September 2019 Boston’s hometown VOL. 30 # 9 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2019 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. PM, Parliament haggle over Brexit; Varadkar stands firm on ‘backstop’ By Danica Kirka The Irish wonder: he will not back down over the so-called Associated Press “backstop” issue. LONDON— Parliament MPs returned What’s Brexit going to “Divergence between the UK and the from their summer recess on Sept. 3 for European Union means that the return a pivotal day in British politics as they cost us? Page 4. of a hard border on our island [i.e., the challenged Prime Minister Boris John- reappearance of monitors and guard son’s insistence that the UK leave the stations at the crossing] “is a very real Downing Street office said he’ll call an risk. That’s why,” he said, “we, as a European Union on Oct. 31, even without early election — taking his role as Brexit a withdrawal agreement to cushion the government, have to stand our ground champion directly to the people. on a withdrawal agreement. economic blow. With respect to a keystone element in Amid loud cries from protesters on To deal with such an eventuality, the the controversy, the post-deal status of EU and former British PM Theresa May the streets surrounding the House of the border between the Irish Republic Commons, the lawmakers turned to a agreed on a “backstop” insurance policy and Northern Ireland, Leo Varadkar, guaranteeing the status quo at the Irish key piece of legislation on their agenda speaking at a joint press conference that would prevent an immediate no-deal border after a final Brexit agreement. Tommy Sands with visiting US Vice President Mike exit. If it passes this week, Johnson’s Pence that same day, said again that (Continued on page 15) ‘Fair play’ and Tommy Sands – the two are synonymous By Sean Smith Special to the BIR Fair play. To Northern Irish singer- songwriter and activist Tommy Sands, it’s “kind of a throwaway phrase that people use a lot – but it’s a meaningful one.” In fact, it is a lack of fair play – the idea of treating everyone fairly and equitably, even those with whom you disagree – that is at the root of so many problems in the world today, according to Sands, whether it’s the treatment of migrants and refugees or humankind’s unwillingness to address environmental problems. The struggle for fair play is nothing new for Sands, who’s been carrying that The Boston Irish Currach Rowing Club held its annual Labor Day Regatta on Aug. 31 in South Boston. The club is one banner for decades. Born in County Down of seven teams in the North American Currach Association, which holds regattas in the hometowns of each competing the year World War II ended, Sands team on a rotating basis. Mayor Walsh and US Senator Ed Markey attended this year’s event in Boston. was approaching his mid-20s when Mayor’s Office photo by John Wilcox long-simmering Catholic-Protestant/ Republican-Loyalist tensions boiled over, ushering in the years of conflict, ter- Markey, IIIC decry order ror and tragedy summed up by another notable phrase: The Troubles. Sands, by himself and along with his siblings to deport sick immigrants (as the Sands Family) and children as well as friends and significant allies, By Katie Trojano “We are here to raise our voices about advocated a path away from the violence Reporter Staff this inhumane policy which Donald and hate through song, spirit, and deed. The Irish International Immigrant Trump has propounded in the name of He penned “There Were Roses,” perhaps Center (IIIC) is leading local protests the American people,” said Markey. “It the most iconic song about The Troubles, against the Trump administration’s ter- is unconscionable, it is wrong, and we and its complement, “Daughters and mination of so-called “deferred action” on will fight.” Sons,” plus a raft of other compositions, immigrants in medical and humanitar- Markey called out the administration’s earning the respect of luminaries like ian cases. The agency says the revised overall immigration policies, asserting Seamus Heaney and Pete Seeger. policy will be harmful to immigrant that the termination of deferred action But Sands didn’t limit his music and patients, including some visiting Boston was out of step with the nation’s legacy. message to pub or concert hall – he for live-saving treatments. “Over the past two-and-a-half years, brought it out to where he thought it At an Aug. 26 event at the IIIC’s Bos- President Trump has used every tool might do the most good. So in 1986 he ton office held in conjunction with the at his disposal to inflict harm on im- Limerick Rose Sinéad Flanagan, organized a Citizens Assembly, full of Ul- Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee migrants and chip away at our nation’s a 27-year-old junior doctor, was ster’s artists and literary figures, to call Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the identity of being a refuge for those in crowned the 2019 Rose of Tralee on for peace in Belfast. Twelve years later, American Immigration Lawyers Associa- need,” he said. Aug. 27 during the 60th annual pageant as the Northern Irish peace talks teetered tion of New England, US Sen. Edward Anthony Marino, director of the Le- in Tralee, Co. Kerry which included on the edge of failure, he brought together Markey joined the IIIC and the others gal Center at the IIIC, said the agency the New England Rose, 22-year old several musicians – including Vedran Tanya Stanley of Stoughton. More in arguing against the order, which was (Continued on page 15) (Continued on page 11) issued on August 7. text, photos, Page 15.
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2019 Boston Irish Honorees You are cordially invited to the 2019 Boston Irish Honorees 2019 Boston IrishYou Honorees are cordially invited to the You are cordially invited to the
James M. Carmody –Vice President & General Manager, Seaport Hotel & Seaport World Trade Center, and current chair of the Greater Boston James M. Carmody –Vice President & General Manager, Seaport Hotel James M. Carmody –Vice President & General Manager, Seaport Hotel Convention and Visitors Bureau. & Seaport World Trade Center, and current chair of the Greater Boston & Seaport World Trade Center, and current chair of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Convention and Visitors Bureau.
John and Kathleen Drew – Founder and President of the Drew Company, John and Kathleen Drew – Founder and President of the Drew Company, John and Kathleen Drew – Founder and President of the Drew Company, and developer and past Chairman of the Seaport Companies: Seaport Hotel and developer and past Chairman of the Seaport Companies: Seaport Hotel and developer and past Chairman of the Seaport Companies: Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and Seaport West. and World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and Seaport West. and World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and Seaport West.
Grace Cotter Regan – First woman president of Boston College High Grace Cotter Regan – First woman president of Boston College High Grace Cotter Regan – First woman president of Boston College High School, formerly Head of School, St. Mary’s Lynn, Director for Advancement School, formerly Head of School, St. Mary’s Lynn, Director for Advancement School, formerly Head of School, St. Mary’s Lynn, Director for Advancement NE Province of Jesuits, and Executive Director Boston College Alumni NE Province of Jesuits, and Executive Director Boston College Alumni NE Province of Jesuits, and Executive Director Boston College Alumni Association. Friday, October 18, 2019 Association. Friday, October 18, 2019 Association. Friday, October 18, 2019 11:45 AM Seaport Boston Hotel 11:45 AM 11:45 AM Seaport Boston Hotel 2019 Committee Seaport Boston Hotel 1 Seaport Lane, Boston, Massachusetts 2019 Committee 1 Seaport Lane, Boston, Massachusetts 2019 Committee 1 Seaport Lane, Boston, Massachusetts EVENT CHAIR Paul Doyle Honorees EVENT CHAIR Paul Doyle Honorees Edward W. Forry Brendan Feeney James M. Carmody EVENT CHAIR Paul Doyle HonoreesRichard Flavin Brendan Feeney James M. Carmody Edward W. Forry John and Kathleen Drew Brendan Feeney HONORARY COMMITTEE John Philip Foley Richard Flavin Edward W. Forry James M. CarmodyHonorable Linda Dorcena Forry HONORARY COMMITTEE John Philip Foley John and Kathleen Drew Richard Flavin U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey Grace Cotter Regan Maureen Forry-Sorrell Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry HONORARY COMMITTEE Honorable Paul G. KirkJohn and Kathleen Drew U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey Grace Cotter Regan John Philip Foley William P. Forry Maureen Forry-Sorrell Mayor Martin J. Walsh Honorable Paul G. Kirk Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry Grace CotterAnne Regan Geraghty William P. Forry U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey Consul General Laoise Moore Mayor Martin J. Walsh Master of Ceremonies Maureen Forry-Sorrell James Hunt III Anne Geraghty Honorable Paul G. Kirk Kathleen O’Toole Master of Ceremonies William P. Forry Barry T. Hynes Consul General Laoise Moore RichardJames Flavin Hunt III Mayor Martin J. Walsh Anne Geraghty HOST COMMITTEE James Keefe Kathleen O’Toole Barry T. Hynes Richard Flavin Consul General Laoise Moore Master of CeremoniesWilliam Kennedy James Hunt III James T. Brett HOST COMMITTEE James Keefe Kathleen O’Toole Edris Kelley Barry T. Hynes Aidan Browne Richard Flavin William Kennedy Reverend Thomas B. Kennedy James T. Brett Edris Kelley James Keefe John Burke Thomas J. Lyons HOST COMMITTEE Aidan Browne For more information,Reverend contact 617-204-4221 Thomas B. Kennedy or William Kennedy John T. Carroll Michael Sheehan John Burke [email protected] J. Lyons James T. Brett Michael Corcoran Robert Sheridan For more information, contact 617-204-4221 or Edris Kelley John T. Carroll Michael Sheehan Aidan Browne Della Costello Mary Sugrue [email protected] Reverend Thomas B. Kennedy Michael Corcoran Robert Sheridan John Burke Stephen Costello Honorable W. Paul White Thomas J. Lyons For more information, contact 617-204-4221 or Della Costello Mary Sugrue John T. Carroll Michael Sheehan [email protected] Stephen Costello Honorable W. Paul White Michael Corcoran Robert Sheridan Della Costello Mary Sugrue Stephen Costello Honorable W. Paul White
2019 Boston Irish Honorees You are cordially invited to the
James M. Carmody –Vice President & General Manager, Seaport Hotel & Seaport World Trade Center, and current chair of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
John and Kathleen Drew – Founder and President of the Drew Company, and developerSILVER and past Chairman KEY of the SeaportFUNDRAISER Companies: Seaport Hotel and AWARDS RECEPTION and World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and Seaport West. Join the Grace Cotter Regan – First woman president of BostonThe College Charitable High Irish Society School, formerly Head of School, St. Mary’s Lynn, Director for Advancement NE Province of Jesuits, and ExecutiveWednesday, Director Boston September College Alumni 18, 2019 – 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Association. Friday, October 18, 2019 11:45 AM Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel Seaport Boston Hotel 2019 Committee 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts1 Seaport Lane, Boston, Massachusetts for its 21st Annual Fundraising and Silver Key Awards Reception EVENTThe CHAIR Society will be honoringPaul three Doyle distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributionHonorees to the Irish Community. Edward W. Forry Brendan Feeney James M. Carmody Richard Flavin HONORARY COMMITTEE John Philip Foley John and Kathleen Drew Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey Grace Cotter Regan Maureen Forry-Sorrell Honorable Paul G. Kirk Charles L Donahue Jr Michael Oliver Anita P. Sharma Co-Founder and PresidentWilliam P. Forry Director of the St. Mark Community Education Executive Director of the PAIR Project Mayor Martin J. Walsh of Health Care VA Program in Dorchester (Political Asylum/Immigration Representation) Anne Geraghty Master of Ceremonies Consul General Laoise Moore James Hunt III Kathleen O’Toole Richard Flavin YourBarry participation T. Hynes will help make this event a success. You can help by: HOST COMMITTEE James Keefe • SponsoringWilliam this Kennedyevent • Donating a raffle prize • Donating items for the silent auction SuggestionsJames T. Brett include: tickets to sportingEdris Kelley or cultural events or performances, gift cards to stores or restaurants, week-end stays at vacation homes,Aidan Brownememberships to museums, specialtyReverend Thomas food or B. alcoholicKennedy gift baskets, electronic items, theme park admission, concert tickets, cinema John Burke admission, artwork, or anything elseThomas you might J. Lyons want to consider donating. For more information, contact 617-204-4221 or John T. Carroll Michael Sheehan [email protected] Michael CorcoranTHE SOCIETY GREATLYRobert Sheridan APPRECIATES ALL CONTRIBUTIONS AND THANKS YOU IN ADVANCE. Della Costello MaryFor Sugrue information on how you can help, please call 617-228-4445 Stephen Costello Honorable W. Paul White All proceeds raised at this event are used to aid immigrants in need. Join a community connected by their desire to help those in need. Interested in becoming a CIS member? Contact [email protected] Charitable Irish Society, Carleton H. LaPorte, President c/o Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo LLP | 55 Old Bedford Road, Suite 300 Lincoln, MA 01773
Charitable Irish Society is a 501(c)(3) organization bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Tackling 2,000 years of history, culture, conflict in classes at the Irish Cultural Centre
By Maddie Kilgannon BIR Correspondent Irish heritage comes with an unde- niably rich history, but approaching that history and seeking to understand thousands of years of conflict and - re Grace Cotter Regan Jim Carmody John Drew silience on the Emerald Isle can be a daunting task. That’s where Sean Murphy comes in. “Quite a lot of people have a vague Boston Irish Honors to hail knowledge of when their ancestors ar- rived, and they have a lot of the questions to try and clarify what was happening four who honor their heritage in Ireland at the time that might have The city’s top hotelier, a director of advancement The 35-member lun- caused them to leave,” Murphy said. pioneering leader in edu- for the New England cheon committee is chaired After retiring from his job as a math cation, and a couple who Province of Jesuits. by Ed Forry, founder of the teacher, Murphy, who also teaches Irish have led the transforma- The daughter of the late Boston Irish Reporter and music and dance, began developing tion of Boston’s waterfront legendary BC High foot- BostonIrish.com. Serving a general Irish history course for his will be the honorees at ball coach, Jim Cotter ’55, as honorary chairs are class at the Irish Cultural Center in next month’s tenth annual she holds master’s degrees US Sen. Edward Markey Canton that tackles more than 2,000 Boston Irish Honors, the in pastoral ministry, stu- and Boston Mayor Martin “What I would like people to un- years of stories, tradition, and legends season’s premier celebra- dent affairs, and higher J. Walsh. The program derstand,” said Murphy, “is that to give people reference points for their tion of Irish-American education administration moderator will be Boston whether it was 100, 200, or 300 years heritage. achievement in Massa- from Boston College and Red Sox “poet laureate” ago, the vast bulk of history of their “People wanted to know what was chusetts. the University of Ver- Dick Flavin. ancestors is rooted in Ireland” happening in 1916 around the time of The luncheon, convened mont, and has completed “This inspiring lun- – Sean Murphy the 100-year anniversary,” said Murphy, by the Boston Irish Re- Catholic leadership de- cheon allows us to recog- a Dublin native and current Centerville, porter, will see hundreds velopment programs at nize and celebrate exem- Cape Cod, resident. “My first courses for people who would have thought that of guests gathered at Boston College’s Lynch plary Irish individuals were about 1916, and then I decided that they were 100 percent Irish.” Seaport Boston Hotel on School and the University and their families who I would do a chronological history, and Murphy’s aim is to satisfy the interest Fri., Oct. 18. of Notre Dame. share our heritage in that I would go back in detail to put St. of those looking to better understand James M. Carmody, the John and Kathleen Boston and Ireland,” ex- Patrick in perspective,” he said. where they came from. vice president and general Drew and their family plained Ed Forry, the - After his general history course be- “Most Irish people that came to Amer manager of Seaport Hotel have been on the van- founder and publisher of came popular, Murphy created other ica came here because they couldn’t stay & Seaport World Trade guard of transforming the Boston Irish Reporter. lessons about each county in Ireland. in their own country. They were either Center, will be honored Boston’s waterfront and “At this event, we tell the “There’s a wide range of materials driven out of it or forced out of it in one for his distinguished ca- skyline for more than four life stories of exemplary available for people to learn Irish his- way or another, so it’s important that we reer in hospitality and for decades through the Drew Boston Irish with im- tory. The problem is for a lot of people don’t forget that history,” he said, add- his leadership in philan- Company, which created migrant roots in Ireland, is knowing where to start. Sometimes ing that he believes there is enormous thropy. Carmody, who is the World Trade Center who established produc- it’s almost like there’s too much there, value in being able to trace Irish history the current chair of the Boston and the Seaport tive and meaningful lives so that’s why the structured classes are back generations. Greater Boston Conven- Hotel. John and Kathy in Boston, and worked the best,” said Murphy. “What I would like people to under- tion and Visitors Bureau, have taken on leadership to make better lives for The rise in popularity of web-based stand,” said Murphy, “is that whether serves on the board of roles in their ancestral succeeding generations DNA and ancestry databases has left it was 100, 200, or 300 years ago, the Cathedral High School. home as well, developing of emigrants to our city.” many people with Irish heritage with vast bulk of history of their ancestors Grace Cotter Regan property in Dublin and as The 10th annual Boston countless questions. Murphy believes is rooted in Ireland— and that’s a good is the first woman to a member of the American Irish Honors luncheon will that he is the only one offering this kind reason to want to understand that his- lead Boston College High Ireland Fund. take place on Fri., Oct. of Irish history course for adults. tory and to be able then to work out what School and one of the Natives of South Boston 18, at 11:45 a.m. at the “A lot of people used to think that an the cultural aspects of that are,” he said. nation’s most highly re- and Dorchester, respec- Seaport Hotel/Boston Irish person was very homogenous, that In addition to his course, Murphy garded leaders in Catholic tively, this power couple World Trade Center. For you were Irish through and through. also travels to give lessons at libraries education. She previously continues to inspire with tickets, call 617-204-4221 But given the history of Ireland, there and cultural centers around the region. served as head of school their shared vision for a or email bostonirish@con- have been lots of invasions of Ireland A new session of his four-week course at St. Mary’s High School 21st century Boston while ventures.com. and lots of interactions that have kind at the ICC is slated to begin on Sept. in Lynn and as provincial never forgetting their of mixed the blood, if you like,” Murphy 12. Those interested in enrolling can assistant and executive shared Irish roots. said. “That’s come as a bit of a surprise reserve a place by calling 781-821-8291. HAPPENINGS – SEPTEMBER 2019 Sun., Sept. 1 – The Irish Social club (ISC) Tynan and Friends will perform. Info: Call regular dance with the Silver Spears 7-10 Pat McDonough at 781-534-3919. Also p.m. at 119 Park St. West Roxbury. see marshfieldirishday.com Tues., Sept. 3 – The Irish Cultural Centre • The South Shore Shamrock Festival New Eng;land (ICCNE) will have Aoife Scott originally scheduled for Sept. 7 & 8 has been & Andy Meaney in concert at 7.30 p.m. For rescheduled for Sat. Sept. 14. information and tickets call 781- 821-8291. Sun., Sept. 15 – ISC will have Erin’s TIckets are $45. Members $40. Melody with Margaret Dalton for its Sunday Come Fri., Sept. 6 – ICCNE will have reading evening dance from 7-10 pm. by author Maura McElhone at 8 p.M. of her Wed., Sept. 18 – The Charitable Irish book “Falling for a Farmer”. Admission is $15. Society will have its Silver Key Fund Raiser Sat., Sept. 7 – The Irish Music club of Awards at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel on in! Greater Boston will have its monthly dance in Boston. Info: 617-228-4445 or info@chari- at the Viking club, 410 Quincy Avenue, tableirishsociety.org. Braintree. Music by “Cathy and the Irish Friday-Sunday, Sept. 22 – The Noel Americans.” Dancing from 7-11 pm. Info: Henry Irish Show band will have a fund- 617-696-6007. raiser for Ciara Connell at the Cape Cod Irish Sun., Sept. 8 – ICCNE 5K road race at Village. On Friday and Saturday evenings, 11.30 am. Registration from 9 to 11.15 on race the Henry band will entertain. On Saturday day and the cost is $40. Kids run free. ISC afternoon, music by Erin’s Melody. Info. has Fintan Stanley for its Sunday evening 508-394-9300. dance from 7-10 p.m. Sat., Sept. 21 – ICCNE will have “Celtic Mon., Sept. 9 – The Sligo Association will Angels” led by Vicky Kenny at 2 p.m. and have its monthly meeting at Waterford’s in 7.30. For tickets please call 781-821-8291. Dedham at 8 p.m. Admission is $30. Tues., Sept. 10 – The Leitrim Society will • The Norwood Irish Music club will have have its members meeting at Adams Corner its monthly dance at the Knights of Columbus Cafe & Butcher shop at 7.30 p.m. Hall, 572 Nichols Street, Norwood. Music for Wed., Sept. 11 – ICCNE will sponsor the evening by the Andy Healy band. Prior the best breakfast Irish Language Classes by Cumann Na to dancing there will be a Mass at 6.30. p.m. Gaeilge starting this week from 7.30 - 9.30 Info. call Val at 781-414-9332. sandwiches around! p.m. Classes will Sun., Sept. 22 – ISC will have John be held weekly on Wednesdays through Connors for its Sunday evening dance from ything Irish soda bread and 6 Nov. 13. General tuition is $160. For mem- 7-10 p.m. Ever bers of CNG and ICC, it’s $140. Thurs., Sept. 26 – ISC will have a mem- Fri., Sept. 13 – The 22nd annual golf tour- bers meeting and nomination of officers kinds of scones! nament of Sacred Heart Parish will be held for the coming year. Membership card is at the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde required for admittance. baked fresh iced coffee, brewed Park. If you are interested in playing kindly Sat., Sept. 28 – ISC will feature the Tom call 617-325-3322. Cost is $125. Green fees, Clifford, Sean Folan benefit. Ally Haron flavored coffees & cold brew! prizes and food after playing. and Marian Curry will provide the music daily! Sat., Sept. 14 – The Knights and Ladies of starting at 7.30 p.m. St. Finbarr-Cork club will hold their dance at Sun., Sept. 29 – ISC will feature the cookies, cakes and pies!! the Malden Irish American club at 177 West Silver Spears for its Sunday evening dance Street, Malden. Fintan Stanley will provide from 7 - 10 p.m. lunch sandwiches and paninis! the music from 7 - 11 pm. Info: Call Richard Thanks to the Boston Irish Reporter, sta- at 781-326-0388 or Mary at 978-664-4652. tions WROL and WUNR for keeping the • ICCNE will have the U2 Tribute Band Irish tradition alive with great music and for the “Joshua Tree” in the tent at 8 p.m. news. Please support your Irish club and Advance tickets are $15 or $20 on the night. association. Greenhills Bakery, 780 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA 02124 (617) 825-8187 • The Marshfield Irish Festival will be The Happenings schedules are provided to held at the Marshfield Fair Grounds. Ronan the BIR courtesy of Richard Archer. Page 4 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Irish wonder: What is the Brexit madness going to cost us? By Bill Forry BIR Editor BALLYCONNEELY, Co. Galway, Ireland— “Bomb delivers deadly wake-up call on Brexit” was the lead headline on Aug. 20 in the Irish Independent. It takes some effort to knock the All-Ireland hurling finals off the front pages of newspapers in the Republic of Ireland. Sports-crazed Bostonians have nothing on their Irish cousins, who live and die by the fortunes of their county amateur teams. The Aug. 18 championship match in Dublin’s Croke Park dominated the news for the week run-up and the nation pretty much stopped everything else to watch the lads from Tipperary get the better of their Kilkenny countrymen to win the coveted Liam MacCarthy Cup. But there’s an undercurrent of mounting anxiety on this divided island and Aug. 19 brought news that tapped deep into a fresh vein of worry. A bomb exploded just over the “border” in Co. Fermanagh, in the North. Police were lured to a bridge for what turned out to be a hoax device, only to have another actual explosive detonate meters away. It was designed as a warning, experts here say; but it certainly could have resulted in death or injury to either police or unlucky civilians. And it underscores the tension that is tightening as Irish men and women The Forry family made a visit to the farmhouse of Martin and Margaret Casey in August. The farm in Barroe, Co. Mayo was the birthplace and childhood home of Martin Casey, the maternal grandfather of watch the countdown clock to “Brexit” tick down to an Reporter editor Bill Forry. Linda Dorcena Forry photo uncertain denouement. The bombing came just hours after unwelcome revela- in a bilateral agreement aimed at ending the “Troubles” In the Irish Times on Aug. 20, just above a brilliant tions in the press that the new British government, led and creating a roadmap for a lasting peace. cartoon depicting Boris Johnson as a circus clown, the by the buffoonish Boris Johnson, seems to be girding If the British do withdraw from the European Union columnist Fintan O’Toole cautioned that the looming itself for what is known here as a “hard Brexit”— the —with a deadline now just weeks away— that choice political crisis could be an existential one for this island. re-installation of a “hard” border between the Republic will threaten to upend the fragile peace that has — for “The political architecture that has broadly held for and the North, which was eliminated two decades ago the most part— stuck since 1998. a century since the creation of Northern Ireland in There’s a mix of opinions on the subject here in Ire- 1921 and independent Ireland in 1922, is now deeply land’s West and, in some ways, it feels much like the unstable. It may well be that that unhappy settlement Publisher’s Noteboook calm before the storm. Whether that storm will be a real will have to be hauled down more rapidly than any of gale or a tempest in a teapot is the question of the day. us is prepared for.” There can be no question that opportunists on either It all seems so absurd and unnecessary, a throwback The Irish know side of the sectarian divide in the North seem primed to a time before the Internet and global interconnected- to seize the moment to advance their own narrow agen- ness. Why are we throwing up new borders and creating das— to settle scores that may have little to do with obstacles for what is clearly a world that wants to be what we’re up to the day-to-day lives of regular people on this island. linked up— and not just digitally. My maternal grandfather, Martin Casey, left his fam- A young man we met while traveling here in Conne- By Ed Forry ily farm near the small village of Barroe in Co. Mayo mara is a good example. A native of Clifden who now IRELAND – I made that long-awaited trip to Ireland in the 1920s when the violence of the Irish Civil War lives in London and is busy starting up his own suc- last month, spending 12 days on the Emerald Isle, was still bubbling. I visited his old home with my own cessful high-tech company, David Mitchell, 31, had to most of it along the Wild Atlantic Way, all of it in the family in August. The farm is still a going concern, run leave Ireland to find the opportunity for career growth. west. The weather in Ireland held up as expected: now by his nephew — also named Martin Casey— and Like generations before him, he believes his path will some rain, some sun, and lots of wind and moderate his wife and children. They raise cattle and they gener- eventually lead to America and, quite possibly, Boston. temps. It was a wonderful opportunity to get off the ously let my four children pet the calves that they will Over a pint in a noisy Clifden pub, he told us that grid here in Boston, escape an August heat wave, and eventually butcher and sell off. the anxieties of the “crash Brexit” are even more pro- spend some quality time with family, friends and a few The British market is a big part of their trade and they nounced here in Ireland than in London. People are new acquaintances. are alarmed by word that the Johnson government may worried and for good reason. For centuries, Ireland We traveled to Sligo and spent the weekend in the soon begin to import Brazilian goods. The Caseys are has paid a dear price for the excesses of its neighbors shadow of Ben Bulben. marveling at some of the great anxious about the economic impacts of a hard Brexit. across the Irish Sea. scenic wonders of that beautiful county. We visited with But, they tell me, they are more worried about the As Irish Times opinion columnist Katy Howard writes family in Sligo town, and later traveled down through potential for a return to the violence of the 1970s and this week, it could well be that the biggest toll of the Mayo and into Connemara, where we admired the 1980s that was once routine in the North. The scars of high-stakes Brexit madness will be paid by the Irish mountains and the rocky, solitary moonscapes along the Troubles are most visible in places like Fermanagh people, who had no say in the matter. the Wild Atlantic Way. They are magnificent in scale and Derry and Belfast, of course. But in the heart of “...[A]s in 1690, English and European governments and grandeur. the Republic — places like the sleepy farm that my are shaping up to use the island of Ireland as an ideo- It was interesting to learn how the Irish, on a daily, grandfather left in the rearview a century ago— they logical battleground,” Howard writes. “And possibly... even hourly, basis stay connected with news from Amer- are no less alarmed by its potential impacts on their they will leave the locals to live with the consequences ica. There is a great love of the United States among sons and daughters. for generations to come.” the Irish, and with this new age of internet connectivity and instant information, some of the Irish I spoke with are very knowledgeable about American politics, even more than some of our American neighbors. It’s likely history will view Mueller Report While visiting with the owners and guests at the Enniscoe House, a splendid Georgian country home in Mayo, we had a wonderful conversation with a visi- as a big opportunity sadly lost by missteps tor from England, a recently retired National Health Service (NHS) nurse. Born in Mayo, he has lived in By James W. Dolan defend the report at a much anticipated congres- Dorset and worked with the NHS for 47 years. He said Reporter Columnist sional hearing was disappointing, perhaps, some that he had bought into the Brexit campaign when the How will history view the Mueller Report? I expect speculated, due to health issues. It called to mind the issue was first debated three years ago. But now he it will be seen as a well-intentioned and thorough lines in William Yeats’s poem, The Second Coming: says it was simply false rhetoric, and he likened it to catalogue of misdeeds (criminal or otherwise) com- “The best lack all conviction while the worst are full the MAGA slogans in America- “Make Britain Great mitted to secure the election of Donald Trump and of passionate intensity.” Again!” He believes national health insurance in the keep him in office despite compelling evidence of ob- Without clear recommendations and a proposed UK is doomed, and if he had the chance to change his course of action, the report misfired. It will eventually mind today, he would vote to reverse Brexit, and keep struction of justice. Many, including Trump, believed Britain in the European Union. the revelations would undermine his presidency and be filed away in history’s archives as just another With him was his niece, an Irish nurse who formerly likely lead to his impeachment. opportunity lost. It was exhaustively researched but worked in Dublin and now, with the birth her first Why, after a two-year investigation by a dedicated flawed by too much equivocation; a good plot but no child, has settled back in the west, working in the Mayo staff under the leadership of a highly respected resolution. The end of this very troubled era in the General Hospital in Castlebar. She was very familiar Republican and former longtime head of the FBI, nation’s history will depend not on Congress or the with American politics, and is a great fan of Stephen did the rocket fizzle? Perhaps expectations were courts but on the voters. Colbert, whom she quotes and laughs with regularly. It unreasonably high. More likely, the launch itself was James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District turns out Colbert’s late night show on CBS has a huge flawed in the first place when the administration, in Court judge who now practices law. following in Ireland: many tune in to nightly shows the person of Attorney General William Barr, was the next day, and view it on their computers. She said emphatically that she is not a fan of Donald Trump. given the opportunity in advance to interpret the In Galway, I was talking with a friend who himself report’s ambiguities in a light most favorable to the Boston Irish has recently retired and watches American television administration. Upon reviewing the document, he online every day. He’s fully familiar with all the issues announced the president had been exonerated. By so REPORTER that are being debated here in the states – immigra- doing, he undermined the impact of its revelations. The Boston Irish Reporter is published every month tion, climate change, Greenland and the like – and is Secondly, Robert Mueller relied more on proven Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., critical about what he sees as some bad opinions that qualities of discipline and restraint rather than the 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 560, Dorchester, MA 02125 are expressed across the American populace. He’s most bold leadership he demonstrated as a decorated Ma- [email protected] www.bostonirish.com impressed with Lawrence O’Brien, “that Irish fella” rine officer while serving in Vietnam. The releasing Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) he sees on MSNBC’s The Last Word. of the report, particularly in light of the spin and Edward W. Forry, Publisher In separate conversations, each of the Irish lamented Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor the crushing divisiveness they see in political discourse distortion by the administration, required a more William P. Forry, Editor aggressive advocate. It needed to be vigorously de- Peter F. Stevens, Contrib. Editor in America, and they were keen to get an American Jack Conboy, Advertising Manager opinion on who will be the Democrat candidate next fended by the leader of the team that produced it. News: (617) 822-3225 Ads : (617) 436-1222 year. Expecting facts leading to a conclusion, the public Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] What is remarkable is how little they appreciate our did not understand the constraints under which On the Web: bostonirish.com Twitter @bostonirishrptr president and the things that he says and does. The Mueller believed he was operating. It was a time Visit our Facebook page at Bostonirishreporter Irish I met said they continue to look for leadership when asking for forgiveness, rather than permis- Next Issue: October, 2019 Deadline: Friday, Sept. 20 at 12 noon from the United States, but Trump, they fear, means sion, was called for. a return to a period when “Ugly Americans” was our Published monthly in the first week of each month. Mueller’s failure to better define and strongly The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by calling card. the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View The dog days give way to dog fights; Bare-knuckle politics marks summer’s end By Peter F. Stevens ist whoops of “Pocahontas.” To deny Trump a second Teddy Ken- BIR Staff term, the Dems need the same or greater minority nedy’s first, and As the summer haze dissipates and people slide back turnout as Barack Obama generated. One look at the winning, run for into political reality, anyone who has tuned out hard lagging minority support for both Sanders and Warren the US Senate and news will discover that chaos grows literally by the should sound a deafening alarm for the Democrats. Bobby Kennedy’s hour. Abandon hope—with apologies to Dante—all ye The din rises with another warning from the Rust successful Sen- who enter the looming 2020 circus, a.k.a. the presi- Belt: the chances of a Vermont “Socialist” or a Mas- ate campaign as a dential race—especially if you believe that the Dems sachusetts senator preaching “revolution” to the transplanted New will evict Donald J. Trump from 1600 Pennsylvania heartland and changing the minds of the 77,000 or so Yorker reflected Avenue in a popular and electoral blowout. voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin who the bare-knuckle With Trump at the throttle, America has truly carried Trump to his electoral victory are slim or none. political acumen turned a historic, cultural, and constitutional corner Here is just one scribe’s opinion: Trump versus of the clan. They and careened ever closer to a cliff. Wordlessly, in Sanders or Warren equals a Republican blowout vic- were, and are, Joseph P. Kennedy III lock-step behind the president’s corrupt servant Mitch tory of Nixon-McGovern or George H.W. Bush-Dukakis right that politics McConnell, the GOP has shed any pretense of being proportions. I will gleefully acknowledge my flawed is not a genteel, “lace-curtain” profession. Still, one anything other than “the help” for Trump. None of judgment if I’m wrong on that count. wonders what is the compelling urgency for a run by the old political rules of the road matter because the Speaking of Senators Sanders and Warren, their Joe Kennedy against Markey. president hasn’t just changed the political landscape vows to install single-payer healthcare will turn away Kennedy has seemingly learned from the Congres- –he has torched it. union voters who like and want to keep their negotiated sional triumphs of Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Given the combined incompetence, immorality, and policies. A great many other voters might view a sud- Ocasio Ortiz against well-entrenched incumbents amorality of Team Trump, one might be forgiven for den eradication of the Affordable Care Act as ominous Michael Capuano and Joe Crowley. Both of those assuming that an even more massive Democrat win an act as the Trump Administration’s relentless effort races, however, were emblematic of the changing racial than that of 2018 will sweep away the president and to immolate the ACA. Either way, millions of people and ethnic demographics in those two Congressional his minions. That assumption fades because of two with pre-existing conditions would be unprotected as districts. In a statewide senatorial contest, there is factors: the Democrats’ organizing of a circular firing the GOP has no replacement plan and a headlong leap no apparent demographic rationale for Kennedy. He squad—Barack Obama’s warning, not mine—in the toward single-payer could leave Americans equally and Markey are both Irish Americans and, of course, primary season, and the reality that if the Dems run unprotected. There is no overnight solution. For the white. Kennedy is arguing that it’s time for a genera- one or the other of two candidates bearing “Socialist” moment, Joe Biden’s appeal to protect and improve tional change—he is younger than Markey and more baggage, they will hand the race to a gravely wounded Obamacare does make more sense than what Trump in step with under-40 voters. Ironically, perhaps, Ed but still formidable incumbent. If the polls are right seeks to destroy and what Sanders and Warren plan Markey has always been in step with the Kennedys and Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to “revolutionize.” on issues then and now. have surged to the top of the ticket, Dems can forget Sen. Warren is hardly the only Massachusetts Of course, ambition and a sense of public duty about retaking of the White House even if Trump re- politician roiling the election waters as summer dwell in both Kennedy and Markey. Both will have ally does shoot someone in the middle of 5th Avenue. ends. Congressman Joe Kennedy III is displaying the chance to plead their case sto voters, and that, in The howls of Bernie and Elizabeth supporters aside, his family’s acute sense of office-seeking opportun- the end, trumps—all puns intended—any illusions of the former will go down in a barrage of Trump brand- ism as he “explores” a run against incumbent Sen. party or personal loyalty. That fact is one that can’t be ing rants as a “Commie” and the latter amid, among Ed Markey. Kennedy is correct in his assertion that laid at Donald Trump’s gilded doorstep. In American other ill-mannered talking points, the president’s rac- there is no rule about waiting one’s turn in deference politics, it has been ever so. to other Democrats. BIR History CHEERS, JEERS, AND SOMETIMES TEARS In a long-ago September, a Derry-born immigrant made Fenway Park a reality
By Peter F. Stevens BIR Staff We’ve come to expect it every September. For Red Sox Nation over the last 15 years or so, we have anticipated playoff and World Series appearances for the local nine in September. Whether the Sox manage to limp into the 2019 postseason remains murky, but it is fitting that the first day of Fenway Park’s construction began over a century ago in September. For the Boston Irish and fellow generations of Sox fans past and present, the man responsible in large part for our local shrine to “the Grand Old Game” was a Derry-born immigrant named Charles Logue, a contractor whose company broke ground for the ballpark on Sept. 25, 1911 In the years before the Charles Logue Building Co.’s mainly Irish pick-and-shovel crews dug into a Fenway Park under construction in 1911. plot of land between Lansdowne and Jersey streets, the firm’s owner and other local Irish contractors had and the stands of the most approved type, and the home players could drive the ball of the day more than 350 begun to leave a brick, steel and granite mark upon the club brought up to its best pitch, the fans hereabouts feet, and outfield fences, as Curt Smith writes, were Boston landscape. In “Beyond the Ballot Box,” Dennis can confidently look forward through the winter months “supposed to eliminate gate-crashing and free looks Ahern writes, “Irish immigrants learned early that to some great baseball games next season.” from the street.” the city streets were not paved with gold, but some, Trolley lines ran near the site in the Fenway, which By opening day of 1912, Logue had delivered the as contractors, found that fortunes could be made by had been a fetid mudflat until it was drained as part goods. Fenway Park was ready, completed at a cost digging them.” of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace plan. of $650,000 and with private funds only (hear that, A number of Boston Irishmen parlayed practical, The park would be named not for the site itself, but as Mr. Kraft?). John Taylor moved his Boston Red Sox hard-won knowledge of construction and unbridled a nod to the Taylors’ land company: Fenway Realty. from the Huntington Avenue Grounds, which they had ambition into fortunes. Thomas H. O’Connor, in “The The Taylors sold 50 percent of their interest in the leased, to Fenway Park. Boston Irish—A Political History,” notes, “With grow- ball club for a pricey $150,000 to cover their initial Washed out by rain for two days, Fenway’s chris- ing need for roads, houses, sewers, and bridges in the outlay. Then, in a slick financial gambit, they held onto tening arrived on April 20, 1912, the stands packed new Irish neighborhoods, the contracting business also outright ownership of the rising new park. with fans gaping at the technological “marvel.” The flourished. Patrick O’Riordan became a millionaire Charles Logue’s state-of-the-art steel and concrete New York Highlanders, who would be renamed the working on city projects…Timothy Hannon helped fill ballpark—one of the world’s first of its kind—rose on Yankees in 1913, were a fitting opening-day foe, as in the Back Bay, and Owen Nawn’s trucking company a tract whose most distinctive previous buildings had the raucous rivalry between the clubs would prove for that carried granite from the quarries attracted lucra- been the Park Riding School and a church. decades to come. tive contracts from City Hall and the public utility Logue and his crews had to follow both the architects’ In the eleventh, Red Sox second baseman Steve companies.” plans and the realities of “day baseball.” A Fenway Yerkes, already 5 for 6 in the No. 2 slot, got on base In the vanguard of Irish-born contractors turning Park historian writes, “There was no thought of night again. Eventual Hall-of-Famer Tris Speaker stepped construction into cash was Charles Logue, born in baseball in 1911, so the architects had to make sure to the plate and drove in Yerkes for a dramatic 7–6 Derry in 1858. A bearded man with a genuine talent batters would not be facing into the sun late in the victory. Fenway’s first game had lasted three hours for shaping land to architects’ plans and the father of afternoon. Thus home plate was set in the southwest and twenty minutes. a large family, Logue carved a stellar reputation as a corner of the yard…to ensure that the sun would set What should have been the newspapers’ big story was man whose company finished jobs on deadlines and behind third base, bothering only the right fielder.” To eclipsed on the front pages by the most recent develop- without questionable cost overruns, something that the eternal agony of countless right fielders destined ments in “the story of the century”—the Titanic had could not always be said of the city’s more than 230 to lose balls in the Fenway sun, Logue followed the gone down just a few days before the Red Sox unveiled Irish contractors in the early 1900s. plan to the letter. Fenway Park to the fans. Logue’s company built structures for the Catholic When Logue and his men laid out left field, they Following their opening day triumph, the Red Sox archdiocese and for Boston College. When John I. did not build the immortal “Green Monster.” That went on to rack up a 105–47 record and beat the New Taylor, son of Boston Globe publisher, General Charles landmark would not rise until 1933. They did, how- York Giants in the World Series. H. Taylor, was handed the ball club as a “perk” from ever, build to specifications that, because the Boston A few years down the road, the Red Sox would trade his father, the younger Taylor searched throughout & Albany Railroad wound along the tract’s far side, their star pitcher and slugger, Babe Ruth, to the 1910–11 for the right contractor to build a new park forever meant that Lansdowne Street would lie only a Yankees. If Yankee Stadium is “the House that Ruth for the team. The search led to Charles Logue. bit more than 300 feet from home plate. The distance Built,” perhaps Fenway Park should bear the title “the On June 24, 1911, the Globe trumpeted the news: from the plate to the fences did not mean as much to House that Logue Built” (or helped to build, anyway) “With the new park covering 365,306 square feet of land the builders of the “dead-ball” era in 1911–12. Few Page 6 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Traveling People Ireland in autumn: Something to be had for every taste
th By Judy Enright in the 18 Century Cus- Special to the BIR tom House. The museum Ireland in the autumn has one of Ireland’s great- could be just the right est private collections of prescription for those art and antiques donated who relish tranquility and to the people of Ireland eschew the frenzy of sum- by John and Gertrude mer tourism. Most tourist Hunt. Included among attractions are still open some 2,000 pieces are in September and there works by Yeats, da Vinci is much to do around the and Renoir. See hunt- country to suit nearly ev- museum.com for more ery age and interest. information. MICHAEL CUSACK RYDER CUP CENTRE Thanks to Shane Low- No doubt Irish sports ry’s Open Championship fans are well aware of victory, Adare Manor in Michael Cusack, the man Co. Limerick has been who founded the largest chosen as the host venue amateur sporting orga- for the 2026 Ryder Cup. nization in the world, the Since reopening in April Gaelic Athletic Associa- 2018, after completion of a tion, better known as the two-year reconstruction, GAA. The Golf Course at Adare Cusack was born in Manor has rocketed to 1847 in Carron, a small global recognition. Co. Clare town in the The property has been Burren. His life, career, a hit with industry fig- travels, and passion for ureheads and top players preserving traditional alike, each praising the Irish sports are all cap- Tom Fazio Design and, tured at the Michael in particular, its pristine Cusack Centre, which is condition. located at the family’s So, get your reser- Irish country fairs are a great attraction in the autumn. Judy Enright photos original homestead. Ex- vations in for 2026 at plore his cottage as it was Adare Manor to enjoy the in the 1850s, discover the world’s best golfers in the game of hurling, which he Ryder Cup. saved, or take a guided EVENTS tour. The Centre, which SCHEDULED is about 15 minutes from Lots of activities are Ballyvaughan, is open slated for September daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. around the country. Stop through October. by the local Failte Ireland There is ample parking, office while you’re there to a tea room and gift shop at learn what’s on tap in the the site. For more informa- area you’re visiting. tion, see michaelcusack.ie Some interesting ac- CAHERCONNELL tivities on this month’s STONE FORT calendar include: While you’re in Carron, • Kinsale’s Good Food do check out the Caher- Circle’s 43rd Gourmet connell Stone Fort, the Festival, Oct. 11 to Oct. best preserved example 13 in the Co. Cork town. of dry stone walling in the Kinsale has long been Burren. Caherconnell is a known as the culinaryc- circular, walled, and de- Capital of Ireland and fended farmstead from the this is a fun event with early Christian era and is something for everyone. said to have been home to For more information, see a substantial farmer and kinsalerestaurants.com his extended family of per- • The 42nd Clifden haps up to 25 people. The Community Arts Festi- main focus of farming in val, the longest running that era would have been community arts festival sheep and cattle. The fort in Ireland, will be held also contained a small vil- in the Co. Galway town lage that made the farmer from Sept. 18 to Sept. self-sufficient. The main Take a friend and walk along a lovely beach in the autumn when the summer crowds have departed. 29. There will be plays, dwelling and kitchen were concerts, films and many within the fort and there BURREN CENTRE the fascinating Foyne’s other events. See clifden- would also have been ar- While you’re in the Bur- Flying Boat and Maritime artsfestival.ie for details. eas set aside for storing ren, be sure to stop by the Museum in Co. Limerick. • Are you a fan of oys- grain and grinding corn. Burren Centre in Kilfeno- You’ll learn that from ters and fresh-from-the- The Caherconnell Visi- ra to see the beautiful film 1939 to 1945, Foynes, on ocean seafood? You won’t tor Centre has Ireland’s by the world-renowned the Shannon River, was find better anywhere than first stone fort “virtual environmentalist and pro- the center of the avia- at the Galway Interna- tour” as well as audio-vi- ducer Éamon de Buitléar. tion world between the tional Oyster and Seafood sual and graphic displays. The film follows the for- US and Europe. See how Festival Sept. 27-29. See Caherconnel is mation of the Burren 320 courageous pilots navi- galwayoysterfestival.com about half a mile from million years ago, explains gated the Atlantic and for more. Poulnabrone dolmen, a how the limestone pave- hear about the diverse • Dingle Food Festival Megalithic burial tomb ment was formed and why range of people, from will be held from Oct. 4 to where the remains of 33 Alpine, Arctic, and Medi- celebrities to refugees, Oct. 6. Highlights of the people were discovered terranean plants, which who traveled with them. festival include cooking dating back to 3,800 BC. require different climatic And, learn about Chef demonstrations, street Poulnabrone is the Bur- conditions, grow side by Joe Sheridan who added vendors, workshops, en- ren’s most famous ar- side in such abundance on whiskey to coffee (the first tertainment, children’s chaeological monument. this fertile rock plateau. Many an oyster will be shucked during Galway’s Irish Coffee) to warm up events, wine and whiskey It is located on the Ennis- The Burren Centre also International Oyster and Seafood Festival from damp, chilled passengers tastings and more. See Ballyvaughan road. offers a tea room, gift shop, Sept. 27 to 29. in 1942. For details see dinglefood.com for more. There are also other and an extensive display ocean and the quiet. The list was created us- Flyingboatmuseum.com • Irish Times Theatre attractions nearby, in- that shows and describes One popular place to ing Big 7 Travel readers’ While you’re in the Award winner Swan cluding: Aillwee Cave; the Burren’s many attri- walk - or just sit and enjoy votes, scores from previ- Limerick area, you might Lake/Loch na hEala the hilltop Poulawack butes and characteristics. the view - is Keem Bay at ous media results, official plan a visit to the impos- makes its Cork debut Cairn, where remains For more information, the end of Achill Island Blue Flag beach locations, ing King John’s Castle from Sept. 10 to Sept. 12 were discovered of four see theburrencentre.ie in Co. Mayo. Keem Bay and contributions from where 800 years of history at Cork Opera House as people, buried around BEST BEACHES was recently named by the Big 7 Travel editorial is brought to life with ani- part of Sounds from a Safe 3,400 BC, as well as In an island country, Big 7 Travel as the 11th team. See bigseventravel. mation and interactive Harbour festival 2019. nine others buried over water and beaches are best beach in the world com for more. effects. It’s fascinating to Starring Mikel Murfi the next 1,000 years; never too far from any- for 2019. IRISH COFFEE learn about the archaeo- and new cast member Cahercommaun ringfort; one’s focus and it’s often What beach was listed Are you a fan of that logical excavations under Rosaleen Linehan. Book Cahermacnaughten and warm enough in the as the best in the world, popular after-dinner the visitor center building your tickets now at bit.ly/ Cahermore with its recon- autumn to enjoy surfing, you ask? It was Golden drink, Irish Coffee? Learn that show evidence of TeacdamsaCOH. structed doorway, which is sailing, and many other Horn Beach, in Brac, how and where the world- earliest settled life in the Enjoy Ireland when- a good example of a ring water sports. Croatia, with Whitehav- famous drink was in- city. See kingjohnscastle. ever and wherever you fort doorway. September is also a en Beach, Whitsunday vented and find out about com for more. travel. There’s much to For more information, nice time to just walk the Islands, Australia, com- Ireland’s “flying boats” Another Limerick trea- see and do there. see burrenforts.ie beaches and enjoy the ing in second. (fixed-wing seaplanes) at sure is the Hunt Museum bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events
The Boston Cannons Major League La- crosse (MLL) team played a match in cel- ebration of Irish Heritage Day at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy on Aug. 24. The event featured live music by Devri and James Montgomery Group, and a perfor- mance by Forbes School of Irish Dance. 1.) Spec. Kemoh Kamara, Randolph; S. Sgt. Ariel Quintana, Miami, Fla.; Sgt. Tyler Jean, Middleboro; S. Sgt. Jason Pickard, Indian Land, SC; S. Sgt. Gamalier Arocho, Puerto Rico; 2.) Dani and dad Jude Waters, Hanson; 3.) Patrick McCune, Arlington; Meri Qiriazi, Dedham; 4.) Cormac (1 yr.) and Erica Boyce, Braintree; 5.) Chris and Jordan Ketcham, Dover, N.H.; 6.) Caroline A. O’Neil and Emily Driscoll, both of Milton; 7.) Alexa Cavallo, So. Boston; Sarah Rose Stack, Agawam, Boston Cannons Lacrosse cheerleaders; 8.) Pat Pow- ers and Erika Jacobs, both of Quincy; 9.) Klaus 1. Freyer and Kathy McKinney, both of Quincy; 10.) Amanda Agosto and Ryan Grealis , both of Agaway; Derek Mercadante, Granby, CT; 11.) A future rugby star; 12.) Luke and Hugh Scott, Quincy.
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The Irish Cultural Centre Pub Great Menu • Great Music Come for the food, stay for the music Fridays at the Pub Music: open music session led by John Kearney 7-11 p.m. Food & Drink: Pub service starts at 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Pub Music: open music session led by Billy O’Neill 5-8 p.m. Food & Drink: Pub service starts at 5 p.m. Irish beers on tap – Peaty Single malts and other old favorites 200 New Boston Drive, Canton, MA • 781-821-8291 www.irishculture.org bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Alice Ripley is Norma in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ By R. J. Donovan still long for her, never “an Irish streak on my guy gets to sing that song ley’s agent received the Special to the BIR realizing she has been mother’s side,” was born and play, and that’s his offer the same say another When Tony Award-win- largely forgotten. in California and grew job! I have yet to actu- project cancelled. ning actress Alice Ripley By accident, she crosses up in Ohio. The middle ally stand and play and While it may have been opens in “Sunset Bou- paths with Joe Gillis, an child of 11, she was raised sing ‘Just The Way You perfect timing on the cal- levard” at North Shore out-of-work screenwrit- in a household reminis- Are’ in a pub in the mall. endar, was it also perfect Music Theatre later this er. She persuades him to cent of “Yours, Mine and Maybe I will some day, but timing in terms of her month, she’ll be return- help her with a script she Ours.” She began sing- I have somehow managed career? “I think so,” she ing to a show she knows sees as her glorious career ing at around the age of to carve out a living.” said. “I do think this is very well. comeback. ten. Even then, she visu- That’s an understate- coming at a good time – the Twenty-five years ago, She gives him a place to alized life as an actress. ment. Ripley received right time. I feel like I’m she performed in the en- live, elegant clothes, and Was there a moment the Tony as Best Actress Norma’s actual age. Nor- tire Broadway run of the the promise of a luxurious she realized she might ac- in a Musical for her star- ma’s lived life. And she’s sweeping musical, play- life. He’s initially seduced, tually earn a living as a ring role in the Pulitzer got a lot to say. We have but knows his heart lies performer? Prize-winning rock opera, a lot in common.” Tony Award winner Al- ing the supporting role of ice Ripley. Betty Schaefer for more with another woman – “Well that’s always a “Next to Normal.” In ad- When she was mid- Dirty Sugar photo than 900 performances. Betty Schaefer. When question I’m trying to dition to her extensive way through her long Now, at North Shore, Joe attempts to escape answer,” she said with stage work (“Side Show,” run in the Broadway standing there, I want to she’ll be taking on the Norma’s clutches, he pays a laugh during a recent “American Psycho,” James production, she had an say, with his jaw hang- musical’s starring role, the ultimate price. interview. “But when I Joyce’s “The Dead”), she’s interesting backstage ing open . . . He’s peering playing faded silent film The stage version is was growing up – I must had a diverse career in encounter with Andrew around my shoulder . . . icon Norma Desmond. based on the film. Writ- have been about around film, on television, and as Lloyd Webber. The urban And he’s like -- ‘Is. That. “Sunset” first emerged ten by Andrew Lloyd 12 or 14 – I was at a little an accomplished musi- legend is that there’s been Stephen. Sondheim?’ I on our cultural landscape Webber, Don Black, and pub grill at the mall. I’m cian. a long-standing rivalry be- turned red . . . and back- in 1950 as a black and Christopher Hampton, sitting there having a This past summer, she tween Stephen Sondheim pedaled.” white Billy Wilder film the musical opened in snack and there’s a guy starred in the acclaimed, and Lloyd Webber. True Her response starring Gloria Swan- London in 1993, coming playing piano, keyboards, one-woman, off-Broadway or not, the legend holds. was rushed and rapid son. Norma Desmond is a to Broadway a year later. and singing, entertaining play, “Pink Unicorn.” Ripley was set to audi- fire. “I tell him, ‘I have an once-famous film goddess, The score includes “With us. I remember what he During her original tion for a production of audition but I’m only go- now a recluse in her shad- One Look,” “As If We was singing: Billy Joel’s Broadway run of “Sunset,” Sondheim’s “Company” at ing to the audition. I owy Sunset Boulevard Never Said Goodbye” and ‘Just The Way You Are.’ I she appeared opposite a Roundabout Theatre. She don’t want to get another mansion. She clings to the the title number. remember thinking to my- bevy of legendary leading planned to sing “Another job. I like this song fantasy that audiences Alice Ripley, who has self, that is so cool. That ladies playing Norma, in- Hundred People.” “I really but I like THIS song of cluding Glenn Close, Betty wasn’t looking for a differ- YOURS.’ It was this long Buckley, Karen Mason, ent job,” she said. “I just monologue!” A Q&A with and Elaine Paige. “They wanted to nail the song in After so many years, she were all incredible,” she the audition, that’s really said, “I hope that maybe said. “I love them all and what it was.” some day he’ll see me do Clare O’Riordan they all had a completely “So I’m between shows Norma. I would love to Belonging to Each To Each Other is run by different take on Norma . in my dressing room. Ev- have him in the audience. Other, a Falmouth non- volunteers and that they . . They didn’t really get a erybody else is at dinner, I feel like I’ve been wait- profit that helps provide provide housing, food, chance to play her until so I felt like it was okay to ing my whole life to play housing, food and other transportation and social they were ready. At that put the cassette in my tape this role.” needed services to home- services for the homeless point, it’s just a matter of player – that shows you R. J. Donovan is edi- less people, will hold its in Falmouth during the who they are and what how long ago it was. I’m tor and publisher of on- third annual benefit gala cold winter months. their instrument is, mean- practicing, belting at the stageboston.com. on Sept. 12 at St. Barn- Q. Where did your inter- ing their body and their top of my lungs. And I hear ••• abas Church in Falmouth, est in issues of homeless- soul . . . I kind of hold a this knock-knock-knock “Sunset Boulevard,” featuring a performance ness come from? torch for all of them.” on my door.” Sept. 24 – Oct. 6, North by Cork singer-songwriter A. I remember being a The North Shore produc- She envisioned a com- Shore Music Theatre, 62 Clare O’Riordan. Over the young child, listening to Singer-songwriter Clare tion of “Sunset” was less a plaint about the noise. Dunham Rd., Bever- past five years, O’Riordan “The Streets of London’ by O’Riordan, who will be case of planning than “I open the door and it’s ly. 978-232-7200, nsmt. has put together a steadily Ralph McTell on the radio performing at a benefit happenstance. Rip- Andrew Lloyd Webber org. this month for the home- growing gig resume while and I was deeply moved. less in Falmouth. drawing interest for her In Cork city and in Ireland soulful, gritty songs about in general, homelessness of my four older sisters or DORCHESTER’S CHOICE social injustices and con- became a huge social is- my father playing their cerns. sue after the economic instruments, there was a So what brings crash. After encountering record playing. I went for O’Riordan all this way a homeless man in Cork piano lessons in the local to perform for Belong- myself, his image and Cork School of Music at ing to Each Other? As vulnerability stayed with the age of seven, where I it turns out, she has a me, and as I wondered studied for all my grade couple of connections to about his life, my song “On examinations, and was Massachusetts – Cape the Streets” came to me. involved in drama classes Cod in particular, where I wanted to give him and and singing from an early she recently recorded her others like him a powerful age. I started writing album “Outside” – as she voice by articulating the songs seriously in my 20s. explained recently in an unspoken thoughts and I had been listening to a interview. feelings a homeless person lot of Van Morrison and Q. Talk about this con- may have: “My world is Nina Simone at the time cert, and how it came breaking, is the love you and I really believe they FALL together. are making, not going to also helped me to find my A. After recording “Out- save a soul like me/I lying own unique voice. It took side,” I came into contact here shaking in the time me a while to fully under- with Belonging to Each you’re not taking and so stand my creative process Other and [its president] our world will be, hiding and what I needed to do to Paul McAdam. I always empathy.” write songs. try to highlight the plight Q. Are you from a musi- –SEAN SMITH of the homeless through cal family? How and when [Note: The Belonging to my music, but I was did you start playing? Each Other gala is sold particularly drawn to A. There was always out, but donations are wel- help this charity when I music in the house where come. See bteofalmouth. 2019 learned that Belonging I grew up. If it wasn’t one com for information.]
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Please call 617-307-7751 today for a complementary initial consultation. Now Hiring Experienced RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s. Please email resume to: classes start sept, oct & nov | Apply now [email protected] www.CurtinHomeCare.com 1250 Hancock St. Quincy, MA 02169 | 617.934.1710 | quincycollege.edu/fall Page 10 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com THE BIR’S CALENDAR OF CELTIC MUSIC EVENTS Summer turns to fall, and as always, cordion), Adam Johansson (guitar), and Greater Boston has plenty of Irish/Celtic- Jens Linell (drums, percussion) play a related music events on the calendar. dynamic, infectious brand of folk rock •Two local acts will be on stage at Club that in recent years has incorporated Passim in Harvard Square on Sept. 15. original and contemporary compositions. Roots-oriented quartet Corner House Last year, Sver marked its first decade will celebrate the release of its new EP, with the release of its fourth album, “Smart Folks,” the first with its extended “Reverie.” line-up. The band started out two years Sver’s Sept. 18 concert will begin with ago as a trio of Boston transplants: a set from Moira Smiley, an American Virginia-born guitarist Ethan Hawkins, singer whose fascination with the cre- Scottish fiddler Louise Bichan, and Ethan ative capabilities of the human voice Setiawan, the 2014 National Mandolin has taken her into traditional music and Champion; last fall, they welcomed West- well beyond it. In addition to her stint ern New Yorker Casey Murray (cello). In with legendary Irish-American band this configuration, Corner House boasts Solas, Smiley has spearheaded the group a solid background in Irish, Scottish, VOCO, which has redefined harmony The Silver Spears will be among the acts appearing at Marshfield Irish Day Appalachian string band, New England singing through incorporating American on Sept. 14. contra dance and bluegrass traditions, and Eastern European folk song, avant- guitar-playing, creating a sound that band explore further new territory, such which provide a basis for their own garde music, and unique accompaniment pushes beyond tradition while maintain- as covers of Gordon Lightfoot ‘60s clas- compositions as well as the occasional that includes body percussion. ing ties to it. Talisk’s honors include the sic “Home from The Forest” and Prince set of Irish slip jigs or barn dance, or On Sept. 24, one of the most influential BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and Folk Band Edward Island singer-songwriter Ashley an old-timey tune – all with a winning, purveyors of modern Scandinavian mu- of the Year from the BBC Alba Scots Trad Condon’s “Deep Down in the River.” easygoing groove that never lacks for sic, Väsen, will stop at Passim for two Music Awards; Amini also was the BBC Mayo-based quartet Billow Wood is on energy or verve. shows (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) as part of Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the stage Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Formerly known Opening for Corner House is Rakish, its 30th anniversary tour. As teenagers, Year for 2018. as Flat Out, the band (Mark O’Donnell, the duo of fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin Olov Johansson (nyckelharpa) and Mi- For tickets and information on these vocals, fiddle, guitar; Harry Lawlor, and guitarist Conor Hearn, whose col- kael Marin (viola) would visit with older shows, see passim.org. vocals, harp, guitar; Ciara O’Donnell, lective influences range from Irish and musicians in Sweden’s Uppland region, •Local acts also will be in abundance vocals, bodhran, flute; whistles; Bríd Scottish to Americana and classical mu- who passed along their knowledge and at Marshfield Irish Day on Sept. 14 O’Donnell, vocals, accordion) has taken sic. While perfectly at home with playing love of Swedish folk music. The pair later at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Head- an Irish traditional music background up-tempo and with intensity, the pair joined forces with Roger Tallroth, whose lining the event, which begins at noon, – which includes All-Ireland Fleadh and opt for a more contemplative, colloquial innovative 12-string guitar accompani- will be internationally renowned Irish Irish Dancing World competitions – and approach, giving space to the subtleties ment brought a new dimension to the tenor Ronan Tynan, along with Boston married it to a folk/pop/indie approach: and nuances of a tune or song. Rakish traditional repertoire: components of comic legend Steve Sweeney. Also on pop-inflected vocal harmonies and hooks has performed at BCMFest, the Burren rock, jazz and classical. Over time, the the schedule are Devri, Silver Spears, accompanied by instruments more com- Backroom series and last month’s inau- trio has integrated its own tunes into the Fenian Sons, The Dooley Brothers, monly found at a ceili. After winning the gural Rockport Celtic Music Festival. mix, while collaborating and performing Colm O’Brien, Erin’s Melody, Bos- Ballyshannon Folk Festival showcase for The show begins at 8 p.m. with musicians from around the world. ton’s Erin Og, Mairin Ui Cheide, The their original music two years ago, they Scandinavian music – which has be- This year, Väsen celebrated three decades Coppersmiths, Connolly Academy went on to release their debut EP “Can come a new outpost on the Celtic music with its 18th release, “Rule of 3.” of Irish Dance, Viking Irish and DJ You See Me.” Their most recent offering trail – is well-represented at Passim Scotland’s Talisk, whose propulsive, Sean O’Toole. is the single “Carpe Diem.” this month. Appearing on consecutive tightly-knit blend of Scottish and Irish For information, see marshfieldirish- Starting off next month’s Backroom nights (Sept. 17 and 18, both at 8 p.m.) music elements has earned them wide- day.com. schedule – on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. – will will be the quintet Sver, self-proclaimed spread critical and public acclaim, kicks •The Burren Backroom in Somerville be The Jeremiahs, who since emerging “Scandinavian party musicians.” Build- off Club Passim’s October schedule on will present Northern Irish quintet several years ago from Dublin’s music ing on the traditions of Norway and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. The enthralling melodic Connla on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Clearly scene have gained an enthusiastic fol- Sweden, Olav Luksengård Mjelva (fiddle, chemistry between Mohsen Amini (con- inspired by some leading lights of the lowing for their brand of urban folk, im- Hardanger fiddle), Anders Hall (fiddle, certina) and Hayley Keenan (fiddle) is Irish folk music revival, the band none- mersed in Irish instrumental tradition viola), Leif Ingvar Ranøien (diatonic ac- bolstered by Graeme Armstrong’s canny theless has cobbled together a highly while evincing a decidedly contemporary individual personality, sparked by the lyrical style. Joe Gibney’s vocals have a musicianship of All-Ireland champions true gravitas, edgy in one moment or Ciaran Carlin (flute, whistle) and Conor incredibly tender in another, supported Mallon (uilleann pipes, whistle), along by James Ryan (guitar, bouzouki, har- with the virtues of harpist-pianist Emer monica) and Frenchmen Jean-Chris- Mallon – whose vocals bespeak a ground- tophe Morel (fiddle, bouzouki) and Julien ing in pop, rock and jazz as well as folk Bruneteau (flute, whistle) – crisp rhythm, – and the outstanding rhythm provided superbly delivered fills and breaks, and by Paul Starrett (guitars, bass) and Ciara flat-out gorgeous harmonizing. The band McCafferty (bodhran). This is Connla’s has brought its songwriting talents second visit to the Backroom. – with a keen sense of language, humor Sept. 8 will see a 4 p.m. matinee per- and turn of phrase – to the fore of late; formance by Triton, whose music derives no less an authority than Christy Moore from the dance traditions of Northwest- singled them out as winners of the 2015 Saturday ern Europe. The interaction between TradConnect Songwriter Showcase. The Jeremiah McLane (accordion), Tim Cum- band’s 2018 album “The Femme Fatale of mings (whistles, border, small pipes) and Maine” has brought them further praise. September 14th, 2019 Alex Kehler (fiddle, nykelharpa, vocals) Opening for The Jeremiahs will be Marshfield Fair Grounds makes for a powerful presence as they the Boston-area duo of Colleen White play bourrées from central France, triple- (vocals, flute, whistle) andSean Smith 140 Main St., Marshfield, MA time hornpipes from the Scottish borders, (vocals, guitar, bouzouki), presenting Swedish släng polska and Breton hanter mainly traditional music from Ireland, And Friends... dro, as well as their original tunes that Scotland and England with an abundance stem from these influences. of good cheer and taste. Devri The Fretless, a Canadian “cham- For tickets and information about Silver Spears bergrass” quartet with ties to Boston, Burren Backroom events, go to burren. Ronan Tynan is truly will perform on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. com/music.html. Fenian Sons Chambergrass mixes Celtic, old-timey, •Dublin singer Aoife Scott and a modern day “Renais- The Dooley Brothers bluegrass and other folk/traditional guitarist-accordionist Andy Meaney sance Man.” Colm O’Brien styles with chamber music instrumen- will play at the Irish Cultural Center tation and dynamics. Former Berklee of New England in Canton on Sept. 3 Boston’s Erin Og College of Music students Trent Freeman at 7:30 p.m. Scott, daughter of Frances Mairin Ui Cheide Keady (violin, viola) and Eric Wright (cello) Black and niece of Mary Black – part of originally co-founded the band with Kar- the beloved Black Family – has built on The Coppersmiths rnel Sawitsky (violin, viola) and another her trad/folk roots to become a songwriter Cape Cod Inflatables Berklee student, Ivonne Hernandez, who of increasing stature; her compositions was eventually succeeded by Ben Plotnick include “The Wild Atlantic Way,” her Boston Irish Vikings (violin, viola). Their most recent album, paean to the west coast of Ireland, and Finbarr Doyle “Live from the Ant Farm,” released last “We Know Where We Stand,” a forthright year, offers a fully realized portrait of musing on Irish identity. Possessed of a Also performing their refreshing, exciting sound. crisp, dynamic voice, Scott has won the Cape Breton’s Còig returns to the Irish Post Music Awards Best Folk Act Special Guest Boston Connolly Academy of Irish Dance Backroom on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. – al- honor and Live Ireland Emerging Artist most exactly a year since the foursome’s of the Year Award; her song “The Decem- legendary Comedian Steve Sweeney Plus last visit. Darren McMullen (guitar, man- ber Letter” was selected as Single of the Comedy Show - 5:00 P.M. DJ Sean O’Toole dolin, banjo, bouzouki, whistles, vocals), Year at the ALSR Celtic Music Awards Rachel Davis (fiddle, vocals), Chrissy and was the most played Christmas song Crowley (fiddle) and Jason Roach (piano) on RTE Radio 1 for December 2018. Gates Open at 12:00 Noon banded together a few years ago to do a Boston’s U2 tribute band The Joshua Food Trucks • Vendors • Great Beverages! promotional tour for Cape Breton’s Celtic Tree plays at the ICC on Sept. 14 at Colours International Festival, and sub- 8 p.m. The group has developed a na- Website for Tickets sequently decided to go on from there. tional reputation in evoking the magic Còig plays plenty of the tried-and-true and majesty of U2, and prides itself on www.MarshfieldIrishDay.com Cape Breton marches, strathspeys and reproducing the legendary Irish rockers’ reels, but also incorporates Irish, Scottish distinct sound — covering the very early Tickets $15 in advance and even some French-Canadian music. years up to the present – while maintain- Their previous album, “Rove,” received ing artistic integrity. Children 12-17 $10 several awards and nominations for The center will host two performances 11 and under - Free music honors, while their latest release, on Sept. 21 – at 2 and 7:30 p.m. – of the “Ashlar,” issued earlier this year, sees the (Continued on page 14) bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 music and songs for the ancient goddess Macha, its theme of immigration ‘Fair play’ and Tommy Sands theatrical production whose mistreatment at the and dislocation “at a time “Blood Red Lines,” in hands of the king of Ulster when so many people are which survivors of The prompted her to proclaim a on the move through no – the two are synonymous Troubles – including peo- curse whereby the men of fault of their own.” But ple who lost loved ones Ulster would be overcome this was no blog-ready (Continued from page 1) send that message. Sands reprises this verse to violence, and a former with weakness at the time polemic; he went deeper, “So I wrote ‘Carry On’ near the end of the song, Smailovic, the famed, British soldier who served of their greatest need. pointing to the universal- while riding in the bus on having sketched a moving tragic Cellist of Sarajevo – two tours in Northern “Macha was associ- ity lurking in the lyrics, the way there, and we put portrait of the two victims along with schoolchildren Ireland – tell their own ated with the land, with the sense of desperation it together somehow.” and their friendship, and from North and South to stories. nature,” he said. “So the and longing as expressed Carry on carry on, you the impact of their deaths sing, in an effort to con- “They’re all on stage song is a lament that in its chorus (“Oh can you can hear the people singing on the community. Instead vince the politicians to go together, learning from links her to today, a time hear me? Oh can you hear Carry on carry on, ’til of expressing rage or advo- the extra mile. Four years one another, and we piece when nature is being me/As you roam through peace will come again cating a specific solution, after that, he got members together their words and destroyed – what will the lonely London town?”). Deputy First Minister the final verses simply of the Northern Ireland weave them into a dia- consequences for us be?” “When you lose some- Seamus Mallon would appeal to our common Assembly to record a logue,” said Sands, who Another song on “Fair one, you never stop search- later describe the sound humanity – and vulner- special Christmas fea- collaborated with British Play to You All” had its ori- ing,” he said, “because you of the children singing as ability. ture for his weekly radio Academy of Film and gins in a curious meeting see them everywhere.” “a decisive moment.” I don’t know where the show – inspiring Loyalist Television Arts award- that took place in Boston. While there were plenty As impactful as “Carry moral is or where this song leader David Ervine to winning director, writer “I met a man named of occasions for laughter On” might have been, it should end remark “Tommy Sands and producer Robert Rae. McAteer, singing softly during his set, Sands was a far earlier composi- But I wonder just how is the only man, without “The songs are a sort of in an Irish pub, who was made no apologies for the tion of Sands that brought many wars are fought a private army, who can commentary on what’s from a village in County more somber entries in his him attention well beyond between good friends intimidate me.” being said. For example, Down called Ballyhol- repertoire: “Sad songs are Ireland. In 1974, a Prot- And those who give the And despite some recent there’s one in which the land. It turns out that important. Not because estant friend of Sands orders are not the ones health concerns, he’s no- chorus is, ‘If you’d seen there’s a meeting every they make you sad, but was killed by Republican to die where near done yet, as he what I’d seen, you’d never year in Massachusetts because they take the paramilitaries and not It’s Bell and O’Malley made clear during a recent go to war.’ There’s a verse of the McAteer clan – he sadness out of you.” long afterward, Loyalists and the likes of you and I stop in Boston as part of which asks, ‘What’s the had wondered if I was on All of which led to his retaliated by killing a And through it all is a solo tour. He’s recently use of talking? You can’t my way there, in fact. I penultimate, and most Catholic who had been a the chorus, with its evoca- collaborated on a unique bring back your dead,’ and thought that was interest- anticipated, song of the friend of the earlier victim. tive line “The tears of the theatrical production and the response is, ‘I’m speak- ing, so later on I did a little evening (for his encore, That unspeakably awful people ran together.” has just released his 10th ing for our loved ones, for research and I discovered he performed “Daughters irony was tragic enough, The song was released album, titled – fittingly they can speak no more.’ that some 30 people had and Sons” along with but the likelihood of more in 1985 by Sands on his enough – “Fair Play to “It’s about rejecting vio- left that small village New Leaf, the Western such occurrences was just “Singing of the Times” You All,” which includes a lence and hate, not trying during the 1930s and had Massachusetts trio that as terrible to contemplate, album and by the trio of song inspired by a chance to glorify them. One song never come back – 30 is no opened for him). While and so Sands endeavored Mick Moloney, Robbie encounter in Boston. goes: ‘Something bad had small number for a place he acknowledged having to express the human cost O’Connell and Jimmy Sands will be back in happened/I could feel it like that. back-burnered “There of The Troubles in per- Keane on their LP of the town again next month, in bones/Later when they “It’s just one of those Were Roses” for a while, sonal, and musical terms. same name. It would be when he performs at told me, I cried and cried little occurrences that Sands told the audience, But it took the better covered by, among others, Boston College’s Gaelic alone. Your husband is a make you think about he had lately begun sing- part of 10 years for him to Joan Baez, Dolores Keane, Roots Series on Oct. 16, at martyr/and never whis- life and how it unfolds, I ing it again. “It’s good to finish “There Were Roses” Frank Patterson, and The 6:30 p.m. in the Theology pered low/I said I need suppose.” know the bad places you – though certainly not Dubliners. and Ministry Library on no martyr/I just want my Later on in the Back- came from,” he said. because he was short on Given Sands’s dedica- Newton Campus. Johnny home.’” room, Sands entertained And with that, he be- inspiration or motivation. tion to advancing peace “The songs I grew up And there’s also “Fair the near-capacity audi- gan softly picking his “It’s easy to write a and healing in Northern singing were about the Play to You All,” for which ence with stories and rem- guitar, and softly but self- partisan song, on one Ireland, it’s only natural pursuit of fair play,” said he wrote songs about refu- iniscences, and entries assuredly sang the words side or the other, but that to wonder whether he Sands, relaxing over din- gees in the Middle East, from the family songbook familiar to most if not all had been done for years despairs over the current ner at The Burren, where the civil rights movement as well as his own. It was of the audience. and years, and it wasn’t political stalemate, and he performed as part of the in Northern Ireland, the as much a conversation as My song to you this bringing us any closer,” the sporadic outbreaks of Backroom series. “I was re- billions of dollars spent it was a concert: Introduc- evening is not to make Sands explained. “There violence. In a word: No. ally singing about people’s in the global arms trade, ing “Come Home to the you sad… was something I wanted to “Peace is like a little hopes and dreams before and one in Irish about the County Down,” he noted I had consciousness about say, but it had to be done baby; it’s easy to slip and them. It all just happened in the right way so that ev- fall before learning to naturally, organically: eryone would listen. Every walk. The peace process, Neighbors came from both word of the song had to be remember, is a process. sides – Catholic or Protes- weighed very, very care- There’s been lots of slip- tant – to hear my dad and fully. In Northern Ireland, ping and falling, but for mom make music, and if you throw a wall up with the most part, it’s stopped their feet all tapped to the half your audience, you the killing. A peace process same rhythm. I learned may as well put a gag on is never a failure; it’s vio- that music connected the yourself.” lence that’s a failure.” EIRE secret and sacred things Instead of writing a stri- Perhaps one reason between us all.” dent, “come-all-ye”-style for his positive state of That lesson was rein- diatribe, Sands fashioned mind is that over the pub forced during the memo- the song to defuse any years he’s been able to rable 1998 “sing-in” Sands reflexive wariness at the find fresh outlets for his organized shortly before outset, and to establish muse, whether teaching 795 Adams St. • Dorchester the Good Friday Agree- the personal character of underprivileged prisoners ment was reached. “We felt the story: to use songwriting as a the politicians were losing My song to you this eve- tool to defend themselves their nerve, afraid to take ning is not to make you sad in court; assisting with “President’s Choice” that last step because they Nor for adding to the interfaith initiatives in were worried about the sorrows of this troubled the Middle East; putting response from their con- northern land together an album with stituents. So the idea was But lately I’ve been Protestant and Catholic Serving Lunch & Dinner to go there and tell them thinking and it just won’t schoolchildren about life not to be afraid, that we all leave my mind in their communities; or wanted them to take that I’ll tell you of two friends hosting the weekly radio Every day, step and make peace. But one time show “Country Ceili” for we all had to, literally, be They were both good decades. singing the same song to friends of mine More recently, he wrote 7 days a week
Kenneth Lloyd Brian W. O’Sullivan AIF, LUTCF, CLTC, Senior Partner CFP, ChFC, CLU, Senior Partner [email protected] [email protected] Over 50 Years Of Experience
234 Copeland Street, Unit 225 |Quincy, MA 02169 | Office: 617-479-0075 | Fax: 617-479-0071 Ken Lloyd & Brian O'Sullivan are registered representatives of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 617.439.4389. CRN202106-249997 Page 12 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com
CD Reviews What’s also appealing about “Roots to Rise Live” is explain in the liner notes. its cross-section of the band’s productivity, going back The band’s devotion to By Sean Smith to their first album, 2012’s “Fruit of the Banjo Tree,” song takes on a whole other We Banjo 3, “Roots to Rise Live” • It has been four and points in between. You can decide for yourself how dimension on “Handsel,” years since this Irish/Americana outfit released a live favorably latter-day material like “Haven” and “Hold with their inclusion of six album (“Live in Galway”), and in that time WB3 has Onto Your Soul” compare with the likes of “Little Liza guest singers across gen- made a significant transition in the “Celtgrass” genre Jane” and “Prettiest Little Girl in the County” from erations, from teenager – a mix of Irish and American folk styles, traditional farther back in the catalogue (to these ears, just fine). Ellie Beaton to octogenar- and contemporary –they’ve helped pioneer. As was Even better is the inclusion of some of their classic ian Hector Riddell. Also evident on last year’s “Haven,” their most recent studio cross-tradition instrumental sets: “Puncheon Floor/ joining them are Barbara release, the band has shifted more to the Americana Late for the Dance/Sean Reid’s,” “John Brown’s/Mac- Dymock and Len Graham, side of their musical persona while putting greater Donald’s March” and “Martin Wynne’s #2 and #3/The who along with Riddell represent the mentors that emphasis on writing songs in the folk-rock-pop idiom, Coalminer.” These medleys get to the heart of WB3’s helped guide and shape Malinky’s development over a la Mumford and Sons. allure: their robust, seemingly effortless mining of the the years; and Cameron Nixon and Dàibhidh Stiùb- But “Roots to Rise Live,” common ground between Irish and American music, hard – like Beaton, among the cohort of young folk/ recorded at The Ark in Ann with the tenor banjo as touchstone. trad singers just beginning to blossom. Far from being Arbor, Mich., has a back-to- The impression from “Roots to Rise Live” is that some promotional gimmick, this sharing of the spotlight basics feel. For one thing, it’s however much they’ve embraced their new direction, is a statement that, whatever stamp they may put on all WB3, with none of the WB3 remains true to their earlier body of work – and folk and traditional music, Malinky regards itself as guest musicians – notably this is a good thing. [webanjo3.com] a link in a very long chain. the small brass section – Malinky, “Handsel” • This is how you do a 20th- The current roster – co-founders Steve Byrne (vocals, they used on portions of anniversary album: with a nod to your past as well bouzouki, guitar) and Mark Dunlop (vocals, whistles, “Live in Galway” album, and as your present, but also a tribute to the singers who bodhran), Fiona Hunter (vocals, cello), and Mike Vass the studio recordings that inspired your involvement in traditional music – and (tenor guitar, fiddle, vocals) – has now been together for came after it. This serves to a salute to those who will keep the tradition alive. a more than a decade, and its cohesiveness and vision magnify WB3’s sheer force of No surprise that this landmark, double-CD record- is manifest on “CD1” of the album, recorded within the personality, as well as its musical prowess, from David ing is by Malinky, one of the foremost champions of past year. Many of the songs on this disc are from the Howley’s expressive, engaging vocals and excellent the Scottish song tradition since forming up some two bedrock of ballad tradition, found in esteemed collec- rhythm guitar to the fleet yet skillful fiddling of Fergal decades ago. Not that the band has been exclusively tions by F.J. Child, Greig-Duncan, Ord and others, but Scahill, to the equally adept playing of Enda Scahill on Scottish in its repertoire – they’ve also drawn from also via respected traditional singers like Ray Fisher, tenor banjo and Martin Howley on mandolin and tenor Irish (north and south), Canadian, American, even Maggie Stewart and Lizzie Higgins; the liner notes banjo (the band is composed of two sets of brothers, if Macedonian and Scandinavian traditions – or strictly nicely summarize the research and sources involved you’re wondering about the common surnames). The traditional, featuring songs from contemporary writers, for each, as well as the tweaks and alterations by the crowd-pleasing, pulse-quickening crescendos, tempo notably their co-founder, Karine Polwart (now one of band members. accelerations and other flourishes stand out all the the better songwriters around). Whatever the source, Of course, these folks aren’t just dedicated scholars. more because they sound so immediate, with a very Malinky has always treated songs with the utmost care They can sing the heck out of these songs, individually appreciate audience pumping up the ambience (espe- and respect, regarding them as shareable treasures or collectively: Hunter’s jaunty, sure-handed take on cially when the guys break into a pop song cover you containing messages “we think matter with people “Begone Bonnie Laddie” and gentle empathy on “The wouldn’t expect, and absolutely nail it). who might have never otherwise heard them,” as they Braes o Broo”; Byrne’s strong narrative focus on “The Forester” and his own creation, the tragic “Lads o the Lindsay,” about the impact of a maritime tragedy on a community; Dunlop’s tenderness on “The Maid of Doneysheil” and “Lovely Armoy.” Their collaborations with the guest singers are COME VISIT ANY equally delightful: Graham’s deep, soulful voice on “True Lover John,”, Liddell’s fun with the satirical “Hash o Bennagoak,” Beaton’s confident lead on “Sleepytoon,” and so on. A longstanding Malinky attribute has been their harmony vocal and instrumental arrangements, which SOMERS PUBS gracefully embrace and carry along the songs without overwhelming them, and these are as spot-on as ever LOCATION FOR QUALITY FOOD, on “Handsel” (with the help of double bassist Euan Burton). The archival disc, “CD2,” includes some previous HOSPITALITY & LIVE MUSIC releases, such as their exquisite treatments of “Billy Taylor,” “Seán Ó Duibihir a’ Ghleanna” and “Son Da- vid,” and “Whaur Dae Ye Lie,” Polwart’s setting of the 7 NIGHTS A WEEK! Srebenica massacre in Scots traditional ballad form. But there are some wonderful unearthed treasures, too: demos of “Martinmas Time” and “Clerk Saunders,” for instance, and live performances of Byrne’s “The Lang Road Doon,” plus trad songs “Fisherman’s Wife,” “The Newry Highwayman” and – perhaps best of all – “The Bonnie Lass o’ Fyvie/Silver Spear,” the latter recorded at their 10th anniversary show with all past and present members. As on the other disc, voices, instruments and arrangements are of the highest quality throughout, and inspire keen anticipation for this third decade of Malinky. [malinky.com]
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SOMERSPUBS.COM bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Irish International Immigrant Center Immigration Q&A An agency accredited by US Department of Justice One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Overstaying a visit Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] to the US: Bad idea The IIIC’s Wellness Services will Q. I came to the US for a visit under the Visa Waiver be coordinating another series of Program and was given permission to stay here for 90 Irish language classes this fall in col- days. I was thinking of staying on for a while longer laboration with Cumann na Gaeilge and maybe getting a job to support myself here. I heard i mBoston. Courses are available for that staying past the 90-day limit could result in a bar Beginner I, Beginner II, and Ad- on my reentry to the US in the future. Is this true? vanced learners, and will be held at A. Yes. If you entered the US under the Visa Waiver the IIIC’s center in downtown Boston Program, as most visitors from the 38 eligible coun- beginning in September. The courses tries (including Ireland) do today, you normally are are a great opportunity to celebrate given up to 90 days to remain in this country. The Irish heritage and culture and build Visa Waiver Program is also commonly referred to language skills alongside a welcom- as “ESTA,” an acronym for the Electronic System for ing community of learners! Contact Students enjoying the conversation and community at the IIIC’s sum- Travel Authorization, which is the online application Siobhan Kelly at 617-542-7654 or mer Irish chat night! system that prescreens travelers entering under this [email protected] for more details program. However, if you enter the US under the or to register your interest. Visa Waiver Program, you are not allowed to work IRIS H INTERNA T IONA L IMMIGRA NT CENTER IMMIGRA TION LEGA L A S S IS TA NCE during that time. If you overstay this 90-day period by 180 days to one year, you face a three-year bar from The Ir is h International Immigrant Ce nt e r’s immigration attorneys and social workers are IIIC marks 30 Years av ailab le for all immigrants d uring t his t im e of uncertainty and concern in our community. reentering the US. Overstaying the 90-day period by We are c lo s e ly fo llo w ing t he changes in immigration p o lic ie s , and are av ailab le for more than one year subjects you to a ten-year reentry c o nfid e nt ial le g al consultations, and case representation. At weekly le g al c linics , you can receive a free and c o nfid e nt ial consultation w it h staff and volunteer attorneys. Fo r bar. This is the case irrespective of whether you work at annual information, or if you or anyone you know would like to speak to an immigration attorney, please c all us at (617) 542-7654. in the US without authorization. Do not misinterpret the 180 days as any kind of Solas Awards Celebration Up c o m ing Clinic Sc he d ule “grace” period that allows you to remain in the US Clinic s are in t he evening – p le as e do not arriv e more t han 30 m inut e s be fore t he c linic begins for This year, the IIIC is celebrating 30 years re g is t rat io n. At t orneys w ill meet w it h as many people as p o s s ib le d uring c linic s , but we cannot beyond the 90 days granted under the Visa Waiver guarantee t hat everyone w ill be seen. During consult at ions, at t orney s are not ab le to review or fill Program. Any period of overstay at all may affect your of serving families from Ireland and around out any form s . ability to reenter the United States at a later date. the world. Join us on Oct. 10th as we mark Do w nt o w n Bo s t o n IIIC , One State Street, 8 th Flo o r, Boston MA 02109 You could also be subject to detention and removal the occasion at our annual Solas Awards, Tuesday, September 3 rd and 1 7 t h, registration at 3.30pm Mo n d a y , September 9th, registration at 5.00pm from the US. and celebrate with the friends and partners Aside from the problem of the three- and ten-year Cit iz e ns hip Clinic s who have made our journey possible! Visit IIIC , One State Street, 8 th Flo o r, Boston MA 02109 reentry bars, if you overstay a visit under the Visa Wednesdays from 10 am-1pm Waiver Program even by a few days, you will no longer iiicenter.org or contact Megan Miller at Walk-ins are welcome! be allowed to reenter under that program in the future. [email protected] to learn more. Our Downtown Boston lo c at io n is fully ac c e s s ib le by public transportation. Instead you would have to make a formal application Phone: 617.542.7654 | Fa x: 617.542.7655 | www.iiicenter.org for a B-2 visitor visa at the nearest US Embassy, which requires a fee and can take time. You can expect close scrutiny of your application, and if you have a com- pelling reason for a prior brief overstay, you should include evidence of it with your application. Holders of visitor visas usually are admitted for up to six months and may, before the expiration of the visa, apply for an extension if they have a good reason for wanting to stay longer in the US as a visitor. Employment in the US, either while in status un- der the Visa Waiver Program, while here on a visitor visa, or during an overstay, is another issue. People temporarily in the US are not allowed work without specific authorization from the US government such as a work visa (such as an H-1B) or an Employment Authorization Document (issued while an application for adjustment of status to permanent residence is pending). If you do work here without authorization, that is considered a violation of your status by the US immigration authorities, and you render yourself inadmissible to the US in the future in almost all circumstances. Note, finally, that the 90-day Visa Waiver period of admission to the US normally cannot be extended. Only in extreme situations where you can document the need to stay with compelling evidence would you be granted an extension. An example of such a situ- ation would be hospitalization in the US following an accident or serious illness. If you have questions about this or any other aspect of immigration law, you can have a free, confidential consultation at one of our weekly legal clinics as ad- vertised in the Boston Irish Reporter Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform generally, not to advise in individual cases. US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US Department of State frequently amend regulations and alter processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of IIIC immigration legal staff. Page 14 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Charitable Irish Society hails three for Silver Key Awards The Charitable Irish • Charles Donahue organized English lan- neys with those in need immigrants who aspire area restaurants, hospital- Society will hold its annual has had a long career guage classes and citizen of legal advice. She works to call Boston their home. ity baskets of Irish food Silver Key Awards event on in health care planning, preparation classes for closely with the Boston Since 1997, this event and drinks, and various Wed., Sept. 18, from 6 p.m. with particular empha- adult immigrants and, in Bar Association’s Immi- has served as the Society’s art works by local Irish to 8:30 p.m. at the Fair- sis on community based cooperation with Boston grant Services Section. chief fund raiser, enabling artists and craftsmen. mont Copley Plaza Hotel in care and expansion of Cares, he has expanded She was recently honored it to fulfill its historic core Sponsorships and silent Boston. As in the past, this health care to all. He has that program greatly by as a Bar Foundation Fel- mission of providing aid auction items from indi- year’s honorees – Charles been a loyal supporter of training volunteers to con- low in recognition of her and assistance to newly- viduals and corporations L. Donahue, Jr., Mike Irish philanthropic orga- duct citizenship classes at exemplary leadership in arrived Irish immigrants, are welcome and can be Oliver, and Anita Sharma nizations such as the Irish the Boston Public Library Greater Boston’s civic and more recently some arranged by contacting – come from the corporate American Partnership and and its seven branches as society. from other countries, as Sandra Moody at 617-304- and grass roots community the Boston Irish Business well as in Somerville and Our honorees for they face the multiple 1076. Reservations and sectors and have shown Association. Newton. 2019 are the living em- challenges of adjusting payment can be made di- exceptional leadership in • For more than two • Anita Sharma is the bodiment of the soci- to and assimilating into a rectly through our website building cooperative links decades, Mike Oliver has executive director of the ety’s historic motto of new city and country. The at the following address: between civic, religious, served the immigrant com- PAIR (Political Asylum/ “With Good Will Doing evening will feature a si- charitableirishsociety.org. and cultural organizations munities in Dorchester, Immigration Representa- Service” and thereby carry lent auction for numerous Submitted by Catherine that welcome and serve Cambridge, and Boston. tion) Project, which pro- on the tradition of gen- items, including tickets to B. Shannon, past president the varied and immediate As director of the St. vides legal representation erations of Boston’s Irish professional sports events, of the Charitable Irish needs of the immigrant Mark’s Community Edu- to asylum seekers, and Diaspora to assist those gift certificates at high end Society, 1990-91. community. cational Program, he has matches pro bono attor- BIR Music Calendar (Continued from page 10) For information about Martin (pipes, whistles, multi-faceted stage show these events, go to irish- accordion), the band early Celtic Angels Ireland. culture.org. on took inspiration from The five singers of Celtic •The High Kings, the “West Coast Cei- Angels, veterans of stage widely hailed for taking lidh” style, adding in musicals and Irish caba- the Irish ballad-group rock, pop, jazz, Cajun ret, present popular songs tradition into the 21st and country influences. of Ireland, whether from century, will play at the Besides the Gillespies, tradition – “The Rocky Somerville Theater on its members are Fraser Road to Dublin,” “My Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m., as West (drums), Alec Dalg- Lagan Love” and “Carrick- part of the Global Arts lish (guitar, vocals), Scott Geraghty fergus” – or the popular/ Live series. Since form- Wood (pipes, whistles), contemporary domain, ing the band in 2008 with Craig Espie (fiddle), Jodie including “Galway Girl,” the now-departed Martin Bremaneson (bass), and ASSOCIATES Song for Ireland” and “Isle Furey, Finbarr Clancy, Alan Scobie (keyboards). of Hope, Isle of Tears.” Brian Dunphy, and Dar- A two-time Scottish Tra- Also featured are the ren Holden have per- ditional Music Live Act of PROPERTY MANAGERS Celtic Knight Dancers, formed regularly across the Year, Skerryvore has with former “Riverdance” the US, Ireland, and also launched its own an- star Patrick O’Mahoney, Europe under the motto nual festival, “Oban Live,” Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments and instrumental inter- of “Folk ‘n Roll”: a sound while touring Europe, the ludes and accompaniment that derives from the clas- US, the Middle East, and Available in the desirable by Dublin’s Trinity Band sic Irish ballad style a la China. Ensemble. the Clancy Brothers and For tickets and other de- The Dubliners, combined tails, go to citywinery.com/ Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. with modern songs in the boston/skerryvore92319. JOHN C. folk idiom, including their html. Studios reasonably own compositions. Their •The Boston College GALLAGHER 2017 album “Decade: Best Gaelic Roots series will priced; of the High Kings” topped present its “Fall Ceili” Insurance Agency the Irish Album Charts on Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. and made the Billboard in Gasson Hall 100. The 1-bedroom units; World Music Charts. event will feature set AUTO Tickets are available at and social dancing, open heat and hot water included. globalartslive.org. to all levels, with music INSURANCE •Scottish Celtic rockers by Gaelic Roots director Skerryvore appears at Sheila Falls Keohane and Short walk to the Red Line. Specializing in Auto- the City Winery on Sept. others from the Greater mobile Insurance for 23 at 8 p.m. Formed by Boston community. Free over a half century the Gillespie brothers and open to the public. Go Free off-street Parking. Daniel (accordion) and to bc.edu/irish.html. of reliable service to 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt the Dorchester com- Washing Machines munity. and Dryers in building. The big company that New Accounts doesn't act that way. Call Michael at 617-364-4000 Welcome 1471 Dorchester Ave. Marie O'Riordan Kelly Financial Advisor at Fields Corner MBTA 231 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy Geraghty Associates, Inc. Suite 204 Phone: Cohasset, MA 02025 Property Managers 781-383-1996 617-265-8600 P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 “We Get Your Plates” Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 MKT-5894I-A [email protected]
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Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings 2055 Centre Street West Roxbury, MA (617) 291-6609 www.Gormleyfuneral.com bostonirish.com September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Norwegian Air cancels Providence-to-Ireland flights, effective Sept. 15 Norwegian Air has and Canada. Those have other airlines. “However, suspended its low cost purchased tickets for any since the date of return to flights from Providence flights beyond the termi- service of the 737 MAX to Ireland, effective Sep- nation date will have to remains uncertain, this tember 15. The airline had make other arrangements solution is not sustain- become popular among for their travel plans. able,” Wood said. local visitors to Ireland, “In light of the ground- In a statement, Pat and had offered service ing of the Boeing 737 MAX Dawson, the CEO of to Cork, Shannon, and aircraft, we have con- the Irish Travel Agents Dublin. cluded that these routes Association (ITAA), ex- The company said it are no longer commer- pressed the group’s dis- is ending all its transat- cially viable,” said senior appointment over the lantic flights to and from Norwegian executive, news, saying “Norwe- Ireland, saying that the Matthew Wood, adding gian Air has been an grounding of the Boeing that since the MAX air- important part of build- 737 MAX has forced it to craft was grounded last ing passenger numbers shut down its transatlan- spring, the airline has through Cork and Shan- Tanya Stanley, a 22-year-old college student from Stoughton, represented tic routes operating from tried accommodate pas- non and we would like Boston and New England in the 60th annual Rose of Tralee festival. She is Dublin, Cork, and Shan- sengers on its Irish routes to see continued growth pictured with festival host Dáithgi Ó Sé, while her parents enjoyed her star non to the United States by leasing aircraft from in our regional airports.” turn (below). Screenshots from RTE Televison by Ed Forry Co. Fermanagh native makes Limerick doctor is the 2019 Rose Sinéad Flanagan of Adare, Limerick, the 2019 bid for Boston City Council Rose of Tralee, is a doc- tor who does her work ic and racial diversity, but By Maddie Kilgannon in a hospital in Mallow, now, Breadon says, the BIR Correspondent Co. Cork. After she was neighborhood has become When Liz Breadon left crowned in the 60th annu- far too expensive for many her home in County Fer- al Rose of Tralee festival in families looking to plant managh in the 1990s to Co. Kerry last month, the roots in Boston. come to the states, she graduate of University of A development boom never expected the move Limerick and University in the neighborhood has to be permanent. But the College Cork told the Irish priced out many people community she poured Times that the women who called Allston-Brigh- her efforts into made who were in the live final ton home, which is why Allston-Brighton her new were a representation Breadon said she is refus- home. of “what it means to be ing any campaign contri- Now, in the wake of Irish. It’s a celebration of butions from developers. District 9 Councillor Mark Liz Breadon family and of friendship. “My support is coming Ciommo announcing that Just speaking for myself, came to Boston on sab- from the local people and he would not seek re- I would like to think I was batical as part of her work I’m not taking money from of the 31 “fabulous girls” host Dáithí Mícheál Ó Sé. election, she’s hoping to a modern Irish woman. as a physical therapist, developers, I just feel that that the new Rose cited The festival is annu- represent the neighbor- For me it is definitely and originally lived in people recognize who I am after winning the contest. ally one of the high- hood on the Boston City representative of me and Roslindale before join- and that what they see is The daughter of two est rated television pro- Council. 31 fabulous girls from all ing her now-partner in what they get,” she said. Irish born parents, her grams across Ireland. A first-time candidate, kind of professions and Brighton. After navigating a long father from Dublin, and The photos were made Breadon says she is run- family.” “I grew up during the and complicated immi- her mother from, Done- from the telecast on RTE ning to combat the rising Stoughton’s Tanya Troubles in Northern gration process, Breadon gal, she is shown during by BIR publisher Ed cost of housing and to Stanley, a 22-year-old Ireland,” she said, “and became a naturalized her Monday night ap- Forry, who viewed the ensure access to resources Bridgewater State Uni- coming to the United citizen in 2008. “I don’t pearance with Irish TV program while on vacation for immigrants in the versity student, was one States, the idealism and think most Americans presenter and festival in Galway. neighborhood she settled the aspirations of equality in back in 1997. understand just how and equal treatment un- complicated it is and how “I just thought ‘why der the law and all those not?’ I have to step up and long it takes and how Markey, IIIC decry order important principles of expensive it is to become see if we can change the di- the country are very re- rection of this situation,” a citizen,” she said. freshing and important She believes her first- to deport sick immigrants she said in an interview. things to defend and Breadon is one of seven hand experience of going ensure that we don’t lose through the immigration (Continued from page 1) Marie came to visit candidates on the Sept 24 those rights.” primary ballot. The others process will be an asset to learned of the decision the US in 2013, when Breadon describes her- her constituents. from impacted families. her son fell ill and began are: Craig R. Cashman, self as a grassroots activ- Lee Nave Jr., Amanda “The immigrant com- “Last week, for reasons receiving treatment in ist. She made a name for munity brings a lot to the I will never comprehend, Boston for the disease. Gail Smart, Daniel J. herself in Brighton fight- Daly, Jonathan Lamar table, and they are very families we represent It took four years – until ing to keep the Faneuil civically engaged and with pending applications 2017– for Marie’s request Allen, and David Bowser. branch of the Boston The top two vote-getters working hard to make began receiving notices for deferred action to be Public Library open and things better,” Breadon that their requests had approved. “I saw Haitians from the primary move on building the Presentation to the general election in said. “I think we can all been denied. No indi- die of sickle cell disease, School Foundation Com- work together regardless vidual consideration was because they don’t have November. munity Center in Oak Much of Breadon’s can- of whether we’re born given to any of them. The any resources to treat Square. and raised in the neigh- notices simply indicated “We are here to raise them,” she said. On Aug. didacy and priorities are Allston-Brighton was our voices about this driven by her experience borhood or if we’re an that the consideration of 19, Marie received a letter once rich in socio-econom- inhumane policy which from the Department of as an immigrant. She immigrant.” any application had been Donald Trump has pro- halted entirely, no matter Homeland Security (DHS) pounded in the name of stating that her deferred the circumstances.” the American people. It Dr. Sarah L. Kimball, action had been revoked. Haggling over Brexit is unconscionable, it is Carol Rose, executive a primary care clini- wrong, and we will fight.” (Continued from page 1) ment, says the expul- there is a group of Con- cian with Boston Medical director of the American Civil Liberties Union of That guarantee seems sion threats demonstrate servatives who feel very Center’s Immigrant and It is defined by the US Citi- Johnson’s “ruthlessness.” strongly that now is the Refugee Health Program, zenship and Immigration Massachusetts, spoke now to be in question as about prospects for le- Johnson is seeking an Former Cabinet minister time to put the national said that even children Services (USCIS) as “a dis- Justine Greening said interest ahead of any with severe illnesses are cretionary determination gal action going forward exit from the EU without against the administra- any deal. she feared her beloved threats to us personally being given just 33 days to to defer a deportation of party was “morphing or to our careers,” Ham- leave or face deportation. an individual as an act of tion’s decision. Johnson, who took pow- “We will stand up to er in July, has tried to into Nigel Farage’s Brexit mond told the BBC. “I “In this case, halting prosecutorial discretion.” Party.” Former Treasury think there will be enough medical deferred action is Said Kimball: “In the this cruel, inhumane and crack down on members unlawful policy,” she said. of his Conservative Party chief Philip Hammond people for us to get this yet another policy change past, when my patients warned of the “fight of a over the line today.” that will cause harm to have applied for medical “It depends on all of us to who oppose his Brexit do our jobs in shining a plans, warning they would lifetime” if officials tried A no-deal Brexit is my immigrant patients, deferred action, it was to prevent him from run- considered dangerous be- which is why I’m here generally because they light on this. The fact that be expelled from the party the Trump administration if they supported the par- ning in the next election. cause it will sever decades today,” Kimball said, believed that going home All three are opposing of seamless trade with the “Without medical deferred would mean dying due to tried to do this in secret liamentary efforts to block demonstrates why it’s so or delay the withdrawal. Johnson, with Hammond single market of 500 mil- action, we are leaving inability to access medical saying he expected a pro- lion. But Johnson insists children and their parents care.”: important that the media The so-called rebels, many shine the spotlight” on of whom have been among cedural vote that day to the potential for leav- with no options, and with- Rev. Dieufort J. Fleuris- take control of business. If ing without a deal must out it there is no space in saint helped in offering a what they are doing. the party’s lions for de- Rose said that the cades, are responding it passed, a vote to block remain as a bargaining our immigration law for perspective from the Hai- a no-deal would be con- chip in negotiations with us to make a humanitar- tian community at the IIIC ACLU has filed more with acerbic commen- than 200 lawsuits against tary on TV, social me- sidered the following day. the EU. ian exception in cases of news conference, translat- “Many colleagues have Associated Press Writer medical need.” ing for a Haitian woman the Trump administration dia and the newspapers. following the termination Dominic Grieve, who been incensed by some of Lorne Cook contributed to According to Kimball, named Marie, who shared the actions over the past this report. deferred action is not a the story of her 13-year-old of deferred action for medi- was attorney general in cal cases. David Cameron’s govern- week or so, and I think pathway to US citizenship son who suffers from sickle and it’s not easily granted. cell anemia. Page 16 September 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com