t rock the down; reduced social spending (undefined as yet) will ist, says the US government allocates more than 10,000 boat” political leadership. Much the total 2.8 billion euro; pensions will be reduced; and special visas – called the E-3 visa – for Australian same as here in the United States. government employee rolls cut by 24.750. citizens, but most of them are never claimed each We must keep in mind that this All of this reduction in spending and the increase in year, and he thinks a simple amendment to the law is not just an Irish recession; there taxes will have a slowing effect on Ireland’s economy, could be to the advantage of Irish citizens. have been more than 300 bank but at the same time strengthen Ireland’s finances. “Most Irish enter the United States as Visa Waiver It’s expected that for the most part, the budget plan Joe Leary failures in the United States since visitors,” Foley explains. “As Visa Waiver visitors, they 2008. Where we can absorb such will receive Parliament’s approval. can stay in the United States for ninety days. If they a disaster, Ireland, with a smaller But make no mistake: These difficult measures will over-stay by more than six months, a three-year ban population than Massachusetts, is unable to cope with be very painful for the Irish people and all aspects goes into effect when they depart the United States. the misdeeds of most of their largest banks and real of Irish life will be affected. The banking system, If they over-stay by more than twelve months, a ten- estate developers. When An Taoiseach Brian Cowen for instance, will be completely revamped, with new year ban goes into effect when and Minister of Finance Brian Lenihan were faced regulations geared to preventing further catastrophes. they depart this country. with the collapse of Ireland’s banking system in 2008 The Irish Business and Employers Confederation “It is these Visa Waiver over- as the worldwide recession was becoming apparent in Dublin, a major influence in Irish society, has come stays who are stuck. They want and Irish citizens were withdrawing massive amounts out in favor of the new plan, expressing optimism that to go home to visit but they know of capital, they announced that the government would this path taken by government will lead to prosperity they’ll face a ban of three or ten insure all bank debt, including deposits. Here in the in the years ahead. years, and won’t be allowed back United States, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- Add to all this the fact that the political balance in into the United States.” tion only guarantees the first $100,000 in deposits. In Ireland will be dramatically altered. Though elections Currently, under terms of retrospect, this decision by government leaders made need not be held until early 2012, Taoiseach Cowen 2005 legislation signed into law the government responsible for huge bank debt and as says he will call for new elections by February. How- by President George W Bush, a result, in many ways, the chairmen and presidents ever he may be forced at any time over these next Ed Forry Australian citizens with “spe- of these banks and the well-known real estate devel- weeks to call for an immediate election if his govern- cial occupations” are entitled opers escaped from their own responsibilities. Some ment (The Fianna Fail political party) fails to get the to apply for an E-3 visa. The documents are intended of these men have fled Ireland and are living in the new budget passed or fails for any reason to maintain for those with bachelor’s or higher degrees. “An E-3 United States, with at least one of them in Boston. a majority of votes in the Parliament. visa is similar in many respects to the H1B visa, but The bankers were borrowing money from European Newspaper polls have Cowen and his party at a 17 one important difference is that spouses of E-3 visa banks in order to lend it to Irish real estate develop- percent approval rating, and they will undoubtedly holders may work in the United States without restric- ers who were building housing the country did not lose the election. Currently Fianna Fail has 78 seats in tions,” Foley says. “The E-3 visa is also renewable on require. Why? Because the tax advantages were very Parliament; they will be lucky to keep 40. It was under an indefinite basis every two years and it could lead favorable to the developers. When the housing would their watch that Irish national pride was so damaged to Legal Permanent Residency (also known as a Green not sell, the developers could not pay the banks, the and competing political parties and the newspapers card) and eventually to naturalized U S citizenship.” banks could not pay the European banks, and the have been piling on, reaching such a fever pitch that Although the visas are intended uniquely for Aus- system fell apart. one newspaper, the Irish Independent, has published tralians, the majority available – some 7,000 each One of the more interesting aspects of Ireland’s phrases such as “Slaughter Them after Christmas,” year -- go unclaimed. INS statistics show just 1918 situation is the willingness -- even the insistence -- of an unfortunate use of hyperbole. new E-3 visas in 2006, 2572 new and six returning the European Central Bank to lend Ireland the funds One interesting development was announced in visas in 2007, 2,961 new and 1,568 returning in FY to help solve the problem. They are, in fact, protecting Belfast by Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, 2008; and 2,191 new and 1,421 returning in 2009. their own banks to which much of the debt is owed. the only all-Ireland political party. He has decided That compares with a total of 65,000 H-1B visas Today the situation in Dublin is chaotic. With the to give up his political seats in the North and move worldwide. That number is exclusive of Australia, news that Ireland is borrowing up to 85 billion Euro South to run for the Irish Parliament from Louth. His and the visas are quickly allocated. With a modest ( $115 billion) from the European Central Bank, the new district is just south of the border and includes change in the law, Foley says, some of those unused leading Irish newspapers – the Times and The Inde- Drogheda and Dundalk. The assumption is that visas could be obtained by Irish nationals seeking to pendent – have published near hysterical editorials Adams will win and his presence in the Irish Parlia- relocate to America. bemoaning the loss of Irish sovereignty, going so far ment will be fascinating to watch. While Foley maintains the need for compre- as to imply that the men of 1916 fought for nothing. Finally it should be said that with these corrective hensive immigration reform continues to grow, That Irish pride has suffered a grievous blow is true, actions lined up, and actions taken by men of good will the recent changes in Congressional leader- but Ireland remains a strong presence throughout in the interest of solving the problems and making ship suggest there’s little likelihood such reform the world and the infrastructure built during the Ireland strong once again, the future is much brighter will be on the political agenda anytime soon. glory years is in place and will serve Ireland well in today than it would have been without such an effort. “But that doesn’t mean the Irish should stand still,” the years ahead. Though it is not time to rejoice, it is also not the time Foley says. “Irish lawmakers should be pushing for American business investment in Ireland will stay. for hysterical weeping and sadness. Ireland is still in E-3-like visas. E-3 visas wouldn’t help the undocu- The country is still a profitable location for interna- the front ranks of nations its size and is still first in mented overstay already here but they could help tional business and is likely to stay the same for many the minds of millions everywhere. There will come a those in Ireland looking for work and a legal life in years. There has been talk of some compromise on the time, and sooner than later, when there will be sing- the United States. … It is a visa distribution plan the 12.5 percent corporate tax rate that is so important to ing and dancing once again in Ireland. Irish should get in on.” John Philip Foley maintains his law offices at 8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA 02109, Phone 617-561-3788, e-mail: foleylawoffices.com. News Update Boston Irish European Union Okays REPORTER $89.4 Billion in Loans The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: Associated Press ister for the En- Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., BRUSSELS — European Union nations agreed vironment John 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 on Nov. 28 to give $89.4 billion in bailout loans to Gormley, was [email protected] www.bostonirish.com Ireland to help it weather its massive banking crisis as depressing to most people Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) and sketched out new rules for future emergencies in an effort to restore faith in the euro currency. as anticipated, Edward W. Forry, Publisher The rescue deal, approved by finance ministers wrote the Irish Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor at an emergency meeting in Brussels, means two of Emigrant. Much William P. Forry, Contributing Editor the eurozone’s 16 nations have now come to depend of the general Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor on foreign help and underscores Europe’s struggle detail was fore- to contain its spreading debt crisis. The fear is that cast and there News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 with Greece and now Ireland shored up, speculative were no great traders will target the bloc’s other weak fiscal links, surprises. Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] particularly Portugal. The 15-billion On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Ireland’s prime minister, Brian Cowen, said his euro adjustment Date of Next Issue: January, 2011 country will take about $13 billion immediately to over four years, Deadline for Next Issue: Monday, December 20 at 2 p.m. boost the capital reserves of its state-backed banks, the front loading Prime Minister Brian Cowen Published monthly in the first week of each month. whose bad loans were picked up by the Irish govern- by finding 6-bil- The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements ment but have become too much to handle. Another lion euro next year, and the split of one-third in taxes beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The $33 billion will remain in reserve, earmarked for the to two thirds in savings had all been well signaled in Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. banks, and the rest of the loans will be used to cover advance. It was also confirmed that corporation tax Ireland’s deficits for the coming four years. would remain fixed at 12.5 percent, that the minimum wage would be cut, the welfare system will be Please Note: Due to the Christmas and New Year’s Meanwhile, a few days earlier, The National Re- reformed, and water charges will be introduced, as holidays, advertising and editorial deadlines have been covery Plan 2011-2014 was launched by Taoiseach will a property tax. moved up for the month of December. Cowen, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and Min- Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell entirely irrelevant that Gerry in his On another front, pollsters and the business to Ireland, has scores of offices Ireland On The Rocks – You don’t day was a frequent summer guest near political name game began and the all over the Irish countryside. So many have to read the Irish Reporter or the Omeath in Louth, across the Carlingford topic de jour was who would succeed you might trip over them and they have Examiner or the major Irish Dailies Lough in the Republic. His district. the mortally wounded Taoiseach Brian a grand one in Galway. to know Ireland is Dave O’Connell, observing Adams Cowen as leader of Fianna Fail, and Where do you suppose these two gov- in a bad way with change of venue in less then enthusiastic ultimately which party and which party ernment agencies, with offices in Ireland the bank examiners terms in the Connacht Tribune, noted leader would emerge to follow Cowen as maybe 30 minutes away from each other banging at the door that “Gerry, after all, comes from an leader or prime minister in the election decided to meet? The short two-word offering a “take it organization where bank bailout means that will happen as soon as the terms of answer is Las Vegas some 3,500 miles or leave it” bailout three men in balaclavas asking the teller the bailout are copper-fastened but most away from home and office. The cost: package, while the to fill their bin bags with cash —so likely before St. Patrick’s Day. $7,000, picked up, of course, by the long politicians in the perhaps he can muster a few of the old The leading candidates for Taoiseach suffering Irish rate payer. Republic are shak- crowd to stage a raid on the Euro zone in recent polls in order of their popular- A runner-up in sybaritic waste – The ing the trees for printing press. ...” ity are: Irish Foreign Minister Michael trip of just two Gaeltacht Agency execu- whatever smarmy Another Mary For N.Y.’s St. Pat’s Martin (38 percent); Finance Minister tives to Beijing, China. Their total cost political gain they Parade – The New York St. Pat’s pa- Brian Lenihan (27); Tourism Minister was over $20,000, of which 80 percent Bill O’Donnell can scavage in this rade committee got a gentle but firm Mary Hanafin (26); Tanaiste or deputy was the fare for their flight. deadly bust-out en- turn-down from Irish President Mary prime minister Mary Coughlin (4); Neither of these incidents ever vironment. McAleese to be the official honoree to the and Justice minister Dermot Ahern, prompted a request for explanation For the punters in Ireland it will be a 250th March parade. They have turned no relation to Bertie (4). from agency supervisors or government decade or more, if ever, before they get to another well-known Mary —Mary Rough Irish Waters For Hub Prel- auditors. These are merely two of the their heads above water. The banks, Higgins Clark, prolific author, to be the ate – As the old canard goes, the first thousands of outrages spawned by the flush with the government guarantee grand marshal of the 2011 celebration. order of business when the Irish get great and greedy. that shifts their humongous losses to Clark, 83, a popular and prolific mys- together is the split. It wasn’t actually RANDOM CLIPPINGS the poor and working class rate payers, tery author, with 80 million in US sales a split but it was not the recommended This year marks the 25th anniversary will, thank you, be fit as a fiddle. Don’t and all 42 of her books still in print, is way to introduce Boston’s Cardinal of Ireland’s first heart transplant. A total believe me? Check the profit margins of the daughter of Irish immigrants who Sean O’Malley to his Catholic brethren of 275 people have had the operation America’s commercial and investment grew up in the Bronx during the Great in Dublin. Cardinal Sean was there as in Ireland since 1985. … U2 Drummer banks after the stimulus. Record gains Depression. She became a published the pope’s special envoy charged with Larry Mullen, the fabulously wealthy this year and not a shamed face among author when she turned to writing to investigating the priest abuse scandal world traveling sideman, believes that them. pay college tuition for her four children. in the Dublin diocese and reporting back rich and successful people are being As Ireland and the failed coalition No Pre-Clearance Yet At Dublin to the Vatican. picked on and we should stop it. Every- government led (for the next couple Airport — The new $825 million termi- In his debut in Dublin at a Mass that thing, Larry, has a price including your of months) by Brian Cowen and his nal at Dublin Airport opened last month Cardinal Sean celebrated in the Pro- fame & riches. … In early November Fianna Fail party prepare to sign off but its US Customs pre-clearance, sched- Cathedral, two of the clergy in atten- a meeting participant alleges a gather- on a $115 billion bailout accompanied uled to open with the terminal, will not dance were Auxiliary Bishops Dermot ing in a NY pub had Sinn Fein leaders by a four-year $20 billion budget plan be operational until sometime in the first O’Mahony and Eamonn Walsh. Both facing open rebellion from Breakaway that penalizes everyone from welfare quarter of 2011. The US pre-clearance men were criticized in the earlier Murphy dissidents. This is the tip of the iceberg, recipients and pensioners to low-wage process at Shannon opened in August Report, which dealt with clerical child highlighting the increasingly public feud earners and students, those who are 2009, and is in use now. sexual abuse, and both continue to serve. between the Gerry Adams faithful and loosely defined as “Irish political lead- Ireland remains the sole country in Bishop Walsh offered his resignation his former comrades, the Real IRA types. ers” already are viciously elbowing each Europe that has US Customs and border late last year but Pope Benedict did … It’s not even Ireland’s Wild West but other in the queue for prime political pre-clearance facilities and this helps not accept it. Garda covering farms in Wicklow report position. Shameful but not surprising. contribute to the popularity of Shannon A well-known abuse survivor, Marie heavy rustling activity there. … Con- Several weeks before the trigger was and soon Dublin as key hub transit points Collins, said that the presence of the gratulations to the phenomenal Sister pulled on the inevitable intervention for European visitors flying back to North two bishops at the O’Malley Mass sent Lena Deevy of the Irish Immigration by the European Union and the Inter- America. One minor disadvantage is that the wrong signal to victims. Cardinal Centre, who has received the Irish Echo national Monetary Fund, party leaders US-bound flights cannot offer in-flight O’Malley was aware of the criticism but Golden Bridges Award. met in Dublin to try to organize an all- shopping because they are considered did not publicly react. The Irish Independent reports that party united front to face the insolvency domestic flights by US rules. Daniel O’Donnell & 1916 The Mu- men who delight in the traditional Irish challenge together. Fine Gael, Labour Stepping Up To The Plate – In late sical -- Two show biz stories with Irish breakfasts might be cutting their chances and other party representatives, unlike October Declan Sullivan, 20, a Notre hooks have been making news lately. of fathering children. It’s the saturated earlier national front efforts, briefly Dame student video cameraman, was The popular Donegal-born singer Daniel fats in the bacon, sausages, butter, and checked the landscape for a political taping the Irish football team in prac- O’Donnell plans to give up touring and cream that does it. … Seven small is- edge, and sensing none, said no and re- tice. It is a common coaching aid and take some time off at the end of next year lands, the west Cork Island group, are treated to their trenches. A disgraceful the cameramen use a hydraulic lift that when he turns 50. He recently spent three part of a emerging strategy to transform display of self-interest that set the tone elevates them above the practice field. weeks performing in Branson, Missouri, Bere, Whiddy, Cape Clear, and other for the hand-to-hand combat that today This day the wind was blustery, gusting and will take a hiatus from the touring islands in the area into tourist destina- threatens the EU/IMF life support for up to 50 miles per hour. To cut to the grind, but he emphasizes that he is not tions. … The balance sheet for the Abbey Ireland’s massive debt. tragic, Sullivan’s lift, with him in it, was retiring, but rather looking for venues Theatre in 2009 showed a loss of $2.5 Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny, the man in toppled over by the winds and Sullivan where he can appear for several weeks million and staff and players are facing waiting, emulating America’s Republi- died as a result of the fall. at a time. tough pay cuts. … The Independent, Ire- can Party pledge to repeal healthcare There was no scurrying about to shift The play is as yet unstaged and still land’s largest selling daily paper, likes reform here, says he will redraft the blame or to hold the University of Notre in preparation but the planned new big President Obama, saying his two-year coalition’s four-year plan. That would, Dame blameless. Instead, a grieving stage production being readied in London accomplishments would be impressive of course, likely scupper the bailout but Notre Dame president, Rev. John is (are you ready) “1916 The Musical.” even after a full term. … The Catholic what’s a $100 billion line of credit when Jenkins, said, “Declan Sullivan was The expensive musical is being touted Church in Ireland has enough troubles faced with an early shot at 2011 election entrusted to our care and we failed to as an Irish “Les Miserables” (celebrating but the global recession has cost the success. And Gerry Adams, with a keep him safe. We at Notre Dame and its 25th anniversary) but is shaping up church tens of millions with church-held backward glance at the North, heads to ultimately I, as president ,are respon- at a slower pace then the producers had securities they hold now worth pennies or Co. Louth and a presumed Dail Eirean sible. Words cannot express our sorrow to hoped for. The play will not, as originally worthless. … To the Boston City Council: seat there after years of abstentionism the Sullivan family and to all involved.” planned, open in Dublin and may open on Why not give a nod to veteran councillor and constituent neglect in West Belfast. Football coach Brian Kelly expressed the road. There are also tentative plans Steve Murphy as president in 2011? He leaves behind a noxious “no confi- similar feelings of responsibility and loss. to stage the world premiere in Boston He’s paid his dues. dence” motion for the Fianna Fail-led In far less lethal circumstances, sev- on the 96th anniversary —April 2012, Cross-border shoppers from the Re- coalition that would presumably serve eral teachers at the Galway-Mayo Insti- some 16 months from now. Following public spent over half a billion dollars in to underline his bona fides with working tute of Technology boycotted graduation the projected Boston opening the musi- the North during 2009. … US owners of class southern voters but possibly kill ceremonies when the school allowed cal would go to Broadway, then London the exclusive Doonbeg golf resort on the the bailout. The Irish Labour party, led several students to graduate after they and Dublin. Clare coastline took a $10 million hit last by Eamon Gilmore (the current poll were found plagiarizing final- year as- One can only hope that “1916 The year following losses of $8 million the leaders), shows its predictable distaste signments. In addition to publicly staying Musical” will have greater success than year before. … George Bush, in his book for Cowen & Co. by carping about a lack away from the ceremonies they also cir- the ill-fated “Pirate Queen” that quickly “Decision Points” which omits the nitty- of details in the budget. culated e-mails explaining their criticism sunk, taking several fortunes with it a gritty facts on WMD and other critical I doubt that we will see any of Ire- of the cheating and the school’s failure couple of seasons ago. issues, is smitten with U2’s Bono, calling land’s present political leaders at the to have the students repeat the exams. Wasn’t It Grand, ‘till The Big Di- him a man of “genuine Faith.” … It’s past JFK Presidential Library at Columbia How often do we see corporate CEOs gout -- Outrageous story after story time, it says here, to seriously mount an Point accepting future Profiles in Cour- (tobacco & BP, come to mind) running about junkets and “money is no object” all-Ireland military style task force to age Awards from Caroline. away from taking responsibility for cor- business trips for government civil seek out and imprison the Breakaways/ Sinn Fein’s Adams To The Wee porate incompetence or illegal activity. servants are the stuff of chat time at dissidents who want to destroy Ireland if County -- Not content to service in That same lack of spine from people in country club locker rooms and boasts they can’t unite it. … Peter Robinson, absentia his West Belfast constituency, charge, be it academia or national com- over pints in pubs along the Liffey, but who went away for a couple of weeks and Gerry Adams is taking to the open panies, is a major factor in the lowered the Bailout has probably silenced that acquitted himself of financial fiddling road just in time to bring his banking threshold for cheating (alarming percent- type of shameless travel yarn. Because and suspect real estate deals, says that expertise to the electorate in Co. Louth. ages in high school and colleges), and for the reality is far worse —even criminal the 50-50 recruitment policy for police Fortunately the present Sinn Fein Louth misleading marketing, which product —when it comes to the absurdity and positions in the North is “immoral and TD has decided to retire, obviously a advertisements (or omissions) do until the princely cost of the high-flying Irish discriminatory.” Ah yes, he would know. total but pleasant surprise to the grate- FDA or other US agency actions finally agency mandarins. … Great story out of Louisiana’s Gulf. ful Adams. The Sinn Fein leader and bring abuses to a halt. One example comes readily to mind: Fourteen Currach oarsmen traveled from member of the European Parliament Business As Usual – The morning af- The Gaeltacht Agency handles Gaelic counties Galway, Clare, and Kerry to the said his decision was prompted by the ter the Irish bailout had been announced area development and other matters in states. Their goal was to join forces for economic crisis facing the “26 counties,” before a packed audience of journalists the Irish-speaking West of Ireland. Their the Delta Riverfront Festival to benefit so called. and government officials and the nation main office is in Furbo, a few miles down the fishermen and their families who Troublemakers, not of the republican watching on TV, the Dublin City Council the Connemara Coast Road from Galway. have been devastated by the BP oil spill. stripe, have been asking why Adams sitting in formal session turned their Well, a couple of years ago the Gaeltacht Well done! didn’t run for one of the Dublin seats attention to serious city business: The Agency (udaras na Gaeltachta) wanted A blessed Christmas and a Happy which, if he won, would add a new Dail august group set the wheels in motion for to have a meeting (subject unknown) New Year to all – and a special prayer seat to Sinn Fein’s four, not just replace a massive five-day St. Patrick’s Festival with the Industrial Development Agency for the homeless. an existing member. But it may not be celebration. (IDA). The IDA, charged with luring Page 6 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Off the Bench Democracy, capitalism work when the truly wise participate

By James W. Dolan availability of productive work. strain capitalism and thereby control are so obviously a part of what it means Special to the Reporter Taxes are the vehicle by which we all its destructive impulses. Taxes and to be a human being. There seems to be There are those who argue that democ- at least in theory contribute to the com- regulations became the means used to precious little of that left in public life. racy has run its course, that the checks mon good. They provide the funds to as- restrain the excesses that are built into The restrainers have become and balances upon which it is dependent sure that basic constitutional rights are the system. Think of capitalism as a the restrained. A Congress that is more no longer work and we now have too many protected. It seems sensible that those nuclear power plant and government as adversarial than deliberative, more checks and very little balance. with more should contribute a greater the force that keeps it from running out rancorous than responsible, and more in- Winston Churchill is reported to have share toward the general welfare – you of control and melting down. clined to conflict than compromise seems said that democracy is the worst form have more, you give more. Perhaps our founders underestimated incapable of controlling the excesses of of government except for all those oth- The system starts to break down when the power of money and overestimated capitalism. ers that have been tried. He also said: those with more are reluctant to give the strength and will of those who would In a democracy, the people, through “The best argument against democracy to those they view as less deserving. be chosen by the people to control the their elected officials, define the common is a five-minute conversation with the They resist and they have the resources system. Perhaps they thought of “checks good. Inevitably, capitalism will work to average voter.” to influence elected officials and even and balances” too narrowly, that it is not distort that definition. The combination It is a system highly dependent on the determine who they should be. Money simply a matter of one branch of govern- of capitalism and democracy has proven quality of the people selected to admin- serves to corrupt the system ment acting to check and balance the to be the most effective means of putting ister it. To work, it requires people of Capitalism is an economic system power of the remaining two. society on a path to achieve the common character, integrity, prudence, and sound based on man’s basic desire to acquire An equally important but less apparent good. For it to continue working will judgment who are committed to identify- money and things. In its basest form, check and balance is the one between the require smart people of good will in busi- ing and promoting the “common good.” the desire to acquire is called “greed,” a government and capitalism. Government ness and government who understand The “common good” is not what is best fundamentally selfish impulse that is at is supposed to restrain runaway capital- both their respective roles and the flaws for any class, sector, or interest, but the the heart of the capitalist system, and, ism so that the common good will not be common to all human institutions. They general welfare of all those governed, more importantly, at the center of our lost in a headlong rush to accumulate must have the strength and the will to from the rich to the poor. It envisions a fundamentally flawed human nature. and keep wealth. restrain impulses that undermine the fair distribution of resources so that no The genius of capitalism is that it However, there is no vaccine to protect general welfare. one is denied the right to life, liberty, is based on a correct understanding of those charged with restraining capital- Regrettably, it seems there are fewer and the pursuit of happiness. human nature. If we can harness the ism from the virus that generates the truly wise leaders around today. And it’s The pursuit of those laudable goals desire to acquire, we will have the most power and drives the system. These re- troubling to ask: Would such persons run requires certain fundamental oppor- efficient engine to generate goods and strainers are also susceptible to the same for office and, if so, could they be elected? tunities. One cannot pursue happiness services and produce wealth. desires to acquire power and money. James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester without an adequate education, reliable It works! But how do you control it? Insight, honesty, self-restraint, and District Court judge who now practices health care, a feeling of security, and the Government is the vehicle by which sacrifice are necessary to understand law. our Founding Fathers expected to re- and control the destructive impulses that Huston Papers, Recordings Are Donated to NUI Galway GALWAY – The fam- month in the presence of earlier contacted the col- ily of the late actor and the film director’s son, lege to say, “I regret that director John Huston has Tony, who was nominated due to my current film- presented NUI Galway for an Academy Award for ing schedule I will miss with a valuable collection his screenplay of The Dead, the launch of the Huston of their father’s papers and and his daughter Allegra. Archive at NUI Galway. recordings. The Huston John Huston’s other It gives me great satis- Archive was launched last daughter, Anjelica, had faction to see that these extensive archives, including remarkable materials relating to The Dead, have LEARN – TO – SKATE CLASSES found a permanent place RECREATIONAL • FIGURE • HOCKEY SKATING SKILLS in their rightful home in BAY STATE SKATING SCHOOL Brookline Galway and will be made Cambridge CHILDREN (41/2 up) & ADULTS widely available to schol- Everett As Featured on “Chronicle” Hyde Park/Dedham ars, including those who p Medford enter the Huston School’s ign U Over Newton/Brighton S ! 40 Ye doors for generations to Now ars! Peabody Quincy come”. Somerville The Archive has been South Boston Waltham added to by significant 781-890-8480 West Roxbury items donated by Teresa www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org Weymouth Grimes, Paul Balbirnie, and Joe Dillon. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 BIR Profile John Tobin Has Left Office, But Not Politics

By Greg O’Brien news to the seven people who might be Special to the BIR listening,” he says, noting that he then John Matthew Tobin, Jr. is no joke. went to work for a Boston comedy club While the four-term Boston City Coun- on the South Boston waterfront near the cillor, now Northeastern University’s Children’s Museum. Proficient at seat- vice president for city and community ing the audience, he was then asked to affairs and an oft-mentioned candidate introduce the acts. for mayor in 2013, books comedy acts “Sooooo, how’s everyone doing to- as a sidebar hobby, his game face is as night?” Tobin would ask. It didn’t fly. straight as the foul lines at Fenway. “Oh my God,” Tobin said the audience Street wise and droll, Tobin has been would often think. “The guy just sat us, booking acts at Nick’s Comedy Club in and now he’s doing comedy!” He was Boston’s Theatre District for 18 years—a frequently heckled. “Ok. I’m not doing stage where over the years the likes of the comedy; so don’t worry about it,” he Phyllis Diller, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, would profess. Lenny Clark, Dennis Leary, Dane Cook, Always a pragmatist, Tobin took his and Steve Sweeney have performed. act over to UMass-Boston to study politi- Through his Theater District Produc- cal science, and then at 24 he jumped tions company (theatredistrictproduc- head first into the shallow end of Boston tions.com), which he runs out of his politics, taking on then Councilor Maura West Roxbury home, Tobin, who grew Hennigan. He lost, finishing a promising up in Dorchester’s Lower Mills neigh- second, and would lose again against borhood, also books corporate events Hennigan in 1999, then winning on his and community theater. “It keeps me third try in 2001 when she opted to run grounded,” says Tobin, who has a hint for an at-large position. In the interim of Beaver Cleaver in him. “It’s a great he worked as a State House intern, as side business.” an aide to Rep. Brian Honan, the Brigh- The punch line here is that the multi- ton Democrat, for U.S. Water on High tasking, 40-year-old Tobin has become Street, a private partnership wastewater a major presence in Boston politics and company, and on a side trip to L.A. on city affairs. In his nine-year tenure on a comedy recruiting mission he met the the council (which ended in July) repre- love of his life, Kate Plunkett from Mil- senting West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, ton, at a Hollywood house party. They and parts of Roslindale and Mission Hill, later married. he served as chairman of the Education “When I walked into the party, the Committee, the Arts Council, and on a first girl I saw was Kate, who had been working in the L.A. area in sales. She committee to examine the City Charter, John Tobin: ‘The city councillor for Northeastern University. as well as doing committee work on immediately takes out a photo album and shows me a photograph of six guys neighborhood services, veterans affairs, of six, on a short tether. Crazy Guy!” He never played football environment and health, government at a BC tailgate party, and I know five Tobin’s dad, Jack, whose own father, but became an announcer for the team of them. The sixth guy is her brother.” operations, labor, youth affairs and hu- John, was born in Cork, was an Allston at Catholic Memorial until he crossed man rights, rules and administration, It was love at first glance. construction laborer, working long hours the line one day. “Midway through the Tobin is still passionately in love with and a special committee on the 2010 and side jobs. His mother Kathy (Free- third quarter in my sophomore year, we census. In accepting the Northeastern his wife and with his job, although his du- man) from Roslindale worked for the were stumped coming up with adjectives ties have segued. A follow-up interview post to foster “a collaborative, mutually Boston Globe, supervising paper routes. to describe gang tackling. So we get out beneficial relationship” between the on a Sunday afternoon in late October in “Dad was a rough guy, although he’s the thesaurus and started using words his Northeastern office finds him hard at expanding global university and the city a softy with the grandkids now,” says like bevy, bunch, horde, gathering, and of Boston, Tobin declared he would be work. But when the job is done, he will Tobin. “I was petrified of him in a good cluster. Then I announced that Bubba go home to his boys; he’s not running “the city councillor for Northeastern.” way. I called him ‘MacGyver’ because he Dulis, number 44, had been tackled by In doing so, he put on hold a dream for anything at the moment. “This job could build things out of chewing gum. I a ménage a trios!” is a great challenge,” he says. “I love my of becoming mayor, one cultivated as a inherited none of it from him.” More of a There was silence in the stadium, as six-year old when he designed his own responsibilities. There is always some- “MacGruber,” the Saturday Night Live all heads, mostly parents’, turned to the thing to do.” Asked about his last day at mayoral campaign logo after watching spoof on the resourceful secret agent, booth. Catholic Memorial athletic direc- his neighbor and mentor Joe Timilty City Hall, he says it was emotional. “I Tobin is right brain like his mother. tor Jim O’Connor broke the school sprint worked so hard to get there. You never run unsuccessfully three times against “My mom was also strict and persever- record racing up the steps of the stadium. Kevin White. close the door on anything.” ing, but fair in every way,” he recalls. He kicked open the door and pointed at One gets the impression Tobin might So why is this man smiling? “She was married at 18 and had her Tobin. “You’re out!” That was it for an “I’d love to be mayor some day,” he said return some day—his sons a bit older, hands full with a lot of young kids. I announcing career, although years later his hair speckled with gray, his zeal in an interview in his council chambers can’t imagine.” after briefly attending the Connecticut before leaving office. “But the two big- intact—and take the corner office with But the Tobins have a big heart, and School of Broadcasting, he worked for the commanding view of Faneuil Hall. gest reasons I’m making this change they opened their home to even more an AM radio offshoot of Kiss 108, “The are my sons Matthew [4] and Danny Greg O’Brien is editor and president children in foster care. “It was my par- Music Of Your Life” on 1430. “I worked of Stony Brook Group, a publishing [3]. I want to spend as much time with ents’ form of public service,” says Tobin. there three nights a week from midnight them as possible. I don’t close the door and political/communications strategy “These kids came from conditions you to 4 a.m., playing music and reading the company based in Brewster. on elective politics. It’s a virus; once you couldn’t fathom. We once had a set of have it, it’s hard to get rid of. I want to foster care twins, both with red hair and be at Northeastern as long as they will black eyes. Their parents had beaten have me. Let the chips fall where they them. Another child couldn’t move her may. I’m leaving office, but hardly leav- right arm; her mother had been a crack ing politics.” addict.” Tobin’s first order of business in his Foster care children stayed at the new digs was to saddle up with his City Tobins for periods of days, to months, to Council colleague, President Mike Ross, three years — about 30 in all at various whose district includes most of North- times. Our family was able to give them eastern’s campus. Tobin is hopeful about structure, foundation, attention, and love the new relationship because he knows for later in life,” says Tobin, noting the Ross is the kind of guy who will give you Lower Mills neighborhood was a politi- HIGH VOLTAGE the shirt off his back. Literally. cal science classroom with Timilty just Last summer when the council called down the street, former Massachusetts an emergency 10:30 p.m. meeting at House Speaker Tom Finneran around the City Hall to announce a deal on a Fire corner, and former Congressman Brian CAREER Department contract, Tobin was in his Donnelly and former Boston School Com- softball uniform digging out grounders mittee member Jerry O’Leary nearby. at third base on a field off Storrow Drive, Tobin also hung out with Mayor Menino’s Power Systems Certificate playing for his comedy club team. He son. “Tom Menino used to take us to rushed to City Hall in his cleats. skating practice when my dad was out “What the hell are you doing?” Ross of town. It would be five in the morning, EARN YOUR POWER SYSTEMS Professional Certificates asked him at the chamber door. and we’d all be numb and crying.” CERTIFICATE • Building Information Modeling “I don’t have a suit with me,” Tobin No doubt, John Tobin knew as a boy the (BIM) replied. life he would pursue. He was schooled in Prepare yourself for a role as a Substation • Cisco Certified Network “Well, go down to my car and there’s the unpredictable art of campaigning. “I a spare suit, shirt, and tie in my trunk,” Designer, High Voltage Engineer, Electrical Associate was dropping literature for Mr. Timilty Power Systems Engineer, Energy Engineer, Ross said. when I was a kid. In ’75 he came within • Construction “Of course there is,” Tobin thought. a whisker of beating White. What saved Scheduler, and many other opportunities • 21st Century Demand and “You’re Mike Ross! You have a spare White, they say, was the fact the Red in the power industry. Supply Chain Management suit next to the spare tire.” Sox went seven games against the Reds. • Tobin borrowed a pair of dress shoes, When the Sox are playing good baseball, When you’re educated by Facilities Management a size too small, from a City Hall staffer, incumbents are doing well. That’s what • Fire Protection Technology and attended the meeting as if he had WENTWORTH, the voters are focusing on.” Today, Tobin everybody knows it. • Heavy & Highway Construction just left his office. is an admirer of White. “He changed the “Mike dresses well,” Tobin said later. city,” he says. • Managing Construction Projects “The suit was nice. It was a good fit. I Tobin’s sport has always been politics. Info Sessions • Power Systems would have liked to have taken it home. He was a decent fielder in Little League • Such go-with-the-flow attitude and but he couldn’t hit a beach ball, by his December 7th & January 6th Professional Land Surveying an innate ability to ad lib, has endeared own admission. Early on, however, he Call 617-989-4300 to learn more. • Project Management Tobin to his colleagues, friends, and was intrigued with comedy and the family. The discipline was learned at Workforce Training and Test ability to entertain strangers, listening 550 Huntington Avenue • Boston, MA 02115 an early age from strict, loving parents to Steve Martin’s hit album, “Wild and Prep Courses Also Available who kept a free-spirited son, the oldest www.wit.edu/continuinged

Job#: WIT101003 De: mdk/abg Colors Notes: Size: 5x6 Ae: je C M Y K Publication: Boston Irish Reporter Date: 11.23.2010 Client: Wentworth Rnd~Ver: r06•vC NA NA NA NA 1017 TURNPIKE STREET, CANTON, MA 02021 • (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM Page 8 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

4. 5.

6. 7. 8. BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

The Charitable Irish Society of Boston, the oldest Irish American organization in the country, presented its 2010 Silver Key awards at a November 3 reception at the Boston Col- lege Club in downtown Boston. The honorees this year are: Tom and Nicole Hynes, Larry 9. 10. O’Toole, and Cora Flood. Each honoree was feted with a silver key, emblematic of the honor, and each told personal stories to an audience of about 100 persons at the event. The BIR’s photographer Harry Brett was on hand to record the festivities. Pictured are: 1.) Ann O’Malley, Beacon Hill; Guy Crouchback, Brookline; Barbara Joyce, Fenway; Charles Dumbaugh, Beacon Hill; 2.)Honorees Tom and Nicole Hynes, Larry O’Toole; and Cora Flood; 3.) Paul McNamara, Chestnut Hill; Larry O’Toole (Honoree); Christine Trotta, Somerville, Victor Nicholl, Medford; 4.) Margo O’Toole, New- 11. 12. ton; Lindsay and Brian O’Donovan, Newton; 5.) Jim O’Brien, Lowell; Tom and Nicole Hynes (Honorees); Neil Finnegan, Dedham; 6.) Neil Hur- ley, Somerville; Kathleen Rohan, Irish Pastoral Centre; Dan Harrington, Jr., West Roxbury; 7.) Anne Auerbach, Brookline; Gobnait Conneely, West Roxbury; 8.) Melanie Fitzpatrick, Medford; William Stirling, Somerville; 9.) Donald and Penny McCallion, Southboro; 10.) Joe Flaherty, Concord; Anne Hynes, West Roxbury; 11.) Fr. Joe McCarthy, Irish Pastoral Centre; Carol D’Arcy, Weymouth; 12.) Helen Henry, South Boston; Mar- garet Hurley, South Boston; 13.) Kitty Stirling, Somerville; Danielle Ranklin, Malden; 14.) Sarah Welsh, Emmanuel College; Jim Elcock, Collier, Meredith & Grew. 13. 14. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9

“Mrs. O’Brien”

Mrs. O’Brien, Oil 8” x 10, 2005 Exhibition of Recent Paintings by Vincent Crotty on display until Dec. 25

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Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 617-282-6370 Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 Page 10 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BC High Hosts Boys from Belvedere By Dan Latu with Mr. Argento, the stu- After a tour of the uni- to a Belvedere College There was a different dents visited the Back Bay versity by Mr. Kemeza of rugby match, which are sound in the hallways and toured the Skywalk the English department, some of the most-attended of Boston College High at the Prudential Center, they headed back to the matches in their province. School in mid-October, before heading to New Harvard Square T stop. Finally, the students the sound of a true Irish York City for the weekend. There, presenting himself took part in a spaghetti brogue. As part of the BC Times Square, the Em- as a real-life statue, was dinner with their host High Ireland Exchange pire State Building, and the newest center for the families and left on Oc- Program, 16 students from Central Park were just Boston Celtics, Shaquille tober 23, 2010 after 260 Belvedere College visited a few of the stops for the O’Neal. After waiting in hours on American soil. Boston and were hosted students as they shopped line, the students met All of the Irish students by BC High students. All for souvenirs and enjoyed the Big Shamrock him- look forward to receiv- the students were fourth American cuisine. self, and left, but not ing their host brothers years, the Irish equiva- Back at BC High, they before being interviewed in Dublin, this upcoming lent of sophomores, from took part in a special by ESPNBoston.com. Ob- April, and many will re- the Jesuit high school in edition of Sports Debate viously, caught up in the member the friendships Dublin. For some, it was Club, concerning mostly excitement, one Irish they forged while here. their first time in America, the Premiere League’s student proclaimed him When asked what they and for most, it was their current season, and then “the best baseball player will most miss about BC first time in Boston. faced the freshman soccer of all time.” High and America when After journeying over team in a friendly match. As the exchange came they return home, one the Atlantic and meeting The sides were very evenly to a close, the students student, Eoin, replied, their host brothers, the matched, and although visited Boston College, “Dunkin Donuts coffee.” students toured the major the game ended tied at 1-1 the JFK Library, and attractions in Boston – the tie, the Irish side claimed attended the BC High- This article. which has State House, the Boston they would have won if not Everett football game. been updated for time Common, the Public Gar- for a late, foolish penalty Many of the students references, first appeared Rich Rosenthal, a videographer with BNN-TV, den – and had lunch with by one of their own. were impressed with the in The Eagle, BC High’s congratulated Tom Clifford of Ireland on the Move The highlight of the intensity and passion of student newspaper. Dan during a tribute to Tom held last month at the Irish state Sen. Jack Hart, BC High ’79. One day, after trip came on the day the the BC High fans, and Latu is a member of the Social Club in West Robury. students visited Harvard. compared the experience Class of 2012. Ed Forry photo a special Economics class 10-Million-Euro Libel Award Greeted with Astonishment The Irish Emigrant he appeared at the door issued after a reporter it would limit the damage tonishment at the size of appealing both the jury’s GALWAY – Business- of company secretary from a tabloid newspaper to the reputation of the the award. Even the judge verdict and the size of the man Donal Kinsella has Deirdre Corcoran’s bed- sought confirmation of the company and Kinsella. in the case seemed to be award to the Supreme been awarded a total of room but claimed he was incident. It was thought Following the verdict taken aback when he read Court. 10 million euro in libel sleepwalking. that by releasing the facts there was widespread as- the verdict. Kenmare is damages in a case taken His explanation was against his former employ- accepted, but Kinsella ers, Kenmare Resources, was asked to resign as where he had been deputy chairman of the company’s Taoiseach, Aer Lingus Open chairman. audit committee as it was During a visit to the no longer possible for Ms. company’s new titanium Corcoran, secretary to the Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport mine in Mozambique in committee, to work with July 2007 a group of se- him. A press release gave The Irish Emigrant Aer Lingus flight from the anchor tenant, US Air- headquarters to T2, car- nior executives stayed in details of the incident and GALWAY – Taoiseach London which arrived at ways, Continental, Delta rying a green, white, and the accommodation block this is what prompted the Brian Cowen formally 11:00am. It will be tomor- and American Airways orange coffin proclaiming after a celebratory din- libel case. opened the controversial row before passengers will be moving operations the death of Irish tourism. ner. Kinsella, who says During the hearing it Terminal 2 at Dublin start leaving from T2 and to the new terminal. Eti- Ryanair will not be using he never wears pajamas, was explained that the Airport on Nov. 19. The the New Year before it is had Airways will also be the terminal. agreed that on three oc- press release describing first passengers to use fully operational. operating its Dublin-Abu Aer Lingus, and pre- casions during the night the incident was only the facility were on an While Aer Lingus will be Dhabi service from the sumably all the US car- new building. riers, has been forced to Ryanair CEO Michael delay the transfer of its O’Leary still objects to transatlantic flights from the 609-million euro ex- Terminal 1 to the new penditure on the futuristic Terminal 2 until January. terminal and made his The decision was taken feelings known on the when it became clear that morning of the opening. the US customs and bor- Dressed as an under- der protection authorities taker he led a number of were not planning to make Ryanair staff in a funeral the move until New Year. procession from Ryanair’s JFK Library to Open New Exhibit Dec. 10 The Kennedy Library day. Highlights include and Museum newest ex- the never-before-dis- hibit, “Passing the Torch played top hat and brown – the Inauguration,” is suede gloves worn by Ken- scheduled to open to the nedy to his inauguration; public on Fri., Dec. 10, the Oleg Cassini evening 2010 in commemoration gown worn by Jacqueline of the 50th anniversary Kennedy to the inaugural- of JFK’s 1960 election and eve gala; a reading copy of swearing in on Jan. 20, the president-elect’s fare- 1961. Featuring original well address to the state documents, photographs, of Massachusetts, also and artifacts from the known as the “City upon collection of the Kennedy a hill” speech; and a draft Presidential Library, the and the final version of Er- exhibit will showcase trea- nest Hemingway’s tribute sures from the ceremonial to Kennedy, penned after events leading up to and watching the inaugural surrounding inaugural address on television. Irish Language Society Mass, Luncheon, and Awards on Dec. 12 The Cumman na Gaeilge Dedham, MA. A luncheon i mBoston/The Irish Lan- and award ceremony will guage Society invites follow at West Roxbury those interested in Irish Pub and Restaurant, 1885 language and culture to Centre St., West Roxbury. attend its upcoming Mass, For additional informa- which will be held at 2 p.m. tion check cumann-na- on Sun., Dec. 12, at SMA gaeilge.org (“Contact us”), House, 337 Common St., or call 617-734- 7472. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 Please Help the IIC Light the Lives of Our Newcomers We were all newcomers prestigious Solas Award IIC, has not been spared in tents. Our own involve- Haiti earthquake relief at the IIC at 617-695-1554 once. Each year, the Irish for their commitment, en- the economic woes of ment, reuniting families work and more. You can or at [email protected]. Immigration Center hosts ergy, and good will to all. this downtrodden global and advocating on behalf help to light the way for The dinner will take place its Solas Awards Dinner The word “solas,” Gaelic economy. As more and of a strong relief program so many people for whom on Dec. 10 at the Seaport not only to honor esteemed for “light,” is so aptly ap- more people come to us for Haitians in Boston holiday lights dim this Hotel in Boston. Seats are leaders whose service to plied to this celebration, as hoping for better oppor- and abroad, is reliant on year. $200 each. others exemplifies our our mission is to light the tunities than Ireland can depleting resources. If you or your orga- If you cannot attend, values but also to recog- way for the many clients offer currently, we have The need is great for fa- nization would like to please join us in honoring nize the great struggles passing through our doors. less and less to give. thers, mothers, children, make a tax-deductible these great Americans of the people we serve. As we assist these new While we are rooted in and grandparents torn contribution to the Irish with a donation to the Irish We welcome you to join us friends with legal aid, job Boston’s Irish commu- apart by natural disaster Immigration Center by Immigration Center. To as we celebrate the good training, counseling, and nity, our work extends and economic distress. attending or by sponsoring donate, please visit us at works of U.S. Congress- English classes, our hands beyond its borders. Nearly To continue our work on the Solas Awards Dinner, iicenter.org. man Richard Neal and are increasingly tied by a one year ago, a horrific behalf of Irish immigrants please contact Mary Kerr Robert Glassman, an en- lack of financial resources. earthquake shook Haiti, and Haitians living in trepreneurial banker who Ireland, the ancestral bringing survivors to their Boston, we need your help. has devoted much of his home of many IIC staff and knees. Now, survivors Please consider a donation time to civic activism by clients and a significant face a cholera epidemic in honor of Solas to assist Immigration Q & A presenting them with the source of funding for the with millions still living with our programs – for Nuptial Matters: Notes from the Irish Immigration Center Check All Details An agency accredited by US Department of Justice Q. I’m a US citizen who is engaged to be married to a man from Ireland. He is there now and 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 wants to live in the US after we’re married. Can he just come here on the 90-day visitors’ visa Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 waiver, get married, and apply for a green card? Website:iicenter.org Email: [email protected] A. Emphatically no. This is a fundamental mistake that is not at all obvious to people who don’t know the The Irish Immigration the DREAM Act to a vote as substance abuse, do- sional, and confidential ins and outs of the relevant immigration law, and it Center collaborates with after the Thanksgiving mestic violence, anxiety, legal assistance on visa happens quite frequently. its partners to secure com- recess. Please contact depression, lack of ac- options, immigration, and The problem is that the visa waiver (as well as travel prehensive immigration your US Senators and US cess to healthcare, or citizenship issues. IIC op- on most temporary visas) is granted on the basis of reform and to advocate for House representatives to homelessness. For assis- erations include a mix of what the law calls “non-immigrant intent,” that is, the the rights and opportuni- ask for their support as a tance, contact Danielle, outreach and education person traveling honestly intends to stay in the US for ties of immigrants and down payment for Com- in confidence and without to the immigrant commu- no longer than the period allowed by US Customs and refugees. We appreciate prehensive Immigration judgment, at the IIC at nity, as well as specialized, Border Protection at the port of entry. the great diversity that Reform. US Senate capitol 617-542-7654, Ext. 14 or individual consultation On the other hand, someone entering with temporary immigrants bring to our switchboard number: 202- at [email protected]. and immigration case as- permission but who actually intends to stay in the US communities and hope 224-3121; US House capi- Christmas Party, sistance. – to apply for a green card or for some other reason to keep Massachusetts a tol switchboard number: Dec. 16 – We will soon The IIC is pleased to – has “immigrant intent.” So, if someone intending welcoming place. 202-225-3121 be announcing a Christ- offer free weekly legal to marry and remain in the United States enters as N e w A m e r i c a n ’ s For more information mas Party at Elephant clinics. Our friendly, dedi- a visitor on visa waiver, the immigration authorities Agenda – Governor on our advocacy activities, and Castle on December cated, and experienced im- would conclude that the person had committed “fraud,” Deval Patrick recently please contact Erin Fried 16th for all graduates of migration attorneys will which, generally speaking, renders him ineligible for renewed his commitment at 617-542-7654, Ext 43, our courses, including the answer your questions benefits such as permanent residence. to the New Americans or at [email protected]. Home Health Aide course, about immigration and There are, however, two main ways to get your future Agenda, a collection of Community Counsel- CPR workshops, and com- citizenship issues. Upcom- husband to the US without legal problems. In general policy recommendations ing and Education Ser- puter classes, for you and ing dates for our commu- terms, they are: that will serve to create a vices Update: The Irish a family member or friend. nity clinics include: (1) The fiancé visa. You, the US citizen, file a peti- “public environment that Immigration Center’s Please call to RSVP. Our Tues., Dec 7, 4 p.m.- tion with US Citizenship and Immigration Services recognizes and supports Community Counseling work continues in 2011 6 p.m. – IIC Office, 100 (USCIS) for your future husband. This process includes the ethnic and cultural and Education Services -- We have begun recruit- Franklin St. in downtown providing proof that the two of you have met person- diversity of the state.” offers counseling, free ing for a computer class Boston (Enter from the ally within the last two years and intend to marry Please call Governor Pat- health clinics, job skill to take place in the New side entrance at 60 Arch in the US. Once USCIS grants the petition, the US rick to thank him for his workshops, and other Year. All skill levels are Street or 201 Devonshire State Department takes over the case. Ultimately renewed commitment at resources to Irish immi- welcome. Please call Ann Street) your fiancé has an interview at the US Consulate in 617-725-4005. grants. Director Danielle Marie Cugno or Immigra- Mon., Dec. 13, 6 p.m. – Dublin. He receives the visa and travels to the US, DREAM Act could Owen, a licensed sub- tion and Citizenship The Green Briar Pub, 304 where he has 90 days to marry you. Once the marriage be a reality before the stance abuse counselor, Update – The Irish Im- Washington St., Brighton. has taken place, he can file for permanent residence New Year – Both houses can assist you if you are migration Center provides with USCIS and remain here while the application is of Congress will bring experiencing issues such comprehensive, profes- being processed. (2) Consular processing for an immigrant (permanent resident) visa. With this option, you get married abroad. Then you file a petition with USCIS and, again, once it is granted, the case is transferred to the US Matters Of Substance State Department. Your future husband then files an application for an immigrant visa, has an interview at the US Consulate, receives the visa, and travels When Christmas Cheer Isn’t So to the US – only this time he enters with permanent By Danielle Owen able to stick to that limit. the following? residence already granted. Special to the BIR 2. Say to yourself, “I Are you drinking faster If you have answered yes Which option is preferable for a particular couple “We have a couple of will not drink on the day than everyone else? to one or more of the above, depends on the details of individual cases. You can work Christmas parties before our work party” or Do you often drink to it may be time to chat visit one of the Irish Immigration Center’s weekly legal coming up and I want to another particular day or cope with problems? with someone. Change is clinics for a free, confidential discussion of the options. event (drink on Christmas Are you always able to ALWAYS possible. Call be able to have a couple of These articles are published to inform day but not on Christmas stop drinking once you Danielle, in confidence Disclaimer: drinks. Recently, however, generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigra- Eve, for example). If you start? and without judgment I’ve found that once I’ve tion law is always subject to change. The US Citizenship are able to stick to these Are you secretly dou- at the IIC for support, had a few, I usually don’t and Immigration Services and US Department of State limits, see how this helps bling up or sneaking referrals and counseling. want to stop. My wife says regularly amend regulations and alter processing and your situation. Are you drinks? We are also planning sub- that she doesn’t mind me filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of as argumentative, do you Have you noticed you stance abuse/addiction having a couple of drinks an IIC immigration specialist or an immigration lawyer. but she hates it when I go fight as much, etc? have a high tolerance for information workshops in overboard. I become very If these experiments alcohol? (Do you need to 2011, so call to get more argumentative and she don’t work and you do drink more now to get the information today. Phone: has to go home. I can’t drink more than you’ve same effect?) 617-542-7654, Ext. 14 or Meeting the needs imagine going to any of promised yourself, it Are you having Black- e-mail to dowen@iicenter. of the immigrant might be time to consider outs? (Memory loss?) org. these parties and not hav- population. ing a drink. What should getting help and support Feeling guilty after For information about I do?” for your drinking issues. drinking? AA meetings, go to: aa- Christmas can be a It is possible to make Are you annoyed when boston.org or call 617- wonderful time of the year these changes, whether people mention your 426-9444. but if you have conerns it’s sticking to the limit drinking? about alcohol use, it can that you have set for your- Irish Immigration Center be a nightmare. If you self through this experi- are wondering whether ment or abstaining from 100 Franklin Street • LL-1 you have a problem or alcohol altogether, but it’s Boston, Massachusetts 02110 hard. If you do decide to not, try one of these small Tel: 617-542-7654 ∙ Fax 617-542-7655 experiments: stop drinking, Alcoholics 1. Set a limit for the Anonymous has plenty of FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. www.iicenter.org night – How many drinks meetings, usually daily do you believe is enough during Christmas, to sup- Attorney John Philip Foley IIC has moved. Our new offices are located at 100 to let you have fun but port people who find the Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business Franklin Street, Boston in the Lower Level. Please note holidays difficult. Talking not lead to the behaviors Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas that entrances are located at 201 Devonshire Street and you and your partner about your specific situa- ALL Nationalities & AILA Members 60 Arch Street. We look forward to welcoming you to are concerned about (no tion with a counselor could more than 5 drinks, for help also. our new home. example). 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* Visit www.ambest.com to learn more. SBLI and The No Nonsense Life Insurance Company are registered trademarks of The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts. © 2010 The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Woburn, MA. All rights reserved. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Great-Granddad was Born Where? By Janis Duffy MA 02452. Massachusetts State Order of Foresters. Currently and Mary E. Choppa Census records and Passenger the information is only available Special to the BIR Lists of the Port of Boston can be to members, but once the LDS It is a pleasure to hear The found at the Massachusetts State has completed the digitization High Kings perform a version Archives, 220 Morrissey Blvd. at process, they will be open to the of the Don Mescall/Shay Healy Columbia Point, Boston, 02125. public. song about Gaelic football called They also have Birth, Marriage Remember that if you cannot the “Fields of Glory.” There is and Death Records from 1841- find the information on your di- a line that states, “They come 1915. Vital Records from 1916 to rect ancestor, you should look at from the townland, the parish, the present can be found at the siblings or other family members. the village.” This was the first nearby Dept. of Vital Records at If you do find the townland, you’re time we’ve heard this word “town- 150 Mt. Vernon St. Church Re- ready to start looking into Irish land” in something other than a cords of baptisms and marriages records. If you’ve only found the genealogical sense. So what is a can be located at the Archdiocese county, hope is not lost. There townland? of Boston Archives, 66 Brooks are still ways to track down your A townland is defined as the Drive, Braintree, Ma 02184, ancestors. smallest unit of land measure- Attn: Robert Johnson-Lally. All For more information on town- ment in Ireland. It can range these records may contain the lands, consult the following: Gen- from one-half of an acre to several county or townland. eral Alphabetical Index to the thousand acres; it can contain There are some lesser utilized Townlands and Towns, Parishes a town, or not; it can contain resources as well. Gravestones and Baronies of Ireland, Based villages and cities, or not; most were often engraved with more on the Census of Ireland for the importantly, it is the golden than just the dates of birth and Year 1851; George Handran’s ticket to finding your ancestral death. A visit to Mount Calvary Townlands in Poor Law Unions home in Ireland. It is the key for cemetery in Roslindale or Old St. (now available in CD format); searching for births, baptisms, Mary’s in Milford, MA, might A New Genealogical Atlas of marriages, and deaths in Irish surprise you. In many cases, the Ireland, Second Edition: Brian records. county and townland are right Mitchell; seanruad.com. So how do you find this crucial there to see on the gravestones. Janis Duffy and Mary E. piece of data? First off, to be real- Obituaries are another re- Choppa are past presidents of istic, you may not find it. It is not source that may be overlooked. TIARA. always recorded in US records. Many of our ancestors didn’t have But there is an outside chance a detailed obituary, but some of that it may have been recorded. them did, especially if they lived Asked, That is why it is important to do in smaller towns or cities. Visit as exhaustive a search as possible the Boston Public Library, 700 Answered here in the United States. Of Boylston St., Copley Square to search through the many news- Early last year, BIR staff editor course, you may be lucky enough Thomas Mulvoy wrote a column that family lore has passed this papers they have on microfilm. You should be prepared to find a asking for help in determining information down to you. But if the cause of death of his grand- you’re like the rest of us, you’ve mixture of truth and misunder- stood truth. father in Galway in 1915 at age got some detective work to do. 33. In good time a reader and At the very least, you’ll want to Other clues can be culled from obituaries. If your ancestor was two distant cousins answered find the county of origin, but the the call, and the question was townland can make your research a member of a benevolent or fraternal society, there might be answered, with documented much easier. back-up. There are a number of places additional resources available. The Irish Ancestral Research At right, courtesy of Mulvoy where this golden nugget may cousin Jim Fahy of Co. Clare, are be hiding. For Federal Census Association (TIARA) has been working on restoring and digi- three pictures showing parts of records and Naturalizations you what once was the Mulvoy farm can visit the National Archives tizing some insurance policies of the Massachusetts Catholic property in Galway. at 380 Trapelo Road, Waltham, See story on the next page. Queen of the Mountain The Legend of Arthur’s Seat

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By Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr. BIR Staff “Mark Mulvoy died of colo-rectal cancer in Galway General Hospital on March 28, 1915.” This stark one-sentence note was sent to me recently by my cousin Jim Fahy from his home in County Clare, Ireland. He later sent along a copy of the death certificate, ending my half-century search for the cause of the early passing of my father’s father, a farmer from Rosscahill, Co. Galway. As most people have learned, when it comes to dates and names in Ireland some 100 years ago as one century turned into another, nothing can be taken for granted. The death certificate said my grandfather was 35 when he died; courtesy of Cousin Jim, I also have a copy of his birth certificate showing he was born on Feb. 6, Two official Irish documents forwarded to the author by his cousin Jim Fahy. Above, the certificate 1882, some 33 years and two months before his death. issued on the death of Mark Mulvoy, farmer of Galway, in1915. Below, the death certificate for Mark’s For some reason, what my grandfather succumbed grandfather, Patrick Mulvoy, patriarch of the clan who was born in or around 1800. to was not something his widow and their four children wanted to talk about, at least with me. In the 1950s, when I was a teen-ager I once asked my grandmother Barbara what happened to her husband and she shrugged me off in a way that told me I probably shouldn’t pursue the subject. My father, Mark’s boy Tom, told me on numerous occasions that he didn’t know, and my aunts Celia and Agnes and Catherine told me to ask my father. As a young man, I wasn’t tuned into the importance of knowing what happened to our forebears in medical matters where life and death were concerned, but as my siblings and cousins and I began to have children of our own, the issue kept coming up. I knew that Granny had died in 1960 of heart failure at 82. I knew that my mother’s father was 74 when his heart gave out at home, and that her mother was 59 in 1941 when she was taken by a stroke at the kitchen table at 6 Allston St. in Dorchester. But the reason for Mark’s untimely demise remained a mystery that I only occasionally thought about – until my father died of colon cancer in 1992, when he was, like his mother had been at her death, 82 years old. I then renewed my search, but passively, asking friends who visited Ireland regularly, like Gerry Burke and Neil Savage, to see what they could find if they came anywhere near Galway and Oughterard, the town of my father’s boyhood years. Nothing came of this. Then in March 2009 I asked my question in the Irish Reporter laundress working for a well-to-do Back Bay Boston and soon enough heard online from a man named Dan family was able to put serious money down on a two- Jenkins, who told me he had an interest in such quests family house in Somerville as the Great Depression and would see what he could do to help. was darkening the world. I know that the search for family roots is a widespread And through Dan Jenkins’s intercession, I heard pastime, and that what I was looking for was hardly a from another relative, a “third cousin once removed,” singular matter in the annals of genealogy, more like a as Moria Gardner of Santa Rosa, California put it in routine mission by one family member among millions a letter to him: “I am aware of Thomas Mulvoy of Bos- doing the same thing, but what happened after Dan ton and have read his Irish articles online with great Jenkins so generously wrote to me came as surprise interest. I have often thought about writing to him. upon surprise. My name is Moria Sullivan Gardner. I am the great- Dan put me in touch with Jim Fahy, who, after not- great granddaughter of Winifred Mulvoy Gorham, ing my grandfather’s death, described himself as “one the daughter of Patrick Mulvoy and Bridget Curran. of nine children of James Fahy, Gortacarnaun, and Patrick and Bridget had three children of whom I Winifred Mulvoy Bohan of Doon. Seven of us are still am aware. They were Thomas (who married Cecelia here. I am the eldest male. I left Gortacarnaun in June Burke and whose son was Mark Mulvoy), John (who 1960 and went to London to work until November 23rd married Mary Faherty) and Winifred (who married 1960. I then joined the Irish Police where I spent 30 Patrick Gorham of Roscahill, Galway, Ireland).” years until retirement in January, 1991. I then occupied My cousin Moria has been unstinting in accumulat- myself as a tourist driver – mainly American – until ing knowledge of our scattered family and sharing her 2003 when I retired for good! I live at 6, College Green, research with me since we first communicated. In fact, Ennis, Co. Clare, near Shannon Airport. I have been she has compiled a family tree for the descendants of in County Clare since 1968 and I am married to a local Mark Mulvoy that extends to the latest arrival, not- woman. We have 3 children – 2 girls 1 boy. Ages 43, quite two-year-old Cooper Driscoll, son of my brother 40, 38.” He signed his note, “Jim Mulvoy Bohan Fahy.” Bob’s daughter Stacey and her husband Mike. From that introduction flowed from Clare a series of So by asking a simple question in the Irish Re- informative missives from his hand about my Mulvoy porter, I not only got my answer, but through Dan ancestors – road maps, census data, birth, wedding, Jenkins, Jim Fahy, and Moria Gardner and friends, and death certificates, and 21st-century pictures of I also have accumulated for myself and my family a the onetime Mulvoy homestead in the “townland” of trove of information about my direct blood links to Gortacarnaun in Galway just onshore from Loch Corrib the hardy Mulvoy clan, men and women of the island and up the road from Oughterard. of Ireland who carried on through the Great Famine One item that Jim laid out for me was a short his- and the relentlessly harsh circumstances of the 19th tory of the Mulvoy land and its later disposition by my century to make a family that has had staying power widowed grandmother as noted in Galway County’s into the 21st. Register of Freeholders: “I believe that the Mulvoys and others came to the townland of Gortacarnaun from the nearby Moycullen barony area in about 1830 to work land owned by a family named Martin,” he wrote. “The acreage of the ultimate Mulvoy holding of your grandmother was 11 acres, 2 roods, 14 perches, statute measure (English), with a one-tenth part of 216 acres of unfenced mountain. Prior to 1922 the land was under the ownership of the governmental District Congested Board, which purchased it from the Martins in 1916.” According to the Freeholder document provided by Jim, on the first of June 1922, my grandmother (or maybe her representative, as she and three of her four children had moved to Somerville, Massachusetts in 1921), took possession of the property from the Irish Land Commission, and agreed to pay “half-yearly an annuity of two pounds, two shillings, and four pence” until an “advance of 65 pounds had been repaid.” Above, the 95-year-old gravestone of Mark Mulvoy. My grandmother went back to Galway in 1931 and At right, an accounting of Patrick Mulvoy’s family sold the land, which fact suggests to me how a widower- compiled by Jim Fahy and sent to the author. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More The Month That Counts for Special Fun

By R. J. Donovan Special to The BIR With the smell of evergreen filling the air, can Christmas be far away? Holiday entertainment options abound this year, so why not get into the spirit of the season and see a show.

Here’s a sampling of what’s playing this month. From theater to music to dance, there’s something for every taste and budget. Plus, discounted tickets to many of the performances below can be found at mayorsholi- dayspecial.com. Curtain going up …

Boston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Through Dec. 31, The Opera House It’s Christmas Eve and Little Clara receives a special gift -- a Nutcracker dressed as a soldier. As night falls, she journeys into an enchanted wonderland of sugary confections. Plus there’s a Christmas Tree that grows Heidi Talbot, who performed at the first “Christmas Celtic Sojourn” as a member of Cherish the Ladies, right before your eyes. This season marks the 40th an- returns as a featured soloist this month. niversary of what’s become a Boston Ballet tradition. (bostonballet.org.) ‘A Christmas Celtic Sojourn’ ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Through Dec. 23, Stoneham Theatre What happens when a small town church pageant Spreads Its Wings Yet Again gets hijacked by six delinquent kids with a mean, one- Irish dancer Caitlin nic Still, O’Donovan says, the ment, and we can all be eyed cat? The comical result is a topsy-turvy re-telling By Sean Smith Special to the BIR Gabhann also will be shar- decision to add another together.” of the Christmas story. (stonehamtheatre.org.) ing her talents this year. city is not made lightly, T h e i n c l u s i o n o f Entering its eighth year, “A Christmas Celtic So- Greater Boston will and depends to a great O’Connell and Talbot is ‘Urban Nutcracker’ be well-represented at extent on what venues are keeping with the show’s Dec. 3 - 16, Wheelock Family Theatre journ” continues to expand its reach geographically the 2010 “Sojourn,” with available, and whether tradition of presenting Ballet Rox puts a new spin on this holiday ballet by fiddlers Hanneke Cassel or not they are suited to strong male and female adding some inner city edginess. Showcasing everything as well as musically, this year adding Northampton and Amanda Cavanaugh, the show. lead singers, each with from ballet to swing, hip-hop and tap, the company dancer/choreographer Ki- “For me, the theater “the ability to really step re-sets the 19th century fairy tale in contemporary and Portsmouth, NH, to its destinations. eran Jordan, and the is integral to how well out,” says O’Donovan, Boston, fusing seasonal traditions with contemporary Walpole-based Harney ‘Christmas Celtic Sojourn’ pointing to previous “So- innovation. (wheelockfamilytheatre.org.) The show, a montage of Celtic-flavored music, Academy of Irish Dance. works – to my mind, journ” soloists like Sean Presiding over the pro- the theater is practically Keane, Cara Dillon, and Handel & Haydn’s ‘Messiah’ song, dance, poetry and story-telling, will open ceedings as usual will another character in the Karine Polwart. Dec. 3 - 5, Symphony Hall be the show’s founder show. So when I saw the “Robbie is, of course, a Handel’s masterpiece oratorio interprets the doctrine Dec. 10 at Worcester’s Hanover Theater, with and guiding spirit, Bri- Music Hall at Portsmouth, surviving legacy of a great of the Messiah in three parts: The Annunciation, The an O’Donovan, host of for example, I was blown song tradition, that of the Passion (including the Hallelujah Chorus), and The stops at the Music Hall in Portsmouth (December WGBH-FM’s “A Celtic away. It is a beautiful Clancys,” says O’Donovan. Aftermath. Originally written to be performed dur- Sojourn.” place, and I could defi- “He is a consummate en- ing Lent, the rich and full-bodied “Messiah” actually 11), Calvin Theater in Northampton (December O’Donovan — whose nitely see the show taking tertainer, but he also is premiered in Dublin in 1742. (handelandhaydn.org.) wife Lindsay and daugh- place there.” able to tap into the feeling 12) and Veterans Memo- rial Auditorium in Provi- ter Fionnuala also will be Taking “Sojourn” on of family, and community, ‘Radio City Christmas Spectacular’ in the show — continues the road to different that ‘Christmas Celtic Dec. 3 - 29, The Wang dence, RI, (December 16) before its customary run to be pleasantly surprised sites is challenging, says Sojourn’ expresses.” The world famous Rockettes are back in Boston for by how far-reaching a suc- O’Donovan, but also excit- Talbot represents an- a high-kicking evening of merriment accompanied by at the Cutler Majestic Theater in Boston from cess “Sojourn” has become, ing – “We get to experience other “Sojourn” hallmark, Santa, Raggedy Ann & Andy, and more. From their to the point where new the dynamics of the dif- he adds, “presenting new showstopping “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” to the December 17 to the 19th. [For times, ticket infor- venues are being added ferent venues” –and the and perhaps underex- inspirational “Living Nativity,” this is holiday family almost every year. performers and produc- posed talent to our audi- entertainment at its best. (citicenter.org.) mation and other details, see the website wgbh.org/ “We decided to extend tion team find it a good ences, who by now have the market yet again, way to bond. come to expect and an- ‘A Christmas Carol’ listen/achristmasceltic_ sojourn2010.cfm.] because we realized there “We always try to return ticipate that they’ll have Dec. 3 - 23, North Shore Music Theatre are people who love the after each performance to the opportunity to hear Charles Dickens’ miserly Ebenezer Scrooge has a Much-beloved singer-songwriter Robbie show but just find it very the Back Bay Hotel, where an extraordinary singer series of magical experiences with ghosts past, present, hard to make the trip we stay during the course or musician they may not and future as he discovers the true spirit of the season. O’Connell returns to the cast along with Heidi to Boston or the other of the show. It becomes a have known much about.” David Coffee returns for his 17th year as Scrooge in locations,” he explains. kind of ‘home’ environ- this original adaptation with music. (nsmt.org.) Talbot, who appeared in (Continued on page 16) the first “Sojourn” with Jose Mateo’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Cherish the Ladies and Dec. 3 - 19, Spingold Theater Center is back after having suc- at Brandeis University cessfully launched a solo Mateo’s Ballet Theatre brings an intimacy to the career. classic Tchaikovsky ballet. In addition to Mateo’s ex- The fascinating music ceptional professional company, the production features tradition of the Shet- more than 100 children as dancing mice, soldiers and land Islands – with its Celtic and Scandinavian EIRE angels. (ballettheatre.org.) influences – will bring ‘It’s Christmas Time’ an added flavor to this Dec. 3 - 12, Robinson Theatre year’s “Christmas Celtic pub Take 200 performers, wrap them in holiday finery, Sojourn” with the debut and set them free to create a Currier & Ives print come of fiddler Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, who are to life, featuring Victorian carolers, dancing teddy 795 Adams St. • Dorchester bears, and elves akimbo. Presented for the 28th year part of the band Fiddler’s by Waltham’s Reagle Musical Theatre, renowned for Bid. its summer musicals. (reagleplayers.com.) Accordionist Sean Og Graham and percussionist “President’s Choice” ‘A Child’s Christmas In Wales’ Eamon Murray, members Dec. 3 – 23, BCA Plaza Theatre of the groundbreaking A grandfather’s memories of Christmases Past flood Irish group Beoga, are the stage in this gentle adaptation of the classic Dylan back for another round, Serving Lunch & Dinner Thomas poem. It’s 1923, and there’s a Christmas tree as is cellist Natalie Haas, too big for the house, cats in the garden, useful pres- bassist Chico Huff and So- ents and mountains of snow. Co-presented by Boston las multi-instrumentalist Every day, Playwrights’ Theatre and Boston Children’s Theatre. Seamus Egan, who also (bu.edu/bpt.) has capably filled the role of music director for the 7 days a week (Continued on page 16) show. Page 16 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com They Talbot’s ‘Get a Happy Lot and Return (Continued from 15) While she may be fa- Give a miliar to some because of her stint with Cherish the Ladies, O’Donovan Lot’ notes that Talbot has fashioned an identity By Sean Smith all her own through her Special to the BIR solo work, which includes Liam Harney enters her recent CD, “The Last the second-floor studio of Star.” “Heidi is a wonder- the Walpole building that ful performer with a great houses his Irish dance presence and a repertoire school, and suddenly he’s to match,” he says. “She’ll become a giant. certainly make some new Well, not an actual fans by the time ‘Sojourn’ giant. It just seems that is over.” way because most of the Talbot, for her part, is nearly 20 dancers he’s more than happy to return working with barely come to Boston, and to be part up past his waist. Given of “Sojourn”: “This will be that only one of them — a my first time performing seventh grader — is out in the US since leaving of elementary school, it’s Dancers from the Harney Academy of Irish Step Dancing in Walpole are in the midst of preparing for Cherish the Ladies. When hardly a surprise. their appearance in the annual “Christmas Celtic Sojourn” show. Brian invited me to take But these are the stal- Photo by Sean Smith part, I jumped at the warts of the Harney Acad- to learn from the experi- circle, interspersed with stage and do it,” says Mi- lights,” reports 13-year- chance – I love being able emy of Irish Step Dancing, ence — and lots of things intricate ladies chain-type chaelann White, 9. “We old Erin Harten. to do something different and however small their to enjoy. figures, all at a pulsating practice and practice, and “Christmas Celtic So- and to work with so many physical stature may be, “’Christmas Celtic So- polka tempo. then we’re out there and journ” makes a busy time talented people. they are a big part of the journ’ is one of the most “It’s been an absolute ready to go. I love hearing of year that much busier, “Besides,” she adds, annual “Christmas Celtic awesome experiences delight to work with the the crowd, too; they help but the Harney dancers “there’s nothing that gets Sojourn” show, which be- these kids can have,” says Harney Academy these you get into the mood.” — with the help of their you more in the mood for gins a five-city tour this Harney. “They learn what past few years,” says The dancers relish the families, of course — try Christmas than singing month, culminating in a it’s like to be responsible “Christmas Celtic So- bonds they form with to strike the right balance Christmas carols for two three-day stop at Boston’s for working with live mu- journ” creator and host the other performers. with school, sports, music weeks! I remember sing- Cutler Majestic Theater. sicians, and being part of Brian O’Donovan. “They Steve Hickman — who and other activities. So by ing with my mum in the [See related story in this a major, professional pro- really do help remind us of taught the kids how to now, they have a good idea choir at section for more details on duction in a professional the youthful excitement, “hambone” when he ap- of what to expect and how Mass on Christmas the show.] theater. the sense of wonder this peared in the 2008 show to prepare for it. morning, and it always felt Over a period of sev- “But most of all, they season brings. And the — is a big favorite, as is “You have to get lots like the most exciting time eral weeks, Harney — a gain a wider appreciation fact is, they are good. O’Donovan: “Brian’s my of sleep before the day of year, where you stop two-time world champion of dancing, that it’s not Period.” pal,” declares 10-year-old of the show, because you working and spend time Irish step dancer whose just about competition. O’Donovan’s last com- Braeden Mahoney. Solas might be out there until with your family and loved performance and chore- The idea is you dance ment is echoed by many: fiddler Winifred Horan midnight,” says Patrick ones. I’ll be bringing my ography credits include with someone, you work Sure, there’s a “cuteness also has lots of Harney Mello, 10. seven-month-old daughter “Riverdance” and “Danc- together to present some- factor” in having a dozen friends (“Winnie loves “Pack everything the along, in fact.” ing at Lughnasa” — will thing that’s entertaining or so little kids cavort and me!” gushes one girl), night before, so you If this year’s “Sojourn” cajole, challenge, and and enjoyable.” caper around on stage, while Sam Lakeman (who don’t go crazy looking for seems tilted toward bowed charm his young charges As much as the Harney but their precision and appeared in 2008 with his things,” adds Michaelann. strings (what with three into getting ready for dancers get out of “So- poise makes them a de- wife, singer Cara Dillon) “And try to carpool with fiddles and a cello), it’s by “Sojourn.” About 20-22 journ,” it’s fair to say they cided asset rather than a apparently was the object someone.” design, says O’Donovan. dancers, some but not give a lot, too. Observers distraction. of a few crushes from the Such practical consider- “One aspect of the music all of them with previous laud the energy and joie Those Harney dancers academy’s female contin- ations are important, but for 2010 will be that lush “Sojourn” appearances, de vivre the children bring who have taken part in gent — “even though he Erin, who like Patrick, string quartet sound. take turns filling 13 slots with their appearances. “Sojourn” before clearly has, like, two kids of his Michaelann and Braeden Many people in Boston in the show. In fact, their eight-person regard it as a high point in own,” notes one boy. is a two-year veteran of are probably familiar with The demands on Har- “Country Set” — a sig- their young lives. Talk to They’re more than a “Sojourn,” sounds a more Hanneke and Amanda, ney and the dancers are nature Harney Academy these veterans, and you’ll little impressed with the philosophical note: “You and Natalie as well, espe- considerable, especially piece that’s been a hit over hear about the convivial- professional quality of just have to keep trying, cially in her partnership given that the academy’s the years at such events ity of the performers, the the production, including even if maybe you’re feel- with Alasdair Fraser. So members also are pre- as Gaelic Roots and the thrill of knowing the audi- the costumes, although ing a little frustrated or if you add Chris Stout paring for a major com- ICONS Festival — is a ence is behind you, and the wearing sweaters, scarves unsure. Be as prepared as to the mix – and wait petition (not to mention veritable show-stopper: satisfaction of doing well and winter hats for the you can, and everything until you hear him with dealing with school and four couples stepping after lots of hard work. “Country Set” last year will be fine.” Catriona – then you will other activities), but to together briskly in the “I just like when it’s was a feat of endurance: have something incredibly hear them tell it, there waltz position around a finally time to go on “We got so hot under those beautiful.” are lots of valuable lessons Stout and McKay do have some experience with the Christmas show genre, The Month That Counts for Special Fun albeit in Japan, where they performed as part of (Continued from page 15) participants. Towne Restaurant This legendary gospel group a holiday extravaganza a Andrea Bocelli will provide free hot cocoa for all!) presents its 8th annual holiday Christmas Revels few years ago. Shetland Dec. 5, TD Garden show, “Go Tell It On The Moun- Dec. 17 - 29, Sanders Theatre traditions tend to revolve The renowned Italian ten- ‘Striking 12’ tain,” at Berklee. Celebrated for This marks Revels 40th an- less around Christmas or comes to Boston for a special Dec. 8 - January 2 their five Grammy Awards and a nual Celebration of the Winter specifically and more to- concert featuring music from BCA Calderwood Pavilion career that’s spanned 60 years, Solstice, featuring folk anthems, ward the season of winter his double-platinum CD, “My SpeakEasy Stage delivers a these guys know how to blow the a mummers’ play, morris danc- itself, Stout notes. Christmas.” This is one of only holiday musical for people who roof off the house. (berkleebpc. ing, carols, poetry, stories and “There’s a tradition six dates the classical crossover hate holiday musicals. With a com.) Revels’ rousing and participatory called ‘guizing,’ where artist is doing in the United contemporary touch from “The signature piece, The Lord of the you dress up in straw cos- States. Special guest is Tony Little Match Girl,” this intrigu- Joy! Dance. (revels.org.) tumes. These characters Award-winning Heather Head- ing blend of musical theater and Dec. 12 - 20, Jordan Hall were known as ‘Skeklers’ ley. (ticketmaster.com.) live concert looks at a cranky The spirited members of the Black Nativity and visited houses play- New Yorker who plans to spend Boston Gay Men’s Chorus take Dec. 17-19, ing music and looking for Holiday Pops New Year’s Eve alone, until holiday cheer and kick it up Blackman Auditorium hospitality. At New Year Dec. 8 - 26, Symphony Hall an unexpected guest appears. a notch with a dynamic spec- at Northeastern University there is a lot of music – in Keith Lockhart, The Boston (speakeasystage.com.) tacular for chorus and brass. In A joyous company of 80 actors, fact there is a beautiful Pops and The Tanglewood Fes- addition to favorite carols, this singers, dancers, and musicians melody called ‘Da Day tival Chorus are an integral part A Christmas Celtic Sojourn year’s concert features “Pictures imparts a message of hope and Dawn’ which was tradi- of the Boston holiday landscape. with Brian O’Donovan Dec. 10 – 19 of a Season,” a panorama of liberation as performers tell the tionally only played once a Symphony Hall will be suitably This intimate evening of song, Christmas melodies inspired by story of the Nativity in scrip- year, at the very first light decked for a festive celebration of dance, poetry and storytelling Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an ture, verse, music, and dance. of New Year’s Day.” traditional carols and audience returns for performances in Bos- Exhibition.” (bgmc.org.) Based on the Gospel of St. Luke, O’Donovan feels the sing-a-longs. Keep your ears ton, Worcester, Northhampton, combined with the poetry of dance component to “So- open for the Pops’ virtuoso new Providence and Portsmouth, The Boston Boy Choir Langston Hughes, this song-play journ” has become every version of “The Twelve Days of NH. Special guests include Rob- Dec. 12 & 19, St. Paul Church, is presented by the National bit as solid as the music, Christmas.” (bostonpops.org.) bie O’Connell, Heidi Talbot and Cambridge Center of Afro-American Artists. thanks to the contribution championship members of the The Boston Archdiocesan Choir (blacknativity.org.) of Jordan and her dancers (Note: At Noon on Sat., Dec. 4, Harney Academy of Irish Danc- School has been educating boys and that of the Harney Keith Lockhart and the Tangle- ing. Tickets go quickly, so make in the rich musical traditions of So there you have it. Merry Academy. wood Chorus invite you to join your plans now. (wgbh.org/celtic.) the church for more than four Christmas to all…and to all, a “There’s a real diversity them at the Prudential Center to decades. The talented young men good show! to the dancing, whether help set a record for the world’s The Blind Boys of Alabama of this choir have four holiday traditional or cross-over. largest group of holiday carol- Dec. 11, Berklee CDs to their credit. (bostonboy- R. J. Donovan is publisher of It can convey the festive- ers! The current record is 7,514 Performance Center choir.org.) OnStageBoston.com. (Continued next page) Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 usic Fellswater’s artistry for arrangements metaphorical coda for the titular subject. BIR M is evident on the first track, as Phelps and Murphy and the Black Donnellys are Ketudat duet on the Galician-flavored well-assisted by several guest stars, nota- “Andy’s Lullaby,” the MacConduibhs bly John Sheahan and Barney McKenna CD supplying ebullient flourishes, before of The Dubliners on “The Foggy Dew” Ketudat leads the way into the majesti- and “Star of the County Down” — a very cally modal jig “Price of a Pig,” and the affectionate nod to the roots of Murphy, Reviews band together segues into the joyfully to say nothing of Archie Thompson, quirky “Bottle the Boat,” Sarah Mac- wherever he may be. By Sean Smith Conduibh’s whistle riding atop it all Fellswater –This two-year-old like a whimsical songbird. The band Barleyjuice, “Skulduggery Massachusetts-based quartet met dur- demonstrates its penchant for fleeting Street”– Philadelphia’s Barleyjuice is ing recording sessions for a CD by the harmonies and deft shift of moods and back with its fifth studio CD, following Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & tone in the medley of “Canongate/The the two-disc “Irish Collection” set com- Drums, but don’t expect to hear “The Panda/Thunderhead,” as well as its prising tracks from its first four albums. Road to Boston” or “Yankee Doodle pairing of two slip jigs — Sean Potts’ “Collection” was about as good an intro- Dandy”: Their tastes run to Celtic music “The Butterfly” and Bruce Gandy’s duction as they come for the band and its traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, “Coppermill Studio” — with the reel mainly up-tempo, boozy, boorish brand and Canada, played on Scottish small- “Superfly” by Kevin O’Neill. One of its Dublin suburb of Beaumont who at 17 of Irish folk rock — pub singalongs like pipes, fiddle, flute, guitar, and mandolin. trademark pieces begins with a rhythm launched his career by wowing ‘em on “Whiskey in the Jar,” “Real Old Mountain Piper Matt Phelps is at the center of mandolin-fiddle-flute essaying of the “You’re a Star,” Ireland’s version of Dew” and “Fiddler’s Green” mixed with most of the group’s arrangements, and for Quebecois “Reel Eugene,” after which “American Idol.” Here he’s joined up originals, including the dubious “What’s good reason, given his dexterous, accom- Phelps joins in for a Scots tune, “Castle with The Black Donnellys, a folk rock Up Yours?” and “Nancy Drinks Tequila” plished playing. But fiddler Elizabeth Rock Ceilidh” and then takes the lead ensemble whose resume includes stints and the (somewhat) reflective “Whiskey Ketudat and flute/whistle player Sarah on “Sergeant Malkie Bow’s Consterna- with Ronnie Drew and The Pogues’ to the Sea.” MacConduibh quite capably add shading tion” — it’s simply a well-put together, Terry Woods. “Skulduggery Street” has more of the and contrast to the melody lines -- and well-paced affair. The “Archie Thompson” in the album same, with rave-ups like band originals take a solo here and there -- with Jim Solos and duets ably supplement the title, according to Murphy, is a fictional “Get Your Irish On” and “Molly’s Girls,” MacConduibh providing steady, sup- ensemble pieces, including the MacCon- character, “a well-bearded big-bellied yet another version of “What Shall We portive guitar and mandolin. duibhs’ gentle rendition of Dave Richard- man who exists in almost every Irish Do With the Drunken Sailor?” and other son’s well-known “Calliope House” and bar,” and the songs on the CD are in- compositions that are definitely in PG- Phelps’s robust hornpipe-reels medley. tended to evoke his youth. If that’s the 13 territory, like “Pour That (expletive This is not the sweat-drenched, case, old Archie had quite the eventful deleted) Whiskey” and a song whose title gasping-for-breath approach to Scottish life: The songs, which range from tradi- won’t be given here, as this is a family and other Celtic music. The band is less tional ballads to originals by Murphy and newspaper. interested in speed and pyrotechnics his bandmates to covers of compositions If you’re content with the idea of Irish than in exploring the precision and tex- by Bob Dylan, Peggy Seeger, Ewan Mac- music as a repository for half-sung, half- tures of the tunes, and the blend of their Coll, and Brendan Behan, touch on the growled odes to drunkenness, profanity, instruments. The result is a pleasantly vagaries and virtues of love, work, and and other anti-social behavior — inter- sedate, but palpable energy. leisure, and the often unsettled moments spersed with rather mawkish ditties in between, when a night on the town about love (or something like it) and the George Murphy & The Black can bring reward or danger. lives of our Irish forefathers — then you’ll Donnellys, “The Ballads of Archie This is hardly unexplored ground, of no doubt be happy to venture through Thompson” – This is the first Ameri- course, but there’s a certain poetry to “Skulduggery Street.” can CD release from George Murphy, a Murphy’s selection of works, and his voice 24-year-old wunderkind from the north — described as “a cross between Luke Kelly and Bruce Springsteen,” verging on gritty and harsh, but also melodic — ‘Sojourn’ Spreads Wings Again generally conveys what’s needed. “Peggy (Continued from page 15) constantly on tour or pursuing other Gordon” sounds surprisingly tender, ness of the season -- like when the kids commitments, we have to rely on quite a and Dylan’s “Sara” (his appeal to his from the Harney Academy are on -- or bit of ‘virtual preparation,’” he explains. estranged wife) is appropriately wistful the deeper, more spiritual dimensions “There’s e-mail and texting, obviously, and remorseful; Murphy and company’s of Christmas. It’s impossible to imagine and we also Skype in with each other a rendition of Seeger/MacColl’s “Ballad the show without the dancing.” lot, so we can listen to what everyone’s of Springhill” (about a mine disaster in Although “Christmas Celtic Sojourn” doing. It helps us to get familiar with Nova Scotia) is chilling but not overly is meant to celebrate Christmas holiday whatever ingredients we’re using this melodramatic, with a piano riff sug- traditions, some of which are centuries year. gestive of a clock counting down fatal old, O’Donovan readily acknowledges “Come the first week of December, minutes, while their a cappella treatment that assembling the show takes the very however, we get together and we start of “The Auld Triangle” is full of scruffy latest communication technology. cooking. And from what we’ve been see- charm; “Ballad of Archie Thompson,” “Given that so many of the performing and hearing these past several years, co-written by Black Donnellys guitarist ers live elsewhere than Boston or are the results satisfy a lot of appetites.” Dave Browne, is a moody literal and Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper Boston Irish REPORTER A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, It’s never too early or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter for Christmas. 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 This year, give a We accept phone orders Gift that comes with your Visa or Mastercard. MAFCU can make your shopping easier in the mail Call 617-436-1222 with a loan up to $1,000 at each month! 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6.99loan1000_DN5x7_082410.indd 1 10/4/10 5:16 PM 5 x7 Page 18 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

great acclaim at BCMFest 2010; the twin fiddle duet fiddler-pianist-dancer Lilly Pearlman and dancer of Armand Aromin and Adam Cole-Mullen, both deeply Jesse Pearlman. enmeshed in Irish traditional music; and Red Shift, the Their concerts offer up impressive choreographies duo of Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and and compelling music. Brendan Carey Block (fiddle). McDonald and Block are •Mariel Vandersteel, Andy Reiner & Stash Wys- members of the contra dance band Matching Orange, louch: This new trio, which accounts for three-quarters and Block also plays with “alt-trad” band Annalivia; of the relentlessly experimental group Blue Moose and the two feature a diversity of folk, classical, jazz and the Unbuttoned Zippers, grew up collectively studying other styles and traditions. the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape The complete list of performers for the concert will Breton — and, just for fun, a little heavy metal on the be available at the BCMFest website, bcmfest.com. side. With this background, they create a new kind of A column of news and updates of the Boston Celtic Admission to the concert is $12 for Westford Museum music with the ages-old, compelling twin-fiddle sound. Music Fest (BCMFest), which celebrates the Boston adult members, $15 for adult non–members, and $5 for •Armand Aromin & Lindsay Straw: Born and raised area’s rich heritage of Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton teens; children 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit hundreds and hundreds of miles apart, Armand and music and dance with a grassroots, musician-run BCMFest. For directions to the Westford Museum, Lindsay have forged a musical camaraderie through winter music festival and other events during the year. which is located at 2-4 Boston Road, Westford, see Boston’s famed session scene as well as a shared respect -- SEAN SMITH westford.com/museum. for, and knowledge of, the Irish music tradition — along with occasional excursions into old-timey and sacred BCMFest Goes West(ford), again – One of BC- A look ahead – You can get a little foretaste of harp. Fiddler and whistle player Aromin, who grew up MFest’s most popular non-festival events is its annual BCMFest 2011 — which takes place January 7-8 in Rhode Island, appeared at BCMFest 2008 and was outreach concert at the Westford Museum, “BCMFest — by coming out for this month’s installment of the a member of the house band in that festival’s finale Goes West(ford),” which has become a showcase for BCMFest Celtic Music Monday series at Club Passim. concert. Straw, a native of Wyoming and Montana some of Greater Boston’s finest young Celtic perform- The December 13 BCMFest 2011 Sneak Preview will who has already appeared at Celtic Music Monday ers. This year’s edition — the fourth — will take place present three acts: twice this year, is known her deft touch on bouzouki on Fri., Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. •Highland Soles: Not just a family band, but a liv- and guitar and enchanting vocals. Among the acts confirmed so far are: Plaiditude, a ing exponent of Scottish and Cape Breton traditional Tickets for the December 13 concert, which starts at group of middle school-age fiddlers who debuted to music and dance, Highland Soles is led by Ed Pearl- 8 p.m., are $12, $6 for members of Club Passim, WGBH man, one of America’s most acclaimed and influential and WUMB. For reservations and other information, Scottish-style fiddlers, and his wife dancer Laura Scott see clubpassim.org. -- who has performed with such artists as Natalie For more information on BCMFest, see bcmfest.com; MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser, and the Battlefield Band you can also sign up for the BCMFest e-mail list via and is a highly in-demand teacher. They are joined the website. by their children, innovative pianist Neil Pearlman,

Billy Higgins 617-201-6077

All donations lovingly accepted southillchildrensfund.com

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By Judy Enright Special to the BIR In this season of giving, I like to mention one of my favorite Irish charities, The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. Cork, and the wonderful work they do there. Several years ago, I revisited the Sanc- tuary and “adopted” one of their special donkeys, Lorcan, for my grandson, who lives in Pittsburgh. The adoption fee was 20 euro for the year and my grandson received details about Lorcan and why he was at the Sanctuary as well as a drawing, an adoption certificate, and a twice-yearly report. An adopted donkey might sound like kind of an odd gift for a young child, but I thought it might whet his interest in animals and animal welfare. Recently, the autumn 2010 newslet- ter arrived from the Sanctuary. In it, Paddy Barrett, public relations manager, described the visit of a young cancer survivor from Edgartown -- Samantha Cassidy -- who went to meet her adopted donkey, Timmy, last July with her family through the auspices of “Make a Wish Foundation.” The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Co. Cork, is home to this cat in addition to all the donkeys. The Sanctuary Paddy writes, “It was Samantha’s wish had its busiest year ever this year with intake levels at an all-time high. to visit her adopted donkey, Timmy, at The Donkey Sanctuary. Her sister, Anna, had adopted Timmy for Samantha when on holidays with her school in Ireland in summer 2009. “Many helped out to make it a very special day for Samantha. Eugene gave Samantha a spin around Hannigan’s Farm with the buggy pulled by a donkey named Moses. Helen gave Samantha the history of Timmy from his birth, when he was rejected by his mother, and how she bottle-fed him. Noel presented Samantha with a photograph of her and Timmy and I presented her with a certificate of her visit. “As Samantha’s father, Michael, summed it up with tears in his eyes, ‘there are days for ups and days for downs. Today is a day for ups.’ ” In September, Gwyn McAllister had written in The Martha’s Vineyard Times that during Samantha’s illness and chemotherapy treatments at the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana Farber in Boston, she “was kept posted on her 19-year- old donkey’s progress through periodic e-mails. At one point, after receiving an update, she said to her mother, ‘I wonder Sometimes it’s simply exhausting A visitor to the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, near Mallow in Co. Cork, if I’ll ever get the chance to meet Timmy.’ is greeted by some of the resident, rescued donkeys. “The trip to Ireland, which included keeping track of all the donkeys and visitors at the Donkey Sanctuary in stops in Blarney, Killarney, and Lim- market with 70 wooden chalets will be Many more holiday activities are erick, proved to be a way to resolidify Liscarroll, Co. Cork. (Judy Enright photos) set up in Galway’s Eyre Square through scheduled all around Ireland. Visit the a family that had been challenged by Dec. 19. On sale will be food, beverages, Tourist Board’s website, disoverireland. Samantha’s illness.” traveler’s experience. and goods from all over Europe and com, for more information on events and McAllister added that “the visit to the Inroads was founded by Phil Ryan Ireland and from as far afield as Rus- festivals. Donkey Sanctuary may have a further from Dublin and Carolyn Janette from sia, Peru, the US, and China. Visit the VISIT IRELAND positive impact on the family. Anna, Madison, WI, a married couple who met website galwaychristmasmarket.ie for Ireland is a great place to visit at any who will start studies in animal science on a tour of Ireland. Native Irish guides more information. time of year and you can always find lots at the University of Vermont this fall, lead the tours and the price includes • A Christmas Market is also planned of fun activities there in any season. Be has been invited to do an internship at admission into historical sites. through Dec. 5 in Doonbeg, Co. Clare. sure to visit your favorite travel agent the veterinary clinic affiliated with the Inroads tours are not suited to the very Visit doonbeggolfclub.com or send an or the Aer Lingus’ website (aerlingus. sanctuary.” elderly or those with health or mobility e-mail to Linda_coleman@doonbeggolf- com) for the latest direct flights and And, she noted, when a donkey foal issues. For more information, contact club.com for more. And, Dublin has its ground deals. Flights and deals are also was born after the family’s visit, it was Phil or Janette at 1-888-220-7711, write Christmas market in the Dockland’s offered by US Airways (usairways.com) christened Cassidy in Samantha’s honor. to them at 2918 Stevens St., Madison, IFSC from Dec. 11-Dec. 23. Visit the and other airlines, but usually involve GREAT GIFT IDEA WI, 53705, visit their website: Inroad- website: docklands.ie or e-mail to etay- layovers in various cities and can add What could be a better holiday gift than sIreland.com, or send an e-mail to: info@ [email protected] several hours to your trip. But they also a trip to Ireland? There are many options InroadsIreland.com. • This magical and festive season reduce the cost of the trip. available these days for those who have Another tour company we’ve been told will be on display through Jan. 9 at We wish our readers the most wonder- a special interest – like golf – and want about but haven’t personally experienced Christmas in Killarney in Co. Kerry. ful holiday season and a new year filled to focus on that interest while in Ireland. is Sceptre Tours (1-800-221-0924.) The Visit christmasinkillarney.com or send with health and happiness as well as, There are also tour companies that of- website, sceptretours.com, says, “Plan an e-mail to: info@christmasinkillarney. hopefully, a trip to the Emerald Isle! fer different types of travel. One company your trip exactly as you want it, and let com for details. we saw at this summer’s Milwaukee Irish us make it worry-free for you. At Sceptre Fest is called Inroads Ireland and focuses Tours we are proud to call ourselves the on back roads and one-week (eight-night) tourist champions of Ireland, Britain, bus tours that are limited to 14 or fewer and Italy. As you plan your trip, your Phillips Candy House participants. choices of accommodations are virtually fine chocolates since 1925 The land-only tours start and end in unlimited.” Dublin. Travelers ride on small buses Also take a look at dooleyvacations. that can access Ireland’s back roads com (1-877-331-9301) for other travel and more out-of-the-way places. Three options. Email is: info@dooleyvacations. tours are offered: Go South, Uncharted com and mail may be sent to 875 Sunrise Ireland, and Go North. Highway, Lynbrook, NY, 11563. On the Go South tour, Inroads takes DECEMBER ACTIVITIES a boat to the Skellig Islands and a ferry • Are you feeling energetic? If so, why across the River Shannon. Accommoda- not plan to be in the Westport, Co. Mayo, tion on all tours is in B&Bs, guesthouses, area between Dec. 31 and Jan. 3 for the and hotels with en suite bathrooms. All Croagh Patrick Walking Tour Christmas are centrally located in small coastal Walking Festival. This weekend of fun or country towns to take advantage of and healthy outdoor activity could help Ireland’s pubs and traditional music work off any holiday excesses. Visit the sessions. website:walkingguideireland.com or Breakfast is included but lunch and e-mail [email protected]. dinner are not. An unregimented sched- • Numerous Christmas Markets are ule is subject to change to maximize every planned in Ireland for the season. A large Page 20 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic Nollaig Shona Daoibh! “Merry Christmas to You-All!” /NOHL-ik HOH-nuh DO-eev/. Shopping is in the air – and so it’s time to review numbers. Cross Let’s start our review with examples of the numbers, “one” through “twenty”. Words When you count alone, without any reference The Irish to “things” such as when playing games, starting races, or counting football and hurling scores, the crosswords are numbers must be preceded by a. In such cases the numbers “one” and “eight” then prefix h-, a a service of an haon, a hocht/ This keeps the beginning sounds separate just as English speakers refer to “a car” Ireland-based but “an apple.” website which “one” a haon /uh heen/ “two” a dhá /uh gah/ provides Irish “three” a trí /uh tree/ “four” a cheithre /uh KEH-ruh/ Family Coats of “ten” a deich /uh jey/ “eleven” a haon déag Arms by email. “twelve” a dhá dhéag “thirteen’ a trí déag You are invited “fourteen” a cheithre déag “twenty” fiche to visit

déag is pronounced /jey/, dhéag /yey/ and www. fiche is /fee/. bigwood.com/ The numbers “two” and “twelve” reflect an obso- lete dual system and require that the next word be heraldry lenited (“aspirated”) and an object following dhá is singular– Dhá bhád /ghah baht/ “two boats” \ but trí baid, /tree bahj/, “three boats”. In some dialects, the number “two” by itself will change to ACROSS 13. Pair will provide a tight support. (5) a dó when alone but to dhá when counting things. 1. Tricky mule icon. (anag.) One of the 32, the east of 15. Cis sang about the outer covers. (7) which forms part of the Golden Vale. (6,8) 17. Viol air to pasta dish. (7) Above “two” you can use either a singular 8. Mischievous spirit in Leitrim procession. (3) 21. Anger evident when land is taken from this coun- or plural form of the noun – trí cailín or trí 9. B.A. loves to confuse and forgive sins. (7) try! (3) cailíní. We will stay with the singular for now. 12. Part of Castlecomer otherwise in decay. (3) 23. Hotel that is free for Yeats lake retreat? (3) When counting “things”, the numbers from “one” 13. British Rail initially at unruly child. (4) 25. A malt brewed in the Mediterranean. (5) to “six” cause lenition (“aspiration”) of the follow- 14. Southern vehicle will leave its mark. (4) 30. Nothing very loud is just not on. (3) ing noun. “Seven” through “ten” cause eclipsis. 16. Pleasurable time had in Westport reattribution. (5) 31. I turn to Italian city shrouded in mystery. (5) 18. The French lay out in the back lane. (5) 33. Soft boreen is flat. (5) When counting objects, the number “one” is 20. Wavy foreign dagger used in Limerick rising. (4) 34. Tear around at speed in Connemara territory. (4) most often replaced by amháin /uh-wahn/, “only 22. “ ’Tis distance lends enchantment to the ——,” 35. Late ruffle of duck. (4) one” – not aon bád but bád amháin Thomas Campbell (4) 38. Barrel causing nostalgia for turn-over tax! (3) 24. Criminal rev. (anag.) Longford town flower! (5,6) When you begin to count things above “ten” than 26. Last word in Tuam enjoyment. (4) CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 23 the system becomes more complicated. Remember 27. South East no reversal for 2 down. (4) that Irish inserts the noun between the first 28. Bottom line figure in potato tally. (5) and second words – in effect saying “three girl 29. “Curses are like young chickens, they always come teen” for “thirteen girls” and “seven boat teen”’ home to ——.” Robert Southey. (5) for “seventeen boats”. Irish Wisdom 32. Stumble on day out. (4) “People live in each other’s shelter.” The rule that “one” to “six” cause the following 34. Or at odds with the duty list. (4) 36. “All moanday, tearsday, wailsday, thumpsday, “The world would not make a racehorse of a donkey.” noun to be lenited and “seven” through “ten” to “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have be eclipsed is still in effect. Recall that l, n, and frightday, shatterday till the fear of the —” James Joyce (3) sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall r can never be lenited and eclipsis of the first unless you have rounded a corner.” consonant takes the following forms: 37. Been far over to Offaly village near Clonmacnoise, b-/mb-, c-/ “There is no strength without unity.” gc-, d-/nd, f-/bhf-, g-/ng-, p-/mp-, and t-/dt. founded in 492 by St. Gallen? (7) “You must live with a person to know a person. If trí bhád déag “thirteen boats” 38. Five take first class return by way of Rome. (3) seacht mbád déag “seventeen boats” 39. Let Con lose rent over capital thoroughfare. (8,6) you want to know me come and live with me.” “Praise the young and they will blossom” Counting “things” above twenty used to be a “The raggy colt often made a powerful horse.” real challenge. Traditionally, Irish counted by DOWN “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” “scores”, “twenties”’ Fiche /fee/ is “twenty” but 1. Or cam cracks Sir. (anag) Old Monaghan town, world “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” “forty” was “two score” dhá fhichead /gah EEK- famous for lace. (14) “Both your friend and your enemy think you will uhd/, and so on. Under the influence of modern 2. Is nut able to bring together bodies of soldiers? (5) never die.” needs, counting by scores has been replaced by a 3. Irishman comes back to control the flow of liquid. (3) “The well fed does not understand the lean.” decimal system. 4. Rail about the teller of porkies. (4) “He who comes with a story to you brings two away 5. Doctor takes good man to the majority back in Tar- from you” “thirty” tríocha “sixty” seasca bert sometimes. (4) “Quiet people are well able to look after themselves.” “forty” daichead “seventy” seachtó 6. Portion of Adare lettuce patch is rented out again. (5) “A friend’s eye is a good mirror.” “fifty” caoga “eighty” ochtó 7. Town’s water went turbulent in Tyrone angling “It is the good horse that draws its own cart.” “ninety” nocha “hundred” céad centre at the confluence of the Strule and Glenelly. (14) “A lock is better than suspicion.” 10. Tall C.O. by not being ruffled led us to east Cork “Two thirds of the work is the semblance.” In addition to the words/phrases we have learned resort with excellent sea fishing. (11) “He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed before, here is both an old and new “shopping” 11. “I can’t talk religion to a man with bodily hunger until midday.” vocabulary: in his —s.” G.B. Shaw. (3)

Tá ..X.. uaim. /tah ..X.. weem/ “I want ..X.” ADVERTISEMENT Tabhair dom …? /TOHR dohm/ “Give me …? Más é do thoil é. “Please.” Buíochas “Thanks.” Go raibh maith agat. “You’re welcome.” Saor /seer/ “Inexpensive.” Photography by Daor /deer/ “Expensive” An-daor /ahn deer/ “Very expensive” Ro-dhaor /ROH-gheer/ “Too expensive.” Image Photo Service See if you can read these sentences in Irish: 1.) Cé mhéad atá ar an cóta seo? 2.) Tá sé tríocha euro cuig. 3.) Cá bhfuil siopa? 4.) Cuir ort an • Weddings • Anniversaries geansaí agat! 5.) Tá séacht gcaipín agam. 6.) Tá an hata sin saor. 7.) Tabhair dom caife le • Banquets • Portraits bainne agus siúcrá, más é do thoil é. 8.) An bhfuil an carr ro-dhaor? 9.) Níl. Níl é daor. • Reunions Tá sé an-shaor. 10.) An raibh an gúna daor? 11.) Bhí. Bhí caoga euro seacht. 12.) Blain Mhaith Úr agus siopadóireacht mhaith! • Groups • Families Answers: 1.) “How much is that coat?” 2.) “It’s thirty-five euros.” 3.) “Where is a shop?” 4.) Put • Special Occasions on your sweater!” or “Put your sweater on!” 5.) “I have seven caps.” 6.) “This hat is cheap.” 7.) “Give me coffee with milk and sugar, please.” 8.) “Is the car too expensive?” 9.) “No. It’s not expensive.. It’s (617) 291-6609 very cheap.” 10.) “Was the dress expensive?” 11.) “Yes. It was fifty-seven euros.” 12.) “Happy New Year and good shopping” The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 Thirty-Two Counties

Antrim: Rev Ken McReynolds discuss the possibility of devel- ously. However her habit of of Lambeg Church managed to oping a road train for the city taking homemade cakes to her regain his title for preaching which would carry tourists to colleagues on construction sites the longest uninterrupted the different areas of interest led her to change tack and set sermon when he spoke for six in the city. The train would up her own shop on West Street hours to eight members of his have its base at the Foyle Val- in the town. Now Cake Couture congregation. Rev McReynolds’s ley Railway Museum, which is offers unique designs of cakes wife served regular cups of tea at present closed for much of and also stocks a range of bak- to the members of the congre- the year. Also under discussion ing accessories to cater for the gation, while he himself took will be the provision of a diesel increase in home baking since only occasional sips of water. train for the two miles of track the recession hit. Some years ago he spoke for between the museum and the Mayo: A total of 6,000 Irish five hours non-stop, but this river, and the transformation of women entered for the chance to feat was beaten by an Anglican the Ebrington barracks complex be the Simply Be Curvy model priest in England. The latest into a maritime museum. and it was a commercial art- attempt by Rev McReynolds Donegal: Glenswilly Nation- ist from Claremorris who won has raised a four-figure sum for al School near Letterkenny has the prize. Karen Forde, a size the Church Army Evangelist for the past six years undertak- fourteen, graduated from the Training Fund. en a drastic move to highlight National College of Art and De- Armagh: Little did Armagh the need for a school extension, sign in visual communications GAA star Brian Mallon and his but to no effect to date. For the and became irritated at the new wife Joanne realise, when past six years the school has models always being ultra-thin. they were married last month been known as “Seeking an Now the twenty-eight-year-old that their honeymoon journey Extension Since 1992 Glen- will feature on the cover of the would make world headlines. swilly National School,” the Simply Be spring-summer 2011 But that is what happened as name appearing on a billboard fashion catalogue and on the the couple were on board the outside the school. It is also used company’s website. Karen, who Qantas flight that experienced on the school’s official writing is at present working towards a mid-air engine failure after paper, with the agreement of a Gaisce President’s Award, taking off from Singapore. the board of management. Now, celebrated her win in her par- The plane managed to land led by principal Liam McGowan, ents’ pub in Claremorris, the safely again at the airport after they have decided to go ahead Country Club. ditching fuel and, following an themselves as they already have Meath: Bookings are already unscheduled night in Singapore, planning permission. With the coming in for this year’s Navan Brian and Joanne continued on parents having raised 60,000 On Ice at the Racecourse, which to their destination the next day, euro, a JCB has been moved on opened last month and will be when Joanne rang her family to the site. open every day except Christ- from Sydney to say they had Down: Last month a meet- mas Day until January 9. Man- arrived safely. ing was held in Rathfriland, ager Ciaran O’Brien reports Carlow: A group of young attended by up to fifty people, dering of Francis Fahy’s in all to complete the journey. that some thirty people will be people from the Spotlight Stage who gathered to ensure that the “Galway Bay.” King of the Clad- Simon said he was humbled by employed to run the ice event, School in Carlow have begun village will have a celebration dagh Michael Lynskey retraced people’s generosity, and spoke and Navan On Ice has also rehearsals for the Christmas when the lights are switched his journey from his home to of the woman who drove some linked up with Tony O’Reilly pantomime “Cinderella” at the on for the festive season. Do- the Old Mon, chronicling the distance to bring him a bag of of O’Reilly Coaches. They will Olympia Theatre in Dublin. And ing the lights bit will be Katie changes that have taken place food, and then repeated the be running a shuttle service to the show is particularly exciting McKnight, who was diagnosed in the city over the years. journey to give him a voucher include Navan, Johnstown, and for the youngsters as they will be with cancer last year, and she Kerry: A polar room at the for a hotel. His aim was to make Blackcastle. Market stalls will taking to the stage with X Factor and Santa will be transported Dingle Oceanworld aquarium people more aware of the need also be open around the rink sensation Jedward. The stage to the event by a fire engine, will be home to some dozen to show compassion to passing to provide refreshments and school’s Stuart O’Connor is the courtesy of Rathfriland Fire Sta- breeding penguins in homage strangers. a chance of some Christmas producer of the pantomime and tion. A Santa’s grotto is to be set to Kerry Antarctic explorer Tom Leitrim: The final of the shopping. he also has the task over the up in the Market House, while Crean. Coming from British Bachelor of Gortletteragh com- Monaghan: Local people coming weeks of selecting some a number of stalls manned by and Irish zoos, the penguins petition is taking place in the were both saddened and an- of his pupils to perform on the community groups and charities will be mostly the gentoo and Community Centre. Compere gered at the malicious burning Late Late Show when they open will be set up in The Square. rockhopper species. These are for the evening will be Eugene last month of Hope Castle in the annual Toy Show. Dublin: Dublin City Council smaller breeds than the better- Murphy of Shannonside Radio Castleblayney. Extensive dam- Cavan: Ireland football man- is to introduce bylaws which will known Emperor penguins. The and among the contestants for age was caused to the interior of ager Giovanni Trapattoni was affect those operating horse- one-million euro facility will rep- the title are Pat Bohan, Joe the eighteenth century building in Bailieborough last month to drawn carriages in the city. In licate Antarctic conditions and Campbell, Declan Doyle, Niall and Lough Muckno Park had perform the official opening of line with regulations laid down will employ one full-time minder Duffy, Jim Duignan, Derek to be closed to pedestrians and Celtic AFC’s new grounds. The by Killarney Town Council, such for the penguins in addition to Kelleher, and Ollie McGowan. motorists until the structure grounds were first blessed by carriages will be obliged to fit at least two part-time staff. The In addition to this competition, had been made safe. The castle, Canon John Murphy and Rever- their horses with dung-catchers aquarium has received a capi- there will also be a prize for the built by Lord Andrew Thomas end Sam Anketell before Trap- or face a fine of up to 1,900 euro. tal grant of 100,000 euro from best-dressed cowboy and cow- Blayney, was bought by the patoni cut the ribbon to open In addition, drivers will need Údarás na Gaeltachta. girl, while music for the night Hope family of Hope Diamond the Vale Grounds. Before this both a driver and a carriage Kildare: The St John of God will be provided by Tom Moran fame before serving as a military he had posed for photographs license and can ply for hire Kildare Services have nomi- and Seamus Farrell. barracks, a county hospital and with the teams and committee only from two designated sites, nated Maureen Bagnall from Limerick: Our Lady Queen home to the Franciscan Order. members, and also had his pho- St Stephen’s Green and a site Ardrath for an Ireland Award. of Peace parish in Limerick city It is now owned by the county tograph taken with the oldest adjacent to the Guinness Hop Maureen has been working as has been the first recipient of council. player, Vincent Smith, who was Store. The new laws will also a volunteer for the past twenty- a pilot project by the Limerick Offaly: On All Souls Day, on the original Bailieborough apply to drivers who hire their six years as a riding instructor, City Care & Repair service people gathered at Lloyd Town team in 1952. carriages out on a private basis. fundraiser, and organizer for St which will help the elderly and Park in Tullamore for the second Clare: An invitation for Fermanagh: Kenneth Cooke Raphael’s Special Needs School disabled with repairs of their annual Anam Cara “A Balloon to tenders has been sent out by from Melbourne was in Enni- in Celbridge, attending sessions houses. Costs of labor will be Remember” event. Anam Cara Midwest Tourism for research skillen last month to follow the at different riding schools each entirely free, with the house- is an organization that provides into the feasibility of developing trail of his great-grandmother, week. She first became involved holders having to pay only for support for those who have lost an interpretative centre at Moo- Catherine Riley, who was one while helping her mother, and any materials used. Age Action a child, and the patron is Mary ghaun ringfort near Dromoland of the “Famine Orphans” sent the nuns at St Wolstan’s where Ireland has undertaken the Cowen, wife of An Taoiseach. Castle. Thought to be the larg- to Australia under the Earl she went to school also encour- training of twelve volunteers Thousands of pink and blue est such structure in Ireland, Grey Scheme. Kenneth, with aged her to volunteer. who have started work on balloons were released, each the Bronze Age ringfort was the help of local expert Frankie Kilkenny: During a presenta- houses in the areas of Janesboro, representing a family’s bereave- the location of the Great Clare Roofe, found information that tion in Rothe House in Kilkenny Rathbane, Kennedy Park, and ment. Also in attendance at Gold Find of 1854 when three has left him fairly certain that, last month by thatcher and ar- Glasgow Park and it is hoped the event was RTE presenter laborers found a number of gold when Catherine was placed in chaeologist Jimmy Lenehan, he it will expand to take in other Miriam O’Callaghan, who lost artifacts at the site. The tender the workhouse from which she struck an optimistic note when areas of the city. her sister fifteen years ago. invitations have come from emigrated, her parents were he announced the introduction Longford: A discussion Roscommon: It was appro- Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus, still alive. Although he does of two new thatchers. Brothers arose at a recent meeting of the priate that a particular book whose members hope to boost not know her exact birthplace, Danny and Lee Shanahan from County Council over the naming launch took place at Roscommon tourism in the region. Irvinestown and Derrylin were Thomastown have both recently of the roundabouts on the N4. Library last month as it is the Cork: Áine Herlihy from two areas that at that time had completed a fifty-two week Mayor Paul O’Connell pressed location of one of the works of Knocknagree has been hon- inhabitants named Riley. Now course in the art of thatching for a literary theme, and Direc- the subject of the book. Jack ored under a community-based Kenneth is hoping that he can and are now embarking on their tor of Services Ciaran Murphy Harte from Lanesboro, who garda awards scheme. The find some of Catherine’s branch new careers. Lenehan’s lecture told the meeting it was proposed attended the CBS school in sixteen-year-old was minding of the Rileys still living in the was organized by Kilkenny to name the two roundabouts on Roscommon town, has written a her three-year-old sister Abby county. Archaeological Society and he the Edgeworthstown bypass af- biography of his cousin, sculptor at home when she smelt smoke Galway: Aiden Berry, origi- told the assembled gathering ter Maria Edgeworth and Oliver Fred Conlon whose works can and discovered the upper story nally from Middle Street in that much of his work revolves Goldsmith. However Councillor be seen in many places around of the house was on fire. After Galway, came up with the idea around thatched houses used Frank Kilbride pushed for the the country, including a work calling the emergency services of a Galway Jamboree as a re- in films. second roundabout to be named at Strokestown Fire Station. Áine managed to rescue her union for people who grew up Laois: At the beginning of after General Seán MacEoin, “Unravelling the Spiral” is the sleeping sister, though she her- in the city, and he and his wife November, Simon Rogers from and Councillor PJ Reilly called title of Jack Harte’s latest book. self suffered cuts and burns in Patricia organized an event Blackhills in Abbeyleix set off for former Taoiseach Albert A previous book, “In the Wake the process. Her quick action in that took place last month. to walk to Ballybunion in Co. Reynolds to be honored. of the Bagger” has just been calling the emergency services Hundreds attended the event, Kerry, relying on the generosity Louth: Aoife Collins re- translated into Bulgarian. meant that the fire was confined which included a five-course of strangers en route to supply turned from England to settle Sligo: For the second succes- to the upper part of the family meal at the Salthill Hotel and his needs. With no money, food in Drogheda and found she was sive year St Aiden’s National home. entertainment from a number or booked accommodation, he unable to secure employment School in Monasteraden has Derry: Derry City Council’s of old Galway people including walked to Urlingford on the in the construction industry, won the Aileen Mac Keogh development committee will Eamon Shevlin who gave a ren- first day and took seven days where she had worked previ- (Continued on page 22) Page 22 December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com News Direct From Ireland

Poll - a new low for Tao- ticle written by O’Sullivan in the 1980s in Mallow, Co. Cork, one iseach – A Red C opinion poll, Maynooth-published “Furrow”, of which took place while he was carried out for the Irish Sun Ireland Today: in which he said homosexuality hearing the boy’s confession. newspaper last month sug- is “simply a facet of the human Archbishop Dermot Clifford, gested that just 11 percent of the Welcome for Redheads condition.” Apostolic Administrator of the electorate is happy with having Significant increase in Diocese of Cloyne to which the Brian Cowen as Taoiseach. La- number of Catholics in PSNI former priest was attached, bour leader Éamon Gilmore has at the Dublin Zoo – Addressing the committee issued an apology to Brendan 39 perent support, an increase of In order to highlight the fact that orangutans are now an on the implementation of the Wrixon’s victim and urged any- six points since the last similar endangered species in the wild, Dublin Zoo offered free entry Belfast Agreement, the North- one in similar circumstances to poll was taken three months ago. ern Minister for Justice, David report events to the Gardaí. Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny has the one weekend last month to all children with red hair, those who wore red wigs, or who were dressed up as orangutans. The Ford, said that the percentage of 50 jobs in US market support of 23 percent, a drop of PSNI members from a perceived research firm in Galway – four points. campaign had some critics, who suggested that the connection Catholic background had risen Minister for Enterprise, Trade Morgan won’t stand for between redheads and orangutans might lead to name-calling, from 8 percent some ten years and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe Dáil; Adams will – Sinn Féin but primate keeper at the zoo, Ciarán McMahon, defended the ago to 29.3 percent today. In was in Galway last month to TD for Louth Arthur Morgan idea. He claimed that it was meant to be a “fun and quirky” addition, 25 percent of officers announce the arrival in the city announced on November 9 that way of highlighting the danger to the Asian primates. are women, though there is still of a leading US market research he will not be a candidate in disquiet at the relatively small firm which plans to create 50 the next General Election. He number from diverse ethnic new jobs here over the next five gave as his reason his desire last year and, as a result, prices sion has issued a report calling backgrounds. The British gov- years. Industrial Info Resources to return to work in the family on average were 0.7 percent on the Government to establish ernment has now proposed the (IIR), which is based in Sugar fish business. Morgan, who was higher last month compared a statutory inquiry into the end of the 50/50 recruitment of Land, Texas, is establishing a imprisoned in the North from with October 2009. detention of women in Magda- Catholics and Protestants, a European operations centre in 1977 to 1984 for possession of Shannon gets closer to lene homes where they were policy with which Ford concurs. Ballybrit Business Park that will weapons and explosives, was Galway – Minister for Trans- obliged to work in laundries. It Nationalist politicians say it is service markets across Europe, elected to the Dáil at his third port Noel Dempsey last month also argues for the creation of a too soon as the make-up of the Russia, the former Soviet states attempt in 2002 and retained opened a new 22-km stretch of redress scheme to compensate PSNI still does not reflect the and parts of Asia. his seat in 2007. Then Sinn the M18 linking the Ennis by- the surviving former inmates, situation in the community. IIR carries out in-depth mar- Féin president Gerry Adams pass with the old N18 just north the youngest of whom would Large subsidies paid to ket research on the industrial said that he planned to seek the of Gort. This will make it possible now be in her 70s. The Govern- some farmers – The Irish processing, heavy manufac- nomination and would resign his to travel by motorway from Gort ment’s response was to pass the News recently carried a report turing and energy-related in- Assembly seat as a signal of his to Limerick and will further report to the Attorney General on the EU farm subsidies being dustries worldwide and offers intent. He will retain his seat shorten the time required to for his advice and to criticize received by farmers in the North. knowledge management solu- in the Westminster Parliament reach Shannon Airport from the Commission for not offering While the Ulster Farmers’ Union tions to firms in those sectors. while maintaining the party’s Galway. The National Roads the relevant departments an op- defended the subsidies, saying Limerick print works to abstentionist policy. Authority has a map of the new portunity “to contribute to the that most farmers received very close with loss of 29 jobs – More scandal emerges road on its website. Farmers commission’s considerations of little, it emerged that some are All 29 staff at the print shop in from Anglo Irish Bank – The north of Gort met the Minister this matter to facilitate a fully being paid up to 6,300 pounds a Limerick, where the Limerick investigations in the operation to express concern at the plan balanced evaluation of all the week whether they are working Leader has been printed for of Anglo Irish Bank will continue to extend the motorway further facts”. the land or not. Among the larg- more than 200 years, are to lose for another few months although north to Oranmore. The area is Annual report highlights est beneficiaries is the UFU’s their jobs. The Limerick Leader some files will be in the hands of subject to flooding and the fear heroin use – The annual report former president Campbell and the Limerick Chronicle are the Director of Public Prosecu- is that major road construction from the European Monitoring Tweed, who received 185,251 owned by Johnston Press and tions before the end of the year. will damage the underground Centre for Drugs and Drug Ad- pounds last year. a number of the group’s other The balance should be passed limestone cave system that al- diction has revealed that the Report on North-South newspapers are also printed in to the DPP in the first quarter lows the water to drain away. heroin problem in Ireland is not shopping – According to the Limerick, including the Clonmel of 2011. Noel Curran to head RTÉ only the worst in any EU country Central Statistics Office, over Nationalist, the Kilkenny Peo- During the week of Nov. 8, – Noel Curran, who joined RTÉ for which figures are available, the past year shoppers from the ple, the Offaly Express and the it emerged that investigations in 1992 and left in May of this but Ireland also has the longest South spent 418 million pounds Tipperary Star. It’s not known by the Office of the Director year, has been appointed Direc- waiting lists for treatment. Of north of the border, a decrease of where any of the newspapers of Corporate Enforcement had tor General of the company. He every 1,000 people in the Repub- two percent on the same period will be printed in the future but been delayed by up to two years will take over from outgoing DG lic, seven are categorized as prob- last year. Household goods were the company has other printing by the refusal of former bank Cathal Goan, who leaves in Feb- lem heroin users and the country the most popular purchase, fol- works in Kells, Co. Meath, Por- executives to divulge the pass- ruary at the end of his seven-year is also seen as having a serious lowed by alcohol. Retail Ireland tadown, Co. Armagh, and Derry. words for password-protected contract. Goan’s decision to go cocaine problem. However there members say they have seen a Dublin Council plans ex- files. The bank had been asked came as something of a surprise was a more optimistic note in reduction in numbers of cross- pansion of bike scheme – to provide passwords for 50 of when he announced it in July. that the Government’s handling border shoppers since the survey Dublin City Council is to expand around 800 protected files but Curran, 46, had been manag- of the head shops issue received was completed between April the Dublin bike scheme, from was only able to supply 20 of ing director of RTÉ television praise in the report. and June. 500 to 5,000, ranging from UCD, these. The other 30 were known from 2003 until his departure Vatican bans priest from Suspended sentence for south of the river, to DCU on only to executives who no longer to pursue other interests. He did publishing – The Congregation former priest – Former priest the north side. The increase of worked for the bank. not envisage the top job would for the Doctrine of Faith at the Brendan Wrixon received a bike stations from 40 to about Annual inflation at 0.7 per- become available so soon. He Vatican has contacted the Capu- suspended 18-month sentence 300 will take place in 14 phases cent – The Central Statistics Of- was selected in preference to two chin secretary general in Rome when he pleaded guilty at Cork over the next five years. The fice has reported that consumer other candidates, one from New to instruct the order that Father Circuit Criminal Court on Nov. scheme has been one of the most prices in October remained Zealand and one from Canada. Owen O’Sullivan is no longer to 12 to committing gross inde- successful in Europe, with more unchanged in the month. This Irish Human Rights Com- write for publication unless the cency. The charge referred to a than 47,000 subscribers since it compares to a decrease of 0.2 mission call for inquiry – The Congregation first approves the number of incidents concerning began operating in September percent recorded in October of Irish Human Rights Commis- content. The move follows an ar- a then teenage boy in the early last year.

Thirty-Two Counties From Tipperary to Wicklow

(Continued from page 21) extras in the film. the area over the next few weeks but, according to his Columban weekends in December, will award for film-making at this Tyrone: The greylag goose, but the Trust maintains that Fathers colleagues, his only take place in association with year’s national FÍS film Festi- which had a discarded beer can to interfere with the habitat of thought after his release was to Wicklow County Enterprise val. The pupils were presented caught in its beak, has finally the goats is to interfere with the return to the school for special Board and the Wicklow Town with their award, for their film been rescued after four weeks herd itself. children that he set up. He was and District Chamber. More “Awful Arabella”, by President of attempts. Many people had Westmeath: Athlone Town- nominated for the award by the than thirty craftsworkers will Mary McAleese. In addition to tried to catch the goose on Black centre was the venue last month Columban Missionaries. present their creations in pot- this award the school also won Lough in order to remove the for the Wall of Inspiration, an Wicklow: The company that tery, art, jewelry and designer an award for another film, “Di- tin, as it was feared it would initiative of the Big Brother organized the Christmas event fashions, while there will be rection.” Principal of St Aiden’s hinder his feeding. Last month Big Sister mentoring initia- at Clermont last year is to repeat an Artisan Food Hall on the David O’Gara said the school police cordoned off the area tive. Shoppers were invited to the exercise this year, but at last weekend of this month to had been involved in the film and members of the Northern place a brick on the wall and to a different venue. Christmas coincide with the switching on making competition for the Ireland Environment Agency write on it the name of a person at the Coach House, over two of the Christmas lights. past six years, and he stressed Conservation Team, which is who had influenced their lives that all the work on the films based at Peatlands Park in in a significant way. The wall was carried out by the children Dungannon, managed to res- was thus constructed brick by themselves. cue the bird. After the can was brick, while those who helped Tipperary: Director Thad- removed the goose was taken to in the construction, and those Ireland’s Weather deus O’Sullivan and members of Peatlands Park to recuperate who were unable to attend in Reported Wednesday, November 29, 2010 the film crew have been visiting before being released onto the person, were able to enter the the town of Fethard to choose lough once again. names of the people who had We have just experienced a cold week which became con- siderably colder in the past few days. The Met office warned locations for the film “Stella Waterford: Just under an inspired them on a Virtual Wall motorists to expect snow showers in north Connacht, Donegal Days,” which stars Martin acre of the land used by the of Inspiration. and coastal counties of Leinster. Since those warnings were announced Sheen. Shooting is due to begin Bilberry goat herd is to be Wexford: In Killarney last driving conditions have become extremely hazardous in many parts of in the coming week on the film, licensed by Waterford City month, Father Michael Sinnott the country. Last night a temperature of -9.7C was recorded, a record which centers around a parish Council for the development from Barntown was presented low for November. priest’s attempt to introduce a of a horticultural project. Orla with the 2010 Hugh O’Flaherty The cold conditions will continue throughout the week with more snow cinema to a small Irish town in Foley, secretary of the Bilberry Humanitarian Award, given showers, and temperatures expected to reach -10C or -11C. the 1950s. To date the venues Goat Heritage Trust, has voiced annually to an Irish person After the experience of the January cold snap the National Roads chosen as locations include the Trust’s concerns about the working overseas with a non- Authority has been given responsibility for the sourcing of road salt. The NRA will distribute the salt to local authorities who had mixed success in McCarthy’s Bar, Holy Trinity reduction in grazing land for government organization. Fa- keeping the roads clear in January. On RTÉ’s Morning Ireland a spokesman Church, and the town hall. The the herd of goats, which have ther Sinnott was held captive said that sufficient stocks had been pre-ordered to meet any eventuality. local ballroom has also been had a presence in Waterford for a month last year when he Latest Temperatures: earmarked for holding auditions for more than 300 years. The was kidnapped by rebels in the Day 0C (32F) Night -2C (28F) for local people who wish to be council is planning to fence off Philippines where he is based Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com December 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 Boston Irish Reporter Book Briefs Reviews of books recently published in Ireland, courtesy of readireland.com

Escape from failed to run away with MI5 getting involved and one last great cause and, ployed husband trying him to London as they everyone on the hunt for in the process, confront to be a stay-at-home su- Barbados had planned. Frank never a missing Jack Russell, his demons. Blair is en- per-dad ... but will she by William P. Sexton heard from her again. can Our Man Behind thralled by the case of the find herself in even more Twenty years on, Frank the Counter stay alive young Russian immigrant trouble once she gets to the is still in Dublin, working as well as keep his world who apparently killed his island and meets the devil- as an undercover cop. He’s renowned but criminally mother while sleepwalk- ishly handsome Pierce? cut all ties with his dys- ignored No Alibis mystery ing. He is also intrigued Maggie’s got a secret, a functional family. Until book shop afloat? by the beautiful young scandal about Gabriel his sister calls to say that Russian woman who acts Kelly, the latest Irish hot Rosie’s suitcase has been Anyone for Me? as his interpreter. Con- actor that she’s just got found. Frank embarks on by Fiona Cassidy fronted with the most to turn into the scoop of a journey into his past that Meet feisty, fun-loving difficult defense known to a lifetime ... but what if demands he re-evaluate Ruby Ross thirty-four, criminal law, Blair battles digging into Gabriel’s life everything he believes to mad red hair, mad (in with self-doubt, alcohol- reveals something much be true. general), adopted and ism, and ethical dilemmas more dangerous than searching for answers . in his quest for justice. He she’d ever bargained for? The Time is Now . . like, precisely whose quickly descends into an Ciara’s solicitor husband by Pauline McLynn genes are responsible for unfamiliar world, where Des has just run off with and rather ferocious Ruby nothing is as it appears all his clients’ money and the mad red hair . . . She’s asking is the impulsive, compulsive and where reality proves is wanted by the police ... and unaware of what she The Avenue the truism that life can be but will running away to s about to unleash in her by James Lawless stranger than fiction. wild and wonderful Inish Between 1652 and 1659, This is a third novel by Rua be the escape she’s more than 50,000 Irish quest for the truth. Isobel Ross is larger than life (de- the award-winning au- re . . . Anyone For Me? looking for or will Ciara be men, women, and chil- thor. A scantily-dressed haunted by Des’s reputa- dren were transported to spite being a serial dieter) and lives in a picturesque girl dancing in a lighted tion forever? And when Barbados and Virginia by window jolts Francis Co- broody Setanta Lynch England’s Oliver Crom- cottage in Donegal in the grounds of a manor-house peland from his world Turner-prize-nominated well, and as of now there of books. Francis, now Irish artist and super-brat is no account of anyone hotel but why are the new hotel-owners so keen to get middle-aged, whose life turns up, nobody’s heart escaping. Sean Tierney and marriage are in a rut, is safe on Inish Rua any was one of the trans- rid of her? She’s harboring secrets from the past and fantasises about the girl more. Mayhem, madness portees who were sent to and finds it hard to accept, and a midnight murder Barbados. He was taken fiercely protective of her adopted daughter Ruby. as he discovers later, that will turn the peaceful is- in chains in the middle she is Judy, a dancer in land into bedlam. ... of the night from his wife Can she stop the willful Ruby from opening a nasty the local pub. The hid- and children. It took him den world of the avenue some 35 years to return can of worms? Throw in A masterful story of se- Ruby’s forthcoming nup- unfolds to Francis. Who to Ireland. This is Sean’s is Myrtle, his wife? (Does story about his many ad- cret lives in the streets of tials to the lovely Luke, a Soho. In the heart of Soho bling-loving bridesmaid she genuinely go to bingo ventures and difficulties every Tuesday night?). that he went through to lies an elegant townhouse in the shape of her best that is home to a group friend Frankie, a wedding He does not know her. return home to his wife Who are the real parents and children. During this of extraordinary people. planner called Gabriel Over the past century, the who wears more make-up of the street kid Freddy? time he fell in love with an Who was the neighbor African princess that he inhabitants of Broadwick than the bride-to-be and Street have experienced you have chaos. Add to the whose car killed Francis’s Dead Wicked met on Barbados when he mother when Francis was was a slave. The story is life to the full - war mix a dusty box found by by Juliet Bresson and peace, austerity and chance which leaves many twelve years old? Raw sub- Everybody’s got a reason also about his multiracial urban truths are exposed son and grandson who wealth, love and death. questions unanswered, to be on Inish Rua, the From an outbreak of ty- and you have a bewildered as Francis, with the help of magnificent storm-tossed journey with him on his the local children, slowly adventure. In his travels phoid to a stolen painting, island where wicked bil- the interlinking stories unravels the secrets of lionaire Pierce Fox hosts he meets many historical the avenue. “This book figures. Among them are that emerge will enchant a retreat for Ireland’s and enthrall Pauline is very good,” – Jennifer most fascinating artists famous pirates, priests, Johnston. “A work of pas- and slaves from Africa and McLynn’s many fans as ... Amy’s got writer’s block she transports her readers sion and truth.” – Declan with her newly unem- he fought alongside these Kiberd. characters throughout the to Soho past and present. book. This is a struggle of pure determination and The Day Of Degrees of Guilt PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 20 courage by one man to en- The Jack Russell by Patrick Marrinan dure against overwhelm- by Colin Bateman Once the top criminal ing odds in his quest to lawyer at the Bar, Blair return to his homeland. Armstrong SC, has succumbed to an overwhelm- Faithful Place ing melancholy following by Tana French the loss of his wife. Now The course of Frank he is lured back from Mackey’s life was set by early retirement to defend one defining moment when he was nineteen. The moment his girl- friend, Rosie Daly, failed to turn up for their ren- dezvous in Faithful Place,

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