JANUARY 2018

Katie Grennan

is her own Gaelic Storm … Page 29 2 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

Learning into we met in Findley in October of offer our readers, and our ad- “Follow me where I go, the Laptop: 2006, we didn’t know the econ- vertisers. I have sunk my heart what I do and who I know; omy would tank 2 years later, and soul into it, and that belief O’Bent Editor’s Corner yet here we are, after 11 years, has been far exceeded; we will Enterprises includes: stronger than ever, and ready to continue to raise the bar. www.twitter.com/jobjr go solo with our OhioIANews. Thank you for your time and www.facebook.com/ Yes, there was a special present consideration over our first de- OhioIrishAmericanNews under the tree this year. From the cade. Please fell free to call or day we started the OhioIANews, email me at any time. I knew I would one day own it I wish you and yours a very myself. We planned for it, we Happy New Year, worked on it, and now, that day Go dtí an mhí seo chugainn, has come. I have worked all slán a fhágáil John O’Brien, Jr. over the U.S., but I was born in (Until next month, goodbye) Cleveland, and, a long time ago, John My parents are both immi- before the OhioIANews was grants. I grew up with 3 older even a gleam in my eye, I chose sisters (lotta damage, lotta ther- to make my home here. Effective apy), and no relatives in the U.S. January 1st, and with this issue, The only brothers I had, were the the OhioIANews came home. Irish students from Belfast who Cliff will continue to own and stayed at our house over several publish the Chicagoland Irish summers, working, and playing American News. He has been Gaelic Football. Sean McGourty, a great business partner, a great Charlie Sweeney (R.I.P.), Willie mentor, and a great friend, and Hunter and PJ. McGee were we will continue that friendship the brothers I never had, until for many years to come. You will just over 11 years ago, when I see changes as we move forward, met Cliff Carlson. Cliff has been just as you did as Cliff and I part- more than a mentor, more than nered in the IANOhio. a business partner; he has been I firmly believe in the the brother I never had. When OhioIANews, and in what we JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 3

Our thoughts in December. and prayers Both were men remain with who lived in the fami- action the credo lies of John of giving to Duffy and those in need; Tom Lynch, their obituaries laid to rest are on page 12 John Duffy Tom Lynch

Gaelic Imports Ahern Ca tering 5633 Pearl Rd. Parma, OH 44129 Banquets, 440-845-0100 We ddings, fax 440-845-0102 Clambak es or 800-450-2725 Your Special E v ent 
 

  To ny Ahe rn Irish Sausage, Irish Bacon, Soda Bread, 440-933-7500 Black Pudding, Sausage Rolls, Pork Fax : 440-933-7507 Bangers, Potato Scones, Imported [email protected] Groceries, Flags, Buttons, Jewelry, ww w.Ahe rnCaterin g.com Music and much more! 726 Avon Belden Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 www.gaelicimports.com

On This Day in Irish History JANUARY by Terrence Kenneally

14 January 1965 - Taoiseach Sean astonishingly accurate record of medieval LeMass and the prime minister of North- history. Several manuscript copies are still ern Ireland, Captain Terence O’Neill, meet in existence. at Stormont Castle, breaking the ice in 23 January 1608 - “Plantation of Ulster” cross-border relations for the first time begins. James I allows English and Scot- since partition. tish Protestants to settle on land confis- 20 January 1915 - Sir Arthur Guinness, cated from the Gaelic Irish. head of the family brewing business 24 January 1973 - Death of musician, Saturday Feb. 24, 2018 (1868-77) and philanthropist who donated folklorist, and master carpenter Willie St. Stephen’s Green to the city of Dublin Clancy, best known for his playing of the (1863) died. uilean pipes. 20 January 1968 - Death of Sir Arthur 25 January 1627 - Robert Boyle, cre- Chester Beatty. Born in New York, he ator of Boyle’s Law, is born in County was the first honorary citizen of Ireland. Waterford. A miner by trade and a collector of art, 16 January 1907 - First production of books, and minerals, he made a significant John Millington Synge’s, The Playboy of contribution to the raw material supplies the Western World“ at the Abbey Theatre, for the allies during World War II, for immediately provoking controversy as which he was later knighted. He left his it implied that the Irish were unfit to library in trust and was the first private self-rule; the infamous “Playboy” riots #BRITE18 citizen to be accorded a state funeral. resulted. 22 January 1632 - Work begins at a 30 January 1972 - Bloody Sunday - the Franciscan monastery in Donegal on the British Army fires at unarmed civil rights Annals of the Four Masters. Beginning protesters in the Bogside district of Derry. with the deluge (dated as 2,242 years Fourteen marchers die of their injuries from creation to A.D. 1616), they are an and another thirteen are wounded. 4 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018 JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 5

Greenisland Pub cabbage. A fine selection of spirits and ales can also round out your meal. and Restaurant Greenisland occupies a former Greenisland is a town in County Lawson’s location. When Sean moved Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is also into the building, he designed and Greenisland Pub and Restaurant, did most of the renovation himself, named for the Belfast neighborhood all while working for The Ford Motor that owner Sean McConnell lived in Company. He put a lot of thought and

before leaving for a new life in Ameri- personal touches on the decor and it ca in 1971. Located in Bay Village, it is shows. easily accessible just off of Interstate Greenisland is a very comfotable 90 at Route 252 / Columbia Road. place; Sean makes you feel very wel- Sean has focused on good food and come, and I think that’s why most great service. His staff are all long of the diners are long-time regulars. time employees that he considers Stop in and give Greenisland a try; family. you won’t be disappointed. More restaurant than pub, the Editor’s Note: The heart of our is- menu offers items not usually asso- sue has always been our advertisers. ciated with pub fare. The Norwegian Greenisland has been of one heart Salmon Filet is one of my favorites. with the Ohio Irish American News Steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, as since 2008. well as a variety of Irish specialties Look for Sean’s compelling story are some of the dinner entrees. of Belfast, and his emmigration, in an Grilled burgers and sandwiches, upcoming issue of the OhioIANews. including a Teriyaki Portabella sand- Greenisland Irish Restaurant and wich (a portabella mushroom cap Pub topped with sautéed peppers and on- 25517 Eaton Way, Bay Village, Ohio ions, a grilled pineapple slice, served 44140 with tomato and lettuce on a kaiser Open 11:30 a.m. to about 9 p.m. roll) are also available. On the 17th Monday-Saturday of every month, you can celebrate (440) 250-9086 St. Patrick’s Day with corned beef & 6 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

Youth Gaelic Games Are you running for an elective office? Continues through There are over 1.4 million people of Irish descent in Ohio; 475,000 in the Cleveland Winter! Greater Cleveland; 175,00 in Cuyahoga County: Want to reach them? All kids, new or experienced, girl or Advertise in the Ohio Irish American News: [email protected] to boy, 5 to 14 years of age, are welcome reach the Irish community throughout Ohio. to come out and try Gaelic Football and Hurling for FREE one Friday a month, thanks to a grant from the Irish Govern- ment’s Department of Foreign Affairs FREE FRIDAYS !!! and Trade, the Gaelic Athletic Associa- JANUARY 2018 Vol. 12 Issue 1 tion (GAA worldwide) and our own U.S. Founders: GAA (USGAA). LEARN THE SKILLS OF Cliff Carlson & John O’Brien, Jr. Sessions will be held JANUARY 12, GAELIC FOOTBALL & HURLING FEBRUARY 9, and MARCH 9, from Publisher: 7-8:30 p.m., at the Soccer Sportsplex: John O’Brien Jr. Editor: John O’Brien Jr. 31515 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, Ohio Website and layout Sportplex, 31515 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted 7PM—8:30 44070. Contact Cleveland GAA for more Cathy Curry Carlson information: ClevelandGAAyouth@ PM gmail.com. Columnists: Jan. 12 For those new to the sports, GAELIC Behind the Hedge- John O’Brien, Jr. BOYS & GIRLS, AGE 5 - 14. FOOTBALL combines the best of soccer, Blowin’ In- Susan Mangan Feb. 9 basketball, and volleyball in a fast-paced, Cleveland Irish- Francis McGarry high scoring game. HURLING combines Cleveland Cohmra- Bob Carney Mar. 9 Crossword Puzzle- Linda Fulton Burke the best of baseball, field hockey and Don’t Forget Us-Lisa O’Rourke lacrosse, in the world’s fastest game on Growing up Irish- Maureen Ginley grass. There are many Youtube videos on Heart of the Issue- Bob Carney both that bring both sports alive. Illuminations- J. Michael Finn IRL. Past & Present- Niamh O’Sullivan Madigan Muses- Marilyn Madigan Off Shelf/On This Day-Terry Kenneally Out of the Mailbag- John O’Brien, Jr. Terry From Derry- Terry Boyle Toledo Irish - Maury Collins

IAN Ohio Inc. is published monthly (12 GAELIC FOOTBALL combines the best of soccer, basketball, issues a year) on the first day of each and volleyball in a facepace high scoring game. month. Subscription is by first class mail. HURLING combines the best of baseball, field hockey, and 1 year $30, 2 years at $55 3 years $80. To subscribe go online at www.ianohio.com, lacrosse in the world’s fastest game on grass. Email us at [email protected], www.clevelandGAA.com/YOUTH call us at 216.647.1144 or [email protected] Cleveland St. Pat's St. Jarlath's Youth mail to address below. OhioIANews is available for free at over SPONSORED BY: 240 locations throughout Ohio. For information on the locations go to United States Gaelic www.ianohio.com and click on the Athletic Association Ohio Distribution button. Contact: Ohio Irish American News 216.647.1144 e-mail: [email protected] or mail to: 14615 Triskett Rd Cleveland Oh 44111-3123 Subscriptions: [email protected] On the Internet www.ianohio.com www.facebook.com/OhioIrishAmerican- News www.twitter.com/jobjr PUBLISHERS STATEMENT The opinions and statements expressed in this newspaper are entirely those of the authors, and do not reflect in any way the opinions of OhioIANews. Circulation: 7,500 For a list of distribution points, go to www.ianohio.com and click on the word “Distribution.” JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 7

Cad is brí le...? (kahd iss bree la...) (un vayd-faw cudge-oo lee-um) Can you help me? What does... mean? Abair arís é go mall, le do thoil Speak Irish Abar arís é, más é do thoil é ( ah-ber areesh ay guh mawl, leh duh hull) Labhair Gaeilge ( ah ba areesh ay, mosh ay duh ho lay) Please repeat that slowly Repeat it please Tá ceist agam (taw kesht ah gum) I have a question By Bob Carney Ná labhair chomh tapa san, más é do thoil é ( nah lowhr koh tapa sahn, mosh ah duh ho Once again, I want to mention how helpful a dictio- lay) Speak more slowly, please nary is in learning the language. My favorite and free Scríobh é, más é do thoil é on-line dictionary is Teanglann www.teanglann.ie. It Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 ( skreeve ay, mosh ah duh ho lay) Write it , please has a pronunciation tool to allow you to hear the word Tá an ceart agat (taw ahn kyart ah gut) That’s right spoken by speakers in all three dialects, as well as the Happy New Year everyone I hope the holidays went Ní féidir liom Gaeilge a labhairt definition and phrases using the word. well for you. I have a couple of quick notes before we ( nee fay-der lum gawl ah gay a lowh irt) Social media has numerous pages you can follow on jump into our lesson for the month. I can’t speak Irish Facebook and Twitter. My friend John Handy of Philidel- Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 is a year long celebration of the Ba mhaith liom Gaeilge a chleachtadh phia has a fantastic page to follow called Irish Language Irish language and marks the 125th anniversary of its ( buh vah lum gawl ah gay ah kell tah) Learners. Every day he posts a very short lesson aimed revival. Conradh na Gaeilge is the democratic forum for I want to practice Irish at beginners. Finally, The Ohio Irish American News the Irish speaking community. Ba mhaith liom Gaeilge a labhairt offers Speak Irish Cleveland Classes, where you can Established July 31, 1893, it’s work inspired and (buh vah lum gawl ah gay lowh irt) learn a few phrases and meet some new friends. Our played a role in Irelands push for independence by I want to speak Irish next session starts January 16th. Contact me at the email instilling national and cultural pride throughout the Ba mhaith liom é a fhoghlaim below to sign up. country. Over fifty Irish language, Gaeltacht and culture ( buh vah lum ay a oh lum) I want to learn it groups are taking part in Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 so far. Tá mé ag foghlaim Gaeilge Slán go Foill! The Gaelic Athletic Association in particular has a few (taw may ahg fow-lim gawl ah gay) I am learning Irish [email protected] events planned and hopes to put more emphasis on the An bhféadfá cuidiú liom? language. There will be a Lá Gaelach (Irish day) at Croke Park in March, and the events will be run in Irish. All of the programs being intiated are to create aware- ness of the language and to inspire all of us to participate. Speak Irish Cleveland Winter Quarter It will be an opportunity to highlight the challenges as well as the achievements regarding the language in the starts January 16th 6:15 to 8-ish past 125 years. I will pass on information as I receive it, so you can participate in these events. In this month’s Cleveland Comhrá, I included the motto used by The Akron Celtic Guards. The last phrase, All skill levels are welcome! Faugh na Ballagh, is an anglicized spelling of Fág na Classes at PJ McIntyre 17119 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111 Bealach (faw nah bah-lahk) Clear the Way! It was first used as a battle cry by the Royal Irish Fu- siliers in 1798, and later adopted by the 16th New York Volunteer Infantry in the American Civil War. It is not uncommon to run across words or phrases in literature that, although Irish, have taken on English spelling. As beginners, sometimes it can be difficult to follow someone as they’re speaking, or we may have trouble finding the correct word to use. This months vocabulary will help us to understand and to be understood.

Ceart go leor (kyart guh lore) ok , all right Tá sé sin go maith (taw shay shin guh mah) That’s good Tuigim (tigg-um) I understand Ní thuigim (nee higg-um) I don’t understand Níl a fhios agam (neel iss ah gum) Pre-registration is required via email: I don’t know An bhfuil Gaeilge/ Bearla agat? [email protected] Checks to: Ohio Irish American News (ahn will gawl ah gay/ ber lah ah gut) 14615 Triskett Road Cleveland, Ohio 44111-3123 Can you speak Irish/ English? Tá beagáinín Gaeilge agam (taw ba ah gon in gawl ih gay ah gum) Cost is $85 for returning students, $100 for new students I speak a little Irish Cuir Gaeilge ar ... dom, le do thoil (car gawl ah gay ar...dum lay duh hahl) 6:15 - 7:00 ~ Introduction to Speak Irish text book How do you say...in Irish, please 7:00 - 8:00 ~ Interactive conversational skills 8 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

Tasmanian Irish: The castle is also famous for its celebrities of another wine of their travels. This resulted in the production of a era, in the form of ghosts, including the first wife of Lord number of coffee table books. Can My Pony Come Too? Esmonde, Ailish O’Flaherty, who was the granddaughter of Tasmania still holds a special place in Rosemary’s heart to by Paula Xiberras Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Grace O ‘Malley. The ghost of Ailish the extent she chose to launch her autobiography here. ‘Can appears in a section of the castle where My Pony Come Too?’ is out now published by Ballynastragh Rosemary Peterswald has made she stood awaiting for her husband’s Books. You can read more about Rosemary at the journey not just from Ireland to return from war. http://ballynastraghbooks.com.au/index.php/about- Australia, but from living in real es- Far away from this fairy tale world rob-and-rosemary-peterswald tates, in the form of big houses and of castles and magic, Rosemary and a castle in Ireland, to working in real her family set up life in Australia with estate here in Tasmania. We might characteristic resourcefulness that saw claim Rosemary as a Tasmanian even them take on a number of different jobs. though she no longer lives here; her However, perhaps the most difficult job family’s legacy continues in the form was coping with the snakes and bats of of daughter Charlotte’s Peterswald Australia; the former of course, unknown Real Estate. in Ireland having been banished by St Presently, Rosemary and her hus- Patrick! band sail around the world, writing An additional difficulty faced by Rose- about seafood and wine and the places mary and her family was adapting to the they dine! I caught up with Rosemary peculiarities of their new land. Rosemary to have a chat about her autobiog- recounts examples of her mum’s grap- The 176th Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Pa- raphy, ‘Can My Pony Come Too?’ pling with the language, such as being which recounts her early childhood asked to ‘bring a plate’ to an evening out, rade Pins are now on sale. Stamped with in Ireland and subsequent immigration to Australia and and quite literally bringing a plate, but an empty one! On 2018, the pins are an annual tradition, and later Tasmania. being asked by a neighbour to take care of the children and the main source of funding for the 5th oldest Rosemary, known as ‘teeny’ to her family, owing to her ‘hoping they don’t get in the road’ Rosemary’s mum was parade in America. Only $10, make checks fifth child status in the family, spent her early life around quick to answer that she always kept a keen eye on them, to UIS (United Irish Societies). Mail SASE to Glendalough, in her home of Wicklow, Ireland. Glendalough and they wouldn’t get out on to the road’. is the place of St Kevin’s monastic settlement and the famous Rosemary met her husband Rob, through her brother, OhioIANews 14615 Triskett Road Cleveland, rock called St Kevin’s Chair, which it is said, if you sit on it when they both trained in Duntroon. After marriage, Oh 44111 or call John @ 216.647.1144. you can cure illness. Rosemary and Rob were posted to New Guinea. When they In her book Rosemary revisits some of the pivotal places returned to Australia, a casual meeting encouraged them to of her childhood, including Haughton Castle, once owned move to Tasmania, where they set up an apple farm. by Rosemary’s family, the Esmonde’s. She meets its colour- This produced its own apple anecdotes, such as the time ful inhabitant, a lady who is one of the few people who can a representative of the Jewish community on the mainland boast she conversed with both WB Yeats and Mick Jagger, interested in purchasing some apples came to observe the when they stayed at the castle. farm. Fortunately, he nodded off during the visit and didn’t see the pigs interacting with the apples! Later on, Rosemary and Rob entered another career change, this time into real estate, as ‘Peterswald’. Eventually it was time for this eclectically enthusiastic couple to explore new horizons, literally, as they began sailing Australian and international waters, experiencing the culture, seafood and

Steak • Seafood • Prime Rib Irish Specialties and Spirits The Unicorn Restaurant & Pub

Open from 11:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday & 4:00 p.m. Saturdays

423 Main Street (Route 57) Grafton, Ohio 44044 440-926-2621

Minutes South of 480 and Route 10 West (Elyria-Medina Exit) JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 9

her Masters and did some reflection, and in the presence view of the world is formed in undergraduate work at the of clergy, including her uncle, part by her nearly 30 years of Sorbonne in Paris. Monsignor Tom Corrigan. corporate work. It began and A Firm Corrigan joined the Amer- She is very fulfilled in shar- continues to be transmitted to Foundation ican Greeting Card Corpo- ing and discussing her faith young women in the parlors by Ken Callahan ration as a sales rep and with the students at St. Jo- and classrooms of Cleveland. rose, in her 27 years with seph Academy, with her “720 the company, to Senior Vice daughters” as she puts it. Karen rigan, the son of a Cleveland President, and headed up the Mary Ann recently told the Corrigan-Davis firefighter, grew up in St. Asian Pacific Group. While Plain Dealer: “One of my Ignatius of Antioch Parish on there, she met and married goals for the young women the West Side. her husband, Ed Davis. The here is to give them a global While Irish Americans can Karen, along with her sib- couple are parishioners at St. perspective. We have girls with pride reflect on the con- lings, Tom, Jack, Eileen, Clare Malachi Parish. from Columbia, Venezuela, tributions they have made to and Kate, began attending St. After many years of service Vietnam ... we have refugees. the larger Greater Cleveland Mel’s school and later moved on its Board, Mary An was We need more immigrants in Community in- named President Cleveland. Diversity is excit- ordinate to their of St. Joseph Acad- ing. That is the world.” mere numbers, emy, when she left Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis’ in political life, American Greeting in law, the clergy, in 2006, where she the arts and in has been happily commerce, it is a ensconced ever rarer occurrence since. for such contri- Karen credits the butions to come influence of her from a single ex- faith as providing tended family. the foundation that Mary Ann inspired her life’s Corrigan-Davis work. Her Dad, is the product once a Jesuit Postu- of such a family. lant, was appoint- She herself is the ed first to a vacancy perfect admix- on the Cleveland ture of East/West Municipal Court Side Irish back- by Governor Frank grounds: Her Mom’s family, to Our Lady of Angels Parish. Lausche in 1952, and was the Hopkins, emigrated from She attended St. Joseph Acad- later elected to the Common Crossmolina in County Mayo emy, graduating in 1971, and Pleas Court and 8th District and grew up in St. Philome- later graduated from John Court of Appeals. As with na’s parish on Euclid Avenue, Carroll University cum laude many Irish families, the week while her Dad, the Honorable in 1975. Mary Ann attended pivoted around the Sunday John V. (the “original”) Cor- Weatherhead, were she got dinner table, with prayer and 10 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

land. My new last name was not a problem, except for an oc- casional minor spelling inquiry. While O’Rourke is not a common name, it is well known there. My newfound name happi- ness was short-lived. Time went on, and my husband and our That Funny more. I was generic. new family moved to Ohio. I Little Mark It wasn’t easy to be forgettable don’t need to tell you that I went Being anonymous can be a as a Jane Doe, and it got worse from a name that I never spelled good thing. It can also be frus- when I started college. There once in my life, to one that I have trating; sometimes you want were often so many Lisa’s in my never stopped spelling in O’Ro- to be memorable. I started life classes that professors offered urke. Now, I spell it as I say it and with a name that is the modern to use our last names to ease the I absolutely will not stop in the equivalent of Jane Doe. The New situation; it didn’t help me. middle for corrections, because York Times, describing the baby Saying my name usually elic- I learned that people get very girls who were born in the six- ited a rolling of eyes. I tell this balled up in the o’s and r’s. to college. Count yourself lucky A few weeks ago, I saw in a ties, called my first name, Lisa, a tale so that you can imagine my Spelling is one element. The if you have avoided this. newsletter that I receive that juggernaut in a piece. delight when I received my new apostrophe adds a whole other I prepared, as many parents a family, the O’Learys, have Alright, but a common first married name, O’Rourke, which dimension. I am sure that there do, with lots of coffee, document started a movement to induce name can be saved unless your is so distinct and clearly ethnic. are readers out there who feel gathering, candy supplies and improvements in software con- last name is, hmm…, Smith. I The beginning of my married my pain. some shouting. I finally com- ventions so that apostrophe use know that I don’t need to say life started in England and Ire- We play a game called the pleted the hours of screens and is recognized and consistent. It is apostrophe Hokey Pokey. It is a attestations and printed my cer- called the Keep the Apostrophe game that I play every time that tificate of completion. Hurray!!! in Irish Names. Irish families are I have to spell my name; “Put the Only I received an email a not the only ones that use the apostrophe in, take the apostro- few days later stating that I had apostrophe. phe out, put the apostrophe in never submitted! The process I know that some Italian names and shake it all about.” Appar- began again, coffee, documents, also use that little mark, and I’m ently some computer systems candy and shouting. This process sure that there are others. In the recognize that mark and others repeated several times before I Irish example, it comes from the don’t. It is completely random decided to try the “help” line. preposition, ó, which means out and kind of exhausting. After about ninety minutes on of or from. So a family would You never know when you hold, a person on the line con- be “of Rourke”. It was a way of are going to get lucky and guess firmed that we had submitted stating who your family patron correctly which system that you and all was well. was, with ó, it was the grandfa- have chanced upon, or when you That was until we got to Cin- ther. Removing the O’, blurs the are going to frustrate everyone cinnati and were moving my meaning. In our multi-cultural while some indifferent worker son in only to find out that the world, it should not be that checks the system to see if they form was not submitted and he difficult. I had an acquaintance can find you. I say things like, was not formally registered for tell me how much she liked my “How about we just use my school. What I discovered to my name and I reluctantly shared phone number?” Once I was genuine amazement was that with her that it is a bit of a pain. ordering a cake for one of my when we moved back to Ohio It would be great if all of us O’s sons and the lady at the bakery and went to the local Social Se- could feel good about our funny asked me, “How you spell apos- curity office, whomever did our marks. trophe?” thinking that my name paperwork there, put two mem- was Oapostropherourke. bers of our family in the system *Lisa O’Rourke is an educator There were a few times that it with apostrophes in the name from Akron. She has a BA in was not funny; missing airline and two without. My younger English and a Master’s in Read- reservations, insurance prob- son was one of the ones put in ing/Elementary Education. Lisa lems… Then came the ultimate without. I had to take his green, is a student of everything Irish, for us. two-foot long, handwritten Irish primarily Gaeilge . She runs I had to do the FAFSA for the birth certificate down to the So- a Gaeilge study group at the first time for our younger son. I cial Security office. AOH/Mark Heffernan Division. knew what I was facing since I The initial reaction was that She is married to Dónal and has had done it a few times for our document was not acceptable. two sons, Danny and Liam. Lisa elder son. Those of you who have To their credit, the people in the enjoys art, reading, music, and not endured this, it is the com- office quickly realized that we travel. She enjoys spending time puter bureaucracy that the gov- were all about to make the pa- with her dog, cats and fish. Lisa ernment generated for citizens pers, and they decided that they can be contacted at who hope to send their children could accept his birth certificate. [email protected]. JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 11

working closely to avoid any January 6th will be a quiet, joyful recog- doubtful that anyone attending will not clashes, so everybody can attend nition of the achievements of North Mayo remember her. Mrs Anne Clarke, wife and enjoy any of the 6th January women. It will be prepared and presented of Jackie, and the donor of his wonder- proceedings on offer. by women in consequence of the unique ful historic collection of Irish artefacts. The Jackie Clarke Collection are bonds of friendship which bind women Anne was a gracious, lovely presence aiming for their planned celebra- everywhere together. in the Jackie Clarke, and I feel honoured Nollaig na mBan tion to be the first of two special occasions, I am reminded in a strange way of the to be among those who remember her It is a charming old Irish custom – Nol- preparing people for International Wom- Republican civil war female inmates in dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat laig na mBan, or Women’s Little Christ- en’s Day in March. Their idea is to invite Kilmainham Prison in 1924; a commu- before her death in 2015. She will be mas. It takes place annually on January a small number of well-known women nity of women forced together, sharing joining everyone in spirit on January 6, 6, the twelfth and final day of Christmas. from the town of Ballina, motivated wom- an unobtrusive sense of looking out for 2018. I am also assured that all men are Irish women celebrate this day which is en who have made an impact on their each other and their younger and more most welcome to attend on the much shared with the better known Feast of community, to the beautifully restored vulnerable comrades, remembering those anticipated day! the Epiphany. Sadly Nollaig na mBan is bank building which today houses the who had gone before them and validating Many older readers of the Ohio Irish a dying tradition in many counties, with vast collection of Irish political and his- themselves during this difficult time with American News sharing North Mayo the exceptions of Cork and Donegal. torical artefacts which comprise the Jackie their exceptional sense of camaraderie. roots might themselves recall some per- I carried out a mini survey for this Clarke Collection. Thus also with the Jackie Clarke Nollaig sonal stories of Nollaig na mBan. This column. Whilst all those questioned had On this sixth of January the occasion na mBan day – warm friendships, helping great day may hopefully stir their mem- heard of it, virtually nobody was aware will be presented as a kind of “Afternoon hands, great interest and pride at shar- ories and begin many reminiscences and of precisely what it entailed. My own per- at the Oscars,” a marvellous day celebrat- ing the achievements of their very own conversations in faraway Ohio. Please sonal memories were also rather vague – I ing senior inspirational women of Ballina unique sisters. send on your stories to us, through John, remembered the mere outline, describing who will be championed by a matching The most valued guest of the day will [email protected]. it as “a day for women to be spoiled by number of younger inspirational women sadly not be present physically, but it is their families”. following in their distinguished footsteps. We all know about the twelve days of Amongst those on the list of invitees will Christmas; mothers and grandmothers be a lady in her nineties who was the first in Irish families have hosted the previous female mayor of Ballina, and who was eleven days, working ceaselessly with no always highly involved in the Irish Coun- thought for themselves to ensure the en- trywomen’s Association. Another lady tire family enjoys the season. The twelfth spent her life playing the organ in Ballina day is theirs. Several distinct rituals are cathedral. The Community Development involved: the children might bring Mom Officer and her female Volunteers are hop- her breakfast in bed; or women might get ing to highlight Elizabeth Ham, whose together to finally enjoy their own per- father built the stone bridge over the river sonal Christmas whilst their men would Moy in Ballina in the 1880s. Elizabeth stay home and carry out all the chores. herself was a diarist, mentioning among Other versions have women traditionally other aspects of Ballina life the military visiting each other’s houses for tea, cake barracks in the town. and a chat. Amongst the younger women present- My (ironic) favourite is the tradition ing several of these distinctive guests, will where a special cake is presented on Jan- be for example, a hard working female uary sixth to the mother by her family journalist with the Western People, a for her delectation. She has, naturally, woman who works wonders behind baked the cake herself several days pre- the scenes with various choirs in Ballina viously! Whichever activities are enjoyed, and hopefully, a respected author now great-hearted women are finally waited living in the West. The presentations upon hand and foot – this day is all about will be mixed in with songs and music, them. all performed by a distinguished Ballina Three years ago, the Jackie Clarke Col- songsters group, Studio 54. lection, in Ballina, Co Mayo, decided to The Volunteers and Community celebrate Nollaig na mBan. Anne Marie Programme workers engaged in this Forbes, Community Development Officer heart-warming event which will start with the Jackie Clarke, and her wonderful off the New Year in the Collection are Volunteer Committee wished to revive extremely aware of the significance of the custom, influenced greatly by Anne the 2018 date. Irish women were first Marie’s mother-in-law, who nurtured a permitted to vote in 1918, after the end of great love for this special women’s day. the Great War. 2018 will be the 100 year January 6th, 2018, will be their fourth anniversary of this momentous triumph. year in a row shining the spotlight on Nol- In writing this piece I was surprised at laig na mBan. Since their initial success how reluctant I was to type those words in 2014, many other groupings in Ballina “permitted” or “allowed” to vote. How have become involved. They all coordi- gracious of those who decided! But that nate the timing of their various events, is another column… 12 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

West of Ireland’s Kilbaha Gallery & Crafts Launches Online Art Offerings

Home to one of the country’s few origi- nal family-run Bronze Foundries - Kilbaha Gallery & Crafts in Loop Head, Co. Clare have just recently launched a beautiful and sophisticated catalogue and ecom- merce site online: www.kilbahagallery. com, to ensure that a the global Diaspora audience can see what stunning work Irish contemporary artists are producing. Kilbaha Gallery & Crafts also has some of Ireland’s leading names in portraiture (both bronze and oils). Kilbaha Gallery & Crafts www.kilbahagallery.com [email protected] Contemporary Bronze Cow - An Atlantic Cottage by Padraig McCaul - We Ship Worldwide by sculptor Seamus Connolly Original Oil on Canvas

Angels, Safe Home (30106 Lorain Rd.) at 10 A.M. Interment of Grace Kenney, Claire Kenney, Rachel Ernst & Young as an accountant, serv- Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call Kenney, Anne Blaney (Dan Stiglitz), Neil ing in both the Cleveland and National JOHN A. DUFFY at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of Blaney, Cara Moore (Andrew), Michael offices. He was the partner in charge of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. Jarrell, Colette Jarrell, James Lynch, and audit in the Cleveland office at the time AT STEARNS RD. FRIDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 Rose Lynch; great-grandfather of Tegan of his retirement in 1988. After his retire- P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contri- Stiglitz; cherished brother of Michael ment, he served as executive director of butions are suggested to The Pioneer Total J. Lynch and Dennis Lynch; esteemed the Domed Stadium Corporation and as Abstinence Assoc., 4286 Springvale Circle, brother-in-law and uncle. Preceded in the Chief Financial Officer for Sudbury Avon OH 44011. death by his parents; siblings James, Inc. He worked on various fundraising Francis, John, and Maureen (Gallagher); campaigns for his alma maters, St. Ig- THOMAS M. LYNCH children Eileen and Thomas; and grand- natius and John Carroll University, and child Eagan Jarrell. Funeral Mass FRIDAY chaired the first, critical campaign after DECEMBER 22, Our Lady of Angels St. Ignatius made the decision to stay Church (3644 Rocky River Drive) at 10 in its near-West side location. He was a A.M. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. longtime member of the Board of Catholic Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNER- Charities and served a term as President AL HOME of CLEVELAND 4420 ROCKY of the Board. He was on the Board of St. RIVER DRIVE AT PURITAS THURSDAY Augustine Health Campus for a number (DECEMBER 21) 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. (PLEASE of years, including several stints as Trea- NOTE DATE OF MASS AND WAKE ) surer. He also served as treasurer or fiscal Memorial contributions in Tom’s name advisor for a number of non-profit orga- may be made to Catholic Charities and nizations: The Cleveland Medical Library John Carroll University. Tom was born Association, the Irish American Archives November 28, 1926. He and his family Society, the Coterie of St. Augustine were long-time parishioners of St. Ignati- Health Campus, and the Ladies Ancient January 07, 1926 - December 12, 2017 us Parish, where the family lived for many Order of Hibernians. He is a member of JOHN A. DUFFY, age 91. Native of years on W. 105th Street. Tom attended St. the Ancient Order of Hibernians, West- Killucan, Co. Westmeath, Ireland. Beloved Ignatius High School, graduating from Side Irish American Club, and the Mayo husband of 54 years to Mary (nee Keane); high school in 1944. After serving briefly Society. He was Irish Man of the Year father of Brian (Patricia), J. Stephen and in the Navy toward the end of World War for the Cleveland Athletic Club in 1982, Colm (Mary); grandfather of Clare and November 28, 1926 - December 07, 2017 II, he attended John Carroll University received a Walks of Life award from the Ella; brother of Anna Baker of England, THOMAS M. LYNCH, age 91, passed and graduated in 1950. He joined the Irish American Archives Society in 1999, Phyllis Reville of Ireland and the late away peacefully on December 6, 2017; police force but took accounting classes and was named Hibernian of the Year in Michael and Sr. Yvonne Duffy of England; loving son of James J. and Beatrice at night at John Carroll. He got his foot 2014. He and his wife Margaret were mar- uncle and great-uncle of many. John was Gallagher Lynch; beloved husband of in the door at the accounting firm that ried sixty-six years and had 7 children, 11 a retired supervisor for East Ohio Gas Margaret Gibbons Lynch; dear father was at that time named Ernst & Ernst by grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Company. Passed away suddenly De- of Margaret, Kathleen (John Blaney), taking a part-time job as a proofreader Tom’s and John’s obituaries are cember 12, 2017. Funeral Mass Saturday, Timothy (Pamela Shimrak), Mary (Paul in 1952. After passing the CPA exam, he courtesy of Chamber’s Funeral Homes: December 16, The Church of St. Clarence Jarrell), and Patricia; doting grandfather subsequently spent his entire career at www.chambersfuneral.com JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 13

years of graduate school. I stud- school, detailing the happenings from OSU, I decided to expand ied the history of my Irish family; of my day and what I was look- my comfort zone and apply to I edited and re-edited poetic ing forward to during the rest jobs not in Cleveland. One such sequences; I branched out and of the week. She’d help me pick job was for an Editor position at started writing personal essays, outfits for all the events I attend- a marketing agency in the Arena realizing that I did, indeed, ed at the WSIA and around town. District. have my own stories to tell. This She even, as previously men- The company offered free three years of rigorous studying, tioned, helped me immensely Starbucks to its employees, so Hello, 2018 er amazing celebration of Irish writing, and revising was chal- with my thesis; she didn’t just in- that was a major draw, but the job WOW, I cannot believe that heritage – the 2017 Ohio Rose lenging, but it shaped me into spire the main character (a strong posting also mentioned looking 2017 is coming to an end. It feels Selection. The two weekends of the confident writer I am today. Irish woman that made the best for someone who was passionate like just yesterday I was drinking Selection activities were beyond And for that, I am grateful. out of each challenging situation about proper grammar and good coffee on December 31, 2016, My summer was equal parts thrown her way), she gave me writing… so I knew I had to ap- trying with all my might to stay fun and a little bit (okay – a lot) ideas for plot developments and ply. After an interview process, awake until the clock struck sad. I had a wonderful nannying how to include a little bit of the during which I channeled the midnight. I can’t remember if I job with a family in Lakewood Irish language in the story. energy of a million Maureens, I made it until 12:00 that night, but that took me all around Cleve- I miss her each and every day, got an offer letter that admittedly I remember nearly everything land with three extremely fun but I am so glad to have had the made me tear up in a Lakewood that happened to me during the kids. We got loads of ice cream, twenty-five amazing years I did Laundromat. Since that e-mail, following year – because 2017 went swimming until our fingers with her – she saw me and my I packed up my things (mostly was equal parts amazing, chal- pruned up, and watched movies siblings graduate college, she books and a few pieces of furni- lenging, happy, and even sad. until our eyes were tired. It was taught me how to bake, and most ture), moved to the 614, adopted This past year was filled with such a blast! importantly – she loved me with an amazing dog who lights up memories that make my heart Halfway through my sec- all of her heart. I know she is up each and every one of my days, swell with pride, life-changing ond-favorite season of the year, in Heaven with my Grandpa, and hit the ground running. It’s events that – at the time they hap- though, my beloved Grandma watching my family and I with been a challenging few months, pened – filled me with nerves, Ginley passed away. “Growing a smile as we live out the legacy but I’ve learned a lot about my- and sad moments that I have Up Irish” readers are familiar they left behind. self as a person, writer/editor, since learned so much from. I incredible – the women I met with Sweet Mary Jo. She appears A month to the day after my and Irish woman. know I say this every year, but I (who became cherished friends in my articles more often than Grandma’s passing, I got the So that is my year in a nutshell: think 2017 was my best yet. I spend time with to this day), not; I’m named for her and her most exciting e-mail I have every lots of happy, a little bit of sad, For me, 2017 started off as the stories I got to share (such mother, and she is - to this day – received – a job offer from a com- and a whole lot of love. I will many of the past years began. as my great respect for Seeds of my very best friend. pany in Columbus I had applied end this article with one last After wrapping up a month-long Literacy and City Dogs, organi- I would call her nearly every to on a whim. While visiting the sentiment – bring it on, 2018. break from school that was filled zations I volunteered with while day on my way home from city for my brother’s graduation Bring. It. On. with lots of spin classes and trips living in Cleveland), and the around Cleveland for donuts and sheer joy I felt while surrounded Below: Brady Campbell Adult Ceili Dance Team Awarded First Place, with a perfect coffee with friends, I started my by like-minded individuals as score of 300, at the Midwest Oireachtas Championship final semester of graduate school. interested in their Irish culture During my last term as an MFA as I am – and I smile every time I candidate, I worked diligently think of those nights in February. on my thesis project – the first I have said it before, and I’ll say part of a novel-length project it again… my involvement with chronicling the life of an Irish the Ohio Rose Centre has helped immigrant living in Central Ohio me grow as a person, and I truly (A note: this project was written value each moment I get to share before I moved to Columbus for with an Ohio Rose, fellow Rose work. As I drive through the applicant, or Centre Coordinator. suburbs where my thesis takes Another exciting thing to hap- place, I am filled with great joy pen in 2017 was the successful as I imagine the characters of defense of my thesis and my my novel loving and living and eventual graduation with an learning about life in the United MFA degree. For years, all I States). could talk/think/write about This project brought me closer was getting an advanced writing to my Grandma, who gave me degree. My love for the written tips and advice for making the word – which grew from fiction text as authentically Irish as to poetry to non-fiction – was possible. One of my greatest joys what propelled me to work hard, of 2017 was sharing this story write harder, and take the risk of with her. changing my thesis project nine During the past year, I was months before it was due. also able to participate in anoth- I learned so much in my three 14 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

to “I’d Like to Teach streaming from the tape player. The future bride as a young girl in Ireland. When the World to Sing.” was far away, but that moment seemed asked to fetch water, she would walk When she had a spare prophetic. through the fields singing like a film minute, my mother Many years later, my husband and I star, thinking that no one could hear her. would sit at the piano walked hand in hand on Christmas Eve Meanwhile, the farmer down the road and play her favorite through the quieted streets of Newport, or in the next field stopped in his work songs, singing the Ireland. After early evening mass, the chil- and doffed his hat at the angelic voice Here the Angels Sing words in her sweet and mild tone. dren had been ushered back to our rela- of the little girl. I knew my grandmother could hear tion’s home, pondering how Santa Claus I smiled at this memory because it As I unpacked the last of our Christmas my mother play, pausing in her kitchen would know that they were in Ireland. reminded me of myself as a pre-teen girl decorations, I came across two hand-knit- to look out the window beyond the gray My husband and I were marveling on my uncle’s farm. Desperate to help, ted Christmas stockings embroidered roofs of the neighboring homes and at how surreal it was to be spending but also keen to stay out of my hard- with my name and my brother’s, at the telephone lines that crossed over our the holiday across the ocean, when we working uncle’s way, I often lingered top of each. Hanging nearly two feet in postage stamp yards and deep alleys. I heard laughter and then a hush of voices by the watering troughs. It was my job length, the stockings were my favorite knew, because my grandmother started to emerging from a softly lit window in an to ensure that the cows had fresh water part of Christmas. It was my responsi- sing. Her voice crackled like her favorite apartment above the town. and that the trough didn’t flow over, so I bility to secure them from the railings egg-beater as she crooned, “Silent night, I watched as a silhouette of a man as sat while the tanks filled. Imagining that on the staircase that led to my grand- holy night, Son of God love’s pure light.” he took his place at the window. With his I was Maria from The Sound of Music mother’s apartment in our small Chicago Grandma Rose did not have my mother’s back to the sheer lace curtain, he began to twirling through Alpine meadows, I bungalow. lovely voice, but she sang with honesty, sing an old Irish song. The rain started to began to sing. I sang early heavy metal At night, I would sit on the dark stairs and now, looking back, I realize the crack- fall and the cobbled streets became slick. It songs from the 1970s, Kansas and Rush. peering out above the rims of the stock- ling in her voice was not from age, but was time to go home, but in that moment I I sang Christmas songs and my father’s ings and look at the colorful lights of our from heartfelt tears of peace. would not have been surprised if the skies beloved big band tunes: Don’t Sit Under Christmas tree. A dreamy child, I would No matter our circumstance, music has opened and a choir of angels descended the Apple Tree and The Cliffs of Dover. often find myself dozing off as I gazed at the power to transport the listener to other upon that narrow road. I kicked hardened cow pies to the slow life through my five-year-old eyes. times and places. The sheer beauty of The Irish have long revered songs and rhythm of Bob Dylan, “Everybody must To me our parlor was beautiful. We had the Wexford Carol played on the soaring stories. Recently, my husband’s family get stoned.” I reckoned myself the teen- a black piano and a clock that resembled strings of a fiddle, paints a mysterious celebrated his aunt and uncle’s 50th age girl in Springsteen’s Thunder Road, the one from the Nutcracker ballet. Grand image of shadow, holiness, and light. I still wedding anniversary. For one delightful anxious for the future, but lamenting her as our modest living room seemed, all I holdfast to the memory of my husband week, the family sang songs, played the lost innocence. wanted was a candy cane, a new box of and me, long before we were married, guitar, danced, and enjoyed the blessing No one was in that field to judge my crayons, and a coloring book - that and to when our romance was new, lying in his of one another’s company. The singing voice, except for the soulful cows and listen to my mother play the piano as I sat darkened room, looking out the window, could begin at any time and carry through awkward calves. The cawing of the upon my box seat on the stairs, dreaming wordlessly, at the first snow that fell one until the wee hours of night. Everyone, crows, the chirp of the barn swallows, of Clara and her Nutcracker prince. cold winter’s night. Each snowflake fell the young and the old, had a song to sing and the whistle of the June bugs in We had a Christmas songbook com- in mystical syncopation with the notes and story to tell. flight took over when my voice began piled with every tune from “Silent Night,” from George Winston’s Carol of the Bells My favorite reminiscence involved the to falter with loneliness and reflection. Sometimes, music strikes chords in our hearts over which we have no control. Despite our efforts to still time during moments of gladness and turn the hour hand past those of sadness, Time will move forward. Embracing the spirit of friendship, fate, and Time’s passing, Scottish poet Robert Burns penned the original lines to Auld Lang Syne. The poem was first published in 1787, and later set to music: For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. Words and song act as metaphor for human emotion. Music inspires epipha- ny: an awakening of self and recognition of one’s place in the world. Welcome the New Year with an open heart, and listen closely, for here the angels sing. *Susan holds a Master’s Degree in En- glish from John Carroll University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Baldwin-Wallace University. She may be contacted at [email protected]. JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 15

the Club’s website at www.eastsi- deirish.org Murphy Irish Arts is proud in theIr 40th Year that their founder Sheila Murphy Crawford is the 2018 Grand Marshal of Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sheila is New Year of Noreen Haley and the Hibernian the 3rd woman to be selected for The Ninth Hour Great Events and of the Year Jim Kilbane. All are this wonderful honor. What a year By Alice McDermott invited to attend this celebration. for Sheila, her family and all of her Farrar,Strauss and Giroux Anniversaries. For more details please contact me dancing family. ISBN 9780374280147 2017 2018 will be a special year. St. at [email protected]. Irish Network of Cleveland 247pp. Patrick West Park will be celebrat- On Friday January 26, the will be very busy in the upcom- ing 170 years. The Irish American City Club of Cleveland will be ing months celebrating the 20th The novel’s title points to Club and Murphy Irish Arts will be hosting Ambassador of Ireland to Anniversary Tour of Riverdance sacrifice, the “ninth hour” being celebrating their 40th Anniversary. the United States Daniel Mulhall. and the Irish Heritage Night with one of the canonical hours, 3 PM For the second time in the History Please check with the City Club the Cavaliers. Riverdance will be (notionally the ninth hour after of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the for more details. This is a special appearing at the State Theater dawn), the hour that Christ died delegates have chosen all women privilege for our city and the Irish on Thursday February 15. Irish on the Cross, sacrificing himself to be honored by the United Irish community should support this Heritage Night with the Cleveland for the sins of the world. The Societies. event. Cavaliers will be on Thursday theme of sacrifice permeates On January 21, the Parade The Irish American Club East March 1. Discount tickets for both the novel. Honorees and the Hibernian of the Side will be celebrating their 40th events available on www.clevelan- The story opens in ear- Year will be introduced at the St. Anniversary on Saturday January dirish.com ly-twentieth century Brooklyn Brigid’s Day Mass and Brunch. St. 27. The Anniversary Dance is $30 Please make one of your New with a thirty-two-year-old Irish fast in an attempt to arrange a Brigid is the Patron Saint of the La- for members and $35 for guests. Year Resolutions to support events immigrant preparing to take his Catholic burial which forbids dies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Entertainment by Mary’s Lane. sponsored by the many Irish Orga- life. He opens a gas tap in his for a suicide. Every year, the Our Lady of the For more information please visit nizations in our community. After the birth of Annie’s Rosary Division celebrate the Feast Congratulations to the 2018 child, Sally, the nuns give her with Mass followed by a Brunch. a job working in the convent The Mass will be held at St. Patrick Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees: Grand Marshal: Sheila Murphy ~ Mother of the Year: Joan Reali laundry, where eventually An- West Park at 11:00am followed by Inside CoChair: Noreen Halley nie brings Sally, who the nuns a Brunch in Thorpe Hall. At the Outside CoChair: Linda Fulton Burke (Puzzle Columnist) tend to while she works. Sally Brunch, there will be a short pro- Hibernian of the Year: James “Jimmy” Kilbane grows up in the midst of the gram where the 2018 Honorees will Have your Honoree featured in the OhioIA News; doting religious women. be introduced. Congratulations send their Honorary Title, Pic & Bio to [email protected]. After Sister St. Savior dies, to Grand Marshal Sheila Murphy other nuns in the order come Crawford, Irish Mother Joan Reali, to play a role in Annie and Parade Co Chairs Linda Burke and Sally’s lives. Their influence causes Sally to believe she has a Author Alice McDermott religious vocation. Experiences along the way lead to change, and surprise. tenement apartment to prove to The Ninth Hour is Alice Mc- his subway bosses, who recently Dermott’s third book reviewed fired him, and to his badgering, by this column. She is regarded pregnant wife, Annie, that “the as a stylist and storyteller of the hours of his life…belong to first rank. This writer rates The himself alone”. Ninth Hour a TOP SHELF read. He dies, leaving his wife and **Terrence Kenneally is an unborn child with no means attorney and owner of Terrence of support. Enter the Little J. Kenneally & Associates Co. Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor, in Rocky River, Ohio. Mr. Ken- Congregation of Mary Before neally represents insureds and the Cross. The nuns, whose insurance companies in legal de- vocations are based on sacrifice, fense cases throughout the state step into Annie’s life and help of Ohio. He received his Masters her in the immediate aftermath in Irish Studies from John Car- of her husband’s death. One roll University and teaches Irish sister in particular, Sister St. History and Literature at Holy Savior, takes over comforting Name High School where he is the young widow and moves also the President for 2017-18. MARCH 2017 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 29

John Carroll University Welcomes Three Gerard Manley Hopkins Speakers John Carroll University in welcoming three Gerard Manley Hopkins speakers, who will offer public lectures on Irish literature and history. (from left)Paul Muldoon and the T.S. Eliot prize-winner, Sinead Morrissey, winners of the Pulitzer Prize, join Oliver Rafferty, a nationally known scholar of Irish studies formerly Hopkins Chair at John Carroll. These events will help inform students in JCU’s Peace, Justice and Human Rights Program, which includes a trip to Ireland, Sinead Morrissey of Queen’s University, Oliver Rafferty of Boston College: doon of Princeton and The New Yorker: in May 2017. The lectures 16 take place Belfast,Ohio Ireland: Irish talk and Americanpoetry reading “Famine, News Migration, and God”: a lecture talk and poetry reading. www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018 on John Carroll University’s campus in Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in Rodman on the Great Famine. Wednesday, March Monday, April 24, 2017 in University Heights, Ohio; all are welcome. A, 7 p.m. 29, 2017 in Rodman A, 7 p.m. Paul Mul- Donahue Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tara Trips enough taught me how important it is to let Subway Ride others know that we By Tara Quinn seein each other.silence for two intense early morning belly laughs. I saw Seeing and respect- I’m sitting on the Sub- ing,weeks, this is where or the we could him, and I heard him, and as a result my way, taking the 2 uptown. journey of service be- I have no plan; I just find TaraTrips gins.go The outeleven yearon a limb, life was enhanced with joy and human learning the Subway is old in us wants to be empowering, and ex- seen,despite connected with,the uncom- connection. ploring the city alone given a smile and a gives me quality time space that says, “You’re with myself. worthyfortableness and you are ,and see Silence is lovely. I’m an avid fan of We make a stop and enough; you don’t twenty some middle- botherif we me; would could you get a new silence. But when reflecting on traveling schoolers get on the train. like the seat next to I watch as some adults me,friend. your laughter doesExchanges adventures, the memories that bring the roll their eyes, move fur- By Tara Quinn not bother me. In fact, ther down the train, fully the world needs your uncomfortable with all brightness.”between Nelson and most joy are the ones with the people I that comes when 11 year Seeing one another olds overtake and make throughI were glasses nothingof re- less meet. I can still feel the joy thinking about noise. I spend the next spect is the foundation 15 minutes watching theseCommunication kids; they the beginning of being barriers:my my brother and further first down exthe- train.than My perception entertaining. of maximum service. It is the begin- the dozen humans my path has been are laughing and socializing, some are sister’s keepers; and respecting hu- that people were moving away was ning of being each other’s keepers. playing a hipper versionperience of Rock Paper ofman the beings challenges because of the simple of yet not skewed, sharing but the feeling ofI maynot being teach children appropriate social privileged to cross with. Most of them Scissors, while others are resting their profoundly important fact that their heads on each other. the same arelanguage human beings. was a trip to Jakarta skills for a living, but often fail to imple- have limited English and all I bring to Occasionally I make eye contact with My high school’s motto was “Learn, a handful of these kids;with we exchange the Serve,Global and Lead.” Autism I learned how Project. to be It was ment those in my own life. With extreme- the table is Google Translate. smiles; I see them. I move a seat over, of maximum service in those hallways; not to get away, but to give room so we were nourished in it. I continuously friends can sit next to eachmy other. first gavetime back, in and a innon-English return was filled speaking “Here is where it starts,” I think to with self worth and self-love. Not to myself. Here is wherecountry. we begin to “save”I remember people, but to ask,watching “Is there my trip question if we are ‘enough’; to ques- something I can do to help?” tion if we are seen; to leaderquestion if weTeresa But when sit I ingraduated, the frontI stopped, seat of our are worthy of the space we take; if and I forgot that that was the deal here; we are respected. Whetherminivan it’s on the taxi,that giving artfully back was mytalking rent here onto our sweet Subway or in a classroom or in the earth. I began to forget I was enough, grocery store line, theytaxi are watching, driver and Aris. felt unworthy of the space I was gathering information on how the taking up. Somewhere I thought I had world responds to them. nothing to give, that no one wanted Here is where it simply startsI would for me: me thinkaround; that “How they were does moving she know how to do that?” “That” being the art of bonding while rarely understanding each other, and not insulting the other. I found together watching Shrek with no sub- myself fascinated by two people’s desire titles; or the moment I remembered I to connect despite the lack of Bahasa and had Google Translate on my phone and English between them. Teresa used less could ask Abuela questions when Rosa words and rephrased when Aris had dif- wasn’t there translating; or the moment ficulty understanding and he would try she went in the back room and pridefully to play music we knew so we could find brought out a gorgeous blanket she had common ground of appreciating Beyonce handmade to show me; or the moment or Michael Jackson. They were kind to I was told to call her Abuela, because as each other when there was a disconnect Rosa says, “Tarita, she is your Nicaraguan and kept trying. I witnessed this energy, Abuela.” where bonding was important to the I would have Spanish class in the both of them. early morning, and venture out for the Driving to work for two weeks, an hour afternoon. I’d spend too much time in each way, there wasn’t a ride that we sat the sun, come back home and be greeted in silence. Teresa taught me to give people by Abuela. I felt safe and cared for by a the dignity of being seen and heard; to woman that was a complete stranger a not get frustrated with the listener, but to few days prior. get creative, to simplify, to listen. Because One of my last days, I was able to get one of the greatest gifts we can give one us a horse and carriage and five of us girls another is to see and hear them. went on a trip to Popoyuapa church. I will My desire and new art form to con- never forget the look on Abuela’s face nect and see people got me a front row ly limited Spanish, I gratefully had some Abuela would be one of those human when she realized she was going with seat nearly every trip to the center we assistance with a Spanish dictionary app. that taught me more that I could tell her. us. She was like a young child. worked at in Nicaragua. After several I got Zero assistance from a team member I decided to spend a week in Rivas with a My heart aches with joy just thinking cups of Nicaraguan coffee, I was that in the back of the SUV, who minored in woman named Rosa and her family. Most about her soft excitement. We walked perky morning coworker that everyone Spanish, but found the exchanges too people pay to stay there to enhance their together around the church and Abuela dreads on a Monday. Recalling Teresa’s hilarious to throw me a bone. Spanish. I think I went there and allowed started talking to me. Rosa translated, example, I knew it was important to try I can’t remember my topics of con- the family to practice their English. letting me know that Abuela was telling to get to know our driver. We could sit versation with Nelson but remember Abuela reminds me of Grandma Rita. me that the large painting hung up on the Gentle with a presence; a sense of rever- wall was her son’s. And that she hadn’t Thank You for advertising in ence for a life with so much history; hum- been here to see it in quite some time. ble. Abuela and I sat quietly for breakfast We walked to a back room, and sat and The Ohio Irish American News; the first few mornings. She has no English prayed. I began quietly crying. and I was still confusing morning, after- Pure connections with other humans I am patronizing your noon and night in my morning greeting. bring me such fulfillment. They remind business because of it! The end of February in Rivas is hot, me of the vast and powerful capacity and by 8am it was easier to just be still. of my heart; that there is so much room And I followed their lead, which was little for so many individuals; that love is not Please Cut Out and present it the next time small talk at breakfast. But something scarce. And that I limit myself and my was happening between Abuela and I. you patronize one of our advertisers Maybe it began when we both laughed Continued on next page JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 17

Tara Trips my struggles and success. Continued Yet there we were, saying a painful goodbye because we When Irish Eyes growth if I refuse to be open shared a love between us. As I and vulnerable, even when it’s gave her one last hug, Rosa let Are Smiling! uncomfortable. me know that. She said, “Please The morning I left, my ride come back soon.” Those words came at 4am. And to my sur- will sit on my heart for a very Brought to you prise, Abuela was up to say long time. It’s an honor when by Maury Collins goodbye. Goodbyes are terri- someone wants you to return. how to celebrate?” “ Well,” said Paddy, “on our A husband and wife were A Sunday school teacher was 25th Anniversary I took Mary to driving through Louisiana. As discussing the Ten Command- Ireland.” they approached Natchitoches, ments with her five and six “And what are you going to do they started arguing over the year olds. After explaining the on your 50th?” asked the Msgr. pronunciation of the city’s name. commandment to ‘honor’ thy “Well,” said Paddy, “I think I’ll They bickered back and forth Father and thy Mother, she bring her back.” until they stopped for lunch. At asked, “Is there a commandment ~ the counter, the husband asked that teaches us how to treat our Murphy, O’Brien & Casey are the cashier, “Could you settle brothers and sisters?” sitting in a bar discussing the an argument for us? Would you From the back, one little boy words they would like to have pronounce where we are very (the oldest of a family) answered, spoken over their coffins at their slowly?” She leaned forward “Thou shall not kill.” wakes. Casey says, “I would like and said, “Burr-gerr Kiiing.” ~ them to say. “He was a won- ~ The Monsignor greeted Paddy derful family man- he always supported his wife and kids, and they never wanted for anything.” O’ Brien says, “That’s lovely Casey, but I would like to have them say, “He was a great man in the community - he undertook a lot of projects to make his com- munity a better place.” Murphy says, “That’s very nice, O’Brien. But I would like to have them say, “Look! He’s moving!”

A pickpocket was in court for and said, “Congratulations on petty theft. The judge declared, your 50th wedding anniversary! “Sir you are hereby fined $100.. Have you any plans made on ble for me. They tell me this What I know: Abuela and His lawyer stood up and said, moment is over, and it will Tarita saw each other. They “Your honor, my client only has never be recreated. They tell heard each other and held $75 on him at this time. If you me to soak it up as much as you space for each other. My heart would allow him a few minutes can, because this adventure is expanded a bit more because in the crowd…” ending. of her. ~ Tears streamed down my And to honor Abuela’s sim- A sick man asked his friend face as I hugged her tight. How ple and profound impact on to recommend a doctor so he did this woman come to have my life, I want to go into this gave him his doctor’s name and such a profound effect on my New Year with the mindset of phone number. Is he expensive, heart? Someone I could barely seeing and hearing each other. the man asked? communicate with? I didn’t To letting people know that I He is not really cheap, the know much of her story and can hold space for them even friend admitted. He charges $100 she didn’t know mine. if it is a struggle to understand for the first visit, but after that, I longed to tell her about my them. Because as much as I love it’s only $25. So the sick man adventures and hear all the sto- the silence, it’s the moments of makes an appointment, and as ries of her life. We never were connecting to each others spir- soon as the doctor comes in, he able to exchange that. I don’t its, despite the barriers or the exclaims “Well Doc, here I am know her journey. She doesn’t misunderstandings, that fill my again!” know about my joys and pains, life with the greatest memories. ~ 18 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

Nick Frank & The cha (Owen Macha). Local villages Akron Celtic Guards would play against one another, but it I have an old t-shirt with a picture of wasn’t until the for- a man holding a hurley in the air and mation of the Irish the caption, “This lads, is a hurley, Hurling Union in a cross between a hockey stick and 1879 that the rules murder!” of the game began Although an exaggeration, it does to be standardized. give insight to the sport of hurling, Finally in 1884, Nick - top, 4th from right, and the 2017 Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club mental. Played by fifteen individuals the Gaelic Athletic per team, without protective pad- Association estab- ding, (helmets and facemasks became lished the written rules and began for up to four steps, struck in the air or compete at local, regional, nation- mandatory in 2010) it has been called governing the sport. on the ground with the hurley, kicked al and international tournaments the fastest field sport in the world. Iománaíocht, (the Irish for hurling) or slapped with the open hand and throughout the year. The team is a Three thousand years old, it combines is played wih a camán (hurley) and bounced or balanced on the hurley. It member of the North American Gael- the skills of baseball, hockey, rugby a sliotar (hurley ball). The object is to requires teamwork, and as far as I’m ic Athletic Association, a constituent and lacrosse. Hurling came to Ireland get the ball over the crossbar of the concerned, nerves of steel! of the Irish GAA. Their mission.... with the ancient celts; it’s referenced goal for one point, or under the bar, In this OhioIANews readership “to promote Irish culture and heri- in the tale of The Táin Bó Cuailgne, for one goal, which is worth three area, we are fortunate to have a team tage through sport.” Their motto ... with the hero, Cúchulainn (Koo Hull points. based out of Akron. The Akron Celtic “Trample the wounded, hurdle the lnn) playing the game at Emain Ma- The ball can be caught and carried Guards were formed in 2002. They dead. We are the Akron Hurling Club. Faugh An Ballagh.” For this Cleveland Conversation, I met with 31 year old Nick Frank, de- fensive player and team chair for the Al O’Leary Tournament, held in Bath, Ohio, to discuss his involvement in this ancient game. OhioIANews: Nick, how did you learn about the sport? Nick: I first heard about the sport at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Club on Brown Street, in Akron. I was in law school at the time, a classmates was a member of the club and told a bunch of us to come down some night; he said the drinks were cheap! So one Saturday night we were down there, when a fellow walked up to us; he was one of the founders of the team. Anyway, he saw a bunch of bigger guys sitting at a table, all of us young and said, “You gotta have a fire in your belly, if you want to play this game!” Then he showed us videos on 13920 Triskett Road 13801 Triskett Road his phone. Later, his son, who was on the team, Cleveland OH 44111 Cleveland OH 44111 came down and showed us more videos and explained the game to u; Phone (216) 251-3130 Phone (216) 251-4242 we became really interested. We had a little liquid encouragement by this time and they told us they practiced Continued on next page JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 19

Nick Frank & We’ve increased the size of our club. Our board the family. The Akron Celtic Guards is amazing, our finances are up, our membership is All of us on the team are best friends. When we Continued up, and our sponsorship is up. Of the seven board travel to different meets, it’s like going on vacation members, five or six of us have been the same core with all of your friends, all while getting a good on Sunday, and invited us to come. Two of us said group for awhile. All of us have the same passion workout and playing a great game. yes. I woke up in the morning, and my friend and for the sport, the team and the community. OhioIANews: What is the biggest thing you get I called each other and said, “Are we really going OhioIANews: What goals do you and the board from the game? to do this?” I said I was willing if he was; we went, have? Nick: The coolest thing about hurling, in Ireland and the first practice was an indoor practice, I’ve Nick: We’re actively recruiting, we’re always you play for your community, where you’re from; been in love with it ever since. trying to find new players. Sometimes, people are if you’re good enough, you’ll play for your county. OhioIANews: How long ago was that? unsure if they have the skills to play but, we’re The counties play one another in the All-Ireland Fi- Nick: That was six years ago. open to all levels and ages. A lot of our guys and nals. There’s no paid hurler, even at the GAA Final OhioIANews: Did you finish law school? girls are people who played other sports growing they had 80.000 fans, and before the game they give Nick: I did, I also have my MBA, I work for a up and missed that competion they had in high the players name, position and occupation. There’s software company in Solon, MRI Software, more school or college. We invite everyone to come to a no pay, they play for the love of the game. Play on on the business side of things, but yeah, I do have practice to see for themselves, just like I did! Sunday and back to work on Monday. Because my law degree. We have a very competitve men’s team right of that, they stay true to their county; there’s no OhioIANews: What position do you play on now, and would like to grow our women’s team, trading of players. the team? camogie (camógaíocht) in the next year or two to On the back of the jersey, there are no names, Nick: Currently, I’m a fullback on the defensive the same level. We’ve had the same core group only the number, 1-15, designating the players side. When I started out, I was a full forward. I there as well, but not enough players for a full position. It’s not about you, it’s about the team, was responsible for trying to score three points as squad, so that’s are big push now to get more that’s what matters. opposed to scoring one point over the bar. women involved. For more information- About two years ago, my coach asked me if I OhioIANews: How about youngsters? [email protected] could move back, I tend to have a strong swing Nick: We do have a youth program as well, and and he thought I would be helpful clearing the we are always looking to get kids involved. h M ball out. What’s funny is, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it OhioIANews: Who is Al O’Leary? Iris u as much, there’s less “glory” and less scoring, but, Nick: Al O’Leary is one of the founders of the Live sic! the high and the thrill you get clearing the ball out team, our tournament is named for him. Every of our end more than makes up for it. once in a while he shows up at practice; he grew I always wondered what led some players to up playing the game, and even though his wife take up defensive positions in team sports, now I doesn’t approve, he’ll run some drills with us. At get it. Our back line is made up of guys who have one national meet, he even went in at goal for a been playing together for a while now, we trust little bit, I think he was 88 or 89 then, it was pretty one another and work well together. awesome. OhioIANews: How did you end up as chair for OhioIANews: Is the sport growing here in the Hours: the team? U.S.? Mon-Wed Nick: After my first full season, I wanted to show Nick: At the end of the day, the clubs across the 11am-Midnight 414 South Main St. my appreciation and dedication so I joined the country that are really taking off are the ones that Thur-Sat Findlay, OH 45850 board and took on the role of treasurer. I held that make it a family affair. They’ll come to practice, the 11am-2am position for about a year and then our Chair was husband to the mens team, mom with the ladies Sun 10am-10pm 419-420-3602 stepping down and I was elected by my teammates and the kids with the youth program. It builds to take over for him. more than just the sport; it builds and strenghtens www.LogansIrishPubFindlay.com Facebook.com/LogansIrishPubFindlay

Every Thursday is Irish Night 7 – 10pm Open Seisiún – Traditional musicians of all ages welcome! $3 Guinness & Jameson on Thursday Nights Come enjoy our patio, expanded wine selection and new dinner menu! 16719 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107 20 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

726 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake &Madeleine, 20th - Ray Flana- 44012. www.aherncatering.com gan, 26th - Crawley & Hopper, Valley City 27th - The Other Brothers. 117 Gandalf’s West Liberty Medina, 44256 Join us for Brunch EVERY Euclid www.sullysmedina.com. SUNDAY. Great food, atmo- Irish American Hooley House Montrose sphere, staff and fun. 6757 Center Club East Side 145 Montrose West Avenue Road Valley City, 44280 www. Flanagan’s Wake is Back!& 12- Julie Slattery, 19- No Copley, Oh 44321 (234) 466-0060 gandalfspub.com. The Hilarious Interactive Irish Strangers Here, 27 - 40th An- www.1funpub.com Wake is Every Friday & Saturday niversary Dance w/ Marys Westlake at 8pm and Kennedy’s Theatre at Lane. IACES 22770 Lake Shore Playhouse Square, Downtown & Tom, 12- Chris Allen, 13- Bill Blvd. Euclid, 44123. 216.731.4003 Mentor Hooley House Cleveland. 216-241-6000 or Lestock, 17- Lonesome Stars, 20- www.eastsideirish.org Hooley House 5 - Mossy Moran 866-546-1353 The Auld Pitch, 24- Chris & Tom, 5 – Collage, 12 - Old Skool, 28 - New Barlycorn. 24940 www.playhousesquare.org 26- Kristine Jackson, 27- Kelly 13 - Post Road, 14 - Crowley & Sperry Dr Westlake 44145. 1Fun- Wright, 31- Lonesome Stars . Findlay Harper, 19 - Disco Inferno Pub.com (440) 835-2890 Brooklyn 4408 Detroit Road, 44113 www. 20 - Abby Rodeo, 26 - Big in the-harp.com Logan’s Irish Pub Japan. 7861 Reynolds Rd Mentor Stone Mad Trad Sessiún 3rd Wednesday. www.1funpub.com Columbus Hooley House! Traditional Irish Session 1st 414 South Main Street, Findlay (440) 942-6611. 5 - Post Road, 12 - the Spazmat- Sunday of ea/month, Happy 45840 419.420.3602 www.logan- Shamrock Club Events ics, 26 - Old Skool. 10310 Cascade Hour Monday-Friday 4 to 7. 1306 sirishpubfindlay.com Olmsted Twp Happy Hour every Friday Crossing, Brooklyn 216-362-7700. West 65th Street Cleveland 44102 from 5-7pm! 60 W. Castle Rd. 1FunPub.com 216-281-6500 West Side Irish Columbus 43207 614-491-4449 Flat Iron Café Lakewood American Club www.shamrockclubofcolumbus. 1114 Center St. Cleveland 6th – Barleycorn, 7th - Parade com Cincinnati 44113-2406 216. 696.6968. www. Plank Road Tavern Marching Practice Starts, 13th Tara Hall flatironcafe.com Open Sessiún Every Thursday - Open Mic Night, 27th - Steak Traditional Irish music w Gen- Irish Heritage Center Treehouse 7 – 10. $3 Guinness and Jamie- Shoot, 4/4 Super Bowl Party: eral Guinness Band & Friends Library Evenings Wednesdays 7th - Kristine Jackson; 14th son. 16719 Detroit Avenue, 44107 Dan @440-236-8539, 4/17 Night 2nd Friday 8:00 - 11:00pm. No 6:30-8:30; Free Irish Music Pub - Angry Young Men duo; 21st at the Races. Join us for the Ire- Cover. Tara Hall 274 E. Innis Ave. Nights 1st 2nd and 3rd Thurs 7 - Michael Crawley Trio; 28th land trip July 1-10 call Marge Columbus, 43207 614.444.5949. pm; 19th & 21st - “Faith”, part – brokENglish. 820 College Av- Medina Flynn @330-273-4325. Great of 1st Irish Play Festival NYC: enue, Cleveland, 44113 www. live music and food in The Pub We Wish You this is the 2nd year IHC is a sat- treehousecleveland.com Sully’s every Friday. WSIA Club 8559 ellite; 20th - The Cincinnati Irish PJ McIntyre’s 5th - The New Barleycorn, Jennings Rd. 44138 www.wsia- & Yours a Very Story 6:00 PM; 31st - The Merry 3rd - Monthly Pub Quiz w/ 6th - Mossy Moran, 12th - Smug club.org. 440-235-5868. Ploughboys. Mike D, 12th - Crawley & Hop- Saints, 13th - Donal O’Shaugh- Happy By appointment; Discover per, 13th -1990s Band, 20th - nessy, 19th - Kristen Kuiper New Year! your Genealogy w help from Abby Normal, 27th - FACTION, the Genealogy Detective (free to Other FRIDAYS has a DJ. ASK members); Irish Teas for groups; about PJ’s Annual Super Bowl Tours of the center; tips on Irish Party in February! Thurs - Craft travel. Beer $2.50. PJ McIntyre’s is a New classes: “Lets Write our Local 10 Union establishment. Family Story”; 27th - “Speak 17119 Lorain Road, 44111. www. Irish” Social Language Work- pjmcintyres.com 216-941-9311. shop 10:30am. Music Box Supper Club Rose of Tralee: Single women 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, who would like to represent OH 44113. http://www.music- Ireland - ages 19-27. boxcle.com Rentals: All rooms available Flannery’s Pub for weddings, parties, meetings, 323 East Prospect, Cleveland celebrations, productions. Irish 44115 216.781.7782 Heritage Center 3905 Eastern www.flannerys.com Avenue 513.533.0100 www.irish- centerofcincinnati.com Avon Lake Cleveland Ahern Banquet Center The Harp Ahern Banquet Center is 3- Lonesome Stars, 5- The Kil- booking weddings and spe- roy’s Traditional Irish Session, cial events. Call Tony Ahern 6- The Porter Sharks, 10- Chris / Lucy Balser @ 440-933-9500. JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 21

Traditional Irish Social Dancing Ceili dancing lessons: Thursday Jan 4, with the Cleveland Ceili Club 11 & 25 @West Side Irish American Club; The Cleveland Ceili Club promotes Dance workshop: Sunday, January 21, the musical traditions of Ireland by 12-3 pm @P.J. McIntyre’s. providing opportunities for adults to Winter Ceili, Friday, February 16, 7:30 enjoy traditional Irish music and dance. pm, Irish American Club- East Side, Set dancing lessons: Tuesdays 7:30- music by the Kilroys. 9:30 pm, St. Clarence Church, North For more information: CeiliClub- Olmsted; Wednesdays 7-9 pm, Irish [email protected] or find us on American Club - East Side. Facebook

1lb. firm smoked sausage (Slovenian Sausage from Giant Eagle is the one I use) 2 lg. onions 2 leeks #1 Coddle 2 bay leaves ¼ cup chopped parsley There are over 1.4 million people of Irish The best thing about this time of year Black pepper is the food we can share. After a brisk 6-8 potatoes cut into chunks descent in Ohio; 475,000 in walk or long workday, nothing beats 1 pint of Guinness comfort food. My wife Mary’s lamb 2 ½ cups chicken or veg. stock Greater Cleveland; 175,00 in stew, a bowl of hot soup, or Sheperd’s 2 tbls. Kerrygold butter Cuyahoga County: Want to reach them? Advertise in the Ohio Irish American News: [email protected].

West Side Irish American Club Upcoming Events: Live Music & Food in The Pub every Friday 6th – Barleycorn 7th - Parade Marching Practice Starts Pie are some of my favorites. Olive oil 13th - Open Mic Night We’d like to know some of your In a large stew pot or crock pot, favorites; send us a recipe of a dish or add olive oil and butter, sauté onions 27th - Steak Shoot dessert that comforts you and we’ll and then add smoked sausage. In a share it here. Include information on separate skillet, over med. heat fry 2/4 Super Bowl Party: Dan @440-236-8539 where ingredients can be obtained if bacon and then add to stew pot. Place not available in most grocery stores. the pork sausages or bangers in the 2/17 Night at the Races For example, the Irish bacon and skillet and cook, turning until evenly Bangers I used in the following reci- browned. Join us for the Ireland trip July 1-10 pe were obtained from Casey’s Irish Remove from skillet and cut into Imports in Rocky River and are also bite-size portions and add to stew pot. call Marge Flynn @330-273-4325. available at Gaelic Imports in Parma. Add stock and Guinness, along with Here is my take on a not so tradition- parsley and bay leaves. Add leeks and General Meeting al “coddle.” potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat 3rd Thursday Since 1931 INGREDIENTS: and simmer, stirring occasionally until of every month. 440.235.5868 1lb. Irish bacon potatoes are tender. Serve with soda 8559 Jennings Rd (Canadian bacon can be bread or brown bread and a Guinness. substituted) Send your recipes to Olmsted, Twp, wsia-club.org 8 pork sausages or bangers [email protected] Ohio 44138 22 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

metropolitan centers in America. in Cincinnati and St. Louis than from non-Italians than any other Attempts to apply the heuristics in Boston. Residential segrega- ethnic group in the city, includ- of human ecology to the incorpo- tion varies contextually and is ing African Americans. Hun- ration of immigrant groups and codependent on particularities garian, Russian and Romanian their offspring have historically of ethnic origins. immigrant communities also followed predictable patterns. Immigrants may become cul- demonstrated a high degree of These interpretations assume a turally adapted. Immigrants spatial separation. Three weeks. This article is city pick up. I was baptized on direct correlation between rate may not become socially accept- A Polish neighborhood was submitted about three weeks the Days of Kings. It was in the of assimilation and residential ed. Many immigrants and their formed on Broadway Avenue. before it makes it to print. Took dining room I have been told. segregation. descendants may become accul- Slavs and Hungarians settled me a while to figure that out. I The Romans celebrated the Assimilation has been synon- turated, but for various reasons near Woodland Avenue. Polish penned a few comments with Compitalia in January, Mensis ymous with success in American may not be assimilated. This and Croatians had areas along temporal distinctions that were Ianuarius. Guardian deities life. This analysis includes cor- binary is vital in the discussion of Superior and St. Clair. inherently ex post facto. My who control the crossroads were relations between segregation the peopling of Cleveland. We Each ethnic group had various apologies. offered sacrifices. The Romans and economic dynamics. Home cannot conceptualize the process degrees of segregation. Mensis Ianuarius. El Dia de practiced these customs through- ownership and residential cen- of assimilation as super organic, Italians areas were nearly 80% Los Reyes Magos. The Day of out the empire. tralization in metropolitan and a process operating above and Italian. Romanian 65%. Russians Kings is one of my favorite days Septimius Severus was Roman then suburban contexts allow beyond the immigrants them- 52%. Hungarians 45%. Germans with a title. Nollaig na mBan in emperor from 193 to 211. He won an assimilation rubric to be the- selves. Gold, frankincense and 21%. The Irish in the City of our native tongue. In Ireland victories in Gaul and Arabia; he orized. Immigrant groups are myrrh. Cleveland were 28%. All these it has been celebrated as a day conquered Britain and Scotland. evaluated on rate of citizenship Let us look at internal migra- numbers are contextual. when husbands and wives prac- He did not conquer Ireland. vis à vis length of residence. tion for elucidation. In 1870, only African American numbers tice inverted stereotypical gender Severus was born in Africa, Occupational dissimilarities and thirteen hundred African Amer- were not substantial in many roles. The ladies go to the bars henceforth an African. History education contribute in minimal- icans were living in Cleveland. parts of the city. However, with- and the men clean. It is tradi- considers him Roman. Casper izing the socio-cultural nexus of Most lived on or near Central in the physical demarcations that tionally the day to take down the was the King of Sheba. Melchior city habitation. Avenue on the near east side. were dictated politically for the Christmas tree. was the King of Arabia. Balthaz- Sometimes data gets in the The 1890 census has 3,000 Afri- census, African Americans over- Grannie leaves her tree up ar was the King of Egypt. They way of such homogenous para- can Americans in Cleveland and whelmingly resided in direct until Lent. In all my years, she didn’t conquer Ireland either. digms. Boston by number and that number doubled by 1900. proximity. That is, if a ward was has never had the tree out for In Cleveland, the census data by reputation is considered a Residential locus was focused 10 percent African American, in the late 19th century begins to city with large Irish population. north of Central Avenue up to the that ten percent lived next door lose Irish as Africa lost Severus. Cincinnati and St. Louis are cities wealthy residential section of Eu- to each other. This is similar to It is what happens when data is that have accommodated sizable clid Avenue, sequestered by the the micro- analysis of the 5th and restricted to birthplace of parents German populations. Applying Cuyahoga River and its indus- 7th Ward Irish. Further analysis and an individual’s birthplace. the metrics of assimilation to all trial zone and by East 55th. This of the ethnic percentages above This is crucial in understanding three contexts shows that Irish was considered Cleveland’s first also indicates that wards were the peopling of Cleveland. in Boston are considerably less black neighborhood. It would be comprised of neighborhoods Studies of ethnic settlement segregated in Boston than in wrong to imply that individuals with ethnic enclaves. in Cleveland in the Gilded Age Cincinnati and St. Louis. Ger- were restricted to this area. The Irish and German percent- produce data similar to other mans are much less segregated There were smaller enclaves: ages are comparatively lower. Hamilton Avenue between East That is a function of historical 9th and East 14th, East of Carn- migration and census limita- egie Avenue and East 105th be- tions. Second and third gen- tween Cedar and Euclid, Hough eration Irish become “native Avenue between East 84th and born.” Their Irishness is lost to East 95th. African Americans the census form. Their Irishness were still less than 25 percent in becomes whiteness. each of those areas. However, What we have begun to see out of the 155 tracks that com- in the 5th and 7th Ward is that prised the city of Cleveland, all this longitudinal data is trace- but 17 had African American able, albeit laborious. What we inhabitants. have seen is that Cleveland by The end of the 19th century 1900 had substantially increased also increased the bricolage of the number of countries heard European immigration. Italians from. European immigration on Mayfield and Woodhill Roads; reinforced and illustrated how The Alta House is named after people peopled our city. The John D. Rockefeller’s daughter, argument that this made the Irish Alta. Italians were also in the more assimilated, i.e. less Irish, Central Market area of Wood- I believe is problematic. That land Avenue. will be discussed next month: At that time, the Italians were Februarius. The purification of more residentially segregated the Blessed Virgin Mary. JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 23

acy to worsen the loss of life in order to bring “Lusitania – missing baby; missing a baby girl, fifteen America into World War I. A week before the months old; very fair curly hair and rosy complexion.” sinking of the Lusitania, Winston Churchill Dozens of Irish people, who were making their way wrote to Walter Runciman, the President of the home via Liverpool, were also killed. According to the Board of Trade, stating that it is “most important Irish journalist Senan Malony, who wrote Lusitania: to attract neutral shipping to our shores, in the An Irish Tragedy, about 140 Irish people died when the hope especially of embroiling the United States ship went down (70 passengers and 70 crew members). The Lusitania and Ireland with Germany.” Among the 140 were James McDermott, the ship’s sur- By the following morning, news of the disaster had geon, from Co Cork, his assistant, Dr Joseph Garry, from RMS Lusitania was a British ocean liner that was sunk spread around the world. While most of those lost in Co Clare, and the Irish composer Thomas O’Brien Butler. off the coast of Ireland by a German submarine during the sinking were British or Canadian citizens, the loss The Germans claimed that sinking the Lusitania was World War I. The ship was built in Clydebank, Scotland of 128 Americans in the disaster outraged many in the justified in a war zone because its cargo included ammu- for the British Cunard Line and it was launched in 1906. United States. The US magazine The Nation called the nition and shell casings to be used by the British in the At the time, it was the largest and fastest liner in the sinking “a deed for which a Hun would blush, a Turk Great War. The Cunard Line and the British government world. It made a total of 202 trans-Atlantic crossings. be ashamed, and a Barbary pirate apologize.” denied the charge. They were lying. Competition among shipping lines for the North The people of Cobh, Ireland responded to the sinking The Lusitania was carrying ammunition, gun power, Atlantic passenger trade was fierce and Cunard re- with a sense of purpose that remains a source of pride gun cotton, explosive fuses and 46 tons of aluminum sponded by trying to outdo the other passenger lines in for the town. For weeks they dealt with the awful human powder. Some of these items were on the cargo manifest, speed, capacity, and luxury. The Lusitania but others were intentionally listed was fitted with revolutionary new turbine as butter or furs. It is speculated that engines that enabled it to maintain a speed some of these explosive items may have of 25 knots (29 mph). It was equipped with contributed to the secondary explosion elevators, wireless telegraph, and electric after the torpedo struck the ship. The lights, and provided 50% more passenger German government had previously space than any other ship. The launching published a warning in 50 US news- of the RMS Titantic, built in Belfast, Ireland papers warning that passenger ships in 1911 for the White Star line, was in direct traveling in British waters were subject response to the success of the Lusitania. to being fired upon and the passengers The Lusitania departed New York for were traveling at their own risk. Liverpool, on May 1, 1915. Aboard her Was Lusitania a legitimate target of were 1,266 passengers and a crew of 696, war? While it is certainly abominable which combined for a total of 1,962 souls. to deliberately sink a ship with civil- On May 7, 1915 the Lusitania was nearing ians on board, the fact remains that the end of her voyage and was on schedule the Lusitania was running munitions to dock at Liverpool. through a German blockade. According The ship was running parallel to the to cruiser laws, the Germans should south coast of Ireland, and was roughly have stopped the ship and destroyed 11 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale when the contraband; however, Winston the liner crossed in front of the German Churchill had sent orders for British U-boat, U-20. Captain Walter Schwieger, in captains not to stop their ships for command of the U-20, gave the order to fire German submarines, but to ram them one torpedo, which struck the Lusitania on at full speed. With German U-boats the starboard bow, just beneath the wheel- unable to stop enemy ships without house. Moments later, a second explosion the threat of being rammed, Captain erupted from within the Lusitania’s hull and the ship loss of the Lusitania as hundreds of bodies either washed Schwieger’s only course of action to stop the munitions began to sink, with a prominent tilt to starboard. ashore or were picked from the seas around Co Cork. from reaching England would have been to torpedo Immediately the crew scrambled to launch the life- Survivors of the sinking were taken to Cobh, where they the ship. boats, but the conditions of the sinking made their launch were given food, shelter and medical attention. US Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan advised extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible. In all, After the sinking, fishing boats put to sea from Cork, President Wilson that, “ships carrying contraband only six out of 48 lifeboats were launched successfully, Kinsale and Cobh to rescue the survivors. Without the should be prohibited from carrying passengers ... it with several more overturning and breaking apart. efforts of locals who risked their lives to save others, the would be like putting women and children in front of Eighteen minutes after the torpedo struck the ship, it death toll would have been worse. The dead were put an army.” While the sinking of the Lusitania did not slid beneath the waves settling on the bottom in 300 feet in open coffins on the Cobh dockside for identification; bring the US immediately into war as the British hoped, of water. Of the 1,962 passengers and crew aboard the many whose next of kin had also drowned were never it certainly was one of the factors in the final decision in Lusitania at the time of the sinking, 1,198 lost their lives. identified. The Old Church Graveyard in Cobh contains 1918 for the US to declare war on Germany. The HMS Juno, a British cruiser, left anchorage in Cork three mass graves, where over 200 unclaimed victims Harbor to render assistance only a short time after the of the Lusitania are buried. In addition, there are many *J. Michael Finn is the Ohio State Historian for the ship was attacked. Just south of Roche’s Point at the individual graves of identified victims in the cemetery. Ancient Order of Hibernians and Division Historian mouth of the harbor, only an hour from the site of the The Cunard offices in Cobh were besieged “by a pitiful for the Patrick Pearse Division in Columbus, Ohio. He sinking, she turned and returned to Cork as a result of little group of men and women, many bandaged, some is also Chairman of the Catholic Record Society for the orders issued from the British admiralty at Queenstown on crutches,” according to a reporter from the New Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. He writes on Irish and (now Cobh). York Tribune. Grieving mothers wandered the town, Irish-American history; Ohio history and Ohio Catholic Some say this was done as part of a British conspir- looking for their children. One newspaper message read: history. You may contact him at [email protected]. 24 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

The Love of Language Terry From Derry by Terry Boyle There is something to be said for those who use words in the most profound ways. For me, one of the main attractions into the just described, an English teacher. Ireland. However, the magic arts, particularly literature, was Most parents understand the can only be sustained by words. reading. When I was a teenager, I emphatic language of teenagers. Language has a music of its own. devoured novels. I just could not They either hate or love some- When the right words come to- get enough of those wonderful thing. There’s little in-between gether, they create a rhythm; each worlds created in the minds of these two extremes. If there is sentence takes you further and fur- those who had accomplished the any indifference at all, it’s usually ther into a new and exciting place, mastery of words. because the teenager is bored. and the promise of a great escape. My appetite for reading was As a teenager, when it came to To some this might appear as only stifled by a lack of funding. books, I was rarely indifferent. I simple escapism, but it’s more We had little money, and what either loved or hated what I read. than that. While I do believe that we had went on more important Schools books were obviously the fantasy genre helped me to things than books. School pro- consigned to the damned region, cope with an extreme situation, it vided me with books, but they whereas those I stole from the local also led me to value the beauty of were made to be educational in bookshop had to be savoured. language. the worst possible way. It seems Often, I get fixated with fantasy From fantasy, I was drawn that the way to kill a passion for novels. Tolkien and the like had towards Victorian literature. My literature is to limit it to an exam- won me over. I read Lord of the absolute favourite is Wuthering ination, or torture the art of writing Rings three times and The Lion, Heights. Having read it and re- with endless analysis. It’s ironic, Witch and the Wardrobe series read it, I am, after all these years, since I never thought that I’d ever with an equal amount of enthu- reading it again on my iPad. The live to become the very person I’ve siasm. My world, for the longest story of Cathy and Heathcliff has time, was lived inside someone managed to follow me through the OhioIANews welcomes else’s imagination. technological revolution. new advertising partners: To understand how important Magic kingdoms fell to the

these books were to me you need stark, wild, Yorkshire moors of 5 Points Coffee, to appreciate how chaotic life was Emily Bronte. In her only novel, Brite Winter, back then. The Troubles were at she bequeaths to us a romance that Great Lakes Pipe Band, River Terrace Building their worst. School, housed close has subsequently been transferred Little Brothers & by to a police station, was a flash- to the stage and screen. Her tale of 19111 Detroit Rd, Ste 200 Sisters of the Rocky River, OH 44115 point for riots. Can you imagine tortured souls continues to haunt Eucharist a principal of a school standing those who are ravenous for a good 440-333-8960 Visitation Home, before an armoured tank while story. For those who see this tale [email protected] Malachi House, trying to harangue his pupils back as a romance novel, they have ob- Walk of Life Awards, into their place of education? viously never read it. Nelly Dean Cleveland International It wasn’t quite the Tiananmen and Mr. Lockwood, the narrators Film Festival, St. Pat’s / Square, history making event of of this tale, are in themselves as St Jarlath’s Gaelic Foot- the century, but this brave man’s much of a mystery as the fated ball Club, Music Box efforts certainly put the army and Cathy and Heathcliff. together we bring the students squarely in their My journey from the fantastical you OhioIANews. place. He may not have been a worlds of the imagination to the political agitator, but he made an tales of this world has had one impression on all of us. common denominator, beautiful Home was equally troubled. language. Anyone can write, Constant raids by the police and but not everyone can write well. army made escape from the chaos Even now, when I power up the almost impossible. There was only iPad, my mind is captivated by one escape left, books. the music of Emily’s harrowing On opening the pages of a good tale of love and loss. The Brontes, book, I could be immediately metaphysical poets, Shakespeare, transported into the shire with Milton etc. have taken their place Bilbo and Frodo, or Narnia with in my mind, sometimes as an es- animals that spoke and acted like cape, but more often than not now, humans. Among the impossible, as a reminder of how powerful the unreal, I could hide from the language really is, and how beau- absurdity of real life in Northern tiful it can be in the right hands. JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 25

Flanagan’sFlanagan’s WakeWake is Nine YearsErrss Old! is NineB BYearseeE Old! ...and dear departed Flanagan can’t resist coming back for (yet another) last call So come on down and help him polish off another one! Raise a glass with us on January 5th, 2018 Tickets on sale: NOW Call for tickets 216-241-6000 or toll-free at 1-866-546-1353 or visit us on the web at http://www.playhousesquare.org

2018 Wake Ad Horiz.indd 1 10/14/17 12:24 PM 26 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

lead singer Clarke Frampton) 40 _____ Benson Orchestra [Limerick] 42 ______Showband [Finaghy] (featured Joe Duffy) 44 ______Showband [Dublin] (featured Pat Solution on page 30 Lynch-broke up in 1971) DOWN 1 ____ Showband [Claremorris] (band featured Royal Blues’ Gill brothers-from Colman Rushe) 2 ______Showband [Derry] (featured Pat McCrossan in the late 60’s) 3 ______Showband** [Ballina] (later became the Fairways) 4 Peter Cusack and the ______[Bray, Co. Wicklow] 7 ____ Allen Showband^ [Summerhill, Co. Meath] (resident in Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin) 8 ______Showband (featuring Des Smyth) [Dublin] 10 ______Showband [Belfast] (featured Oliver Harcourt 11 ______Conway Showband [Magherafelt] 13 ______Showband (featuring Kevin Flynn)^ [Cahir] 15 Dawnbreakers featuring ______[Enniskillen] Also featured Dora 17 ____ Five Showband*** [Mayo] 20 ______7 Showband [Limerick] 23 ______Showband [Dublin] (featured Kevin O’Doherty) 24 ____men (featuring Dermot O’Brien) [Dublin] 26 ______[Derry] (originally The Barristers ACROSS 19 Jim ______Showband [Dublin] (featured Roly Showband switched names in late 1966) 2 ______Showband [Bundoran] Daniels) 27 ______Showband (featuring Declan Ryan) 5 ____ Minstrels Showband [Louisburg] 21 ______Showband from Cork (started in [Cork] 6 ______Showband featuring Deidre 1963, featured Rory Gallagher) 31 Johnny _____ Dance Band [Claremorris] [Newry] 22 Cadets Showband [Dublin] (Eileen ____ was 33 ______O’Keefe’s book, Goodnight, God Bless 9 Pete Browne and his Band of ______[Kilti- Ireland’s first female superstar with a string of hit and Safe Home. magh] records) 34 ______(featuring Dawn Knight) [Monaghan] 10 _____ Mack Showband [Ballaghadereen] 25 ______Showband [Belfast] 35 ______Boys Showband [Graignamanagh, Co. 12 ___ Eight [Dublin] (Started by Brendan Bow- 28 Alpine Showband featuring Monty _____ Kilkenny] yer [Belfast] 37 Jim Farley All ______(featuring Terry Mahon) and Tom Dunphy after leaving the Royal 29 ______Showband [Northern Ireland] (became [Dublin] relocated to Las Vegas) Dan and the Farmers in 1973) 38 ______Power’s book, Send ‘Em Home 14 ______Carlton Showband [Strabane] (The 30 Galway ______Showband [Galway] (60’s Sweatin’ “original” showband - started the Saturday Night showband) 41 _____Hughes Showband [Mullingar] (on the Jukebox dance) 32 ___ Cantwell Big Band [Kilkenny] (10 piece road 16 ______Showband (featuring Joe Dolan) band which featured Paddy Day as lead vocalist in for nearly 50 years) [Mullingar] 1970 43 Johnny _____ Bandshow**/P2 [Dublin] 18 _____Cummins Orchestra [Dublin] (Resident 36 ______Showband [Castleblaney] (Fronted (Resident band in Clery’s Ballroom-featured Hel- in by Gerry Black and later Tom Allen) en Jordan and Johnny Hyland) the Macushla Ballroom) 39 ______Showband [Newtownabbey] (featured JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 27

the festival. A few fundraisers tunes and songs. at Toledo Irish American Club were held to pay off debt. Very Check out the Drowsy Lads on Facebook page or The Drowsy little was heard about the Toledo You Tube.; you will get excited Lads web site: http://www. Irish American Club after that. about the show just as I did. The thedrowsylads.com. The show Rumors would pop up now and concert will be held on Saturday, will also feature a session by then that they were planning February 10th from 6:00 PM until Toraigh an Sonas and a per- to start up the summer festival. 10:00 PM at the Maumee Indoor formance by the Ardan Irish Those rumors proved to be false Theater 601 Conant Street Mau- Dancers. Penny (The Saint) and I The Toledo er locations included Lourdes and it was generally believed mee, Ohio. have our tickets. We hope to see College, and a field outside a that the club was gone forever. Tickets are $15.00 at the door many other Irish music lovers Irish American motel along I-75. They found Towards the end of summer, through Eventbrite or $13.50 there as well. Club Making a a “permanent” home at the city there was an announcement of in advance. Links are available Comeback! of Toledo’s International Park an upcoming fundraiser by the alongside the Maumee River. Toledo Irish American Club to The Toledo Irish American The Heinzman Irish Dancers, raise funds for a concert coming Club is a social non-profit group now known as the Ardan Danc- in February. Club president, Kel- Coming in formed to celebrate the culture, ers, were started in Toledo with ly Zawierucha, was bringing the music, dance and history of the the support of the Toledo Irish club back again. Irish. The club’s principle belief American Club and performed The first fundraiser was held at February! is that anyone who has a love and every year at their festival. The The Blarney on October 14th, and passion for the Irish culture are talented bands featured include: included a session by Toraigh an welcome to become members. Brigid’s Cross, New Barleycorn, Sonas and a performance by the The club was started on 1992 Norman Paine, Stephen’s Green, Ardan Irish Dancers. The second Bringing you the movers, shakers fundraiser was held at Earnest and music makers in our brewWorks on November 14th. community each month. Soon the announcement was made that the concert, “For the Love of Irish Music,” will be Every Sunday: held on Saturday, February 10th,, featuring The Drowsy Lads. Irish Music Sessiun The Drowsy Lads thundered onto the Irish music scene in the @Pj McIntyre’s Midwest a dozen years ago and have become favorites at pubs, 4th – Superbowl Party @WSIA clubs, festivals, universities and 10th – The Drowsy Lads, Maumee Indoor Theater concert halls. 601 Conant Street Maumee, Ohio Ohio brothers John and Daniel McKewen, father and son Phil 17th – St. Pat’s St. Jarlath’s Gaelic Football Club’s Nite and Josh Franck, and lifelong at the Races @West Side Irish American Club. friend Bryan Brookes bring to 17th – Northern Ohio Rose of Tralee the stage a concoction of “we Selection Ceremony dare you to hold still” Irish dance 17th – Irish Network Chicago Annual Ball tunes as well as a full emotional gamut of songs. They’ve won the 21st – Gaelic Storm @House of Blues Cleveland affections of audiences ranging 22nd – Walk of Life Awards @ Windows on the River from casual music-lovers to those 27th – Alan Doyle @Music Box CLE steeped in hardcore Traditional 3/1 - INCLE Irish Nite @ The Cavs Irish music. 3/1 – Scythian @Music Box CLE Each Lad is a multi-instrumen- talist, and the combined lineup includes fiddle, button accordi- on, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, guitar, bouzouki, Uilleann pipes, 5-string banjo, concertina, and OhioIANews Speaker Series: bodhran. The Lads are fond by John Connolly. They met Vinegar Hill, Coyote Run, Hunt- of creating their own spirited March 8 – Margaret Lynch & Patrick Murphy: monthly at various locations ing McCloud and Celtic Cross. arrangements and offering oc- The Day We Celebrate: St Patrick’s Day over the years. The Toledo Irish The festivals were very popular casional original compositions, Parade book history presentation American Club was famous for and well attended. and even mixing in some bits its Toledo Irish Festival, held Trouble came in the form of of Bluegrass or Classical. But and Book Signing. during the summer months. terrible weather three years in these never get in the way of April – Akron Celtic Guards Hurling The Festival began in a motel a row, from 2006 through 2008, their obsession with the pure What’s Hurling? Videos and Stories from ballroom on Secor Road. Oth- and the club had to discontinue old musicality of traditional Irish The Clash of the Ash; the Fastest Game on Grass All the Words that I gather, And all the Words that I write, Must spread out their wings untiring,

and never rest in their flight.... ~W.B. Yeats

We wish John O’Brien first class success as he takes ownership of Ohio Irish American News All the Best, Cliff and Cathy Carlson Irish American News (Chicagoland)

LIVE IN CONCERT

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

Columbus, OH Cleveland, OH Springfield, OH Cincinnati, OH Palace Theatre State Theatre Clark State Performing Aronoff Center April 18 April 19 Arts Center | April 21 June 16 JANUARY 2018 www.ianohio.com Ohio Irish American News 29

by John O’Brien, Jr.

Fiddler on the Hoof: Gaelic Storm’s Katie Grennan Ascends, with The Second Story

Kathleen (Katie) Grennan is instruments. My parents grew up known in and around Chicago for and met in Long Island when Dad her teaching chops in fiddle and was in his 20s. My dad decided he Katie, on fiddle, beside bodhran player Paddy Homan. dance, her grace and her impact so wanted to go to medical school, Painting on the wall @The Galway Arms. deeply rooted in her students, that to the University of Pittsburgh, so she has become as much sage as they moved to Pittsburgh. be listening to. I try to get better. wasn’t good enough (yet). People place. celebrity. The celebrity part grows I have a younger brother who People said you are getting say you have come so far in such a Your work never is done. When with each new tour with Gaelic plays in the Shannon Rovers pipe hired because you are blonde; you short time. It was kind of a serious I look back in five years, because Storm, the unstoppable Celtic band; he plays in and around look good on stage. It so saddened job; I took it seriously. It didn’t I got hired for certain things I and World music powerhouse. Chicago. I moved from Pittsburgh me; it drove me to work even feeI short to me. I was going to didn’t feel I was good enough for, While I was in Chicago finalizing to Chicago because I went to harder. sessions, asking questions. but I got hired. Playing in front the purchase of the OhioIAN- the University of Notre Dame. I Doing a desk job every day, When I look back, time ad- of so many people, it made me ews, I missed Katie by minutes started dancing on and off with I always dreamed of how can I vanced quickly. I know, some- get better. Being uncomfortable, at the Chicago Good Fellowship Trinity Dancers; I initially went to get out of this position? I knew I times, I felt I was just stuck in Continued on next page Christmas Luncheon, and then Chicago every other week. we weren’t able to catch up at the When I graduated from ND, my Galway Arms later that night. The first job was with a management session was small but mighty, and company in the heart of the city. I Katie looked down at me from the could walk to the Galway Arms painting of her jamming alongside from my apartment. First I just Paddy Homan, on the wall above listened, but eventually I started the musicians and singers. to fit in; I felt comfortable. So we had a nice long chat this JOBJr: So which is home, Ire- week. It was intended to be a CD land, Pittsburgh or Chicago? review, but went much deeper. Katie: Both Pittsburgh and Chi- I’ve never lied to you: Get the CD; cago are home to some degree. The it is one that I will listen too over Irish music scene - you can’t com- and over and …. The sage part, the pare to Chicago. For me, there’s so self-awareness and gift of giving much music. The musicians are so that is Katie, and is far deeper welcoming. The amount of people than passing by on the road, kept that play music there, it’s amazing. arising in our conversation. Read I wouldn’t be able to do what I on, and I think you will agree. do now if it weren’t for the violin. My teacher was really strict on fin- Katie: My dad, his family is gering, etc. I’m just now starting to from Mayo and Roscommon. We embrace all of that. I am involved moved when I was about three to in other projects that are not strict- the U.S.; the rest of my siblings ly Irish or classical, currently rock, were born in the U.S. My grand- country, other things. The violin ma and grandpa used to go out is not my primary area of focus. I dancing in New York. It was really can get away with tin whistle but important to the social aspect for ...(not very well). immigration. I remember the ener- JOBJr: What’s been the biggest gy the first time I walked in (to an challenge? Irish club), it was joyful. Katie: My biggest challenge is I was playing violin when I was not one thing; a lot of events led to four. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s this point in my career. I had a lot that I immerse myself in fiddle. of great musicians steer me in the No one else in the family played right direction, on what I should 30 Ohio Irish American News www.ianohio.com JANUARY 2018

Fiddler on the Hoof: be - the album getting released two weeks tween my friends and music, I love going feel joy along the way, that’s the dream. ago; playing with Gaelic Storm full-time; to concerts: indie bands and stuff, because The sessions, meeting people - that was the Katie Grennan playing all over Chicago; life happens fast. the past couple years, it’s been so hectic: way it was supposed to happen. You have playing with world-class musicians (you Being around people I admire, people that getting my Masters where I was learning to preserve your dream - you have to reach can’t make a mistake); it just can’t happen. are passionate about what they do. It is booking, expanding my skills, improving at it, create opportunities. These things were You can’t be afraid. you get over it and just hard work. I just hope people investing in my musical techniques. As a player, that supposed to happen. muddle through it, and you concentrate on the music are pursuing their own dreams. broad knowledge of music? I think that is I believe in that. An honest effort leads getting better. JOBJr: Your newest CD is titled Second very beneficial. to success. There are a lot of ways you can I am most proud of working with kids Story - Why did you choose that as the title? I don’t really have a bucket list. I make define success. Be open to your signs from and passing on what I have learned, to Katie: Second story has two meanings - it the universe, of people around you. I believe them. To see them, the passion; not doing is is my second album; the second story I in karma, it’s a real thing; you have on other it because they have to. To hear them say I am telling. The second tune is called sec- things, helping people. If you don’t spread couldn’t wait to practice to the new album; ond story as well. It was written about the the wealth, in the end, you won’t be happy. people enjoying the music, it becomes part second story at Galway Arms; it’s famous, If another fiddler, the same age as me, audi- of their lives; it is awesome. the owner is a great supporter of Irish and tions, they can only hire one of us. If you are When I was in front of people I really other folk music. Four nights a week there always watching your back, and not helping admired, on stage or at a session, I always are sessions, plus special concerts on Friday others, it’s not going to serve you well. wondered if people were judging every sin- and Saturday. In the new year I will be touring with gle thing. They are not; sometimes they’re JOBJr: Katie has a master of arts in man- Gaelic Storm. I am doing a PBS Special on not listening at all. I stopped freaking out agement. She has an MBA, but focused John Kennedy with Michael Londra. I play about all the little details. I just got over it. on working in the school of fine arts, and with a little family band, we have a couple Not everyone is judging you. Look at the public policy. You don’t have to be old to gigs in the winter, and they’re releasing a bigger picture: is it really important if you gain wisdom, just learn from what ever new CD next year. miss a click? It’s not the end of the world; university life has you in at the moment; for Now that the album is out with Gaelic it’s not what people are looking for. every road and every encounter is a learning the best of things as they come; that’s life. Storm, I’m just trying to enjoy it. I enjoy If you put the work in, you listen hard, experience, if you choose for it to be. She has There are things I would like to have hap- playing with the band and meeting people, and play in the right sessions, you will do a serious side, but her eyes glimmer with pen; countries that I would like to travel to. learning more tunes - that’s the really great fine. People like Liz Knowles, she inspires mischief and you sense the beginning of a Being on the road it’s not nearly as glam- thing about playing music - you can never me. People say, you can’t be good if you’re smile always tugging, just a heartbeat away. orous as people think it is. Being able to per- know what is going to come up. not from the traditional background; you Katie: For fun, I love meeting with friends form for a living; seeing the most completely Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help people can’t be a good fiddle player. I didn’t grow for a walk; playing music - I love to play for absurd things you could ever imagine, (you from people in this business that you look up in the trad background. Liz is an inspi- enjoyment, not just practicing and learning. have to be ) accepting the negative - what up to, they are willing to help. ration to me. I like to read on the bus when we are on you’re willing to put up with or not put up The Fiddler on the Hoof is always on the I don’t know what iteration I would tour. My life is very full and Chicago, be- with, that is how your career is going (to go). move, always paying forward to students, Gaelic Storm came at a funny time for audiences and friends Katie meets along the me. I was at a point where I wanted to stop way. The circumstance of a life well-lived learning. I was almost ready to go back into and thereby, well rewarded, is attuned to all the workforce. Then the band happened. I the faith and effort that it took to get there. was really lucky I was able to sign off on it. The openness that Katie meets every per- Our society is so based on achievement. son with opens new opportunists to learn, I see this in my students every day. It is laugh, love life, and reach a hand down, to never ending up reach. You should, whether pull up the person coming after. The Inner running or dancing; you should be doing it View, births fantastic and often unexpected because you love it. You have to have some locales on that journey; never reaching the focus. Own who you are and own what road that has neither map, nor destination, you do, and don’t worry about what others engraved in stone. are doing. You can find out more about Katie, her Dancers come back from competing and, tours, music, and projects, and pick up Ka- “How did you do,” I ask? tie’s FANtastic new CD, The Second Story, “Well, I didn’t place,” they answer. on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon, or at www. I ask, “Did you work hard? Did you do katiegrennan.com. Tell her John sent ya! your best?” They answer yes. Well then, all the work was worthwhile. JOBJr: Do you realize you are very is self-aware? About Our Cover: Katie: I wasnt for a while. I had to learn to rely on myself as a freelancer, so yes I guess Katie Grennan, solo and I am aware. JOBJr: What advice would you give to Gaelic Storm fiddler ex- dreamers? traordinaire, releases her Katie: I would say, it’s really the journey, not the destination. A lot more comes with “The Second Story” CD. it then just work; it’s luck, timing. If you

Katie Grennan Ascends, with The Second Story, see page 29 & 30.