Liz Carroll, Fiddle in Hand, Is Ready for St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn A

Home , Denis Rankin Round, Karan Casey, Leonard Wibberley, Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes (musician), Nai (pan flute)

A towering, saintly presence on Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo

Photo courtesy Tourism Ireland Liz Carroll, fiddle in hand, is ready Irish minister for youth for St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn coming to Boston for

By Sean Smith Patrick’s Day Celtic So- the month’s festivities Special to the BIR journ” production, which Dr. Katherine Zappone, Ire- Make no mistake, fid- takes place March 15-18 land’s Minister for Children and dler Liz Carroll is proud to with shows at the Hanover Youth Affairs, will represent the Irish have grown up in Chicago, Theatre in Worcester, government in Boston this month, and has always enjoyed Cabot Theatre in Beverly, continuing the long tradition of a high playing in and around and the Zeiterion Per- Irish government official coming to her hometown. But she’s forming Arts Center in the United States during the festive more than happy for the New Bedford, before clos- St Patrick’s Day celebrations. opportunity to spend time ing out with matinee and During her visit, the minister will be Katherine Zap- in Boston. evening performances an honored guest at several local cel- pone, heads up “When people ask me, in Sanders Theatre on ebratory events, including the March Ireland’s Of- ‘Where are the best ses- the Harvard University 15 Irish Network/Boston reception fice of Children sions?’ I answer, ‘Well, campus. at Fenway Park, the Irish American and Youth Af- Chicago – but oh, those The 2017 “A St. Pat- Partnership breakfast March 17 fairs. sessions in Boston…,’ ” rick’s Day Celtic Sojourn” breakfast at Boston’s Seaport Hotel, laughs Carroll, whose cast also includes Irish and state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry’s political breakfast past performances in singer Karan Casey and March 19 at the Boston Convention Center. the Boston area include Liz Carroll and Nic Gareiss fiddle and dance at “A her band, local fiddle-harp The American-born Minister is a native of Seattle, the ICONS Festival, The Christmas Celtic Sojourn” performance at the Cut- duo Jenna Moynihan and Washington, and holds a PhD from Boston College. Burren ,and “A Christmas ler Majestic Theatre on Dec. 9, 2009. Courtesy WGBH Mairi Chaimbeul, and She was appointed to her post last year. She was nomi- Celtic Sojourn.” She adds, guitarist-singer Keith nated to the 24th Seanad Éireann by Taoiseach Enda “It’s such a vibrant scene. that – and bring a lot of done such a great job in Murphy, the show’s music Kenny in 2011, and was elected to Dail Éireann for the There are so many won- exciting, fresh perspec- keeping the music alive director. Siblings Ruby Dublin South West Constituency last February 2016. derful young musicians tives with them. But the and well.” and Sam Miller from A former Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights who come to the area – I ‘old guard’ – like the local Carroll will return to Rhode Island will be the Commission (2002-2012) and a former CEO of the Na- think Berklee College of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éire- the area this month for featured dancers. tional Women’s Council of Ireland, she has spent her life Music has a lot to do with ann chapter – has always the 12th annual “A St. (Continued on page 22) campaigning on social justice issues working to ensure that everyone is treated equally with fairness and justice. A month of parades aplenty (Page 3); Music and dance events abound (Pages 18, 19) Page 2 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Looking Sen. Forry hosts pre-parade breakfast on March 19

By Bill Forry wide range of attempts at humor ahead: Editor by the state’s leading politicians. State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry The breakfast serves as a will host the traditional St. Pat- warm-up for South Boston St. the March rick’s Day breakfast at the Bos- Patrick’s Day Parade, organized ton Convention and Exhibition by the South Boston Allied War Center on Sun., March 19. The Veterans Council. The route will parades event, which doubles as a political follow its traditional course from roast and pre-parade celebration West Broadway near Broadway Sunday, the 19th Station deep into Southie. After at 1 p.m. – Boston’s St. of Irish-American culture, will be televised live on New England moving along East Broadway, Patrick’s Day Parade will it will turn south on P Street kick off from Broadway Cable News beginning at 10 a.m. It is the fourth consecutive and reverse course, heading Station in South Boston. past Thomas Park and on down Check out southbostonpa- year that Sen. Forry— elected in 2013— will host the event, Dorchester Street to end near rade.org for information Andrew Station. regarding the history of which features a line-up of state elected officials, including US If all goes as planned, par- the parade, the parade ticipants should line up along route, parking restric- Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Gov. Charlie Baker, Dorchester Avenue by 11 a.m., tions, and how to get with the parade set to kick off at there. Mayor Martin Walsh, Congress- man Stephen F. Lynch, and Rep. 1 p.m. NECN’s live coverage of the Saturday, the 4th parade will air from 12:30-3 p.m. at 11 a.m. – Cape Cod – Nick Collins, among many others. Yarmouth. March starts A crowd of about 600 is expected at the intersection of Long for the breakfast, which features A scene from last year’s break- Pond Drive and Route 28 live music, a full breakfast, and a fast. Don West photo in South Yarmouth. Info: 508-362-7239, capecodst- patsparade.com IAP honors Saturday, the 11th at 1 p.m. – City of Lawrence. Joe Leary Parade starts at Essex / The Irish American Amesbury Street. Partnership (IAP) will Saturday, the 11th at honor its retired presi- Rain or Shine, 11 a.m. – dent, Joe Leary, at its 61st Annual Newport St. annual St. Patrick’s Day Patrick’s Day Parade. breakfast on March 17, Stars at Newport City the Feast of St Patrick, Hall. Info: discovernew- at the Seaport Hotel in port.org; NewportIrish. South Boston. com The breakfast is a cel- Sunday, the 12th at ebration of Irish heri- City of Worcester. noon – tage and highlights the Starts at Park Avenue. IAP’s work supporting Info: 508-753-7197. education and community Sunday, the 19th at 1 development programs Town of Abington. p.m. – in Ireland, North and Starts at St. Patrick’s South. President Emeri- Square, Abington Center. tus Leary will be cited Info: 781-878-1570; 781- for his estimable work 878-7785. furthering the partner- Sunday, the 19th at ship’s mission during his City of Holyoke. noon – Dorgan’s, site of the early St. Patrick’s Day Breakfasts. presidential tenure from Starts in downtown Holy- Photos from “South Boston on Parade” by Paul Christian 1988 to 2016. oke. Info: 413-533-1700; Joe and his family, holyokestpatricksparade. brother Kevin, and sis- com. ‘South Boston on Parade’ ters Mary and Elizabeth Sunday, the 19th at 1 were recipients of the Town of Scituate. The book was written glorious joint celebration p.m. – Boston Irish Reporter’s Starts at Gate Middle an edited by Paul Chris- honoring both the Father 2016 Boston Irish Honors School, First Parish Road. tian, a sixth-generation of Our Country and the in honor of their tireless Info: 781-545-6671; scitu- South Bostonian who Patron Saint of Ireland philanthropic work. atechamber.org. retired as commissioner/ and of the Archdiocese In recognition of Mr. Information courtesy chief of department of the of Boston.” Leary’s commitment to of irishmassachusetts. Boston Fire Department In this volume, Chris- peace in Northern Ire- com and Boston Irish in 2006, under the aus- tian traces in words and land, proceeds from the Tourism. pices of the South Boston pictures the parade’s Historical Society. history from 1901 to the breakfast will benefit Writes Christian in his present as it has evolved the RDS Primary Science foreword: “George Wash- from a march commemo- Fair’s expansion into Bruins to ington never met St. rating a military victory Belfast. Patrick. Yet they share to one of religious, ethnic, The breakfast will also a joyous commemoration Former Mayor Curley rides in one of his last parades. and national pride and feature special guest salute Irish each March in South then into more of a secu- Katherine Zaponne TD, Boston’s Evacuation Day and Saint Patrick’s Day a rich history of bring- lar celebration. Minister for Children and The Boston Bruins Parade. The parade has ing people together, a will host the team’s first- Youth Affairs. ever Irish Heritage Night when they host the De- troit Red Wings at TD ‘The Irish Atlantic,’ exhibit opens to the public on March 10 Garden on March 8. John McDermott, the Scottish- The Massachusetts Historical Canadian tenor who is Society will launch a seven- known for his renditions month-long exhibition entitled of “Danny Boy” and “Loch “The Irish Atlantic” with a Lomond,” will be perform- presentation and reception ing the national anthem. at the Society’s headquarters There will also be per- (1154 Boylston Street near the formances from Irish step Fenway) on Thurs., March 9, dancers and the selling at 6 p.m. of Irish-themed hock- The exhibition itself, a free ey pucks, among other event, will be on view from March events and merchandise 10 through Sept. 22. to commemorate both the The essence of the showing, approaching St. Patrick’s according to the Society, is an Day and the strong Irish exploration “of 175 years of the heritage in the New Eng- Irish in Boston from the founding land area. of the Charitable Irish Society Kerry Collins, the Di- in 1737, through famine relief rector of Community efforts led by Capt. Robert Ben- Relations for the Boston net Forbes at the helm of the Bruins, said the Bruins Jamestown, to a mass migration are excited to join with movement, decades of commu- other Boston teams like nity and institutional building, the Red Sox and Celtics and a rise in political power.” to honor the strong Irish Co-sponsored by the MHS and community. the Forbes House Museum, “The “This is the first time Irish Atlantic” programming will The Jamestown heads for the Atlantic. we’ve hosted an Irish include a number of discussions: • “The Mission of the James- March 28); • “Make Your Own Comic: The • “Boston to the Rescue: Robert heritage night, and we’re • “The Rise and Fall of The Jamestown Relief Mission to B. Forbes and Irish Famine Re- excite to incorporate it town (6 p.m., March 27); • “Moving News, Affecting American Party [the Know- Ireland & The Life of John Boyle lief (9 a.m., to 4 p.m. workshop on into the Bruins game,” Nothing era] at 6 p.m. on April O’Reilly (2 p.m. family program April 20 that will be open to K-12 said Collins. Relief: The Irish Famine’s Trans- Atlantic Circulations (5:15, 12; on April 18); educators; $25 per person fee). Page 4 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Unless intra-mural enmity is dissipated, Flying to Ireland? Northern Ireland will remain ungovernable Let’s count the ways By Joe Leary and Protestant homes and families. Built to last only Special to the BIR six months, they have been in existence for 20, 30, 50 By Ed Forry Northern Ireland tribalism is a unique force that years. Young people living 50 yards from each other The competition for flights to Ireland this summer has created a near-permanent division amongst its never meet. A British reporter doing a story about is really heating up. people. This artificial state, set up and controlled by discord in Northern Ireland quoted a young man liv- The US government, under the “Open Skies” agree- British leadership almost 100 years ago, has proven ing on one side of the wall: “They are all soap dodgers ment with the EU, has given the go-ahead to Norwegian itself almost ungovernable since its inception. over there. Can’t you smell them?” Air to launch new transatlantic flights from Ireland On Thurs., March 2, Until these walls come down it may be futile to expect to the states. The low-cost airline will begin its first 700,000 Northern Ireland such people to agree on anything as they become adults. flights in July, using TF Green Airport in Providence. voters will go to the polls to The red, white, and blue colors of the British flag are When that schedule is activated, there will be a half elect the 90 members of their painted on the curbstones of many neighborhoods to dozen ways to get from New England to Ireland by air: new governing Assembly. It remind Catholics they are not wanted. Similarly the • Aer Lingus, the Ireland-based airline, offers daily was only 10 months ago that green, white, and orange colors of the Irish flag are service from its traditional Gateway Logan to both they elected the last Assem- painted on the curbs in Catholic areas. Shannon and Dublin; bly. That version collapsed Last month, Nichola Mallon, a pregnant Catholic • Delta Airlines will begin daily seasonal service because of the inability of mother who is a former SDLP mayor of Belfast and to Dublin in early May through October, offering late its Unionist and Nationalist member of the City Council and the recent Assembly, evening flights attractive to business travelers, who factions to agree on much of received a bullet in the mail as death threat for her can have a full business day in Boston and arrive to anything. The immediate disagreement with a statement made by a Protestant do business before noon in Dublin; cause was a growing scandal leader. Also last month, a British flag on a large pole • Two Iceland-based carriers, involving the DUP’s First was erected in the middle of the night in the small Icelandair and the low cost WOW Joe Leary Minister Arlene Foster and town of Magherafelt in Co. Derry by a Loyalist group Airlines, offer one-stop options to the protest resignation of The Mid-Ulster District Council (now with a Catholic Dublin, Belfast, and Cork, with a Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness, then the majority) had it cut down the next day. change of planes (and allowable Northern Ireland leader of Sinn Fein. The balance of power is changing with the Protestant stay-over) in Reykjavik; It is probable that the election results in terms of population decreasing and the Catholic population • Beginning July 2, Norwegian party influence will be about the same as 10 months ago increasing. Of the six Northern Ireland counties, four Air (NAI) will offer service to and that will lead to intense negotiation and probably a now have Catholic majorities. And Northern Ireland’s Cork, Shannon, Dublin and Bel- deadlocked Assembly. There have been some changes: two largest cities, Belfast and Derry have Catholic fast, although not from Logan. Martin McGuiness has retired and Sinn Fein’s new majorities. NAI is establishing a Providence Northern Ireland leader is Michelle O’Neill. But the The Irish language has a dedicated following through- base at Green Airport in Warwick, same animosities prevail. out Ireland, especially among the Irish of Northern some 60 miles south of Boston. It will be the first task of the new Assembly to agree Ireland. There are over 80 primary schools in the NAI will also begin flights to Edinburgh, Scotland on on its operational rules and elect the new leadership. North that teach exclusively in Irish. On the Falls July 1; Under the Good Friday agreement they will have only road in West Belfast high on a large hill is an Irish • Other options, although not as convenient, are three weeks to do this or responsibility for running high school called Colaiste Feirste with 600 students London flights offered by several legacy airlines, in- the Northern Ireland government will return to the and 47 teachers. They speak Irish during their school cluding British Air, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic, with British Parliament and include a mandated call for day, during sports practice, and as much as possible connections to cities on the island of Ireland; and last yet another Assembly election. when they are at home. The Irish language is a very year, western Massachusetts and Connecticut travelers The odds on an early agreement between the par- important part of their heritage. were pleased when Aer Lingus initiated flights from ties are less than 50-50. To go back to direct rule from When the Catholic Nationalists tried to give the Bradley International in Hartford. London after all the work that has been done to create Irish Language increased status in the Northern Irish Beginning this summer, NAI will offer as many as 24 peace would be a tragedy. government, the Unionists forcefully rejected the idea. flights weekly from Ireland to New England and New But the reality is that 20 years of peace and non- DUP First Minister Arlene Foster snidely said she pre- York state, flying to airports in Providence, Hartford violence in Northern Ireland have done little to im- ferred Polish to Irish. No accommodation was possible. and New Windsor, NY, on the Hudson River near West prove understanding and respect between Catholics How can we expect the politicians to govern sensi- Point. And in a carefully crafted marketing move, the and Protestants. The hardliners on both sides look bly with such bitterness remaining. The violent years airline recently bought a full page ad in the Boston for every opportunity to flaunt their superiority and have taken an enormous toll. No one wants to return Globe offering an introductory fare of just $65 each denigrate the other party. to that time of terror. way. The offering sold out within hours. Nearly 50 so-called “Peace Walls” (sometimes called Maybe time will heal all, but it has to begin soon. Although the new service had been anticipated lo- “Peace Lines”) still separate working class Catholic cally for some time, last year the talk had been that the flights would be between Cork and Boston. There was great enthusiasm in Cork when NAI spoke of “Cork/ Boston” flights, and political and business leaders in Off the Bench Boston lobbied aggressively for approval from the US Transportation Department. But there was disappoint- ment when it was learned the airline had bypassed Boston’s Logan for cheaper landing costs in Providence. Following Trump as he awakes and gets ready The new NAI routes create a strong competition in By James W. Dolan in the event of wind or high humidity. the transatlantic marketplace, and it’s no surprise Special to the Reporter To save money, Trump has suggested that the styl- that most of the Norwegian flights will be to Dublin, ist carry the device with the nuclear codes, referred to Europe’s fastest-growing airport. Aer Lingus has been Did you ever wonder what Donald Trump goes through every morning to maintain his hairdo? I have as the “football.” He can slip it into the case in which marketing Dublin as a hub for its connecting flights to he carries my hair stuff and eliminate the need for a destinations all over Europe, and late last month the been doing some research and believe I am the first to report the early routine of our 45th president as he military officer to follow me around, the president said. airline’s CEO “came out swinging” at news of the new His national security adviser informed him that while service, the the Irish Times reported. begins each day. He awakens each day to his his hair stuff is important, the nuclear codes require Aer Lingus said it “is sceptical, claiming the fares a higher level of security. Norwegian is offering – as low as 69 euro one way – are preferred alarm – applause from a specially designed The hair stylist, the president said, “has been with simply a stunt and not the building block of a viable me through marriages, bankruptcies, and countless business,” according to the published report. audio system in his bedroom. After sending a couple of deals. He has managed,” he added with a wink, “to As for the Norwegian flights, super-economy priced make me look tickets come with extra charges, a pricing structure tweets, he jumps out of bed and summons his bed, bath, and great through similar to the hugely successful no-frills Ryanair. We thick and thin- priced a mid-September NAI Providence/Dublin round beyond staff to prepare him for the day’s activities. Follow- ning. Without trip for under $500: $249 to Dublin, $244 return to my hair, I’d just Providence. ing his morning bath (the first of three he takes each day), be an average- But there were extras- a reserved seat, checked bag, looking hand- and a meal can cost an additional $105, upping the and before slipping into his specially designed robe, which some guy. but cost to $650-700. with it, I’m spec- When we checked online, we did find some one-way bears his likeness superim- James W. Dolan posed on the presidential seal, tacular,” he ex- fares next fall as low as $99 in the “economy cabin.” claimed. Putin But be forewarned: The cheap fares come at a cost he enters his patented tanning bed. After covering his eyes with protective goggles, he cooks for about ten would die for my in comfort: Legroom is tight- just 31 inches. In the hair, he said. premium, higher-priced seats, legroom is 46 inches. minutes. Some critics say the white rings around his eyes make him look like a raccoon. Supporters think Although the White House he looks more like an owl. His crowning glory. After the tanning, he summons the most important photographer is member of his extensive personal staff, his hair styl- never far from Boston Irish ist, who has been with him for more than 20 years. Trump, he is never allowed in the presidential preserve It’s his job to put the presidential hair, what Trump until the morning ablutions are completed. At heart a REPORTER describes as his crowning glory, in order. No easy simple man of modest tastes, the president complains The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: task after a night of tossing, turning, tweeting, and that all his life he has had to project an outsized per- Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., big-league thinking. First there is the washing, then sonality to meet the demands of his fans. Otherwise, 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 the coloring, and the setting, the entire process tak- he would have preferred to have a farm in a small [email protected] www.bostonirish.com ing about a half hour while the president watches the town and have his hair cut by a local barber, one he Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) morning talk shows. could call Joe and who would call him D.J. Edward W. Forry, Publisher One of the first decisions the president makes each Trump said that after he completes eight years Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor as president, he intends to retire to that small farm William P. Forry, Editor day is what color to use. He has a carefully selected Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor range from orange to blond depending upon his mood; and raise chickens. He will personally sell eggs and News Room: (617) 436-1222 orange when feeling liberal, and blond when he’s con- vegetables at a farm stand by the side of the road. Un- Ads : (617) 436-1222 servative minded. The apparatus and solutions used to like his predecessors, he does not want a presidential Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] keep the hair in place are classified as top secret. One library. “After all, he said, “I never did much reading.” On The Web at www.bostonirish.com disgruntled insider has leaked that Elmer’s Glue was Instead, he intends to welcome immigrants from all Date of Next Issue: April, 2017 found to be the most reliable. Trump has vehemently over the world to stay in his barn – the biggest, best, Deadline for Next Issue: Thursay, March 23 at 12 noon denied that charge and accused the purveyors of “fake and most-luxurious barn in the whole world. One can’t leave it all behind, he said with a smile. Published monthly in the first week of each month. news” of promoting the story. He disclosed that a secret The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond combination of starch, olive oil, and oatmeal works James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish best. The hair stylist is never far from the president judge who now practices law. Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View History abounds around the breakfast table on the Saint’s day By Peter F. Stevens featured a format that would shape the Southie gala. Patrick’s Day Breakfast,” the first public mention BIR Staff The Society’s festivities offered a special list of guests of the gathering came in March 1909 in the South There is no denying that the event is literally part composing a who’s who of Boston’s movers and shak- Boston Gazette. At the Bellevue Hotel, Mayor George of Boston’s turf – that’s not a point of view, but a ers: “Governor Edward Everett, Mayor Samuel A. Hibbard hosted an 11 a.m. breakfast before the simple fact. At the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Eliot, Hon. Stephen Fairbanks, President of the Mas- parade, with the revelers including local and state in South Boston, state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry will sachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, the Rev. politicians and military officers. Still, the breakfast once again command center stage at the annual event. Mr. John Pierpont, the Hon. John P. Bigelow, Hon. was not held in 1910-1911, so it had not become an She has put her own stamp on the tradition since her Josiah Quincy, Jr.” and numerous other luminaries. annual event, and certainly not one paid for by the first stint, in 2014, as the host of the much-ballyhooed Fairbanks delivered an address testifying to the city, as Hibbard’s event had been. Interestingly, no event. She has scored a political, cultural, and gender fact that Boston Irishmen, Protestant and Catholic, speeches had been made nor jibes exchanged at the “hat trick” of what was long a case of the Boston Irish were indeed making their way in the city. In no way 1909 gathering. “boyos” ruling the podium. As a woman, a Haitian was the event a roast, but it was a meeting of notable Only when the city appropriated funds for the American, and the first non-Irish American male to politicians and businessmen. breakfast was it held between 1910-1920. Five run the show, Dorcena Forry continues to turn three The historical seeds of the breakfast also began years later, in 1925, a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast stereotypes of the breakfast on their heads. to sprout – and do so in Southie – as Irish Catholic bore a strong resemblance to today’s repast. Allison If you ask many in these parts how long the break- immigrants landed in Boston in ever-increasing num- notes that the gathering featured “Himself” – Mayor fast has been a tradition and how it has been run, bers in the 1840s and staked their claim to a new life James Michael Curley – making a “witty speech” in and by whom, the answers might run from “always” in America. One of the early manifestations of the which he leveled barbs at friends and foes alike. E. to “since the first parade” (officially in 1901). Many local Irish love for their old sod’s patron saint was Michael Sullivan then stood and sang “The Wearing people also assume that the event has always been the Shamrock Society, a social club that gathered on of the Green.” a “political roast.” The actual answers are murkier. March 17 to defiantly toast the saint and “sing the Of the 1925 gathering, Allison writes: “These traits In fact, a case can be made that the annual breakfast old songs,” the revelers’ voices pealing from Dooley’s, identify this breakfast as a very close ancestor of started as a dinner or banquet. the Mansion House, and Jameson’s. No single build- today’s event. However, it was still not an annual South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast owes ing, however, would long serve to hold the growing event. By World War II there was no mention of a a historical nod to the Charitable Irish Society. The numbers of local Irish longing to celebrate the day breakfast.” venerable organization can lay virtually undisputed in a bigger way. As one historian noted, “No banquet In March 1945, the Boston Gazette related that claim to the first St. Patrick’s Day event not only in room was broad enough to comprehend all the Sons supporters of Mayor John Kerrigan wanted to hold Boston’s history, but also in America’s. It was also of Erin, even had they the price of dinner.” a breakfast reception for him before the Southie pa- the first to feature food and drink. On March 17, Dinners and banquets, but not yet official break- rade. In a move that would seem incomprehensible 1737, in the heart of Puritan Boston, 26 men gathered fasts, followed the St. Patrick’s Day parades organized today, Kerrigan nixed the idea because he “did not to commemorate a decidedly improper Bostonian by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which numbered want any political demonstrations.” event. They were Irish-born men living in a place some 8,000 members in Boston alone by 1900. Bands, From 1951 to 1960, the pre-parade meal was a where most locals loathed anything that smacked of organizations, refreshments—all were handled by luncheon – actually two luncheons. The City Council “Popery,” and celebrating a Catholic saint’s holy day the Hibernians’ Entertainment Committee. In the luncheon, hosted by the mayor, was held at the South could well have proven a risky proposition. hands of Ward 17 boss “Pea Jacket” Maguire and Boston Athletic Club, and state officials attended an The reason that the 26 men pulled it off is that other Boston Irish leaders, fun, festivities, and pride affair at Dorgan’s Old Harbor with Senator John E. they were Protestant. The religious question aside, in Irish roots ruled the city on March 17. Powers serving as host. Eventually, Powers’s event the men drew up a charter that professed their pride In March 1901, the blare of bands and the vibra- superseded the mayor’s, with the papers anointing as sons of the Emerald Isle, and they were meeting tions of marchers’ feet pealed above South Boston’s him “St. Patrick’s Day toastmaster,” a precursor to on the day dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint. The streets in the first official, city-sanctioned South the role that William Bulger would later take to a celebration did not take place in Southie. The site, Boston St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade. In the whole new level of wit and rhetorical flourishes. historian James Bernard Cullen writes, “was the wake of the march came post-parade celebrations. Becauase John Powers ran the show at Dorgan’s, Irish Presbyterian Church, established in Boston in Dignitaries in natty overcoats and top hats, figures all the subsequent sitting senators of the First Suffolk 1727…in a building which had been a barn on the such as Mayor Thomas Hart, stepped from the open, District followed suit. That “suit” was long filled by corner of Berry Street and Long Lane [now Channing horse-drawn carriages in which the city’s “high and Irish-American men named Powers, Moakley, Bulger, and Federal Streets].” mighty” had ridden in the parade and dashed into Lynch, and Hart. Now, Sen. Dorcena Forry hosts In what seems a distinct precursor of the later venerable Faneuil Hall for an official St. Patrick’s the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast, continuing to write South Boston breakfast, the Charitable Irish Soci- Day banquet. a new and fitting chapter in the annals of Boston. ety’s centennial celebration, held on March 17, 1837, According to John Allison in his “History of the St. Page 6 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Bay State’s Dems in Congress vow to resist Trumpian agenda By Andy Metzger gressman Joe Kennedy III Bay Staters rejected the rating the Irish Famine, blocks away that the State House on Tues., Feb. 21, as they British yoke, undermined which spurred migration American Revolution be- News Service pledged to confront the the federal Fugitive Slave from the island nation to gan, rising up against A Sudanese mother who president’s immigration Act and enshrined mar- Boston, Markey noted the tyranny, against discrimi- adopted five orphans from agenda and other Trump riage equality into law - a proximity of other sites nation,” Markey claimed. her war-torn country and a administration actions. geographical fact refer- of historical significance Speaking to reporters veteran of Boston’s busing With Congress in recess, enced by the state’s junior as he urged the crowd after his speech, Mar- crisis stood alongside US the Democrats spoke at a senator. to “fight” the agenda of key endorsed emulating Sen. Ed Markey and Con- Downtown Crossing locale Standing steps from President Trump. “peaceful revolutions” that nearby pivotal spots where a monument commemo- “It was here just three came about through public activism. Trump’s plan for a wall on the southern border would not reduce illegal immigration, according US Sen. Edward Markey: to Markey, who said coop- “When necessary we will eration with the Mexican resist.” government and immi- mother of six, including grant communities in the five orphans she adopted, US would be a better told reporters she came to approach. the United States in 2008 The rally occurred af- from the Darfur region of ter reports that the De- Sudan, the scene of what partment of Homeland is widely recognized as Security would target a genocide perpetrated for deportation a broader by government-backed swath of the immigrants forces. Sudan is among who are in the country seven Muslim-majority illegally. countries that Trump had US Rep. Joseph Ken- targeted in a controversial nedy used the occasion of executive order barring the rally to have a conver- travel by non-citizens to sation with a young girl in the United States. The Spanish. He said the new order was subsequently Trump administration blocked by federal courts. policy “targets children Mohamed is a natural- the same way it targets ized citizen who works at hardened criminals.” Logan Airport as a wheel- The president has said chair assistant, according he took action to protect to a spokesman for 32BJ the public from terrorism, SEIU, a union working and he wants to build to organize airport work- a wall to help enforce ers. Four of Mohamed’s existing laws barring un- children are also citizens, authorized entry into the one has a green card and country. another is in the process Non-politicians who of obtaining a green card, joined the speaking pro- according to the union. gram told stories about “Massachusetts will per- their struggles with ethnic sist, but when necessary strife. we will resist, and we Sadia Mohamed, a Chel- will be a special place,” sea resident who is the Markey said. bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way- Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day.

Go mbeannai Dia duit (May God Bless You) Congressman Michael Capuano 7th Congressional District Mayor Martin J. Walsh www.mikecapuano.com Happy St. Patrick’s Day Grant me a sense of humor, Lord, the saving grace to see a joke, to win some happiness from life, and pass it on to other folks. – Irish Proverb from Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry and Family

Don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, March 19, 2017 Telecast live on NECN – 10 am- 12 noon Live streamed worldwide at NECN.COM Page 8 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

State Representative Kevin G. Honan Allston-Brighton

Eire Society Gold Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony Saturday, April 29 2017, 6pm Hyatt Regency Boston

Colm Tòibìn, 2017 Gold Medalist The Gold Medal is given to a person or persons who exemplify the best of Irish culture and ideals.

The Gold Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony will feature a presentation by Colm Tòibìn.

Tickets for the Gold Medal Dinner are $150.00 per person. Make checks payable to the Eire Society and mail to: Ms. Cate McGrail, Event Chair, 105 Beech Street, #1, Belmont, MA 02478. Tel. 617-739-6484. Email: [email protected] bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Irish Quotes & Quotations Eire Society “The Irish seem to have more fire about good as everybody else.” them than the Scots.” – The author John B. Keane cites Tòibìn – Sean Connery “The immigrant’s heart marches to the “The Irish do not want anyone to wish beat of two quite different drums, one for its 2017 them well; they want everyone to wish from the old homeland and the other from their enemies ill.” – Harold Nicolson the new. The immigrant has to bridge these two worlds, living comfortably in Gold Medal “I think there’s a bit of the devil in the new and bringing the best of his or everybody. There’s a bit of a priest in her ancient identity and heritage to bear everybody, too, but I enjoyed playing the on life in an adopted homeland.” Award devil more. He was more fun.” – Irish President Mary McAleese The Eire Society of Boston has an- – Gabriel Byrne nounced that Colm Tòibìn, novelist, short story writer, playwright, journal- “Whether it be a matter of personal ist and literary critic, is the winner of “There is a courageous wisdom; there is relations within a marriage or political the society’s Gold Medal award for 2017. also a false reptile prudence, the result, initiatives within a peace process, there Tòibìn will receive his award at a not of caution, but of fear.” is no sure-fire do-it-yourself kit.” ceremony on Sat., April 29, at 6 p.m. Colm Tòibìn – Edmund Burke – the poet Seamus Heaney at the Hyatt Regency Boston, where he will offer a presentation. him a visionary spokesperson for the “We are particularly pleased to pres- citizenry of Ireland and its worldwide “Ireland is a peculiar society in the “Making peace, I have found, is much diaspora.” sense that it was a nineteenth century harder than making war.” ent the 2017 Gold Medal to Professor Tòibìn,” says Thomas W. Carty, presi- For more information on the Gold society up to about 1970 and then it – Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein dent of the Eire Society of Boston. “His Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony almost bypassed the twentieth century.” accomplishments have vaulted him to contact Cathleen McGrail, Event Chair, – The author John McGahern “A drunkard is a dead man, and all the forefront of the Irish literary scene. at [email protected] or call 617- dead men are drunk.” His direct and thoughtful positions 739-6484. “Though the pen is mightier than the – W.B. Yeats on matters of social importance make sword, the sword speaks louder and stronger at any given moment.” “He was a fiddler, and consequently – Leonard Wibberley, a rogue.” Irish author of comic novel – Jonathan Swift “The Mouse That Roared” “Dublin was turning into Disneyland “I had that stubborn streak, the Irish with super-pubs, a Purgatory open till in me I guess.” five in the morning.” – Gregory Peck – Joseph O’Connor, “Two Little Clouds” “When I get a very generous introduc- tion like that, I explain that I’m emotion- “Every action of our lives touches on ally moved, but on the other hand I’m some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” Irish and the Irish are very emotionally – Sean O’Casey moved. My mother is Irish and she cries during beer commercials.” “Everywhere I go I’m asked if I think – Retired U.S. General the university stifles writers. My opinion Barry McCaffrey is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best-seller that could “A Kerry footballer with an inferiority have been prevented by a good teacher.” complex is one who thinks he’s just as – Flannery O’Connor

May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings, Slow to make enemies, Quick to make friends. But rich or poor, quick or slow, May you know nothing But happiness From this day forward.

– An Irish Proverb Page 10 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell her role as Mag in “Beauty Queen of Leenane,” the an unrelenting critic of Stormont’s Social Investment Trump’s Emerging Tax Plan: Bad for Ireland Martin McDonagh play that opened first off Broad- Fund, which recently received nearly $2 million – The early predictions for the Trump administra- way in an Atlantic Theater Company production, dollars in public money. tion tax package is that it will shake up the world and after rave reviews, moved to the Walter Kerr Too Early For Snap Judgments – I had intended of direct foreign investment and severely impact Theater on Broadway where it won six Tony nomi- to cover a compilation of reports from a variety of Ireland’s economy. The Irish Times used the term nations and four Tony Awards. “Beauty Queen” is sources regarding the stability and clarity of accu- “potentially toxic” regarding the Trump plan’s nega- now on tour and it just completed a run at Boston’s sations made by the president. These evaluations tive effect on Ireland and its economy going forward. Paramount Theater with Marie Mullen as Mag. included some material from Al Franken, a US A version of the plan, With six nightly performances and two matinees, senator from Minnesota who says that some of his now in its formative stages, if memory serves, Anna was at center stage eight fellow senators think Trump is “not right mentally.” calls for a cut from 35 per- times a week for most of the play’s performance. Along with that, the Guardian (UK), and questioners cent to 15 percent in the It was an endurance trial every night, but as tired from BBC News have been putting probing ques- corporate tax rate that and sick as she was those 19 years ago, she wouldn’t tions to mental health professionals. I decided to US companies currently consider an understudy or some time off. Anna Ma- let that discussion ripen somewhat before sharing pay on profits. That would nahan was a team player and “Beauty Queen” was it. Although I confess I am not sanguine about all result in an enormous de- her team, and she did it night after night until she this, given Trump’s 77-minute anti-press diatribe on cline in America’s overall eventually gave in and sought relief. Feb. 17, an unanchored rant with no clear purpose. tax revenue unless other Anna had long thought via a long-ago diagnosis The March Almanac of Life, Death and Tra- sources of revenue are that she had a lingering allergy or something simi- vail – March 1, 1965: The body of Sir Roger Case- found to make up the loss. lar. Finally, after much urging by the cast in New ment, who had been hanged in 1916, was re-interred One idea being floated by York, she relented and saw a doctor. It turned out in Glasnevin Cemetery; Republicans in Long Kesh Republicans in Congress is that she was suffering from a heart virus that she begin phased hunger strikes in support of better had fought to overcome but could never find relief conditions; March 2, 1984: The death of Belfast-born Bill O’Donnell a “border adjustment tax.” This revenue reordering for as she toured from Australia to Boston to Bel- Rinty Monaghan, world flyweight boxing cham- would make up for the fast and points in-between to keep her theatrical pion; March 6, 1831: US Gen. Philip Sheridan was reduced tax income by increasing taxes on those commitments. born in Killinkere, Co. Cavan; 1988: The shootings companies that sell into the United States while cut- Anna listened with amazement as she learned of three unarmed Provo IRA in Gibraltar; March ting tax bills for companies exporting from the US. from the celebrated cardiologist sitting across from 8, 1966: The Dublin landmark Nelson’s Pillar was There are those who say that the border tax could her that she had a serious problem and would be demolished by Republicans; March 10, 1888: Barry raise a significant amount of money, with one esti- dead in a year or less if she didn’t immediately begin Fitzgerald, a renowned character actor as an adult, mate hitting $1 trillion ($1,000 billion) over the next using life-saving medicine that would end her years was born in Dublin; 1966: The short story writer decade, a sum used to pay for tax cuts elsewhere of mysterious suffering and constant unexplained Frank O’Connor dies; March 12: The educator in the budget. fatigue. She lived for eight more years, until March George Berkeley is born in Thomastown,, Co. The window of opportunity for this radical tax 8, 2009, traveling yearly to the United States to see Kilkenny; March 17, 1762: First St. Patrick’s Day shift is relatively short – until the autumn – which her doctor, now an old friend, and take back to Wa- parade in New York; 1858: The Fenians, an Irish means that campaigning members of Congress terford a large supply of the life-prolonging medicine. Republican Brotherhood, are launched in Dublin by would be looking to the 2018 mid-term elections That should be the end of her brilliant life story, James Stephens; March 20, 1964: The death at age when they would be selling the plan to a volatile, but it wasn’t. That happened when she won the 41 of Brendan Behan; March 24, 1909: The death untested electorate. Tony for “Queen” as Best Featured Actress and of John M. Synge at 38; March 25, 1920: The arrival As now envisioned, the restructuring on import/ went on stage in 1998 before millions on TV to ac- in Ireland of the notorious Black & Tans; March 29, export taxes will have a decided impact on Ireland cept the award. She thanked her friends and fellow 1873, Peg Sayers, storyteller and autobiographer, and other overseas companies, and bring new threats cast members, but saved her best for her doctor, the was born in Dunquin, Co. Kerry; March 30, 1979: of retaliation from global markets. The word about medicine man who found time in a specialist’s hectic Airey Neave, a member of the British Parliament, the plan being used among companies doing busi- life of healing to treat her. She always referred to was assassinated by an Irish National Liberation ness internationally is “danger.” him as “the doctor who saved my life.” Army car bomb in the House of Commons car park. This year and into 2018 could mean vast changes A personal note: Back in spring 1998 Jean and I RANDOM CLIPPINGS for American companies and serious concern for an visited and stayed with Anna on a series of visits The numbers for the next election in the Republic Ireland that has done well, even prospered, with its to New York to see her perform in “Beauty Queen.” of Ireland have begun to tighten up and Fianna current low corporate tax policy and strong links to And we later attended her “wrap party” to mark the Fail, long considered struggling for a resurgence of corporate America. final performance of “Beauty Queen” before she flew public support, has jumped into an early lead. Lat- Troubled Deutsche Bank Has Long, Close home to Waterford. est polling (Feb. 18) shows Fianna Fail overtaking Links to Trump – The Guardian newspaper has Wheels Coming Off This “Finely Tuned Fine Gael. In recent surveys the Soldiers of Destiny conducted an internal examination of the hundreds Machine” – Sadly, the finely tuned machine, as jumped six points to 33 percent, while Taoiseach of million of dollars the bank has loaned to Donald our president called his administration in his first Enda Kenny’s party is at 25 after a 4- point drop. Trump, a probe aimed at learning if there are any weeks in the White House is in reality a deeply … The Brexit border skirmishes have developed a suspicious financial connections between the new flawed operation, especially at Rex Tillerson’s hard edge as roads near Dundalk in Co. Louth are President and Russia. The internal Deutsche review State Department. Media reports (that dishonest filling with protesters in opposition to a hard bor- “found no evidence of any Russian link,” but the press!) note senior staff positions left vacant, his der between Ireland and the UK, which is a major bank is under increased pressure to appoint an inde- deputy sent back to the parade grounds, and US concern. … GAA finances are reflecting an increase pendent external auditor to review the institution’s foreign policy being made by the ideological clique in revenue for 2016, but warn of lower attendance. misconduct in other, non-Trump matters. Deutsche that surrounds Trump. While Tillerson was showing … Building firms in Ireland are pleading for expats Bank is also “undergoing scrutiny” by the US Depart- the flag at the G20 conference in Bonn, back home, to return home to be a part of the anticipated con- ment of Justice for alleged misconduct and possible a major department that he had left unattended, struction boom over the next five years. … New York Russian money-laundering. one that is organically weak and confused, was left Congressman Peter King was saying he helped A member of the US House Ways and Means outside the loop on key policy decisions, many of design the Trump immigration ban, but now, amid Committee, Bill Pascrell, a New Jersey Demo- which were coming directly from the White House. growing Criticism, he is now edging away from the crat, is urging Deutsche to “shine a bright light” If this administration were a Fortune 500 com- issue, perhaps because he has had no job offer from on its lending to the president while adding that pany, the executive board of directors might be Mr. T. … The writer and widely respected cultural Congress should also be allowed to “review Trump’s scanning the business pages with thoughts of a public figureAnthony Cronin has died at age 88. tax returns in closed session.” Amen to that, and fresh face as CEO. But the Trump situation is far There are changes coming in EU phone bills; the sooner the better. different; it’s in peril amidst calls for the reigning the end of mobile roaming charges is in sight. … Return of “Beauty Queen” Triggers Warm majority party, the GOP, to go into alarm mode and Amidst a dispute between the Pope Francis and Memories – An over-booked flight home to Boston bring things under control. But I wouldn’t hold my the Knights of Malta, the Vatican has taken over with an unexpected extra day to revel in our holidays breath until that egg shell is broken. In the interim and accepted the resignation of the Knights’ grand back in the early ‘70s was the first time I sawAnna we have an elected president who wants to talk about master. … In late January, Trump talked of a probe Manahan on stage in what was to be a lengthy and old elections, voter fraud that never happened, and of supposed voter fraud, but little is heard lately from enriching special friendship. We had met briefly media that have seen enough in Trump’s first days the Tower Man. … Four bills have been proposed through a mutual friend a year earlier, and my wife to raise the alarm. for the 2017-2018 session of the Mass. House that Jean was with me on this trip to Ireland. We both Yet there are small mercies we may be thank- would require drug makers to disclose the cost for were enthralled as Anna and Art Carney performed ful for. Among those are (to date) no sign of the research, marketing and manufacturing (applause wondrously in Brian Friel’s “Lovers,” which was on “BS Three” – Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, and here). … Sinn Fein’s new leader has moved to rescind tour in Limerick. Chris Christie. They have not been selected by the the NI invitation to the US president, apparently Even if I wanted to, I can’t escape the memory of president to join the White House team, so all is after getting a look at Trump in action. … I sense Anna this month of March in 2017. It has been eight not quite as dark and gloomy in a deeply divided that Bay State Attorney General Maura Healey years since she died after a long and lustrous career America as it could be. would love to go one-on-one with the GOP fantasy as the Grand Dame of the Irish theatre. Her brave Ugly Business Out of the North – The Northern brigade over the phantom buses to New Hampshire heart allowed her nearly 60 years in front of audi- Ireland province has enough problems they would polling places. ences, and eight decades as Ireland’s most endearing dearly like to improve on, but they could do no less The European Central Bank is warning Wash- personality. She appeared on stage from the Royal than run down the brutal, violent messages that ington that deregulating US banks “could sow the Court in London to Broadway in New York. She had arrive on politician’s desks. The latest obscenity is a seeds of the next financial crisis.” …Alasdair Mc- a unique rapport with theater audiences with the bullet –conventional shorthand for a death threat in Donnell, the SDLP member of the British Parlia- way she made the stage a home and the audience the North – in a post to a SDLP Assembly candidate ment for south Belfast, is cautioning against hard her guests. The critics were unanimous: She came in North Belfast, Nichola Mallon. borders in the Brexit aftermath. … The ads are out alive, electric when she was on stage. Mallon, the target of loyalist paramilitaries, is pushing the commemorative “Donald coins,” but Waterford was Anna’s touchstone. Her hometown pregnant and due to give birth to her second child like the original they have no price tag and their gifted her with the Freedom of Waterford City, in May. Alliance leader Naomi Long, who has also value is a mystery. … Thousands are backing the named a sprightly housing estate after her, and received loyalist death threats, voiced her “absolute House of Commons speaker who has banned Trump smiled with pleasure as she lived her life between sympathy and support for Mrs. Mallon.” from addressing the Commons during his upcoming “work” (her name for on-stage moments from Panto Who are these “tough guys” who love to intimidate state visit. … The beat goes on for Irish passports, in Dublin to Broadway’s Beauty Queen, the televi- women? The people of Ireland have had enough especially from Northern Ireland and other parts sion shows and the one-woman performances) on of that strong-arm politicking; it has no place in of the UK. Recent applications from the UK were Williams Street with her brothers Val and Joe. Irish society. What great sin or political evil has up a stunning 74 percent. … The UK-based Aldi A frequent visitor to Boston, a city she loved, Anna Mrs. Mallon done to merit such an outrageous mail supermarket chain is busy opening stores in New was the 1984 recipient of the Eire Society of Boston delivery, you ask? Well, she has spoken out as an England, with one near the Mass-RI line. Gold Medal for lifetime achievement in the arts. elected official against paramilitaries who profit at Wishing one and all the peace and patience of But there was a second act for Anna and it opened the public’s expense, describing the threat as “an Saint Patrick as we grapple with today’s burdens. in 1998 in New York where she stunned critics and affront to democracy” from paramilitaries and her fellow actors with the power and perception of thugs reacting to her “legitimate questions” about how public money is being spent. And she has been bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 rish nternational mmigrant enter EATING AND EMOTION I I I C Dr. Bernadette Rock An agency accredited by US Department of Justice One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 No strict rules; Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] a few guidelines IIIC immigration le- Immigrants make this The vast majority of us gal services alert - Irish country - and this city - were born with the instinc- International Immigrant great. The plight of our tive ability to know how to Center’s immigration at- immigrant brothers and eat and when to stop, but torneys and social work- sisters is on all of our over time many of us lose ers are available for all minds these days, but it’s part of that essential skill. Irish immigrants during rare we have a chance to What have you “learned” this time of uncertainty. actually get involved! along the way that gets in We are closely following We’re delighted to be the way of your ability to eat changes in immigration partnering with Aeronaut when you’re hungry and stop policy. If you or anyone Brewing Company to raise when you’re satisfied? Is it Dr. Bernadette Rock you know wants to speak funds for immigrant and the rules of a diet, your “all- to an attorney or social refugee families. The or-nothing” eating habits, using food as a comfort, worker please call us at IIIC has been designated a way to escape or to distract yourself from what’s 617-542-7654. as Aeronaut’s 2017 St. happening within and around you? Patrick’s Day charity, and Unfortunately, many of us have been fooled Working to save they’re throwing a mas- into believing that there is a solution “out there” the environment sive two-day Irish cultural somewhere. Take a moment to add up all of the Donal Hogan from Donal Hogan festival at Aeronaut Craft money and time you’ve wasted on diets that didn’t County Galway made Brewery, Somerville, on lead to lasting change! It is staggering to think the big move to the US acquired working and only being a 40-minute Fri., March 17! about how much of our lives have been lost while after graduating with a camping for seven days in drive to ski slopes and We’ll feature live music we tried the same things over and over again. I degree in biodiversity and a row in the desert. a few hours’ drive from by Sláinte, one of the most know, because I did it, too. And these days, most conservation. For Donal, Following on from the many wild and beautiful rip-roaring Irish bands people know that diets don’t really work, so they the lure of wide-ranging field season in Idaho he places. in the entire region, with call them “clean eating” or a “lifestyle change” opportunities in the US continued working for Donal has gained an many more entertain- instead. Either way, if you are still obsessed with made it the perfect place the GBI in California for appreciation and under- ing performances Friday what you should and shouldn’t eat, it is still a diet. to further his career, and two months. Because of standing for the diverse night and Saturday. Try A healthy relationship with food is about finding when his friends recom- a heavy work schedule, cultures in the west from your luck and help sup- what works for you and your own body, which also mended the IIIC for his Donal had six days off meeting rural Idahoans, port the IIIC’s important may be different at different times in your life. J1 IWT visa, he applied every two weeks. He used cowboys on the range, and work for the immigrant Can you make choices that serve you - that may straightaway. his time to experience Native Americans to the community by participat- mean cooking a delicious whole-food meal, really Says Donal, “The whole the spectacular Pacific vibrant city folk of San ing in our exciting auction enjoying it and feeling satisfied. I’m not a fan of team at the IIIC were Northwest, taking multi- Francisco, New York and and raffle! strict rules around eating. Instead here are some immensely helpful and day backpacking trips Boston. There’s so much to look guidelines. Think of them as your North Star! efficient in helping me in Yellowstone, Grand forward to, especially as 1. Eat when you are hungry (but not too hun- sort out my visa in a short Tetons, Yosemite and Raising funds for im- Aeronaut releases its very gry!); 2. Eat sitting down in a calm environment. space of time. There was other national parks. This migrants and refugees first Irish stout! This does not include eating in the car.! 3. Eat always someone to answer experience left Donal with – “24 Hours of Ireland” Please join us for what without distractions, such as TV, newspapers, my questions and offer a wealth of great memo- on St. Patrick’s Day will most certainly be a anxiety-producing conversations. 4. Eat until you advice on contacts in the ries, stories and the “trip – America is a nation hopping time! For more are satisfied. Not full or stuffed to the gills. 5. Eat field. of a lifetime.” fueled by immigrants, information, please see (with the intention of being) in full view of others. Donal’s first job offer As the summer season and few cities in America our website, iiicenter.org, 6. Eat with enjoyment and pleasure. came from The Great came to a close and all feel the vibrant pulse of or contact Jason McCool Managing your environment is also crucial Basin Institute, an en- of the rangeland plants new cultures like Boston. at [email protected]. to managing your eating. There are some very vironmental non-profit dried out, Donal began practical steps you can take to support yourself: based in Boise, Idaho. work back in Boise as a Put it away – As soon as you get home from His role was as a research Forest Inventory Techni- Legal clinics during March the grocery store, put everything away in a proper associate in the institute’s cian in the Boise National (Clinics are in the evening) place in the fridge or cupboard. Leaving anything Assessment, Inventory Forest. Boise has become out can trigger you visually to just “grab a piece and Monitoring project, Donal’s favourite city in March 7 and March 21 – Irish International Im- of that” on the counter. which conducts rangeland the US. It’s a relatively migrant Center, One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston. Close the kitchen – This is a mental state that habitat surveys on the small city of 200,000 March 29 – St. Mark’s Hall, 1725 Dorchester you want to be in, especially in the evenings. Clean vast public lands in the people but the people are Avenue, Dorchester. up dinner leftovers and dishes right away and get Western US. What he some of the friendliest and Our Downtown Boston location is fully accessible out of the kitchen. If you can, even turn off the learned - plant identifica- welcoming in the US. The by public transportation. For info, call 617-542- lights so you have a visual reminder. tion, soil characterization city has a vibrant nightlife 7654 or check at iiicenter.org. Reorganize – Our kitchens can tend to become and field skills - were with many events, while command central for the whole household. Let- ters, phone chargers, etc. can easily end up on the counter or on the table. Find another place in your house to be a central location for all those miscel- Matters of Substance laneous items so you don’t have another reason to go in the kitchen and “grab a little something” An Important Lesson: Self-Compassion in the process. Have a Heyday – Join us on Facebook this This past Valentine’s As you do things for oth- Reisman, LICSW. Well- month as we follow the progress of one Heyday Day, whom did you think ers take a few moments to ness Director at the IIIC; participant determined to manage her weight. See about and extend kind- remind yourself of a few [email protected]; 617- heydayworld.com for details of Heyday’s online ness, compassion and intangible but powerful 542-7654, Ext. 14. weight management program. patience to? Most likely gifts that that no one it was your partners, chil- can take away from you: dren, neighbors, friends self-kindness, shared-hu- and even strangers. But manity and mindfulness. we often forget to do Being kind to oneself is the same for ourselves. extending to yourself the Instead, we extend to recognition that we are not ourselves the opposite of perfect and all experience love: criticism, judgment challenges. and self-deprivation. This Rachel Reisman When we remind our- spring, take a moment to selves that everyone, think about what happens “realizing that suffering, regardless of age, stage when we don’t engage in failure and imperfection is of life, or economics will self-compassion. part of the shared human experience chapters of Research tells us that experience” impacts many hardship and vulner- when we don’t accept that aspects of our lives from ability, we feel kinship we are as human as our healthy eating and exer- with others. When we friends and family and cise, to work performance face difficult feelings and just as entitled to mo- and relationships. don’t judge them, just let ments of fear, failure and A steady diet of self- them be, we manage them suffering, we are more criticism instead of honor- better. It’s when we fight susceptible to depression, ing our humanness and hard to avoid them or anxiety, and substance accepting our moments judge ourselves for having abuse. It may feel counter- of weakness, does much strong emotions to begin intuitive but the more we less for our goals than with that we end up invit- can love ourselves and be we’ve been led to believe. ing in anxiety and depres- gentle with ourselves, the For instance, whether we sion, internal conflict, and stronger and more opti- are facing a slip in our hardship. mistic we end up being. sobriety or the end of a As we remember to Kristin Neff, author relationship, acknowl- cultivate love in our lives, of the upcoming book, edging our remorse, sad- whether it be with friends, “Self-Compassion: Stop ness and frustration, and spouses and communities, Beating Yourself Up and permitting ourselves a let us not forget to tend to Leave Insecurity Behind,” grace period of grief and our first love, respect and explains that increas- pain enables us to move compassion for oneself. ing your self-care and forward. Submitted by Rachel Page 12 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Norwegian Air plans routes from Providence to 3 Irish cities By Matt O’Brien on Feb. 23 that it’s open- burgh, Scotland, begin in Ireland celebrated the airport in Warwick, just the subsidiary in Decem- Associated Press ing new flight crew bases June, and to four airports move as a boon for fam- south of Providence and ber, but pilot unions and The low-cost carrier and plans to hire pi- in Ireland and Northern ily vacationers, business about an hour’s drive from other opponents are push- Norwegian Air Shuttle is lots and flight attendants Ireland in July. travelers, and local jobs Boston’s Logan Airport. ing Republican President promising to boost traffic at Rhode Island’s T.F. There also will be and tourism. Norwegian Air’s move Donald Trump to overturn at smaller airports on Green Airport and Stew- flights to Edinburgh from “Everyone would rath- creates the first year- the decision. White House both sides of the Atlantic art International Airport Connecticut’s Bradley er fly out of here than round international press secretary Sean Spic- Ocean when it starts ser- in Newburgh, New York, International Airport, schlepp to Boston,” said flights for the Rhode Is- er suggested earlier last vice to Europe this summer about 60 miles north of near Hartford. Officials Rhode Island Democratic land airport after years month that the country from Rhode Island, Con- New York City. who represent the three Gov. Gina Raimondo, of expanding runways, would benefit from the necticut, and New York. Year-round flights from Northeast airports and speaking that morning at building hotels, and arrangement because US Norwegian Air announced those airports to Edin- their counterparts in a news conference at the making a commuter- workers would build the train connection. “People planes and service them. thought we were a little Rhode Island state of- far-reaching, and finally ficials say they expect all the pieces are starting Norwegian Air to seek to come together,” said money from a $1.5 mil- Warwick Mayor Scott lion state incentive fund Avedisian, a Republican. designed to attract new One-way flights bound commercial routes to the for Europe started at $65 airport. for the first 10,000 seats, Tourism Ireland has but were already selling welcomed the announce- out on Feb. 23. Once the ment of a raft of new introductory phase is Norwegian Airllne (NAI) over, flights will start at services from the US to $99. Some Europe-bound the island of Ireland. The flights were on sale for agency’s North American more than $300 on the CEO Allison Metcalf said, airline’s website near the “Today’s announcement end of last month. is more good news for The service includes Irish tourism from the flights to Cork, Dublin United States, following and Shannon airports in a record year in 2016 Ireland, and to Belfast when an estimated 1.4 in Northern Ireland. million American travel- The company won per- ers visited Ireland, and mission from the Obama augurs well for prospects administration in De- for tourism from the US cember for its disputed to Ireland in 2017. plan to expand flights to Service to Dublin from the United States, but Providence, begins on July did not receive approval 2 with five weekly flights; from the Federal Avia- Service to Shannon from tion Administration until Providence begins on Feb., spokesman Anders July 3 with twice-weekly Lindstrom said. flights. Year-round ser- Several large US air- vice to Cork from Provi- lines and their labor dence will start on July 1 unions opposed the ex- with three weekly flights, pansion, arguing it would and service to Belfast from threaten US jobs. They Providence will be twice have accused Norwegian weekly from Providence as Air of getting around Nor- of July 2. Days of opera- way’s labor and tax laws tions from Providence will by operating new flights change between the sum- Please come and celebrate with a subsidiary based in mer 2017 and the winter Ireland called Norwegian 2017/2018 winter season. Air International. Material from Tourism The Transportation De- Ireland press statements Dorchester’s Eleventh Annual partment approved a for- was added to this report. eign air-carrier permit for St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Two days of ‘bualadh bos’ at the Harvard Club, Boston: Saturday, March 18, 2017, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 10, 11 (5-8 p.m.) In the Irish language, On Saturday at 3 p.m., St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish Hall the phrase “bualadh Paul Howard of million- bos” is used to express selling Ross O’Carroll- 800 Columbia Road, Dorchester applause, and it’s likely Kelly fame will chat with there’ll be plenty of the Boston Globe’s Kevin hurrahs at the Harvard Cullen about rugby, life, Special Guests Govenor Charlie Baker Mayor Martin J. Walsh Club on Commonwealth journalism, fake news, Avenue in Boston on Fri., and the world we live 2017 Dorchester Hall of Fame Inductees March 10 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.), in today. and on Sat., March 11 This is a free ticketed Bill Brett (same time) when The event and you can secure Irish Writers Centre, entry by registering your Kevin Chapman Poetry Ireland, and the interest at Event Brite by Consulate General of Ire- Fri., March 3. Sr. Margaret A. Leonard, LSA land will present some of Bualadh Boston is be- Ireland’s finest contem- ing produced by the Irish Edward F. Smith, Sr. porary writers in histor- Writers Centre, Poetry ic Boston, the capital of Ireland and the Consulate All proceeds to benefit Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry Irish America. Tara Ber- General of Ireland and is gin, Kevin Barry, Paul being supported by Cul- Blessed Mother Teresa Parish Howard, Nick Laird, ture Ireland, the Center Lisa McInerney and Ste- for Irish Programs at Bos- phen Sexton will join in ton College, the Irish In- 617-436-2190 conversation with local stitute at Boston College, champions of the Boston UCD, the Irish American $100 per person Dr. Larry Ronan and Jim Brett arts world as they ex- Partnership and Words Reservations will be held at door Co-Chairs plore novel insights into Ireland. Irish literature today.

Brian W. O’Sullivan CFP®, ChFc, CLU Partner 234 Copeland Street, Suite 225 Quincy, MA 02169 Tel. 617-479-0075 Ext. 331 Fax 617-479-0071 Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP ®, ChFC, CLU, is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member [email protected] SIPC. Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02210 • 617-439-4389 www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Page 14 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 The Rev. James T. O’Reilly OSA Division Eight Ancient Order of Hibernians Lawrence, Massachusetts “146 Years of Dedication to Religion, Heritage, Charity and Community”

Irish Heritage Month, March, 2017 Lawrence, Massachusetts Preserving and Fostering our Heritage and Culture Sona Feile Padraig ort. Wednesday, March 1, 2017 IRISH FLAG RAISING Across from City Hall – Common St. @11 a.m.

Saturday, March 4, 2017 Friday, March 17, 2017 THE 146th ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY BANQUET 47th ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON at the AND DANCE at the Reliefs’ In, One Market Street, South Reliefs’ In, One Market Street, South Lawrence, MA Traditional Lawrence, MA. Traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with entertainment by the Silver dancing to John Connors & the Irish Express from 6 pm – 11 Spears Irish Show Band at NOON. Awarding of the Honorable p.m. – Awarding of the Richard Cardinal Cushing and Irishman John E. Fenton Citizenship Award - For more information please & Irishwoman of the Year Awards. For more information please contact Jack Lahey @ 603 898 7766. Sponsored by Division 8 contact Charles Breen at 508 328 0323. Sponsored by Division AOH – Handicap Accessible 8 AOH – Handicap Accessible Sunday, March 19, 2017 Sunday, March 5, 2017 DAVID D. MCKEAN , local author will discuss his most recent 24th ANNUAL CLADDAGH PUB ROAD RACE 11 a.m. (rain book, “Lowell Irish” at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors or shine) - For more information: runthecladdagh.com Center, 1 Jackson St., Lawrence, MA @ 2 pm Sponsored by Division 8 AOH (FREE) - Handicap Accessible Sunday, March 5, 2017 OPENING RECEPTION and EXHIBIT - “A Pictorial Exhibit Wednesday, March 22, 2017 of the Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising” with local author, LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, CHRISTOPHER KLEIN who will talk about his book, “John 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10 am – 1 L. Sullivan “ at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, 1 pm Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s - Sponsored by Jackson St, Lawrence, MA @ 2:00 pm Sponsored by Division 8 Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible AOH (FREE) – Handicap Accessible Saturday, March 25, 2017 Saturday, March 11, 2017 IRISH FILM FESTIVAL at Lawrence Heritage State Park SAINT PATRICKS DAY PARADE 1:00 pm for more information Visitors Center, 1 Jackson St, Lawrence, MA @ 10:00 a.m. visit their website www.lawrencestpatsparade.com, or email Sponsored by Division 8 AOH (FREE) – Handicap Accessible them at [email protected] Sunday, March 26, 2017 Saturday, March 11, 2017 AN IRISH MUSIC LECTURE/CONCERT - Music at the OPEN HOUSE – Corned Beef Sandwiches & entertainment at Steinway: Stories at the Lectern - performed by Terri Kelley at the Claddagh, 399 Canal St., Lawrence, MA. the Lawrence Public Library, Sargent Auditorium, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA @ 2 pm Presented by the Friends of the Sunday, March 12, 2017 Lawrence Public Library & Division 8 In loving Memory of WHITE FUND LECTURE – ELLEN B. ALDEN, local author George Dexter Kelley (FREE) – Handicap Accessible will discuss her book, “Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke” at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, 1 Jackson St., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Lawrence, MA @ 2 pm Sponsored by Division 8 AOH (FREE) LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, - Handicap Accessible 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10 am – 1 pm Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s – Sponsored by Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10 am – 1 pm Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s – Sponsored by IRISH HERITAGE MONTH IS SPONSORED BY THE ANCIENT ORDER Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible OF HIBERNIANS DIVISION 8 and DIVISION 8 LAOH Irish Heritage Month is supported in part by a grant from the Lawrence Cultural Council, Friday, March 17, 2017 a local agency which is supported by the HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY – OPEN HOUSE – Corned Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state Beef Sandwiches & entertainment at the Claddagh, 399 Canal agency. St., Lawrence, MA. For information on AOH Membership please write to: Division 8 AOH Organizer, PO Box 1407, Lawrence, MA 01842 or e-mail our organizer @ [email protected] Page 16 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Katie McNally’s ‘Boston States’ salutes legacy of Cape Breton style, nods to the modern way By Sean Smith Roots. school and festival pro- or even not-so-young, Special to the BIR During its time, Boston vided inspiration and di- person with an interest Blame it on Gaelic College’s famed summer rection for many a young, in traditional music. So it was in 2003 when 12-year- old Katie McNally came to Gaelic Roots to build on her nearly two years of fiddle lessons, which up to that point had mainly centered on Irish music. But that week, a funny thing happened: McNally listened to fiddlers from other traditions, like the Scottish/Shetland style of Catriona MacDonald and David Greenberg’s Cape Breton style, and found herself getting hooked. Katie McNally found that recording her recent “I think what dawned album “The Boston States” -- along with Shauncey on me that week at Gaelic Ali and Neil Pearlman, left, – in Cape Breton was Roots was that all the a unique experience: “It was just a great creative fiddle tunes that I thought space to be in.” were ‘cool’ were actually Scottish,” recalls McNally, in Cape Breton, the album generations to refer to a Westford native now features McNally with Massachusetts and New living in Somerville. “As pianist Neil Pearlman England in general. The a fiddle player, I’m pretty and violist Shauncey Ali, Boston area has been obsessed with melodies, and guest appearances home to many people from and I think the drama of by Finlay MacDonald on Cape Breton, so there’s Scottish tunes has always border pipes, percussion- a strong connection that been really striking to ist Cathy Porter and step has existed for decades. I me.” dancer Wendy MacIsaac, thought it was important That summer, McNally who doubled as producer. to touch on this, especially began taking Scottish Prior to the Gaelic Roots as the older generations fiddle lessons from Han- concert, McNally (along are passing on.” neke Cassel, and quickly with Pearlman, who was At the same time, Mc- immersed herself in the her accompanist for the Nally said, she was con- Boston-area Scottish event) settled in to reflect scious about her identity music community. And on the making of “The as an American playing over time, McNally also Boston States” and her Scottish and Cape Breton became a regular at the continuing growth as a music yet with a demon- Canadian-American Club musician and composer strably contemporary in Watertown, the hub of since her debut record- approach, one shaped by the local Cape Breton coming, “Flourish,” four years her tutelage under fid- munity, becoming equally ago – and indeed, since dlers like Cassel as well adept in the distinctive that summer nearly 14 as her attendance at fiddle fiddle style – related but years ago when she first camps (including the one not identical to Scotland’s acquired the taste for at Boston Harbor), where – of the island. Scottish and Cape Breton there is much opportunity, It was only fitting when music. and encouragement, to McNally returned to BC “There’s definitely a experiment with different and Gaelic Roots – now nod to the past – but then styles. McNally’s forma- an academic-year concert again, aren’t we all doing tive musical experiences series – earlier this year that when we play tradi- also have included play- to perform selections from tional music?” she said of ing in the fiddle ensemble her recently released sec- the new album. “‘Boston Childsplay and as part ond album, “The Boston States’ is the name that of the all-female quartet States,” a paean to her Cape Bretoners and other Long Time Courting, and Cape Breton experiences people in the Canadian touring with Galician and friendships. Recorded Maritimes have used for (Continued on page 21) bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17

Greenhills is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all month long Serving full Irish breakfast and breakfast sandwiches Coffee & Barry’s tea

Hot from our oven Honey Baked Hams for sale, 6-16 lbs size

Dinners every day For our lunch specials call or check Greenhill’s Facebook Boiled Dinners Every Thursday

Decorated Cakes & Cookie platters for St. Patrick’s Day and Every Day Desserts

Make Greenhills your One Stop Shop for all your Irish Groceries and meats Rashers, Sausages, Pudding, Raw Hams & Bacon

Red and Grey Corned Beef sold by the pound ORDER EARLY for your holiday celebration!

Greenhills Bakery Open Monday-Saturday 780 Adams Street 5 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dorchester, MA 02124 Sunday 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. 617-825-8187 www.greenhillsbakery.com Page 18 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Calendar of Celtic music, dance events March 2017 musician, songwriter, month is the Canadian ditions with skill as well which promotes ties be- House, 300 Hammond March is typically the singer and producer from wife-husband fiddle-play- as flamboyance and verve. tween Irish and American Street, Chestnut Hill. mother lode for Irish/ Derry, Northern Ireland, ing, step dancing duo For tickets and other artists and encourages Go to bc.edu/gaelicroots Celtic music events in has amassed dozens of of Natalie MacMaster information about both the development of new to register and for more Greater Boston and East- platinum, gold and silver and Donnell Leahy, on shows, go to berklee.edu/ theater and music. Last information. ern Massachusetts, and albums. Long Island na- March 12 at 7:30 p.m., events. year, Byrne released the • Meanwhile, on March this year is no exception. tive Cooney, who has sung presented by World Mu- • The Irish Cultural CD “Scéal,” a collection of 10, Kieran Jordan Here’s a look at some of professionally for more sic/CRASHarts. The two Centre of New England in stories and reminiscences Dance will collaborate the month’s happenings: than three decades, has both come from distin- Canton will have a busy of Ireland. with Symphony Nova • Popular entertainers toured around the world guished music families: day of it on March 18, Go to irishculture.org – a 10-person classical Phil Coulter and Andy and been featured on CD, MacMaster’s relatives in- beginning at 4 p.m. with for prices and other details chamber orchestra – for Cooney once again team DVD and broadcast televi- clude Cape Breton music a family ceili led by Cait on these events. a program spotlighting up for their “Celtic Cross- sion. Their special guests icons Buddy MacMaster, Bracken and music by • Boston-area and New the 17th-century Irish ings” show, an evening include Irish vocalist Ger- Ashley MacIsaac, and Dennis Galvin, Nathan England performers will harp music of Turlough of “Irish warmth, spirit aldine Branagan, world Andrea Beaton; Leahy has Gourley and Laura be in the spotlight at “Irish O’Carolan, featuring and culture” presented champion Irish dancer performed for years with Feddersen. The event Music Night” on March original choreography through music and dance, Conor O’Brien (who has his siblings in the award- will feature well-known 18 at 8 p.m. in Medford’s and new musical arrange- on March 4 at 7 p.m. in the performed in “Lord of the winning ensemble titled participatory dances such Chevalier Theatre: Matt ments. This performance Berklee Performance Cen- Dance”) and the Irish Pops with the family name. as the Siege of Ennis, and Shannon Heaton, takes place at 7:30 p.m. ter, produced by Bridget’s Ensemble. MacMaster and Leahy Walls of Limerick and who offer traditional as in Arts at the Armory in An Irish Tradition. Coul- Also at the Berklee continue to celebrate the Kerry Set. Then at 7:30 well as original songs, and Somerville. Go to kieran- ter, a Grammy-nominated Performance Center this Canadian folk music tra- p.m., the center hosts a flute/whistle-guitar/bou- jordan.com/performances. concert by singer Niamh zouki duets, all steeped php. Parsons, accompanied in Irish tradition; Laura • RUNA, an Irish- by guitarist Graham Cortese, a Scottish-style American quintet that has Dunne. Parsons, from fiddler who has worked in gained a strong regional Dublin, began her profes- many different traditions, following via its appear- sional career in 1990 and styles and genres of mu- ances at New Bedford Folk is regarded as among a sic; and Fódhla, the trio Festival and elsewhere, select group of perform- of Ellery Klein (fiddle), comes to two area cof- ers who helped establish Nicole Rabata (flute) feehouses: the Old Sloop a new, high-profile role and Bethany Waickman Coffeehouse in Rockport for women in Irish music. (guitar), which brings its [oldsloopcoffeehouse.org] She has six studio albums own mix of musical influ- on March 3, and Circle and one live album to her ences and backgrounds to of Friends Coffeehouse credit. bear on the Irish tradition. in Franklin [circlefolk. On March 25 at 7:30 See chevaliertheatre. org] on March 4. RUNA p.m., singer and story- com for tickets and other incorporates elements of teller Helena Byrne will event information. bluegrass, flamenco, blues make a return visit to • Boston College’s Gael- and jazz into its mainly the center. Her musical ic Roots series will hold a Irish-Scottish repertoire. credits include appear- special evening of music The Bombadils – the ances with James Taylor, and dance on March 30 duo of Canadian Luke Moya Brennan, and Bob at 6:30 p.m., with per- Fraser (guitar, mandolin, Geldof, and collaborations formances by BC faculty vocals) and American Sar- with Kila co-founders members Sheila Falls ah Frank (fiddle, banjo, Ronan and Colm O Sno- (fiddle) and Kieran Jor- vocals) – will open for daigh; she has also been dan (dance) and their stu- RUNA at the Old Sloop. active in the theatrical dents, along with special • The Burren Back- realms, and is founder of guests. The event is free room Series will host the Break-Away Project and open to the public, and Téada, regarded as one Performance Company, takes place at Connolly of the best traditionally- bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19

tion on March 17 featur- as their own compositions, issue.] ing music, dance and is steeped in the culture Le Vent du Nord, a storytelling with Burren and history of the Cana- leading exponent of Que- co-founders and own- dian Maritimes. becois music, takes the ers Tommy McCarthy Club Passim will host Passim stage on March and Louise Costello, a preview show for this 30. The quartet of Nico- joined by Robert Elliott year’s New England las Boulerice, Oliver and Seamus Noonan Folk Festival Associa- Demers, Rejean Brunet plus special guests. Show tion (NEFFA) on March ,and Simon Beaudry times are at 1, 3, 5, and 7 19 that will include the has continually shown p.m.; an Irish meal is in- Vox Hunters. The duo energy and creativity cluded. Go to burren.com. of Armand Aromin and over its almost 15 years of • Ronan Tynan, wide- Benedict Gagliardi is existence. Their most re- ly acclaimed as “America’s well-versed in – but by no cent album, “Têtu,” shows Irish Tenor,” will perform means limited to – Irish the band incorporating at the Tilden Arts Center traditional music. Their contemporary material in West Barnstable on performances are typified – some of it their own Cape Cod on March 19 by driving dance tunes compositions – alongside at 3 p.m. Born in Dublin with fiddle, concertina, the traditional. and raised in Kilkenny, banjo and tin whistle, For showtimes, tickets Tynan has toured inter- ear-pleasing harmony and other information, go nationally and sung at singing, and good humor. to passim.org. such landmark events Also on the bill will be • The journey of a young, as the state funeral for Outrageous Fortune and 19th-century Irish wom- Ronald Reagan, the Bel- Gogoski. an’s journey to America mont Stakes, benefits and Locally based Scottish- is the subject of “Them- memorial services for 9/11 American duo Jenna selves: An Immigrant’s first responders, and the Moynihan and Màiri Story,” presented by the Quebecois quartet Le Vent du Nord plays at Club Passim March 30. inauguration of Boston Chaimbeul will hold a John F. Kennedy Library Mayor Martin Walsh. He CD release concert on Presidential Library and oriented Irish bands to lechurch.org/roots.php]. cades while also working has released five albums March 26. Upstate New Museum on March 11 at emerge this century, Kevin Burke, one of with other musicians such as well as a DVD of his York-born fiddler Moyni- 10:30 a.m. The interactive on March 8. The group, the most influential fid- as Mick Moloney, Seamus motivational speaking. han met Chaimbeul – a performance includes sto- which has released five dlers in the modern Irish Egan, Jimmy Keane, and For tickets and other harpist from Scotland’s rytelling and traditional albums, is driven by the music revival, comes to Eileen Ivers. All the while, show information, go to Isle of Skye – when they Irish music and dance. melodic strength of fiddler the Backroom on March he’s cultivated a career bluefrog.showare.com. were students at Berklee Registration and other Oisín Mac Diarmada, ac- 15. Burke’s Sligo-style as a masterful singer- • On March 9, Club Pas- College of Music, and built details at jfklibrary.org. cordionist Paul Finn and playing has become fa- songwriter whose works sim in Harvard Square a partnership around a fu- • The Reagle Music Damien Stenson, backed mous through his stints like “Keg of Brandy” and welcomes Acadian trio sion of Scottish and Appa- Theatre of Greater Boston by Sean McElwain (gui- with The Bothy Band, “Hard to Say Goodbye” Vishten, comprising the lachian/old-timey music, will present “A Little tar, bouzouki) and Tristan Patrick Street, Open have been widely covered. LeBlanc sisters, Em- with elements of classical Bit of Ireland” on the Rosenstock (bodhran). House and the Celtic O’Connell also appears manuelle (whistles, oc- and jazz. Opening for the weekend of March 11 and Although singer-accordi- Fiddle Festival, as well at the Coffeehouse Off the tave mandolin, bodhran, pair will be The Sound 12. The theater’s annual onist Seamus Begley, who as his various other col- Square in Hingham on keyboards, jaw harp, per- Accord, a Phoenix-based celebration of St. Patrick’s joined Téada five years laborations. March 18. See oldship- cussive dance, vocals) and “chamber folk” string Day – conceived and di- ago, will not be making Another legend of the church.org/coffeehouse- Pastelle (accordion, piano, sextet that blends tradi- rected by Reagle’s produc- the trip, his daughter Irish revival, Robbie off-the-square.html. percussive dance, vocals) tional and contemporary ing artistic director Bob Méabh – a fine singer and O’Connell, rounds out All three events begin from Prince Edward Is- Scottish and other Celtic Eagle – features a cast of musician in her own right the Backroom slate for at 7:30 p.m. For tickets land, and Pascal Miousse instrumental music with 100 and a live orchestra, – will sit in with them. the month on March 22. and other details, go to (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, classical influences. with Irish music, dance Téada also will perform O’Connell had strong mu- burren.com/Backroom- vocals) of Magdalen Is- [Moynihan and Chaim- and comedy. For tickets on March 10 as part sical roots in his family, Series.html. land. Their music, which beul also are appearing in and information, see rea- of the Belleville Roots as a nephew of the Clancy • The Burren also will encompasses traditional this year’s “A St. Patrick’s glemusictheatre.com. Music Concert Series in Brothers, and toured with hold its traditional St. Acadian-French songs Day Celtic Sojourn” – see – SEAN SMITH Newburyport [bellevil- them for almost two de- Patrick’s Day celebra- and instrumentals as well story elsewhere in this Page 20 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 ‘A Little Bit of Ireland’ features the soprano Mara Bonde Ricker Garland (version) of that and I said, “This is so much fun!’” Q. You’ve been a member of the Reagle family for a while, but this marks your first time in “Little Bit of Ireland.” A. I brought my kids to see this show a couple of years ago and I fell I love with it . . . I always bring my kids to see the summer shows . . . “Carousel” and “Kiss Me Kate” and “Thor- oughly Modern Millie” . . . They love them. I think it’s so important for kids to be taken to these shows. Q. As a child, you were surrounded by music. What was that like? A. My Dad was a professor at Mt. Holyoke for 34 years . . . he was teaching Soprano Mara Bonde Ricker: “This is so much fun! ” Cast members will perform Irish favorites in “A Little Bit of Ireland” at Reagle theory and composition. Music Theatre March 11 & 12. Reagle Music Theatre / Herb Philpott Photo My Mom was a piano in a while. (Laughing) I do classical pieces and some instructor at Mt. Holyoke have them, but if I know I of the operas, Mozart is By R. J. Donovan American Songbook or Reagle audiences will as well, for about 8 years. have to sing the next day, one of my most favorite Special to the BIR appearing with the finest remember her well as She does private piano I won’t drink anything be- composers. If I really “A Little Bit of Ireland,” opera companies from Sarah Brown in the 2015 teaching now. They did cause it’s so drying. And had a different voice in Reagle Music Theatre’s Sarasota to Lake George. summer production of a lot of piano four hand I am crazy about taking the world of opera and I annual musical celebra- Originally from South “Guys & Dolls” as well as concerts together. Their my Airborne when I go could sing all the major tion of all things Irish, Hadley in western Mas- in the company’s annual music studio was down on an airplane. Getting a Puccini leads, that’s what returns to the Robinson sachusetts, Mara is a Christmas revue. on the lowest level of our cold is the worst, ever. . I’d really want to sing, too. Theatre in Waltham for graduate of Mt. Holyoke We spoke about “A Little house . . . and from when . . It feels like your super I can sing some Puccini, three performances only College where both her Bit of Ireland” as she and I was very, very little, I powers are taken away! . but I don’t have the big, on March 11 and 12. parents were music pro- Bob Eagle were discuss- grew up hearing all this . . We’re just so protective big opera voice for it. Conceived and directed fessors. She subsequently ing the running order for music through the heat- of our instruments. It isn’t Q. If you could invite by Reagle’s Producing earned her master’s in vo- the show: ing vents. like an instrument you can anyone, past or present, Artistic Director Bob cal performance at Boston Q. The production stan- Q. Did you ever join in? pull out of the case and to sit in the front row at Eagle, the revue features University where she was dards are always incred- A. My Dad is a classi- dust it off and polish it up. Reagle and hear you sing, Reagle’s own Irish Tenors invited to join the Opera ibly high at Reagle. What cally trained pianist but We carry it inside of us. whom would you choose? and adult choir, classic Institute. will you be singing during he’s also a jazz musician, Q. A couple of rapid A. The first person who step dancing, the comedy She was also a Fellow your spots in the Irish so he always had the fire questions. Favorite pops into my head . . . is of Harold “Jerry” Walker, at the Aspen Music Fes- revue? “thousand song-sheet” American Songbook com- Ella Fitzgerald. I regret the heavenly sounds of tival and one of 12 sing- A. The first song I’m book around the house. He poser? that I never heard her the Massachusetts Harp ers selected to study at going to be doing is “Come would grab that and say A. Oh, gosh . . . In terms sing live. I just absolutely Ensemble (founded by the Britten-Pears School Back To Erin” . . . I love “Come on Mara, let’s go of the jazz standards, I adore her. I know every- Judith Ross), a cast of in Aldeburgh, England, these songs, they’re ab- sing some of these songs.” am enamored of Harold body else does too, but 100 plus a full orchestra, with opera legend Joan solutely beautiful. An- So I started singing those Arlen’s “Come Rain Or when I hear that sound, all of which makes the Sutherland. other is “Ireland Mother – The American Songbook Come Shine.” It’s one she makes me melt. Reagle production one of Locally she has per- Ireland” -- I believe that’s and jazz standards – from of my favorite things to R. J. Donovan is edi- the largest Irish shows in formed with The Bos- going to be with the harps when I was pretty little. sing. I absolutely love tor and publisher of on- New England. ton Pops, The Handel & . . . And then there’s Q. We think of operatic it. Sometimes you find stageboston.com Featured soloist this Haydn Society, Boston some fun stuff -- the “St. voices as being so strong a piece that just fits you. ••• year is the soprano Mara Baroque, and Boston Lyric Patrick’s Day Parade” and powerful. Do you do It’s kind of like trying on “A Little Bit of Ireland,” Bonde Ricker. Living in Opera, among others. song. And of course “The anything special to protect clothes and seeing what March 11 (2 & 7 p.m.) and Concord with her hus- When she toured with Irish Blessing” in Act Two. your voice? works and what doesn’t March 12 (2 p.m.), Robin- band and children, Mara Boston Musical Theater, Very poignant. Then we A. I don’t smoke, I never work . . . It just feels re- son Theatre, 617 Lexing- is renowned as a gifted she delighted audiences end it with “It’s A Great smoked. You don’t drink ally good. ton Street, Waltham. Info: crossover artist, equally from Belgium to South Day For The Irish.” I was a lot, even though I may Q. And classical? reaglemusictheatre.com at home singing The Great Korea. just listening to the Judy want my glass of wine once A. Sinking my teeth into or 781-891-5600. Saluting Cape Breton legacy, nodding to the modern way (Continued from page 16) fiddle grooves to viola, syncopated backing. For nal, “The Martlet,” with “Wendy does an amazing never left that headspace bagpiper Carlos Nunez. adding depth and cross- contrast, the strathspey one of Holland’s storied job of making Cape Breton – you’d go outside, and “This seemed like a hatching to the melody. “Donald John the Tailor” tunes, “Father John An- music sound modern, but there you were in Cape truthful way of framing The first track, which opens with a hushed, slow- gus Rankin.” Here, Pearl- she’s an old-style player Breton. It was just a great my playing, and that of begins with the reel “Colin ly unfurling exploration of man switches to a Fender who keeps the heart of creative space to be in.” Cape Bretoners in Boston, McIntosh” (a composition the tune by McNally, with Rhodes electric piano, the music present even One other result of mak- for a modern audience. by Dan R. MacDonald) slightly off-stage noises laying in a rock-solid as things are pushing ing “The Boston States,” The best way to think of serves to affirm both a and noodlings from Pearl- beat that is eventually forward. McNally added, was that ‘The Boston States’ is as connection to the past and man and Ali, gradually taken up by McNally and “It was a dream to record it got her thinking of her a reimagining of the kind a new direction. It starts building strength into a Ali while he solos in an at the studio [Lakewind], the Canadian part of of Cape Breton music that with an excerpt of a re- syncopated piano-viola increasingly funky mode. because basically every- her family heritage that you would encounter at the cording of Cormier playing transition over which After establishing the sec- one in Cape Breton music includes ancestry from Canadian-American Club the tune with the classic McNally takes off into ond tune, McNally defers has recorded there. And Prince Edward Island and and other dancehalls, or Cape Breton fiddle-piano “One More Week,” a reel to Ali for another enthrall- because they just record Montreal. So she feels an among the neighborhoods dynamic – the fade-in of of her composition, that is ing solo, then reasserting fiddle albums, they know even deeper connection of Cape Bretoners, in the the instruments suggest- enlivened by MacIsaac’s the melody to a bracing how to properly mike a to Boston’s Cape Breton Boston area.” ing continuity – until Mc- step dancing; there’s an in- conclusion. fiddle, and how to get the community, which has So while “Boston States” Nally and Pearlman take terlude in which McNally “I had met Shauncey at piano to sound right. Our undergone a change in is, in a sense, a tribute over. And then McNally, and Ali play a repeating a fiddle camp a few years engineer, Mike Shepherd, the past decade or so to Boston’s Cape Breton along with Ali, shifts to two-note riff with vary- ago, and really liked his actually built me a mi- due to demographics and legacy – including tunes a rhythmic bowing, and ing harmonies, and then playing,” said McNally. crophone, and said ‘See economics, among other associated with giants Pearlman takes the lead, Pearlman helps kickstart “He wasn’t playing viola, how you like that.’ When factors. like Jerry Holland, Bill throwing in some tasty the reel back up again for but I eventually coerced you have that kind of “The maritime Cana- Lamey and Joe Cormier jazz-flavored variations; another run-through. him to try. I just like how expertise and knowledge dians aren’t moving here – it is definitely not a finally, there’s a flourish The compositional tal- the viola blends with the helping you, it makes like before. They’re more throwback, old-school by McNally and Ali that ents of Pearlman and fiddle: It gives you a dif- the recording process a likely to go to western album. McNally displays acts as a segue into the sec- McNally are highlighted ferent timbre, and while pleasure.” Canada – you don’t need a all the trademarks of the ond reel, “Black Horse.” in a set that begins with a viola doesn’t have the McNally had perhaps a visa for that. It’s true that rugged yet beguiling Cape Another set begins with his sweet-toned jig, “The range of a cello, you still third of the album worked the Cape Breton popula- Breton fiddle style, but a strathspey, “The Fir McNallys of Frances Hill,” get that lower-end sound, out when she arrived at tion in Boston has been interpolates modern ideas Tree” – McNally describes on which he takes the lead and it’s also a nice inter- the studio, and the setting declining, but you know, and techniques. Pearl- it as Scottish, with a Cape on melody, followed by mediary with the piano.” was a factor in getting people still go out to the man ventures beyond the Breton setting – that Ali and McNally; the set The experience of re- the rest of the material dances at the Canadian- unique Cape Breton piano came from the repertoire closes with McNally’s reel cording in Cape Breton, squared away. American Club, and the accompaniment, with its of Lamey, segueing into “The Millers of Newbury,” and working with Ma- “I recorded my first camaraderie and the love boogie-woogie-inspired a McNally original, “Bat- full of harmonic richness cIsaac, a talented fiddler album in Massachusetts, of the music and dance is walking bass, to bring in moreel,” in which McNally from the trio. herself and a member of so after each day in the all still there. I feel very jazz and Latin elements. and Ali trade off on the One of the more inven- one of Cape Breton’s most studio I’d just go back to fortunate to be part of it.” Ali, meanwhile, trans- melody and variations, tive tracks on the album eminent musical families, my house,” she explained. fers his bluegrass-centric fueled by Pearlman’s combines a McNally origi- was a thrill for McNally. “But in this case, I just Page 22 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Liz Carroll, fiddle in hand, is ready Comprehensive for St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn Financial Planning: (Continued from page 1) Liz Carroll is happy to ing with these younger Carroll has been one be in town performing musicians. They bring so of America’s most promi- as part of “A St. Patrick’s much creativity and spark What Is It, nent Irish fiddlers for a Day Celtic Sojourn.” Bos- to the tradition.” good three decades or so, ton, she says, “is such a Here’s a look at the rest vibrant scene.” not only for the precision of the performers who’ll be and verve of her playing Why It Matters gone the other way, and appearing in “A St. Pat- but also for her based-in- rick’s Day Celtic Sojourn”: tradition compositions. they’re quieter, with less notes.” • Waterford native Your approach to building wealth should Among other honors, she Karan Casey, who was has received a National Carroll went on to tour be built around your goals & values with the Green Fields of through town back in No- Heritage Fellowship from vember as the lead singer the National Endowment America ensemble headed up by Mick Moloney, with the Childsplay fiddle for the Arts, was nomi- ensemble, was an original Provided by Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP, ChFC, CLU nated for a Grammy for released a second solo and every now and then recording – incorporating see each other at some member of the ground- “Double Play,” her album breaking Irish-American Just what is “comprehensive financial plan- with longtime collaborator more of her compositions festival or other event.” – and later recorded two Carroll, for her part, super-group Solas, with ning?” As you invest and save for retirement, guitarist John Doyle, and whom she recorded three was the first American- albums as part of the spends some of her time you will no doubt hear or read about it – but trio Trian, with guitarist playing in the String Sis- albums before embarking born composer to win on a solo career. Casey’s what does that phrase really mean? Just what Ireland’s Cumadoir TG4 Daithi Sproule and accor- ters, an all-star female dionist Billy McComiskey. band whose members most recent album, 2014’s does comprehensive financial planning entail, award for traditional Irish “Two More Hours,” fea- and why do knowledgeable investors request music. And then along came – including Annbjorg John Doyle: He and Car- Lien, Liz Knowles, and tured her own composi- this kind of approach? While the phrase may As the daughter of Irish tions and showed her di- immigrants, Carroll came roll made for a pow- Catriona MacDonald – seem ambiguous to some, it can be simply erful partnership that represent fiddle traditions verse musical background, by the music honestly – blending jazz, blues and defined. her father played accor- often turned the melody- from Ireland, Scotland, rhythm dynamic upside Scandinavia and America. R&B. She’s also toured dion, her grandfather the with Maura O’Connell and Comprehensive financial fiddle, and her parents of- down and sideways. (They’re rumored to be “He’s simply a genius, recording a new album Lúnasa, and performed in planning is about building ten took her to a live radio A Stór Mo Chroí, a collabo- show that featured Irish with just a flawless sense sometime soon.) In 2013, wealth through a process, of rhythm,” says Carroll. she released her first solo ration with John Spillane, music. She took up fiddle, Lumiere and Muireann not a product. and by her late teens was “And what a memory. album, “On the Offbeat,” We’d have someone come in more than a decade, Nic Amhlaoibh. Financial products are regularly atop the All- • Jenna Moynihan (fid- everywhere, and simply Ireland competitions, with up before a concert and with an impressive guest say, ‘Would you do such- list that included Sean Og dle), from upstate New putting money into an two first-place finishes York, and Mairi Chaim- plus a second place in solo and-such tune?’ And I’d Graham, Trevor Hutchin- investment is not a gate- say to him, ‘John, this one son and Seamus Egan. beul (harp), a native of fiddle, and another in the Scotland’s Isle of Skye, way to getting rich, nor a duet category. is pretty complicated,’ and Which leads to the in- he’d reply, ‘Play it.’ He evitable question of when met as students at Berk- solution to your financial Yet as much as she lee College of Music and issues. loved tunes from tradi- would get it just like that. Carroll’s next recording And then, when we’d play might be. And here, Car- forged a sound that fuses tion, Carroll found she Scottish and Appalachian/ liked composing her own it for real, he’d remember roll – like more than a few Comprehensive financial planning is holistic. it perfectly. It makes no musicians – is contemplat- old-timey music, with ele- – her first solo album, “A ments of classical and jazz. It is about more than “money”. A compre- Friend Indeed” (1978), sense to me! ing a dramatically altered “We just had a great lev- landscape than when she They are set to release an hensive financial plan is not only built around featured five of her pieces album later this month, your goals, but also around your core values. – although at first finding el of understanding with started out. one another. Sometimes “It’s just a very different and will hold a concert What matters most to you in life? How does a venue in which to play to mark the occasion on them wasn’t always easy. I’d have a strong idea of time,” she says. “I’ve been your wealth relate to that? What should your what the chord should be working with a terrific March 26 at Harvard “For me to play an Square’s Club Passim. wealth help you accomplish? What could it unknown tune in those in a particular part of a guitarist-pianist, Jake tune, so he’d give me what Charron, and told him • Keith Murphy, born accomplish for others? Chicago sessions wouldn’t in Newfoundland and now have gone over very well,” I wanted to hear – but then recently that we should he’d throw in something put some tracks down. But living in Brattleboro, is Comprehensive financial planning considers the she says. “I’m not a ‘ses- an accomplished guitar- sion-buster,’ but I do like different, and it worked. I then I started thinking entirety of your financial life. Your assets, your didn’t feel like what John about the pros and cons ist, pianist and arranger, to hear individuals try as well as a masterful liabilities, your taxes, your income, your busi- things out – I remember did was ‘accompaniment’ of doing a CD – the time, – he was right on top of the expense, and so on. But singer in both English ness – these aspects of your financial life are being fascinated years ago and French. In addition being around bluegrass it, wasn’t sitting back. We my husband Charles said, never isolated from each other. Occasionally were a duo in every sense ‘Look, whatever this thing to performing for years or frequently, they interrelate. Comprehensive fiddlers, who were all as part of the innovative about taking solos. of the word.” is going to be, you should financial planning recognizes this interrelation But the Carroll-Doyle just do it. Who knows if contra dance trio Night- “So the only time I would ingale, he’s collaborated and takes a systematic, integrated approach usually trot out my own partnership was in some it’s going to be an album ways a victim of its own or a download; don’t let with numerous musicians toward improving your financial situation. tunes was when I played and singers, and has been with my friends, and we’d success. it stop you from putting “John’s a multi-tasker, something on tape.’ And part of the fiddle ensemble Comprehensive financial planning is long-range. learn each another’s stuff. Childsplay. Part of the reason was, and he just needs to be I’ve taken that to heart.” It presents a strategy for the accumulation, doing a bunch of different Carroll is grateful for • Ruby and Sam Miller, back then we didn’t learn who have often appeared maintenance and eventual distribution of your tunes all that fast, and things at once,” explains the chance to work with Carroll. “I tend to be more musicians from more re- as a trio with sister Evelyn, wealth, in a written plan to be implemented when an album we all are top-flight Irish step liked came out we’d focus settled, and focus more cent generations, even if and fine-tuned over time. on one or two things. He in unlikely circumstances. dancers who competed in on learning everything the World Irish Dancing on it. But then it might kept on getting all these “I was on Skype not long What makes this kind of planning so necessary? fantastic offers because ago with this 11-year-old Championships in Bel- be another six months or fast in 2012 and Boston If you aim to build and preserve wealth, you so before the next album, everyone wanted to have kid from Utah who wanted him on their tour, or play to make up tunes, and in 2013. must play “defense” as well as “offense.” Too and you’d be dying to play For ticket information a new tune to challenge on or produce their album, ended up having the best many people see building wealth only in terms and it just didn’t seem time – I’m whistling one and other details about yourself. So my tunes were “A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic of investing – you invest, you “make money,” pretty complicated then, right to hold him back. But of his tunes while walking and that is how you become rich. we had a great run, and through the house. I just Sojourn,” see wgbh.org/ very notey, and all over the celtic. fiddle; over time, they’ve we’re still close friends, feel all energized by work- Basing decisions on a plan prevents destruc- tive behaviors when markets turn unstable. Impulsive decision-making is what leads many investors to buy high and sell low. Buying and selling in reaction to short-term volatility is a Photography by day trading mentality. On the whole, investors lose ground by buying and selling too actively. A comprehensive financial plan – and its long- Image Photo Service range vision – helps to discourage this sort of behavior. At the same time, the plan – and the financial professional(s) who helped create it – • Weddings • Anniversaries • Banquets can encourage the investor to stay the course. • Portraits • Reunions • Groups Think of a comprehensive financial plan as your • Families • Special Occasions compass. Accordingly, the financial professional who works with you to craft and refine the plan can serve as your navigator on the journey toward your goals. (617) 291-6609 Brian W. O’Sullivan is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. He may be reached at 617-479- 0075 x331 or [email protected]. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 Page 24 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 25

CD Reviews Peoples (“Lochlann’s”), or learned from the work of Balatti started out as a classical-style flautist but Laurence Nugent (“Return Home”), Gerry O’Connor about 15 years ago decided to devote himself to the By Sean Smith (“Launching the Boat,” “The Mohill”) and Christy Irish flute and whistle tradition, and so he lived Gailfean, “Won’t You Come Out Tonight?” • In Leahy (“Johnny the Tailor’s Fancy”), among others. in Ennis, Co. Clare, for an extended time to get a perfect universe, all legendary Irish musicians These nestle alongside the Breton tune “Suite acclimated. He wound up joining The Birkin Tree, would get to play together in an infinite number Fisel,” a Northwest English hornpipe paired with a pioneering band made of up fellow Irish music- of different bands that would each release at least a clog dance tune from Nova Scotia, a French peri- loving Italians that has played with folks like Liam one album. As we know all too well, the universe godrino composed by violinist Niccolo Paganini, a O’Flynn, Martin Hayes and Niamh Parsons (Balatti isn’t perfect, but here is the latest “super group,” if Sicilian waltz and a couple of tarantellas – plus a also is one of the few flutists in the traditional Ital- you will, with three All-Ireland champions: Sligo- traditional dance from the Bolognese Apennines he ian music scene). Sound-wise, “Northern Breeze” style fiddler Brian Conway; peripatetic accordionist repurposes as a reel. With his lengthy list of musi- is spare compared to the other two albums, Balatti John Whelan; and Máirtin de Cógáin, a masterful cal friends, Fabbri sets the right mood and tone for backed primarily by guitarist Michael Bryan and bodhran player, singer and storyteller. Rounding each track: A vigorously rendered set of jigs with the Fabio Biale on bodhran and piano. Some of the sets out the quartet is guitarist Don Penzien, who also McSherrys sounds straight from a cracking good pub (“Coleman’s March/Piper’s Maggot/The Crooked has a distinguished resume as a festival organizer session, while “Tarantella Nicodemo” – with Felice Road”; “The Humours of Giulia” set, all written (notably CelticFest in Mississippi). Zaccheo on mandola and Maurizio Geri on nylon- by him) are a little reminiscent of Flook; there’s “ W o n ’ t Y o u string guitar – resonates with a classical/Mediter- also a lovely duet with harpist Elena Spotti on the Come Out To- ranean ambiance. [claddaghrecords.com/index.php/ O’Carolan piece “Eleanor Plunkett” and quite a few night?” is one instruments/fiddle/marco-fabbri-croassroads.html] ebullient flute-guitar-piano trios, notably the jig of those albums Tornielli has played flute and whistle with The medley “Agata/Adam and Eve.” [michelbalatti.com] where the ami- Clan, an Italian Celtic punk band, but is best At a time when one can speak of Irish/Celtic music cability and good known for his appearances (with the likes of Mac as a global phenomenon, it’s important to see that not cheer are as easy Diarmada and Crawford) at the Eire! International in terms of big, glitzy international pop spectacles – to discern as the Festival in Bonedo. His tone and overall command where “Celtic” functions as a brand name – staged in outstanding mu- of the instrument are quite extraordinary – the jig huge concert halls, broadcast on TV and, ultimately, sicianship. The set “Wishing Well/Apples in Winter” and a slip jig/ disseminated via DVD. Instead, look – or rather melodic interplay reels combo (“Broose and Butter” followed by his listen – to the Marco Fabbris, Tommaso Torniellis between Conway compositions “Crazy Glass” and “Interence”), as and Michel Balattis, who embrace and understand and Whelan is a well as a pair of hornpipes, are highlights, as is his the tradition in its most basic forms. Che bello. thing of beauty set with Mac Diarmada on fiddle and McElwain on – on a pair of guitar and bouzouki. hornpipes (“The Cuckoo/The Western”), for instance, or reels like “The Whistling Postman/Berehaven,” or the trio of slip jigs that includes the old favorite “Hardiman the Fiddler.” Each gets a turn alone, Conway on a medley that begins with his lovely treatment of the air “The Bonny Bunch of Roses” and segues into the reels “Redican’s Bow” and “Seán sa Cheo” (Penzien’s guitar is a welcome presence throughout); Whelan powers through a trio of reels (“Finbarr Dwyer’s/ Tom Ward’s Downfall/The Maid I Ne’er Forgot”) with typical aplomb. The vocal selections are equally pleasing, thanks to de Cógáin’s range and hearty tone, not to mention a fine choice of material, including “Nil na Lá (Day- break Has Not Come),” a Cork ditty in the guest-who- just-won’t-leave vein, around which Conway and Whelan delightfully wrap a Larry Redican-composed reel, “Kathleen’s Fiddle”; “Heenan & Sayers,” which recounts a famous 19th-century boxing match with all the swagger and bravado you’d want in a sporting ballad; “Óró, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile,” one of Ireland’s most stirring patriotic anthems, Patrick Pearse’s rewrite of an older Jacobite song; and “Castle Hyde,” a tribute to a grand Cork estate so absurd in its excessive praise that the proprietor was convinced the song had been written as a mockery. Not only does Gailfean have gobs of talent and experience, but also a good creation story: They were stranded together at an Irish retreat in Texas during Hurricane Sandy and did an impromptu performance, which inspired them to make a go of it (“Gailfean,” appropriately enough, is Gaelic for “rough weather”). No, the universe isn’t perfect, but it does get some things right here and there. [gailfean.com]

Marco Fabbri, “Crossroads”; Michel Balatti, “The Northern Breeze”; Tommaso Tornielli, “1st” • Over the years, this space has given regular attention to the remarkable amount of Irish/Celtic music coming from Europe, as exemplified by bands such as Germany’s Cara and France’s Doolin. Italy has it going on, too, as this trio of recent recordings attests – and we’re not talking about renditions of “The Wild Rover” or “Fields of Athenry” with Nea- politan accents. These musicians have immersed themselves in the tradition and done the work to pick up its nuances and details. They’ve also been keeping quite impressive company: Guest stars on these albums include worthies like Oisin Mac Diarmada, Kevin Crawford, Nuala Kennedy, Sean McElwain, Caitlín Nic Gab- hann, Junior Davey, and Paul and John Mc- Sherry; but it bears mention- ing that plenty of the supporting musicians also are Italian, and equally deserving of praise. A native of Rome, Fabbri began playing fiddle in 1980 and spent a considerable amount of time in Belfast, joining the group Ultan and touring the continent with them. He also recorded with the unique Ital- ian world/electronica/Celtic-fusion band Fiamma Fumana. Reflecting the extent of Fabbri’s travels, “Crossroads” is the most wide-ranging of these three albums, including music from Italian, Breton and English traditions as well as Irish. Fired by his crisp, authoritative playing across the different genres and contexts, “Crossroads” abounds with Irish music from distinguished pedigrees, including tunes composed by Sean Ryan (“Shamrock Hill”; “Ar Mhuin na Muice”), Thomas Lynch (“The Brit in the Liffey”), Charlie Lennon (“Master Seamus”) and Siobhan Page 26 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Traveling People Ireland holds back little when it comes to the Saint’s day

By Judy Enright sales and marketing Special to the BIR director for Listoke Dis- It’s that glorious month tillery: “Having recently when everyone, every- returned to Ireland after where is Irish regardless 18 years working in the of ancestry or nationality. bar industry in New York, And, Ireland, where I was struck by the inter- the patron saint’s day est in gin, and saw the was once celebrated in a opportunity to recapture somewhat more somber Ireland’s heritage of spirit and spiritual manner, production.” now pulls out all the In addition to the gin stops with fun festivals, school, a visit to Listoke parades, and other lively estate offers an art gal- celebrations all over the lery, extensive and beau- country – some of which tifully restored Edward- go on for a week or more. ian gardens, a garden DUBLIN FESTIVAL shop, and tearooms. The Of course, the epicenter property is also available of Ireland’s celebration for weddings, meeting is Dublin where St. Pat- and other occasions. rick’s Festival this year Classes can be booked promises some thousands up to three months in of artists, musicians, advance. See listokedis- dancers, poets, and per- tillery.ie for more. formers in a program AWARDS FOR that runs from March 16 HOTELS to 19 with more than 30 Harvey’s Point Hotel assorted events sched- in Co. Donegal was re- uled. The theme for this cently named Ireland’s year’s festival is “Ireland best hotel as well as 10th You Are” to celebrate best hotel in Europe in the Irish as a culturally TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ diverse, complex, and Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain in Co. Mayo, is known for its association with Saint Patrick, Ireland’s Choice awards. Harvey’s brave society. Dublin patron saint, who is said to have fasted for 40 days at the summit in 441AD. Croagh Patrick, called The also finished first in the poet and playwright Ste- Reek, has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. “best service” category phen James Smith was and second in “most ro- commissioned to write at 11:30 a.m. and ends mantic” category. a poem, “My Ireland,” to about 1 p.m. The city’s Castlewood House in reflect that theme. His multi-faceted festival Dingle, Co. Kerry, fin- poem will be presented runs in various venues ished 12th in the world, during the festival. around the city from tenth in Europe and first The four-day event March 15-17. in Ireland in the “bargain” annually attracts more The Galway festival category. Castlewood was than 100,000 visitors showcases local artists also named 13th best ho- from abroad and is high- and community groups tel in Europe and first in lighted by a parade down and celebrates the city’s Ireland for “small hotels” O’Connell Street at noon diverse culture and tal- and most romantic Irish on March 17. During ent through an extensive hotel. the festival, commu- program of events. This In the luxury hotel nity groups and pageant year the parade high- category, the Killarney companies from around lights include Galway Park Hotel in Killarney, the country will present Arts Centre, Colors Street Co. Kerry, was named performances and street Theatre, An Taibhdhearc Ireland’s best, while Pax theatre on topics like tales Theatre, and Galway Guest House in Dingle, of the faeries, ancient Theatre Festival with Co. Kerry, was named top mythical tribes, pirates, community groups such Irish B&B. Pillo Hotel in and the living landscape. as Foróige, GAA clubs, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, The Dublin festival has Amnesty International, won Ireland’s best fam- expanded this year with and The Russian Culture ily hotel. events spreading outside Club presenting a picture “Unlike other hospitali- of the city’s mix of cul- ty awards,” a TripAdvisor the city center to Swords, This ram’s horns are painted bright kelly green - presumably to celebrate Blanchardstown, Howth. tural and ethnic diversity. spokesman said, “These See galwaytourism.ie for St. Patrick’s Day. We photographed him as he wandered along the road on are based on feedback There is even a mystery Achill Island in Co. Mayo. Judy Enright photos train ride planned to the more. from actual guests over Wild Atlantic Way. See PIPE BANDS the past year.” ON ACHILL ments at many locations along the route makes the will be exclusive perfor- stpatricksfestival.ie for on the island and then trip worthwhile, too.) mances in Armagh and Georgina Campbell, an more information on the There are celebrations Irish travel authority, has in nearly every town and make time to see Achill The St. Patrick Centre Downpatrick cathedrals. Dublin events. Island’s spectacular has planned a 17-day “Contemporary Cel- her own take on Irish ac- Cork City’s Festival, city on the island at this commodation. “What we special time of year so scenery. In the evening, festival featuring Irish ebrations” is the theme with the theme “Cork – A traditional and modern and international artists for the final weekend seek is not perfection but City of Community, Cul- you won’t have too hard real food and hospitality a time finding something entertainment is offered who will celebrate with (March 17-19) that will ture, & Commerce,” in- in the island’s pubs and curated events and a include public proces- with real heart and we’re cludes a parade on March fun to do. finding it in clusters of In many villages on hotels. See achilltourism. program suitable for all sions, traditional reli- 17 and varied events that com for more details. tastes. gious ceremonies, and excellence all over the run through to March Achill Island in Co. Mayo, country.” She noted Ire- for instance, there is a ST. PATRICK The festival opens with family entertainment. 19. For more details, see CENTRE bells that symbolically The St. Patrick Centre land’s growth as a food corkstpatricksfestival.ie, pipe band tradition and tourism destination with on St. Patrick’s Day these If you’re on the East unite churches and creeds is a fascinating place to cork.ie, and discoverire- Coast and have even one in villages, townlands, visit at any time of year an “explosion” of casual land.ie/southwest. bands play a central role dining. in celebrations. spare day, a drive up to and cities in Armagh and and is the world’s only GALWAY Campbell said, “Our After a 6 a.m. reveille, the St. Patrick Centre in Down, and celebrate the permanent exhibit about CELEBRATES Downpatrick, Northern life of the saint in the Ireland’s patron saint. least satisfactory experi- This is the 114th an- the bands spend most of ences have again tended the day marching. After Ireland, is well worth the landscape that was once The Centre also has an niversary of the Galway couple of hours required his home: Armagh City, outstanding craft shop to be in four and five-star St. Patrick’s Day Parade, watching the bands, be hotels. Higher prices sure to stop for refresh- to get there. (The scenery Downpatrick, Newry, with art and design by which starts March 17 Loughgall, Dundrum, many gifted artists as mean higher expecta- Castle Ward, the Mourne well as a garden café. For tions, of course, but the Mountains, and Slieve more information, visit: high level of dissatis- Gullion. saintpatrickcentre.com faction is often down to The first festival week- DROGHEDA GIN simple things that could Handmade since 1925 end, March 3-5, focuses on SCHOOL easily be fixed at any Pre-Christian Myths and Here’s something fun, level, plus a lack of hospi- Legends, highlighting the different and interesting tality (which often means first people and cultures to do while you’re visit- lack of a host) and poor St. Patrick encountered ing the Emerald Isle. staff training.” before beginning his Ireland’s first gin school For more of Campbell’s Christian ministry. – Listoke Distillery and recommendations see The second weekend, Gin School - opened re- irish-guide.com. March 10-12, is titled cently in a 200-year-old TRAVEL “Spiritual Journeys” as stable at Listoke House Enjoy your visit to the festival focuses on in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Ireland whenever and another spiritual culture, Participants in small wherever you go. Spring the Sufis, with perfor- classes at the distillery is on the horizon and mances by The Secret will learn the secrets and travel deals are sprouting Ensemble’s eight musi- history of gin and make in this shoulder season. cians. This is the group’s their own special brew to Have a very happy St. debut of their music in the take home. Patrick’s Day. UK and Ireland and these Says James McKenna, bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 27

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

escribed as “Boston’s first lady of contemporary DIrish dance” by a Boston 5. 7. Globe arts critic, Kieran Jordan, Irish dance performer, instructor, and choreographer, hosted an open house on Sun., Feb. 26, at the unveiling of her dance studio in Hyde Park. Among the guests were Ireland’s Consul General Fion- nuala Quinlan and her husband, Ravi Ganti.

1.) Kieran Jordan outside her new dance studio, 1310 Hyde Park Ave, Cleary Square; 2.) Dan Adams and Karyl Adams, Whitman, Vincent Crotty, Dorchester; 3.) Samantha Jones, Jamaica Plain; Joey Abarta, Roxbury; Jackie O’Riley, Roxbury; 4.) Madeleine Frasca, Melrose, Bill DeRusha and Han- nah DeRusha, Medford; 5.) Jackie O’Riley, Kieran Jordan; 6.) Mary McDonald Roslin- dale; Leticia Rojas, Lauren Milord, Jamaica Plain; 7.) Fr. Jack Howard, Boston College; 8.) Sean Clohessy on fiddle and John Coyne on bouzouki were joined by Oisin Hannigan and Sean Clohessy. 8. Page 28 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com ‘EVERYTHING THAWS HERE EXCEPT OLD PAT’ On Dorchester Heights on March 17, 1776, many of Washington’s troops had ‘green bloodlines’ By Peter F. Stevens respect for both the Con- BIR Staff tinental soldiers born in Whether one calls Ireland or descended from March 17th “St. Patrick’s Irish immigrants unfolded Day” or “Evacuation Day,” with his St. Patrick’s Day the Irish can lay claim to proclamation of March 16, both celebrations. Many 1780. At his desk in his men bearing surnames of army’s encampment at “the old sod” were nestled Morristown, New Jersey, behind bristling cannons Washington signed the that peered down from following General Order: Dorchester Heights on “The General congratu- that day in 1776. The lates the Army on the very redcoats, or “Lobster- interesting Proceedings of backs,” were fleeing Bos- the Parliament of Ireland, ton aboard Royal Navy and the Inhabitants of vessels straining to haul that Country, which have anchor and hightail it out lately been communicated, of the harbor – which lay not only as they appear directly under the Rebels’ calculated to remove those heavy guns. heavy and tyrannical op- Commanding the Patri- pressions on their trade, ots was George Washing- but to restore to a brave ton, who held a deep regard and generous People their for Irish-born troops serv- ancient Rights and Free- ing in his ranks. He placed dom, and by their opera- such a high estimate upon tion to promote the Cause their proven combat abili- of America. Desirous of ties that he honored that A sketch of the scene at Dorchester Heights, March 17, 1776. impressing on the minds most cherished of Irish of the Army Transactions so important in their dates – St. Patrick’s Day their transports. On that Washington had received, rian James Bernard Cul- scurely keeps his memory – in an era when the Irish, Nature, the General di- momentous day, he had on Dec. 17, 1775, a letter len, “Colonel Knox kept his among us.” Throughout rects that all Fatigue and especially Irish Catholics, General John Sullivan from Colonel Henry Knox, word. With an enterprise the Revolution, Moylan were hardly a favorite of Working Parties cease countersign the dispatch a man of Irish lineage and perseverance that proved one of the Conti- for tomorrow, the 17th, many colonists. making “Saint Patrick” noting that the heavy elicited the warmest com- nental Army’s most daring On that March 17, a day held in particular the army’s official watch- artillery so sorely needed mendations, he brought, and resourceful officers, as Regard by the People of Washington was well word. by Washington was avail- over frozen lakes and well as a personal favorite aware that it was a holy- that Nation. At the same The son of an Irish able at Fort Ticonderoga in almost impassable snows, of Washington. time he orders that as a day for the Irish, and that schoolmaster who had upstate New York, a Brit- more than 50 cannons, While Irishmen ea- many Irishmen had fought mark of the Pleasure he emigrated from Kerry ish fortress that had been mortars, and howitzers. gerly joined the Rebels’ feels on the occasion, he at Bunker Hill and had or Limerick to Berwick, captured by Rebel Ethan With this train in place, cause out of a desire both just helped drag those persuades himself that the Maine, in 1723, Sullivan Allen and his Vermont Washington strengthened for independence and a Celebration of the Day will cannon up the Dorchester was one of many Rebels Green Mountain Boys. his position and planned chance to settle historical slopes. He acknowledged not be attended with the who either hailed from Knox, who had been sent make a more decisive move scores with the British, least Rioting or Disorder. both facts by ordering that Ireland itself or were the to New York on a mission, against the enemy. the Crown encountered the password of the day be The Officers to be at their sons of native-born Irish. wrote: “I hope in sixteen “Colonel Knox was of pronounced difficulty in Quarters in Camp, and the “Saint Patrick.” In 1776, as one of Wash- or seventeen days to pres- a family that originally recruiting the Irish in Washington also prof- Troops of each State Line, ington’s most trusted of- ent to your Excellency a came from near Belfast. Ireland and in the Thir- are to be kept within their fered another tip of his tri- ficers, Sullivan had long noble train of artillery, the His career was a brilliant teen Colonies to don the cornered hat to Patriots own encampment.” recognized the Rebels’ inventory of which I have one. He commanded scarlet tunic of the Brit- For the army’s “sign” with Irish surnames as need for heavy artillery to enclosed. the artillery corps, and ish army and march into the British troops boarded and “countersign” on St. enforce the siege of Boston. According to the histo- the effective work of his battle beneath the Union Patrick’s Day of 1780, guns at Trenton, Princ- Jack against Washing- Washington chose the eton, Germantown, and ton’s troops. passwords “Patrick” and The County Donegal Association, Boston Monmouth made him One of Washington’s “Shelah” (a scholar notes distinguished among the generals, Arthur Lee, that the latter term re- American generals. He another officer with Irish ferred to “one of the his- was born in Boston, July ancestors, wrote the fol- toric personifications of 25, 1750.” lowing to Washington: Ireland”). St. Patrick’s Day Also among the native- “The resources of the One look at the muster born Irishmen in Wash- country – that is to say, rolls of the Continental ington’s ranks near Boston England – are almost Army proves the Irish on that March day, was annihilated in Germany, presence on March 17 at Dinner Dance Colonel Stephen Moylan, and their last resource is Dorchester Heights and the dashing commander to the Roman Catholics throughout the Revolu- of Moylan’s Dragoons. of Ireland; and they have tionary War. They wit- Born in Cork, Moylan was already experienced their nessed what their country- Saturday, March 4, 2017 the brother of the Roman unwillingness to go, every men on the “old sod” could Catholic bishop of that man of a regiment raised only dream of: the British city, and from the Ameri- there last year having in full flight. can camp in January 1776, obliged them to ship him Today, 241 years later in 7:00 p.m. he wrote to his brother: off tied and bound. And Boston, March 17 fittingly Florian Hall “Everything thaws here most certainly the Irish marks both St. Patrick’s except old Pat. He is still Catholics will desert more Day and Evacuation Day 55 Hallet St., Dorchester as hard as ever crying than any other troops – the celebration alike of out for powder-powder-ye whatever [once they were Ireland’s venerated saint Hot & Cold Buffet gods, give us powder!” landed in America].” and the day the Redcoats Cullen notes: “Moylan An event proving George departed Boston for good. Entertainment by Erin’s Melody Street at the Highlands ob- Washington’s ongoing Featured: Harney Academy of Irish Stepdancing

County Roscommon Association

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER Saturday, March 11, 5-9 pm Tickets $45 per person Hope to see you all there! Irish Social Club, 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA Music by Erin’s Melody For tickets and info: Tickets $45 President Michael McCarron Guest of Honor BFD Commissioner Joseph E. Finn 617-696-1702 Mayor of Roscommon Tony Ward will attend this event. VP Maryanne McGonagle Reservations required by March 8; NO TICKETS will be sold at the door. 781-521-9001 Tickets must be purchased in advance. Table of 10 may be reserved or any County Donegal Association officer Tickets or information: Richie Gormley 617-327-7777 bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 29 ‘BLACK ‘47’ – THE DARKEST OF YEARS For Ireland, it marked the full onslaught of the Famine

By Peter F. Stevens nowhere to turn except the back-breaking road work. but because most Irish could not afford to buy food, BIR Staff As the Irish people’s misery and fear swelled with the warehouses remained full, and people continued Second of four parts each day of the new year and the British government to starve. “Black ‘47” – just two words at first glance. In all appeared incapable of or unwilling to address the ca- Disastrous response of Ireland’s history, however, few phrases resonate tastrophe, Britain’s Quaker community strove to help with such horror. the starving millions. William Forster, a leader of the By the end of June 1847, the British government As peasant families in all corners of Ireland struggled Central Relief Committee of the Society of Friends, ceased all public-works sites as Prime Minister Rus- to survive in the winter of 1846-47, desperate men, which had branches in Dublin and London, had been sell decided that simply “keep[ing] the people alive” women, and children turned to the government’s directed to investigate the Famine and set up relief superseded everything else. The new policy intended hastily and ill-conceived public works projects for sur- efforts, and he was stunned by the scope of the disas- for the Irish to be fed for free through the Soup Kitchen vival. Charles Edward Trevelyan, head of the British ter. In an appeal to Britain’s collective conscience, he Act, spearheaded by local aid organizations and paid in treasury, or Exchequer, oversaw all Famine measures wrote of countless children who looked “like skeletons, large part by taxes on Irish landlords and merchants. after the fall of Prime Minister Robert Peel’s Conser- their features sharpened with hunger and their limbs Once again, the British government’s response proved vative administration to the Whigs, led by Lord John wasted, so that little was left but bones, their hands disastrous. Russell. A proponent of letting free markets operate and arms, in particular, being much emaciated, and The Famine was bankrupting landlords whose no matter the consequences, Trevelyan shut down the happy expression of infancy gone from their faces, tenant farmers could not pay their rent. Few people Indian corn depots throughout Ireland and banned leaving behind the anxious look of premature old age.” could pay merchants, and shops closed everywhere, the a ship headed for Ireland with a cargo of corn for the Frightful spectres businessmen and their families joining the starving starving populace, asserting that the Irish could not peasants on the streets. At the soup kitchens, demand remain “habitually dependent” on the British govern- Nicholas Cummins, a magistrate in Cork, toured far outstripped supply; in Killarney, only one soup ment and had to learn how to make “Irish property Skibbereen and sent the Duke of Wellington and The kitchen existed and it had to contend with more than support [redress] Irish poverty.” Times of London a letter describing the starving, 10,000 people. The soups themselves – rancid meat, Trevelyan further contended that a full-blown disease-wracked people of the snow-cloaked country- coarse corn, and often-rotting vegetables in boiled Famine aid effort could “paralyze all private enter- side. Wrote Cummins: “I entered some of the hovels, water – caused bowel and stomach woes for the lines prise.” In short, he wanted Parliament to do nothing and the scenes which presented themselves were such of men, women, and children clutching small pots or and let Ireland figure out a “free-market” solution, a as no tongue or pen can convey the slightest idea of. bowls in hopes of getting soup before the pots were stance that was to have catastrophic consequences In the first, six famished and ghastly skeletons, to all empty. Eventually, kitchens began to issue a four-ounce for the Irish. appearances dead, were huddled in a corner on some slice of bread and “stirabout,” porridge consisting of filthy straw, their sole covering what seemed a ragged corn meal, rice, and water. Some three million Irish Stone roads horsecloth, their wretched legs hanging about, naked fought to survive on such skimpy rations throughout above the knees. I approached with horror, and found the summer of 1847, malnutrition and disease still to nowhere by a low moaning they were alive – they were in fever, claiming thousands of victims with each week. The onset of 1847 found some 500,000 Irish laboring four children, a woman and what had once been a man. to build stone roads that led to nowhere throughout … in a few minutes I was surrounded by at least 200 A ‘coffin ship’ rural regions. The men smashed boulders with heavy such phantoms, such frightful spectres as no words can on starvation hammers and were paid piece-work for every basket describe, [suffering] either from famine or from fever.” they could fill. Women and children lugged the bas- Corpse-filled cottages, shallow graves, and massive, In a perverse turn, the fall 1847 potato harvest kets to meandering road beds where the stones were unmarked trenches in which countless bodies were was not blighted, but yielded only a quarter of the dumped. With one of the harshest winters in Irish dumped and covered up with quicklime and earth pre-Famine crop. Cash-hungry landlords, large and memory unleashing one storm after another, bitter stretched across the island. Along with starvation, small, decided to turn their acres over to cattle and gales, snow, and sleet battered the road crews. Men, dysentery, typhus, and fevers of all sorts decimated sheep and to plant, but in order to do so, they had to women, and children, weakened from hunger, clad the population, as well as doctors, priests, nuns, and move off the tenant farmers clinging to their meager in rags, and barefoot in many cases, collapsed with Quaker relief workers striving to help. Entire families plots. The answer was eviction on a massive scale. The fever amid the piles of stone and froze to death where lay down along the road and died of “Road Fever.” Irish Diaspora was about to swell to unprecedented they fell. Trevelyan’s misguided program of useless public-works levels as desperate Irish faced a choice of “coffin ships” The paltry pay allotted by the Crown proved barely projects and the cutoff of Indian corn was a disaster. carrying them from their country or starving to death. enough to feed workmen and their families, especially Merchant vessels laden with privately purchased In “Black 47,” hundreds of thousands had perished as food prices soared. Coarse corn meal coast three cargos of Indian corn and other food did begin to dock and many thousands of the living were boarding ships times its pre-Famine price, but desperate Irishmen had in Ireland’s ports and offload shipments to warehouses, barely seaworthy that were bound for Boston.

With Good Will Doing Service

1737 2017

The President and Board of Directors of The Charitable Irish Society Cordially invite you to attend the 280th Anniversary Dinner March 17, 2017 Response to “The Day We Celebrate” and Guest Speaker Christine Kinealy, PhD Professor, Author and Founding Director Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute, Quinnipiac University 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA

Cocktail Reception at 6:00 p.m. $195 per person Dinner at 7:00 p.m. RSVP Black Tie Optional March 12, 2017 Page 30 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 31

The 2017 IN/Boston St. Patrick’s Day Party is here at Fenway Park! We are delighted to announce our Annual St. Patrick’s Day party, which is fast coming upon us! This much anticipated members- only event will be held on Wednesday March 15th, at Fenway Park! As always, there will be Irish music, dancing and cheer, special guests, and more! We will also host an open bar and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Members are welcome to purchase one additional ticket for a guest.

If you are not a member, then sign-up before tickets sell out.

Become a member now irishnetworkboston.net/membership/

About Irish Network Boston Irish Network Boston (IN Boston) is a business, cultural and social network with membership encom- passing Irish-born, Irish-Americans, and friends of Ireland in the Boston area – the capital of Irish America. IN Boston is part of a national network in the United States of Irish networks from across the country under the Irish Network USA (IN USA) umbrella Page 32 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com EU doesn’t want hard Irish border after Brexit BRUSSELS — The der” between North- EU Commission presi- closely together during because of the specificities time since the country’s head of the European ern Ireland and member dent Jean-Claude Junck- the whole process of the of the British Isles and the property-driven economy Union’s executive com- state Ireland once Britain er said Feb. 23 that the Brexit negotiations. We Northern Ireland peace suffered a calamitous mission says he does has broken away from commission and “the Irish do not want to have hard accord there was agree- crash in 2008. not want a “hard bor- the bloc. government will work borders.” ment not to go back to a Tuesday’s figures from Once the divorce pro- hard border that would the Central Statistics ceedings are complete, restrict travel. (AP) Office say unemployment possibly sometimes in Employment tops has fallen to 6.8 percent, 2019, the EU could in 2 million for 1st time an 8 1/2-year low, while The Greater Boston theory have a hard border since crash the number of people with with the U.K. through Ire- DUBLIN— Statisti- full-time employment has land. Northern Ireland is cians say the number of climbed 3.3 percent to 2.05 part of the U.K. people in Ireland with a million, approaching the Food Bank Irish Prime Minister full-time job has topped peak levels of Ireland’s lost Enda Kenny says that 2 million for the first Celtic Tiger boom. (AP) Now Hiring!

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70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118 bostonirish.com March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 33 Irish filmmakers light up Sundance screens, then set up in Somerville

By Jennifer Smith Reporter Staff On the heels of a small but strong showing for films with an Irish focus at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, a slew of Irish films will light up the screens in late March at the 17th annual Irish Film Festival based in Somerville. From inspiring documentaries about a physi- Irish filmmaker Simon cally limited filmmaker Fitzmaurice is the focus and an idyllic prep school of “It’s Note Yet Dark.” in County Meath to the visceral transformation dia/VIP kickoff event on of a soft-spoken farmer Thurs., March 2, at the into a vengeance-driven Aeronaut Brewing Com- vigilante, the Emerald pany in Somerville. None Isle was well-represented of the Sundance films will at the Park City, Utah, cross over into the Greater film fest in January. Boston festival, which will Three films with Irish announce its slate at the connections were featured kickoff. in the mountain town’s annual festival, which The four-day festival selected 113 films from will run from Thursday, 13,782 submissions from A scene from “In Loco Parentis,” a documentary that turns its lens on the Headfirst preparatory school in Kells, County Meath. March 23 to Sunday, the United States and March 26, featuring over abroad. 40 Irish films, shorts, and • The rich and moving while they are bolstered O’Neill, lives with his frail in Sundance’s edgier Mid- Locally, the Irish Film documentaries. documentary “It’s Not by a possessive and sup- mother Florence (Stella night section. Festival will host its me- Yet Dark” tracks the portive atmosphere. Her McCusker) on their small Irish filmmaker Simon directorial hand is light, farm. Generally at ease Fitzmaurice’s triumph in for the most part avoid- with a life put on pause so the face of a crippling mo- ing dramatic expository he can care for his mother, Benefit set to help combat tor neuron disease. Direct- moments in favor of a Donal’s relatively peace- ed by Frankie Fenton and clear-eyed look at the ful existence is uprooted narrated by Colin Farrell, cycle of arrivals, growth, when he discovers his Alpha-1 genetic condition who reads passages from and departures that have mother dead in the parlor, The Celtic Connection prevalent in those of Irish the people from the Celtic Fitzmaurice’s memoir, the marked nearly half a cen- apparently the victim of will host a fundraiser to descent. Many Irish and Connection are eager to film leans into sentimen- tury of the aging Leydens’ a vicious home invasion. benefit the Alpha-1 Foun- Irish-Americans are like- spread the word about tality as it chronicles the creative mentoring of Florence, it turns out, dation on March 4 at the ly carriers of the disease. awareness, treatment, subject’s physical decline their young charges. had secrets of her own, and Boston Marriot-Newton Those suffering from Al- detection, and prevention. and creative resurgence. • A fatalistic, violent, the film unwinds a tale Hotel. Alpha-1 is a genetic pha-1 are often misdiag- They invite you to join In his early 30s, at the and sharply-directed re- of older generations’ sins condition that affects the nosed with emphysema or 400 guests at the 7 p.m. peak of his critical success venge film, “Bad Day for coming back to haunt their lungs and may cause COPD, and have usually dinner. Tickets are $50 and personal happiness, the Cut,” is writer-director offspring. As the bodies liver damage in infants, exacerbated their symp- per person. Fitzmaurice began to Chris Baugh’s offering set pile up, O’Neill’s grounded children, and adults. toms through tobacco use. For more information show signs of the disease in Northern Ireland about humanity and inventive The disease has been Testing is available for on Alpha-1, visit Alpha1. that would ultimately a soft-spoken, middle- uses for household items found to be especially carriers of Alpha-1, and org. leave him paralyzed. Un- aged farmer who becomes blunt the edge of increas- able to breathe, move, a vigilante after the mur- ingly brutal displays of or speak on his own, he der of his elderly mother. violence that which fully nonetheless was able to Donal, played by Nigel merit the film’s inclusion use technology attuned to his gaze to express himself through writing and directing. • “In Loco Parentis” is a gentle documentary focused around the Head- first preparatory school in Kells, Co. Meath. Direc- tor Neasa Ní Chianáin, the Irish documentar- Geraghty ian behind “Fairytale of Kathmandu” and “The Stranger,” uses teachers ASSOCIATES Amanda and John Leyden as an entry point into the PROPERTY MANAGERS holistic teaching approach championed by the stately prep school. With an eye on a small cluster of students, Chi- anáin watches them May the leprechauns be near you, test the boundaries of a contemporary education To spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels, Excellence in Private Care Curtin Home Care, Inc. (CHC) is Boston, Massachusetts’ premiere private Home Care Agency. Smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day. Our professional services are highly personalized and staffed by carefully selected and screened personnel. We employ a wide range of medical staff including RN’s, LPN’s, CNA’s and Therapists. All personnel are licensed/ Happy St. Patrick’s Day! certified as well as insured and bonded. In addition to Bos- ton, we provide services to surrounding cities and towns. Our priority is assisting individuals remain in their home in a safe and comfortable manner. Please call 617-307-7751 today for a complementary initial consultation. Geraghty Associates, Inc. Property Managers Now Hiring Experienced RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s. Please email resume to: [email protected] P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 www.CurtinHomeCare.com Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 Page 34 March 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

This month we are going to review the Conditional tense. In addition, EIRE recall that the Definite Past is a single point in time while the Habitual Past extends over a period of time. Suppose Liam worked in a pub for several years. Ghlanadh Liam an orlár nuair a dhóirtidis duine a ndeoch. “Liam used to clean the floor pub when someone spilled their drink.” Both of these verbs are in the Habitual Past since Liam worked as a pub keeper for some time. Ghlan sí an orlár tar eis dhoirt a gasúr an bainne. “She cleaned the floor after her child 795 Adams St. • Dorchester spilled the milk.” Both of these verbs are in the Definite Past since it was a one-time accident.

By now you should be able to recognize the Habitual Past when you see “President’s Choice” it written D’ólainn /DAWL-een/ “I used to drink” D’óltá /DAW-tah/ “You used to drink” Serving Lunch & Dinner D’óladh /DAWL-uh/ “He, she, it, you-all used to drink” D’ólaimis /DAWL-uhmeesh/ “We used to drink” D’ólaidis /DAWL-uhjeesh/ “They used to drink” Every day, Verbs of two syllables drop the second syllable in the Past Habitual tense. If the second syllable ends in a consonant, the vowel(s) of that syllable is/ are dropped but the consonant remains. An example is the verb imir, “play” 7 days a week a game or with a toy. English “play a musical instrument or composition” uses a different verb in Irish, synonymous with “sing”. The “root” of imir becomes imr-. Similarly a verb like “open”, oscail, be- Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. comes oscl-. Remember that the “third person” singular (“he, she, it”) ending 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 for two syllable verbs is –(a)iodh pronounced /eek/. Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 Verbs that begin with vowels do as they did in the Definite Past, lenite SUNDAYS 8-11 pm with $10 admission except where otherwise noted. artificially with D’ and then attach the proper endings as in the example of Socials every PUB NIGHTS: Doors open at 6:30 pm. Live music from 8-11 pm. ól. The Habitual Past is sometimes called the “Imperfect” because it is never Free Admission Email us at [email protected] ending, has no definite end in terms of time, therefore it is not “perfected”. Sunday Evening at 8:00 pm SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Now recall the Conditional Verb Tense. This is one which can be used MARCH 2017 APRIL 2017 as the second part of a two clause sentence – one which has two verbs and March 5 Mossie Coughlin April 2 1916 Irish Uprising Event from 3-6 pm. Ceili usually, but not always, begins with “if”, dá. Dá is always followed by the March 11 Co. Roscommon Annual St. Patrick’s & Set Dancing from 3-4:15 pm. Live music Dinner - $45. Erin’s Melody with Margaret throughout the event. Kevin Barry Pipes Conditional or the Habitual Past tenses. Dalton. Delicious Family-Style Corned and Drums and Band and the O’Shea Beef and Cabbage Dinner. Boston Fire Chaplin School of Irish Dance. $15 Commissioner Joe Finn to be honored with admission. Call Sean Folan at 857-719-6979. Dá implies uncertainty, either in future time with the Conditional tense Person of the Year Award. Co. Roscommon April 2 Andy Healy or in the past with the Habitual Past: Mayor Tony Ward to attend along with other April 9 Fintan Stanley dignitaries. Call Richie Gormley at 617-327- April 16 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton 7777 for ticket and table reservations. No April 23 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton “I will go if you will go with me” will use the Conditional; “I used to go to tickets sold at the door. April 30 noel Henry and last day to renew town if she would go with me” will use the Habitual Past. March 12 Wild Rovers membership for continuous service March 17 st. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Social Club with MAY 2017 Noel Henry’s Irish Show Band. $20. May 7 Andy Healy Another word for “if” is má and must be followed by the Present or Definite March 18 Ballaghderg Special Needs Preschool in May 14 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton Past Tenses. “He drank the beer if she drank it” would use má while “He Letterkenny Fundraiser. Outstanding door May 21 silver Spears prizes and music by Erin’s Melody with May 25 Members Meeting 7:30 pm will drink the beer if she will drink it” would use dá since the speaker is not Margaret Dalton. Call Billy Higgins at May 28 Denis Curtin too sure she would drink the beer or she hasn’t yet drunk it. 617-201-6077. JUNE 2017 March 19 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton June 2 sMA Father Annual Fundraising Dance March 23 Members Meeting 7:30 pm June 4 noel Henry’s Irish Show Band Here is the Conditional tense preceded by dá. The Conditional will March 26 Kathy and the Irish Americans June 11 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton lenite or “artificiallylenite ” by using D’ if the word begins with a vowel or June 18 Andy Healy F-. The endings vary so I chose two verbs to illustrate. The “dummy vowels” Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston are underlined and italicized:

Cuir, “put” or “plant”: Ceannaigh, “buy” or “purchase” Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper

… dá chuirfinn “… if I put” … dá cheannóinn “… if I buy” … dá chuirfeá “… if you put” … dá cheannófá “ if you buy Boston Irish REPORTER “… if he puts” “…if she buys” … dá chuirfeadh … dá cheannódh A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. … dá chuirfimis “... if we put” …dá cheannóimis “…if we buy” Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? … dá chuirfeadh sibh“…if you” …dá cheannódh sibh “…if you buy” … dá chuirfeadis “...if they put’ …dá cheannóidis “…if they buy” Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. Verbs on the left are traditionally called “Type 1”; verbs on the right are “Type 2”. Good dictionaries will tell you which they are. Most of the verbs in Name______this course are “Type I”, including the important verb, bí. We will see more of Address______the verb bí in the Conditional in next month’s Irish column. City______State______Zip______Other than ceannaigh “buy” or “purchase” you have bailigh “”collect”, Gift from______“pick” or “gather” and imir “play” as “Type 2” verbs – and that will be all in Charge to Visa______Mastercard______this course. You will have no use for “stab” or other Type 2 verbs. Card #______Exp______Your “clue” as to the when you hear or see the Conditional is that it will (1) almost always follow dá, more rarely “when” cén uair or cá huair, and This year, give a gift that comes in the mail each month! (2) when you hear or see an –f- in the verb ending . The English version of the Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 Conditional often adds the auxiliary “will” such as in an exasperated husband We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. telling his wife, “I will go shopping with you if you will only buy something.” Call 617-436-1222 Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516

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