January 2014 Boston’s hometown VOL. 25 #1 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2014 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com

THE PAST IS PROLOGUE From O’Brien to Walsh: ‘A Long Green Line’ By Peter F. Stevens his hard-fought victory was, it He displayed a considerable Reporter Staff was not as daunting as that of intelligence early on, but was As Boston’s mayor-elect the city’s first Irish mayor, Hugh yanked from the city’s public to succeed Thomas Menino, O’Brien, who was not only of school system as a twelve year Dorchester’s Marty Walsh fol- Boston, but also of Ireland itself. old to work as an apprentice to lows in the “green” footsteps O’Brien was sworn in as the a printer at the Boston Courier. of the likes of Patrick Collins, city’s first Irish-born mayor A tradesman’s future beckoned John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, on Jan. 5, 1885. To many of the young O’Brien, who felt James Michael Curley, Mau- Boston’s Brahmins and Yan- lucky in escaping the low-paying rice Tobin, John Hynes, John kees, his ascent to City Hall and insecure street sweeping or Collins, Kevin White, and Ray represented a once-unthinkable dockside work so many of his Flynn. Walsh captured the of- development in a region no- fellow Irish immigrants were fice at a time when the city’s table for its antipathy toward forced to take. But he had set his changing demographics will in Irish Catholics. His odyssey to eyes on a far loftier future – one the not-so-distant future make the top of the heap in Boston placed in the rarefied circles of the Boston Irish mayoral choke- politics began in 1832 when Yankee commerce. Hugh O’Brien as a five year old he emigrated Following his stint at the Marty Walsh hold of the past increasingly Takes the mayor’s seat on Jan. 6 Served from 1885 to 1889 unlikely. But as challenging as from Ireland with his parents. (Continued on page 3) Kenny thanks Irish for patience

BIR Staff Ireland Prime Minister Enda Kenny took to the RTE One airwaves on Sun., Dec. 15, to thank the Irish people for staying the course while the country coped with the three- year austerity program laid on them by the bailout program organized by the International Monetary Fund and the Euro- pean Union. Although Ireland was for- mally freed from the bailout’s financial mandates that week- end, Kenny, while acknowledg- The Tony Award-winning musical love story, “Once,” plays Boston’s Opera House from January 7 - 19. Photo by Joan Marcus ing that “many families have also had to face the devastating consequences of unemploy- ment and emigration,” warned Playwright Walsh hails the magic of ‘Once’ that the country had no choice but to “continue to pursue By R. J. Donovan struments on stage. The show prudent budgetary policies.” Special To The BIR Tony Award-Winning musical picked up eight Tony Awards, The bailout funding from the “Once” first sparked to life as including Best Musical and one IMF and the REU amounted to a tiny, 2007 independent Irish at the Opera House Jan. 7-19 for Best Book, which went to some 67 billion euro; in return, film about the power of music Dublin-born playwright Enda Ireland promised to organize to draw people together. The course of one fateful week, they ences alike around the world. Walsh. The prolific Mr. Walsh an austerity process that over two main characters are simply diligently collaborate on music Included in its score is “Falling has authored 17 plays (“Pe- three years saw cuts of many called Guy and Girl. Guy is a and an unlikely love emerges. Slowly,” which won an Oscar for nelope,“ “Hunger,“ “The New billions of euros to the budgets struggling Dublin street musi- However, complications follow. Best Original Song. Electric Ballroom“), most of of essential programs like cian who has lost faith in his With music and lyrics from Lightning stuck yet again which have been translated for construction projects, pensions talent and his life. He crosses Glen Hansard and Markéta when “Once” made a stunning productions around the world. and wages for governmental paths with Girl, a Czech im- Irglová (who starred in the transition to Broadway, cast He’s currently working on workers, and those entities ad- migrant who shows him his film), “Once” went on to capture with an ensemble of actor/mu- multiple projects including an dressing social welfare needs. work is not yet done. Over the the hearts of critics and audi- sicians who play their own in- (Continued on page 10) Page 2 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com An Appreciation This is the Jack Shaughnessy I knew

By Arthur Murphy environments, and fam- over the city of Boston,” Once Jack Shaughnessy would make it through the Special to the BIR ily situations. He was one major philanthropist was committed to you darkness. Jack Shaughnessy grew always direct and deter- said. “He looked for groups and what you were doing As one beneficiary of up in Quincy, graduated mined, never one for idle that helped the poor and he led the charge. The Jack’s wisdom said re- from BC High in wartime discussion. He was a doer the needy as long as they number is legion of those cently, “Jack was thought- 1944, served in the Navy, who thought that those could show results.” Jack he assisted in getting jobs ful, respectful, and direct and afterwards worked who had the opportunity also gave financial assis- or in raising their self- [a rarity these days]. He with his brother Al in should use it construc- tance to a large variety esteem, not to leave out never got distracted by building a very success- tively of educational, social ser- those he called out of the the ‘noise’; he always ful crane and rigging On his death, one for- vice, and health-related blue to see if he could help. stayed on point . And he business in South Boston. mer employee of his who agencies and projects. I can’t count the number knew what was really That is a spare bio- is now a Teamster labor And let’s not forget the of times he called me and important in life: family, graphical sketch, and only leader said, “Jack always Catholic Church, a major said, “Please take care of friends, church and com- Jack Shaughnessy a small part of the Jack wanted the best for his beneficiary of his generous this person, and if there munity.” Another said, “Generous, and direct” Shaughnessy the city of employees and was as heart and soul. All of this is any charge, I will take “Jack always made you hard a worker as anybody, came from a clear vision care of it.” feel as if you were tops and Boston came to know. waiting to be learned at always there the earliest. that only by helping others But Jack’s major driv- if he saw any hesitation in He was clearly a man his alma mater, BC High, He provided me personal could people do their jobs ing force was perhaps direction he subtly got you for all seasons, driven to which he helped finan- and business guidance on earth. his relentless pursuit of back on track “ help people, and it was cially over and over again. from the very beginning. A business acquain- helping the young and the In the everyday world, easy from the outside to Yes, he had a bias for the He wanted his employees tance called Jack “a cheer- old and those in between. Jack stood up to trends see that that drive was Jesuits on Morrissey Bou- to be paid with the best leader of all that is right White or black or male or that he felt hurt society, fueled by a wondrously levard, but that was offset but he also demanded the in the world, a fierce female or straight or gay, but he was always careful abiding faith in God. Jack some by his wife Mary, best. Jack was like a sec- warrior against injustice, it didn’t matter to him. to separate the idea from deeply believed that hard- who made it possible for ond father to me through greed, prejudice, and bor- He wanted all of them to the person, many times working people and those deserving students to my career as a rigger and ing behavior. Everything have the opportunity to calling community leaders in need deserved a chance study elsewhere than at through the rough and he did was expressed with show their worth, and he and directly challenging to make a good life for one of her husband’s “fa- tumble of my growth in a passion.” Said another: did all he could to advance them on their positions themselves. vorites.” It was about her the labor field.” “Have you ever see any- their causes, recommend- while supporting them as Over years I watched that Jack often said: “Any If you didn’t know that body show more disdain ing them for schools and individuals. And he didn’t and worked with Jack as success and enthusiasm Jack Shaughnessy, you for arrogance than Jack? job promotion and, when limit his outreach. In his he operated in a variety I have had is the direct missed out on knowing a He took it as a challenge appropriate, financial as- last years, Jack often ex- of settings – as a CEO, result of my magnificent special man. “Jack gave to underscore that view if sistance or helping them pressed a special concern board member, philan- wife Mary.” of his money, time, and it in anyway negatively af- to keep their jobs. He had over the activities of the thropist, assisting people This man for all seasons advice to charities all fected people around him.” a simple faith in people, so-called “jihadists” who in their causes, political spread his faith in God and as one of them said: preached Islam while car- and in the importance “He believed in mankind.” rying out violent attacks of the family and the Jack believed deeply on people and property. individual far and wide, that God tests individu- He searched for answers, using that faith, his intel- als in a variety of ways to the point where he took lect, his work ethic, and – through sickness, eco- to reading the Koran. He his tenacity in pursuit of nomic matters, personal concluded for himself that his deeply held values to distress – but as they there was no justification benefit us all. coped with those tests, for the murderous actions Arthur Murphy is an it was his privilege to of the jihadist factions. attorney with the Quin- assist them if they could For all that, education cy firm Murphy, Hesse, use the help. He believed was key, Jack knew, and Toomey & Lehane, LLP with the biblical Job that he preached its value from and a long time friend of if people hung in there his ever-ready soapbox, Geraghty Jack Shaughnessy. ASSOCIATES and had faith in God, they especially the lessons PROPERTY MANAGERS Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments Available in the desirable Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. Studios reasonably priced; 1-bedroom units; heat and hot water included. Short walk to the Red Line. Free off-street Parking. Washing Machines and Dryers in building. Call Michael at 617-364-4000 Geraghty Associates, Inc. Property Managers P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 Serving breakfast, lunch Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 & dinner every day of the week A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Kitchen open nightly Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. until 10:45 p.m. Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, GERARD’S ADAMS CORNER or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? 772 - 776 Adams Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Call 617-436-1222 617-282-6370 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 For Walsh, Boston College makes perfect sense as inaugural venue

By Bill Forry the news broke last month, took classes there, but never Editor there was some push-back from earned a degree; Kevin White On Jan. 6, Marty Walsh will members of the Twittering class was a BC Law School graduate). be sworn in as Boston’s 54th that the university is too remote Recently, Walsh told the mayor — and the first from from downtown, with some Reporter that his affection for Dorchester in more than a half- erroneously claiming that the his alma mater was a factor in century. He’ll take the oath and Forum is located in Newton. his decision, adding that more give his first mayoral address in In fact, the arena is laid out practical considerations made front of a few thousand of his entirely on the Boston side of The Heights his top choice. closest friends and admirers BC’s sprawling campus. “We looked at a lot of other — including Irish tenor Ronan Walsh, 46, is a 2010 gradu- places,” he said, “but we have The Silvio O. Conte Forum on the BC campus. Tynan, who’ll perform at the 10 ate of BC’s Woods College of 6,000 volunteers and I want to a.m. ceremony. Advancing Studies, and the fact be fully inclusive. This is the College is the leader in providing ebration will be held at the Walsh’s choice of venue for the of his diploma will make him the first first inaugural in 20 years. direct outreach and support to Hynes Convention Center on historic occasion is Conte Fo- first mayor of Boston to hold an The TD Garden was booked the Boston Public Schools and to Boylston Street. Tickets, at rum, the Boston College sports undergraduate degree from the that day because of the figure the archdiocesan schools located $35 per, will be available for arena that can accommodate 150-year-old Jesuit university skating championship,” Walsh within the city. BC students reg- purchase for that event, which up to 8,000 spectators. When (Maurice Tobin, a mayor from said, “so I looked at my alma ularly volunteer in the schools will feature “a broad spectrum the late 1930s and early 1940s, mater. BC won’t be back from and social service organizations, of entertainment from local art- vacation yet, so there’ll be plenty providing an estimated 550,000 ists, musicians, comedians, and of parking and it’s accessible hours of volunteer community other performers,” said Norton. to public transportation on the service each year.” The run-up to the inaugura- Green Line. BC has been very The Monday morning (10 tion will include a weekend- accommodating; it will raise a.m.) swearing-in — which will long series of volunteer events their profile, too.” be administered by Massachu- — such as serving meals to Jack Dunn, a spokesman for setts Supreme Judicial Court the homeless and painting BC, said this last that Conte Chief Justice Roderick Ireland school buildings — in each city is “an ideal venue” because of — will be a ticketed event, neighborhood beginning on Fri., its capacity and location. The although there will be no fee. Jan. 3. Walsh will host a youth Forum “has hosted many civic Kate Norton, a spokesperson for summit geared toward students events over the years, including Walsh, said this week that the in grades six through nine at military deployment ceremo- campaign was still working out Roxbury Community College nies, community breakfasts, the the final details of how tickets on Saturday. On Sunday, he’ll Mayor’s Cup Ice Hockey tourna- would be issued to the general convene a brunch for seniors in ment, high school commence- public. A significant number the morning at Northeastern ments (Brighton and Newton will be distributed via printed University’s Cabot Athletic Boston Mayor-elect Marty Walsh and Boston Business Jour- North high schools),” he said, invitations, she said. More de- Center. Following the brunch, nal Executive Editor George Donnelly are shown at an event “as well as academic conferences tails are likely to be published he will attend an interfaith for business leaders hosted by the law firm Nelson Mullins. and cultural offerings that are first on a newly-minted website, service, hosted by Reverend It was held last Thurs., Dec. 12 at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s open to the public.” bostoninaugural2014.org. Jeffrey Brown, at the Old South Meritage restaurant. Photo by Melissa Ostrow As to area colleges and uni- Following the inaugural Church. versities, Dunn said, “Boston events at BC, an evening cel- From O’Brien to Walsh: ‘A Long Green Line’

‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald James Michael Curley John B. Hynes Kevin H. White Raymond L. Flynn

(Continued from page 1) of “the old sod”—back-breaking noticed when, over the next lost the election, if by a narrow helped to lay the groundwork Courier, O’Brien took a job at the work as maids or handymen. seven years, even hard-boiled margin. of the Boston Public Library, private printing firm of Tuttle, Grudgingly, Brahmins looked Yankees lauded his “conscien- A year later, his name once a site where even “Paddy and Dennett and Chisholm on at O’Brien in a different light; tious hard work.” again topped the Democratic Bridget” would be allowed to School Street, learning the ins these upscale sorts began to The Democratic luminaries mayoral ticket, and enough read and study. O’Brien held the and outs of printing while at the view him as an anomaly – one of the burgeoning Irish commu- Yankee voters swallowed their office until 1889. But it wasn’t same time figuring out how to of the “good Irish.” nity first put O’Brien’s political misgivings to help the immi- until 1903, when Patrick Col- publish his own paper, the Ship- O’Brien’s business value to palatability to Yankees to the grant poor sweep him into office. lins, a resident of Dorchester, ping and Commercial List. His New England merchants and test in late 1883 by nominating O’Brien’s campaign platform won the mayor’s race, that the publication proved a smash hit moguls notwithstanding, the the publisher/alderman as the of lower taxes and his demon- Irish dominance of the job began among the Yankee merchants question of how far the ambi- party’s mayoral candidate. In strated ability as an alderman in earnest. and Brahmin financiers who tious publisher could rise among the weeks before voters went to back that promise had proven Boston has changed greatly were always looking for ways what the historian George Pot- to the polls, many Yankees a fiscal siren song too sweet in the past two decades as other to follow the flow of goods and ter termed the “Irish-hating recoiled against the notion of to resist for many Brahmins. immigrant groups and minori- business news across Boston’s ice-cicles of Yankeeland” in- an Irish-born mayor. And on He took the oath of office on ties began in turn to flex their docks. It was quite the feat for trigued the local Democratic election night, the Irish turned Jan. 5, 1885, heralding a new political muscle in the way that the ambitious Irish Catholic to leaders who ruled the city’s out in force for their candidate, political era for Boston and for the ward bosses once did. Marty make himself indispensable to Irish neighborhoods. In 1875, a man whose financial outlook the region. He wasted little Walsh worked hard to earn their well-heeled Protestants whose the forty-nine-year-old O’Brien shared more in common with time in keeping his campaign trust and support, just as Hugh Back Bay and Beacon Hill won election to the Board of Al- his Protestant and Republican promises of sound spending and O’Brien did with the wary Yan- brownstones generally meant derman, and the watchful eyes foe, Augustus Man, than with lower taxes, worked to improve kees 130 years before. only one thing to immigrants and ears of the Irish community fellow immigrants. But O’Brien the city’s parks and roads, and

Left, Boston City Hall on School Street 1865-1969… and today at Government Center. Page 4 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Immigration Q & A Irish International Immigrant Center Overstaying a visit An agency accredited by US Department of Justice to the United States? 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Not a good idea at all Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] Q. I came to the US for a visit under the Visa Waiver Program and was given permission to stay here for 90 days. I was thinking of staying on for a while longer and maybe getting a job to support myself here. I heard that staying past the 90-day limit could result in a bar on my re-entry to the US in the future. Is this true? A. If you entered the US on the Visa Waiver Pro- gram, as most visitors from the 37 eligible countries do today, you normally are given up to 90 days to remain in this country – but you are not allowed to work here during that time. If you overstay this 90-day period by 180 days to one year, you face a three-year bar from re-entering the US. Overstaying the 90-day period by more than one year subjects you to a ten-year re-entry bar. But do not misinterpret the 180 days as any kind of “grace” period that allows you to remain in the US beyond the 90 days granted under the Visa Waiver Program. Any period of overstay at all may affect your ability to re-enter the US at a later date. Aside from the problem of the three- and ten-year re- entry bars, if you overstay a visit under the Visa Waiver Program even by a few days you no longer would be allowed to re-enter under that program in the future. Instead you would have to make a formal application for the B-2 visitor’s visa at the nearest US Embassy, which requires a fee and can take considerable time. You can expect close scrutiny of your application, and if you have a compelling reason for a prior brief overstay, you should include evidence of it with your application. Holders of visitor’s visas usually are admitted for up to six months and may, before the expiration of the visa, apply for an extension if they have a good reason for wanting to stay longer in the US. Employment in the US, either while in status under the Visa Waiver Program, while here on a visitor’s visa, or during an overstay, is another issue. People Happy new year to all Boston Irish Reporter readers from IIIC’s staff, board members, and volunteers. temporarily in the US are not allowed to have em- Thank you for all your support in 2013. ployment without specific authorization from the US government, either with a work visa (such as H-1B), Become a US Citizen US citizenship, begin the Skills: The Irish Interna- Point classes will begin or with an Employment Authorization Document is- in 2014: Is your New process as soon as possible. tional Immigrant Center on Tues., Jan. 14, and sued, for example, while an application for adjustment Year’s resolution to be- Citizens of Ireland do not still has spaces open in the will be held on Tuesday of status to permanent residence is pending. If you do come a US citizen? The lose their Irish citizen- winter term’s Computer and Thursday evenings. work here without authorization, that is considered IIIC can guide you through ship by becoming US Skills Classes. Our classes Students should enroll visa fraud by the US immigration authorities, and you the naturalization pro- citizens. The IIIC offers help students advance as soon as possible. To render yourself inadmissible to the US in the future cess, from completing the free weekly citizenship their careers by provid- sign up, please stop by in almost all circumstances. application to prepar- clinics on Thursdays from ing them with the skills, our offices during normal Note, finally, that the 90-day Visa Waiver period of ing for your citizenship 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come in confidence, and computer business hours or contact admission to the US normally cannot be extended. Only interview. The USCIS for a confidential meeting competency needed to Sarah Chapple-Sokol, in extreme situations where you could document the will soon be doubling the with a citizenship special- be successful in today’s Education Coordinator, reason with compelling evidence would you be granted naturalization application ist about your individual workplace. Our 10-week at 617-542-7654, Ext. 36. an extension. An example of such a situation would from 10 pages to 21 pages, situation. For further classes begin on Mon., Jan. All classes are held at the be hospitalization in the US following an accident or so now is a good time to details call Beatriz at 617- 13, and will be held on Center at 100 Franklin serious illness. apply. If you are currently 542-7654, Ext. 41. Monday and Wednesday Street, Lower Level 1, *** a Lawful Permanent Resi- Begin the New Year mornings; our Microsoft Boston. Entrance is at 201 If you have questions about this or any other aspect dent and eligible to file for with New Computer Word, Excel, and Power Devonshire Street. of immigration law, you can have a free, confidential consultation at one of our weekly legal clinics. Remem- ber: It is far better to get legal advice before taking a step that might have lifelong consequences for you, Matters Of Substance rather than to act first and then try to fix a situation that may well have no solution. Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform generally, not to advise in individual cases. US Citi- Recovery loves company zenship and Immigration Services and the US Depart- ment of State frequently amend regulations and alter By Danielle Owen sober from their alcohol other addictions, an op- processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek IIIC Staff use and helping other portunity to find recovery the assistance of IIIC immigration legal staff. They say “misery loves alcoholics to achieve sobri- or support in company company.” For many, this ety. The only requirement with those that share their is especially true around for attending meetings or experience. the holidays. Those with membership is a desire to “Walking into that old alcohol or drug problems stop drinking. hall, people smiled at me can find it particularly AA has meetings open for no reason other than challenging to enjoy the to all, tailored to young they were glad I was there. end-of-the-year holidays. people, women, and oth- No one had been glad to see However, those who feel er distinct groups. The me in so long, I didn’t know isolated and alone can twelve-step model born what to do. So I just sat find support all over Mas- from AA has been used down, listened and after a sachusetts. to build other fellowships couple of meetings actually Alcoholics Anonymous for recovery including, found myself telling a bit attended an average of (AA) is an international Narcotics Anonymous, about my own story! No 233 AA meetings in the fellowship founded in 1935 Gamblers Anonymous; one was more surprised previous year. He found that has an estimated and Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, than I was! The warmth of 66 percent had served as 116,000 in-person and and Gam-Anon, all of that first welcome kept me sponsors, and 92 percent online support groups. It which offer support for coming back. I know now I reported experiencing an is a fellowship of men and those who are impacted don’t have to do this alone” AA “spiritual awakening” women who come together by a loved one’s addiction. One of our clients asked which decreased the likeli- to share their experiences, All offer those affected by us to share this quote as hood of alcohol craving.” strengths, and hopes for opioid, marijuana, or other his way of sharing the gift Curious about mak- the purpose of staying drug problems, as well as of peace and recovery in ing changes in your life? the new year. Call or send an e-mail AA, AL-Anon, and other Danielle (617-542-7654, fellowships are just one Ext.14; dowen@iicenter. of the many tools of re- org) for more informa- covery. Others may need tion about meetings or in-patient or structured other tools to recovery. group support, perhaps AA Boston shares listings FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. one-to- one counseling of its meetings statewide Large Format Printing too. The Journal of Addic- and we regularly post this Attorney John Philip Foley tive Diseases published information on our “IIIC Billboards • Banners research that indicated Wellness Services” Face- Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business that “among 266 highly book page. Recovery is Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas 1022 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester committed young adult possible, and for 2014 you ALL Nationalities & AILA Members 617-282-2100 AA attendees, the aver- don’t have to do it alone! age length of abstinence Wishing all our readers carrolladvertising.com was 44 months. They had a very peaceful New Year! Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 The IIIC celebrates its 25th, and gives Solas Awards to five Nearly 500 guests joined the Irish International Im- migrant Center for its 2013 Solas Awards Celebration on Fri., Dec. 6, at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. It was a truly memorable occasion as IIIC launched its 25th year serving im- migrant families and young people from Ireland and around the world while presenting Solas Awards to Joyce and Bill Cummings, John Hailer, Jack Joyce, and Raj Sharma. Photos by Bill McCormick, courtesy IIIC center 1. Pictured in photos are : 1.) IIIC Executive Director Ronnie Millar with 2013 Solas Award recipients Raj Sharma, Bill Cummings, Joyce Cummings, John Hailer, and Jack Joyce. 2.) Program emcee Kelley Tuthill, WCVB-TV; 3.) IIIC executive director Ron- nie Millar with honorees 3.) Jack Joyce and 4.) Raj Sharma; 5.) Solas co-chair Anne Geraghty, Winnie Henry, Sr. Marguerite Kelly, Patrick “Doc” Walsh and Eileen Nee; 6.) Honorees John Hailer and 7.) Joyce and Bill Cummings with Mr. Millar; 8. & 9.) The Boston City Singers ensemble performed to the delight of the audience; 10.) a pre-dinner reception was held in the JFK atrium; 11.) Margaret Dalton sang the Irish and American national anthems; and 12.) Boston’s Irish Consul General Breandan O’Caollai greeted the audience. 2.

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10. 12. Page 6 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Enter Mayor Walsh, It has been a rough road for the Irish, son of Ireland, BC, but their economy is making it back

By Joe Leary As to the real estate market, Dublin housedprices and Dorchester Special to the BIR are 48 percent lower than they were in the overheated By Ed Forry The strength, tenacity, and courage of the Irish year of 2007. But they have risen by 15 percent over This January marks the end of an era in our city. people in dealing with their own share of the world’s last year.As if we needed more reassurance that Ireland On the first Monday of the New Year, Jan. 6, Hyde collapsing economy in the 2007-2009 period should was on its way back, Forbes magazine, the renowned Park’s Tom Menino will step down as Boston’s Mayor, make Irish Americans very proud. USA Financial publication has named Ireland as the and Dorchester’s Marty Walsh will be sworn in as the Yes, there were abuses and perilous risk-taking that “Best Country for Business,” citing a favorable business new chief executive. made Ireland’s problems more severe than that of most attitude, low corporate taxes, and government agency Born and raised in Savin Hill, and the son of two countries. But now, in January 2014, we can see real assistance as prime reasons for that recognition and Irish immigrants, the incoming mayor traces his lin- improvement, for which we must pay tribute to the adding, “despite economic troubles, Ireland still main- eage back to Connemara in County Galway. Just as intelligence and discipline of tains an extremely pro-business environment that has comfortable in Rosmuc as on Dot the Irish people. Irish Minister attracted investments by some of the world’s biggest Ave., Marty Walsh as a boy regu- of Finance Michael Noonan TD companies over the past decade.” larly spent summer vacations with put his tribute this way: “The And one news blogger, David McWilliams, led his cousins back in the old country. real heroes and heroines of the recent column with the headline, “Ireland’s engines Indeed, his election in November story are the Irish people.” start to fire.” was front page news in the Con- Ireland is the first European It should be recognized, however, that Ireland is naught Tribune and the Galway country that found itself in still paying off huge debts as the result of the banking Advertiser, and a TV crew from serious trouble six years ago to crisis. The exuberance surrounding the “Celtic Tiger Ireland’s national broadcaster right itself after suffering the “atmosphere a few years ago caused many problems RTE was on hand to report on effects of the misdeeds of its the effects of which remain an issue today with the the election. The Irish language banking hierarchy. European remaining debt. Retail prices, restaurant prices, golf broadcasters were excited to learn that Walsh is flu- fiscal managers have been un- course fees, and Irish salaries all skyrocketed. Tour- ent in the Irish language – a linguistic skill not well Joe Leary stinting in their praise of Ire- ists were shocked to see their hotel bills. One golf known in the states! land’s new ways of managing course in Southwest Ireland charged almost $400 for Several Irish television and newspaper reporters its budget system.This has been a hard earned lesson a round of golf. are expected to be back in Boston to cover Walsh’s for politicians and businessmen that will hopefully be In a major effort to cut government expenses and inaugural festivities, and scores of Galway relatives remembered in the years ahead. pay off the huge debt employees have had their sala- and friends, including the current mayor of Galway, Credit Ireland’s current leaders and the loyal Irish ries and pensions cut by an average of 20 percent. As Padraic Conneely, are also planning to be in town for people for the emerging, almost miraculous signs of a group, the Irish, while complaining bitterly, have the historic occasion. real improvement in the country’s economic prospects accepted the necessity of paying the country’s debt Boston College’s Conte Forum will be the venue for going forward. which came into full view in 2009 as the government the inaugural ceremony, a fitting place for Walsh, who According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office had to borrow nearly $100 billion to keep the banking graduated from BC after years of evening classes. Re- website, the unemployment rate is now down to 12.5 system afloat. Misguided and failing bank loans were markably, he will be the first–ever mayor of Boston with percenty after reaching nearly 15 percent in the past crippling all development, and the government was a BC undergraduate degree. In fact, the year 2013 was three years. And Ireland’s foremost business organiza- running out of money. a successful one in Massachusetts politics for Boston tion IBEC (Irish Business and Employee Confederation) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the College graduates: Edward Markey succeeded John forecasts a 2.8 percent growth rate in the national European Union (EU) advanced the funds on the condi- Kerry to become the first BC Eagle to serve in the US economy this year while noting that 60,000 more Irish tion that Ireland submit itself to regular investigations Senate, while Linda Dorcena Forry, a 1996 graduate, brought home paychecks this past Christmas. by EU and IMF personnel, a mandate that some saw is the first woman to win elections to represent South The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) as a loss of Irish sovereignty. Boston, along with Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde was set up by the government in 2009 to relieve the The government then set in motion a series of draco- Park, in the State Senate. (Full disclosure: Senator banking system of weak, unpayable mortgages so nian austerity cuts to its expenses. And it worked! Just Forry is married to my son Bill, and is the mother of that new funds could be used more freely for growth two weeks ago, on Dec. 15, 2013, the bailout conditions four of my grandchildren!) projects. They took possession of hundreds of proper- were lifted after an asset review process. While this *** ties, paying the banks as little as 7 percent of the doesn’t mean that the days of austerity are, many of It’s a pretty safe bet that Mayor Walsh will make plans mortgage value, and are now selling those properties the European controls have been cancelled. to visit Ireland sometime in his term, likely sooner than into a growing market, returning significant funds to All of which is a major achievement for the govern- later. Ireland is easily the most accessible European the Irish Treasury. ment and the Irish people, and a source of pride for both. destination for Boston tourists, with regular non-stop service from Logan, the overnight flight is just a little more than five hours, shorter than the travel time to LA or San Francisco. So the Irish can expect to see a Off the Bench few more visitors this year. Even as the Irish economy seems to be trending in a positive direction, the country’s tourism industry is celebrating the success of 2013, the most successful Thoughts on our arrival year in half a decade. The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) is issuing a year-end report projecting that as many as at Remission Junction 7.5 million visitors are expected to visit the island in like politics, may offer the promise of helping others, 2014, with a projected 6000 more jobs in the industry, By James W. Dolan Special to the Reporter but too often they are subverted by ambition, power, according to a report in the Irish Times. hubris, and greed. The good news comes on the completion of last year’s We recently got off the train after 18 chemo treat- ments, pulling into Remission Junction with the hope Would it be too much to ask policymakers to uphold “The Gathering” promotion, developed by Tourism Ire- both the Constitution and the common good? Perhaps land. That year-long drive saw more than one million it will be a long stay. Many got off in good spirits as an unfortunate few were boarding the train, desperately swearing to love thy neighbor might provoke a more visitors from North America, with 2.5 million more enlightened response to the many of the problems that from the continent of Europe. It is estimated that as hoping to return. It was like a graduation ceremony as care provid- beset us. It might even reduce the level of partisan many as 2.9 million British visitors traveled to Ireland bickering that renders Congress so dysfunctional. during the year. ers greeted and congratulated those disembarking. A few tears were shed, testimony to the warm bond that Where is love in our obsession with guns? Where is it The Times report said: “In an upbeat assessment in failing to provide healthcare to everyone? Where is of both 2013 and 2014, the Irish Tourist Industry develops between the sick and the dedicated group it in the economic inequality now so evident? Where is Confederation (ITIC) says conditions for the industry it in discrimination and bullying? Where is it in video are more benign than they have been for five years. that looked after them on the journey. games, violent movies, or the accumulation of things? ITIC chief executive Eamonn McKeon said, “all the Love is central to the messages of Dr. Martin Luther lights are green for go” for next year with improving There were smiles, hugs, and presents to mark a King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and, thank- economies in Ireland’s three biggest markets, the UK, fully, Pope Francis. You find it in families, hospitals, the US and Germany. In no occasion in the past have not-so-small victory. Staff and patients get to know churches, schools, and in the many acts of kindness we had a situation where the three top economies are of ordinary people. all good at the same time.” each other on this train. The understanding and There is more love, honesty and transparency on a compassion of those who cancer train then in the halls of Congress. Ideology is run it help to allay the fears of little concern to the travelers or their care-givers. Boston Irish and ease the pain of a wide The simple yet beautiful act of caring for someone James W. Dolan array of passengers. in distress is not a theory but a reality that must be My wife was a ticket confronted every day. REPORTER holder and I was along for the ride aboard the No. 9 There is no “kicking the can down the road.” The The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: Train on the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center need is now, the consequences imminent. I learned Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., (BIDMC) line. We both found the journey difficult a lot on the cancer train, lessons not often found on 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 but rewarding. Julie the infusion nurse, Marty the more pleasant excursions. In many ways it was an [email protected] www.bostonirish.com uplifting experience to see how we can care for each Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) survivor/volunteer, and Leo and Linda at the front desk were just a few of the staff who worked to ease other when it matters. Edward W. Forry, Publisher In the words of a now deceased cancer patient: Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor the hardships of the reluctant travelers. Confronting William P. Forry, Contributing Editor fear with hope, sorrow with comfort, and despair with Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor encouragement, they make the burdens manageable. “This is as good a place as any The disease strips away thoughts of much that is To cling to life. News Room: (617) 436-1222 superficial – the desire for wealth, power, and acclaim. Nobody wears their wigs here; Ads : (617) 436-1222 Instead, the passengers embrace things of greater Just baseball caps or stocking hats. Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] value – love, family, humility, courage, and grace under All the externals have fallen away. On The Web at www.bostonirish.com pressure. How one is sick is probably a far more honest Each face a star. Date of Next Issue: February, 2014 version of oneself than how one is healthy. There is Shining brightly, blessedly Deadline for Next Issue: Wednesday, January 22 at 2 p.m. no place for posturing when among the seriously ill. Through the encroaching darkness.” Published monthly in the first week of each month. Someone once observed: “Service to others is the rent The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond we pay to live on earth.” Health care is the most direct the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish of the service occupations, which also include teaching, James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. social work, and spiritual guidance. Other occupations, judge who now practices law. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Story of the Year A heart-breaking loss triggers a spirited response

The year’s most indel- it’s somebody in your ible images, memories neighborhood, and your and emotions for the hometown. And such a city — and certainly for little boy that is so full of Dorchester at-large— are life and so happy.” connected to the April In the days and weeks 15th terror attack on spec- to come, the overarching tators and participants at sentiment of the collec- the Boston Marathon. The tive response was one of bombings killed three and respectful solidarity. The wounded hundreds more Richard family requested and the aftershocks of the and received privacy. two devices rippled across Neighbors raised funds, the nation and globe. But created heartfelt memo- Martin Richard the epicenter of grief, in rials, including a pitch- many respects, was here perfect Peabody Square in our backyard, where the ceremony in which the A view of the throng who came out to Garvey Park on April 16 in a spontane- Richard family mourned historic clock was stopped ous show of support for the covictims of the Boston Marathon terror attacks. the loss of their younger and then re-started a week Photo by Chris Lovett son, Martin, age 8, who later in honor of young was killed at the scene, Martin. while at once coping with When the Richard fam- grievous injuries to other ily convened a memorial family members, includ- Mass at St. Ann church ing Jane, age 7, who lost in June, the event was her leg. closed to the press but The atrocity visited overflowed with familiar upon the Richard fam- faces. Poignant remarks ily made the assault from Martin’s dad Bill on the city all-the-more Richard heartened the personal for the entire resolve of the community neighborhood. Thousands that this family would poured into Neponset’s carry on. The Richards Garvey Park for a hastily- later greeted a throng of organized prayer vigil on mourners who waited in a the day after the attack. long line to greet them at Candles flickered inside the schoolhouse next door. paper cups supplied to The family later shared Jane Richard Photos mourners, many of whom images and details of courtesy Richard Family shared classes or sports Jane’s progress through jerseys with young Martin the year as she took under the worst imagin- and his siblings. her first tentative steps able circumstances, the “It’s just heart wrench- again on an artificial Richard family responded ing you know?” said Maria limb fashioned for her at with grace, dignity and de- Del Tufo, 47. It’s hard to Dorchester’s United Pros- termination that continue Mayor Tom Menino and Sen. Elizabeth Warren were on hand for a ceremony fathom that it happened in thetics. Thrust into the to inspire this community. marking the one-week anniversary of the marathon bombing on April 22. the first place, but when international spotlight – Bill Forry Photo by Bill Forry

Point of View On the passing of an Irish ‘Prince of Players’ Peter O’Toole met his goal: “To be the event!”

By Peter F. Stevens in films such as “Becket,” an idiot.” BIR Staff in which he played King He played a strikingly There was always that Henry II to Richard Bur- O’Toole-like character as voice. Several years ago, ton’s portrayal of the title hard-drinking, womaniz- I had the opportunity to character; “The Lion in ing, elegantly dissipated speak with the legendary Winter,” in which he actor Allan Swann in “My actor Peter O’Toole, who again played Henry II Favorite Year” (1982), passed away last month at with Katherine Hepburn his touching and hilari- the age of 81, and I dare- as his wife; and a sear- ous tour-de-force earn- say that no one who ever ing performance in “Lord ing yet another Oscar talked to him in person or Jim,” a drama based nomination, his seventh. on the phone could ever on the Joseph Conrad Number eight came for forget his voice. No matter novel. In “Goodbye, Mr. his poignant portrayal of whether he was delivering Chips,” O’Toole played a dying actor in “Venus” cinematic performances a shy teacher in love (2006). for the ages in such films with a showgirl, and he In 2012, O’Toole an- as “Lawrence of Arabia,” enthralled audiences in nounced his retirement “Becket,” and “The Lion 1972’s “The Ruling Class” from acting. “It is time in Winter,” or rendering as a deranged, delusional for me to chuck in the the only notable scenes Peter O’Toole as Lawrence of Arabia in 1962, in a 1980 interview, and in English aristocrat who sponge,” he told the me- in several forgettable recent years. believed he was Jesus dia. “To retire from films movies, that magnificent Christ. and stage. The heart for voice, his intense blue the whole room would his classmates included sianic and controversial O’Toole’s prodigious it has gone out of me: it eyes, and a physical pres- light up; it was fairyland. Albert Finney and Alan World War I officer T.E. talent was nearly eclipsed won’t come back. My pro- ence that captured every But when he lost, it was Bates. At the Bristol Old Lawrence to the talented by his prodigious drink- fessional acting life, stage conceivable emotion and black. In our house, it Vic Theater, a spring- but relatively unknown ing. In the early 1970s, he and screen, has brought action made him arguably was always a wake...or a board for many acclaimed Irish-born actor. made some poor choices me public support, emo- the finest actor of the past wedding.” actors and actresses, Although the film, for his roles, and many tional fulfillment, and half-century. Despite As a teenager, O’Toole O’Toole’s gifts captivated which would take some in the film industry be- material comfort. It has all that, despite the fact left school and took a job audiences and reviewers two years to film in seven lieved that he would brought me together that he was nominated at the Yorkshire Evening alike, especially in such countries, featured an A- never reclaim his perch with fine people, good eight times for Academy Post, where he mulled Shakespearian roles as list cast with such actors as one of the era’s finest companions with whom Awards, he never won. It a career as a journalist his turn in the title role as Alec Guinness, Antho- actors. In 1975, at age 43, I’ve shared the inevitable is an appalling indictment but opted against it. Ac- of “Hamlet.” ny Quinn, Omar Sharif, his drinking caught up lot of all actors: flops and of Hollywood that he has cording to author Robert O’Toole’s foray from the and Jack Hawkins, it was with him; he underwent hits.” been dubbed “Oscar’s big- Sellers in “Hellraisers: classical stage to movies O’Toole’s stunning perfor- emergency surgery for an Peter O’Toole’s acting gest loser.” The Life and Times of began in 1960 with small mance that defined the “abdominal irregularity life brought audiences Peter Seamus O’Toole Burton, Harris, O’Toole roles in “The Savage Inno- movie and propelled him and nearly dying.” He some of the most memo- was born on Aug. 2, 1932, & Reed,” O’Toole said, cents,” “Kidnapped,” and to international fame. His then quit drinking, telling rable performances in in Connemara, Co. Gal- “I soon found out that, “The Day They Robbed the depiction of the tormented the Daily Mail, “The time the annals of film and way. The family eventu- rather than chronicling Bank of England.” While British war hero earned has come to stop roam- stage. In the 19th cen- ally moved to Leeds, Eng- events, I wanted to be the roles were minor, him his first Oscar nod, ing. The pirate ship has tury, Edwin Booth was land, where his father, the event.” He certainly his presence and voice but even though “Law- berthed. I can still make hailed as “The Prince of Patrick O’Toole, was a accomplished that goal. were not; they captured rence of Arabia” earned whoopee, but now I do Players.” It is not hy- bookmaker and gambler. Following required na- the attention of direc- the award for best picture it sober.” With his char- perbolic to acclaim Peter Years later, in an Esquire tional service in the Royal tor Sir David Lean, who of 1962, O’Toole lost to acteristic wry candor, Seamus O’Toole as an- magazine interview with Navy, O’Toole set out was casting for the lead Gregory Peck for his role O’Toole added, “I loved other “Prince of Players,” Gay Talese, the actor re- to become an actor and role in his latest project in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” the drinking, and waking a magnificent thespian called, “When my father landed a spot with the – “Lawrence of Arabia.” Over the following up in the morning to find whose art imitated life would come home from vaunted Royal Academy Lean decided to give the years, O’Toole’s breadth I was in Mexico. It was and whose life imitated the track after a good day, of Dramatic Art, where coveted part of the mes- of talent filled the screen part and parcel of being art. Page 8 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell But then what should we expect from Tobin, the pub- Haass Visit North Not A Smooth Trip – Richard O’Malley Pauses Campaign For Mandela Trib- lisher of the Catholic Weekly in Rhode Island who found Haass, the special US envoy and head-banger, has had ute – Padraig O’Malley, the professor of Peace and space on his paper’s editorial page for the thoughts and better trips to Northern Ireland than the ragged, up- Reconciliation at the MccCormack Center at UMass advice for children authored by the notorious Bishop and-down negotiations he has been trying to score on Boston, has spent his recent years lecturing but rarely John McCormack, the now retired bishop in New with this most-recent visit. He has proposed a number of in a university classroom but working feverishly on Hampshire and a well-known enabler from Cardinal ideas for a new Northern Ireland flag that most union- three continents to bring peace and respect for differ- Bernard Law’s see-no-evil cadre when the Boston ists/loyalists, in a word, hate! He has also suggested ences to a range of warring cities and their leaders. archdiocese was shuttling abusive priests around to authorizing licenses for flag display on government With rare exceptions, there is little public funding parishes in Massachusetts, to Texas, California, and buildings. That proposal was DOA, as has been the for O’Malley’s protean efforts, elsewhere. Anywhere except to a grand jury and the case with most of the flag-related remedies offered. still the whirlwind of planning, courthouse. Casting stones can get to be a complicated Another idea the hard-working Haass is to create travel, and meetings involved in process, it seems to me. an “all embracing body” (as the Irish Times puts it) to bringing enemies together grinds ‘Twelve Pubs Of Christmas Crawl’ Under Fire deal with Troubles-related killings. This body would on for the professor-activist with – Not to be a spoilsport but it should be said (out loud, superimpose itself as a central clearing house whereas peace as his goal. high decibel) that the holiday practice in Galway and at the present time such investigations are tended to O’Malley has a vehicle he some other watering holes is a tradition that deserves by the police (PSNI), the police Ombudsman ,and the uses to promote reconciliation; retiring. The idea of visiting a dozen pubs in a single Historical Enquiries Team. The Haass team has also he calls them Forums for Cities day and having a shot of hard stuff in each bar, which proposed a body or board to replace the controversial in Transition. One was held at involves many young tipplers, is a second cousin of the Parade Commission. UMass Boston in 2009, and it half-price happy hours that once were rampant here First Minister Peter Robinson of the Stormont drew participants from cities in the states. And it could be lethal. Some pubs have government has been testy, but up until mid-December like Kirkuk, Derry, Kosovska, already called “time’s up” for the practice and many he was listening to, if not delighted with, what he has Bill O’Donnell and South Nicosia, among oth- parents feel a sense of dread shadowing their Christmas been hearing and reading. His latest remarks re the ers. Another was held in Derry holidays. The head of the Psychiatric Nurses Associa- Haass proposals have been harsh but hypothetical, with participants from Beirut, Belfast, Haifa, Derry/ tion said it was the young people who were most at risk. with him saying he would be outraged if proposals Londonderry, Kaduna, Nicosia, and Ramallah, to name On a personal basis from my younger days, I can still for dealing with unresolved issues were not finalized a few. The most recent forum was held in Kaduna, Ni- recall far too vividly seeing the bars in Somerville late or not revised. geria, where there was violence in the streets outside. on holidays nights emptying out and sending revelers A reminder: the purpose of the Haass intervention is Deeply involved for years in Northern Ireland, on shaky legs home to wives and children and maybe three-fold but that can get lost amidst the pages and O’Malley has pressed on with his and the McCormack an unfinished tree still to be decorated. There was a paragraphs of new, expanded, and edited proposals. Center’s campaign to bring a new era to a fractious scant supply of happy times in those homes. The aims are: To resolve the deeply rooted divisions in Ireland. One of his earliest allies in the mid-1990s was A Word Of Praise for a Decent Man – I met the North over flags and parades; their protests; and Nelson Mandela. O’Malley believed that the peace former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds just once briefly, the past. And Haass would like to wrap things up by negotiators in the North would hugely benefit from and all these years later I remember a small man the end of this year. the guidance and participation of those South Africans with a ready, genuine smile and outreaching hand. RANDOM CLIPPINGS involved in ending apartheid, especially the lynchpin Of his official duties I thought he had less guile and Not so comforting to see that Black Friday and its of that historic agreement, Mandela himself. more freedom from his own ego than many of his relatives shake out the same here or in Dublin. An array The friendship and working relationship between high-placed contemporaries. I knew he was involved of tempting sales in Fair City shops and department Mandela (or Madiba, as he was known at home) and with the emerging peace process, but knew little more stores have Irish women “stampeding’ O’Malley resulted in the South African’s significant than that bare-bones notion. So it was comforting in Through stores, grabbing cut-rate TVs out of each role in the Irish talks, a critical point on the road to one regard to read several press accounts marking the other’s arms. People to hospitals amid sales riots. Just the Good Friday agreement. When Mandela died at 20th anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration, like the old Filene’s Basement. … The Fluties are back. age 95 on Dec. 5, Professor O’Malley was asked to be which was followed nine months later by the IRA Troy Flutie, Darren’s son and Doug’s nephew and a one of the principal eulogists. In memorializing the ceasefire, and note the fact that one of the signers of senior at Natick HS, threw seven touchdown passes deceased, he said: that historic document was Albert Reynolds. He was in his last high school game, setting all sorts of school “In a life during which he endured much personal not there for the recent ceremony at Iveagh House, and state records. Next stop: Boston College. … Flying pain and loss with stoicism, Mandiba drew on reserves where he was represented by his wife Kathleen and today is a horror show, an endless loop of middle seats of solitude to make a stronghold for the mind; he forged their four children, because, his son Philip said, he is and luggage fees, but if the airlines approve cell phone a will outside the makeshifts of human society. He was in the “very late stages” of Alzheimer’s disease. use in flight, I might never take a vacation outside of often alone, but never lonely. He mourned for others, The success of the Downing Street Declaration, most New England. … Why should AARP send me a donation but never for himself. … He faced evil; he tamed and historians agree, can be attributed to the relationship slip for their “Foundation” when they have revenues endowed the country he loved so much, for which he of trust between the British Prime Minister John Ma- (membership fees and licensing) of half a billion a year. sacrificed a lifetime with the gift of empathy. ... He took jor and the Albert Reynolds. Months of negotiations Who’s kidding whom? … The other shoe for Taoiseach us down the path of truth and made us face ourselves, between the two leaders were successful in the main Enda Kenny re a possible European Union presidency a task that was often ugly and loathsome, but a task because the principals respected each other. Bertie has dropped and he says he was flattered but he is stay- that was necessary if we were to heal ourselves and Ahern is often described, even by himself, as the ing put. … That overpriced fool and photo-op hound move forward” architect of the peace process, but it is important to Donald Trump, who escaped his padded cell twice in Boston Hospital Aids All-Ireland Heart Sur- say for the record that much of the success that Ahern the past to show interest in presidential campaigns, is gery – An international team of doctors led by Dr. enjoyed was a by-product of Reynolds’s hard work and talking about challenging NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo. John Mayer, a cardiac surgeon at Boston Children’s character. And, of course, a result of being in the right Attention must be paid, says candidate Trump. … Irish Hospital, is leading a study to look into an All-Ireland place at the right time cadets, eleven of whom were graveside in November plan for an integrated network of pediatric heart Late Conversion By GOP On JFK – One of the 1963, came back to Arlington for the 50th. … Ryanair’s surgeons serving children throughout Ireland, north abiding characteristics of right wing politicians and Michael O’Leary is mellowing as lower fees and more and south. At the present time, because of the limited their cheerleaders on fact-free radio, conservative liberal baggage rules have eased. … A well-deserved number of heart patients served in Belfast and in the news outlets, and during any given minute on Fox, is shout-out to Roche Brothers and the West Roxbury less-populated North, many patients from the North that they have so little regard for the truth. Deeply Business & Professional Association for their free food accompanied by their parents are forced to travel to involved in calling attention to the almost nightly gift deliveries to the needy and seniors there. … The Dublin or Britain for children’s heart surgery. The lies and omissions by Fox’s Sean Hannity, and the Police Chief of the World, Bill Bratton, is Mayor Bill hope is that an integrated system will allow several self-created “excellence in broadcasting credo of Rush deBlasio’s pick to head up the NY police. This is his specialized hospitals and cardiac surgeons north and Limbaugh on weekday radio, is the citizen supported second time leading the cops there. … A lot of good south to maintain their skills through regular work. Media Matters, which assiduously monitors the media, news out of Ireland amidst the plight of the struggling One of the tenets of major surgery is that the more particularly the right wing and tea partyers. punters: Forbes Magazine is ranking Ireland “as the patients a surgeon sees and operates on, the greater Willie Sutton robbed banks, he said, “because that’s best country in the world in which to do business.” the skill and positive surgical outcome. In recent years where the money is.” Media Matters keeps a close eye Wow! … Between 1906 (Jimmie Collins) and 2013 the imbalance has been extreme; surgeons in Britain and tape recorders listening to the nutty right because (John Farrell) the Red Sox have had twenty manag- see 300-500 cases a year compared to 60 surgeries last that’s where lies, misrepresentations, willful omis- ers of Irish descent. And Italian Terry Francona may year in Belfast. sions, and torrents of race-baiting and homophobia be the best ever. … Good to see Mayor-elect Marty The study envisions a health service for pediatric are found – but damn few corrections when they are Walsh walking back his early harsh words about the heart surgeons who would work together to provide caught with their zeal-driven fingers in the ideologi- BRA (where I once roosted). Many talented staffers top quality with more convenient service for families cal cookie jar. Can my friends on the right withstand and creative ideas can be found on the ninth floor. … living in the North. Ireland’s health minister, James a few case incidences (circa 2013) on their side’s love All the attention at the passing of Nelson Mandela Reilly, says the aim is “to establish an integrated ser- affair with President John F. Kennedy: reminds some of us that Mandela was an early visitor vice for cardiology and congenital cardiac surgery for • Glen Beck (Nov. 22, radio): “Kennedy would be to Boston because we took a principled stand against all the children of this island, based on international a Tea Party radical.” He went on to say that JFK had apartheid. … Was anyone out there shocked that an best practice.” been “co-opted by the left.” Of course, and white-sheeted auction of Curt Schilling’s property failed to attract Pope Francis is on a Winning Streak – How was Klansmen were holiday revelers. interest in the former 38 Studios flagship video game? your December? Whatever the month brought you, it • Rush Limbaugh (Nov. 21, radio): Kennedy … President Obama was boxed about the head and likely didn’t match the high ratings and global praise “was not in any way a liberal as you know liberals shoulders on Benghazi and the “scandal” at the IRS, that the leader of the Catholic Church was basking today” because JFK cut taxes and he was “proud to but the Administration House deserves a hit at the in. The soaring papal popularity was highlighted in be an American.” And Rush makes $30 million a year phone-tapping of the AP wire service and the current a poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC spouting things like that and similar bilge. policy of news photos shot, controlled, and distributed News showing Pope Francis with a approval rating • Chris Wallace (Nov. 17, Fox News Sunday): by the White House. Silly and unnecessary! That’s so of 92 percent, and his church at a ten-year high of 95 There’s a growing body of thought that in fact President Nixonian, Barack. … Belt-tightening or something percent. Soon after announcing his retirement, Pope Kennedy was quite conservative.” Wallace noted JFK’s else? The US is consolidating its embassy in Italy and Benedict had a 76 percent approval rating. Adding tax cuts. JFK’s niece and Bobby Kennedy’s daughter, the one in the Vatican in one Roman location. … Lies to the laurels for the Jesuit pope was his selection as Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who was in studio & more lies: Rush Limbaugh continues saying that Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year,” which came with Wallace, laughed while pointing out that the 70 Americans don’t support the immigrants’ so-called with a Time cover. Later in the month, he was on the percent marginal tax rate that JFK favored was way “Path to Citizenship” despite a major poll showing that cover of the New Yorker and the subject of one of that above the current tax rate that conservatives claim 63 percent of us favor it. The Big Lie lives in Roger magazine’s prized profiles. Not bad PR for his first year. is too high. Ailes’s attic. … Victoria’s Secret has opened a shop Now it hasn’t all been a stroll through the lilies for • The Boston Globe’s Jeff Jacoby: “By any reason- in Terminal A of the Dublin Airport, its first store in Francis. The bishop of Providence, Thomas Tobin, able definition [JFK] was a conservative.” staid Dublin. … Galway’s Christmas market, opened said he was “disappointed” at the pope for something The record on President Kennedy is that all during before the holiday, drew a record 85,000 on the first or other. But, then, the stern head of the Providence his incomplete presidency, he was viciously attacked weekend. … The Catholic League’s caped crusader, diocese was also critical of Nelson Mandela for his sup- by conservatives. “Wanted for Treason” flyers were Bill Donohue, is standing alongside Rush L. in the port for Abortion in South Africa. The bishop has every much in evidence in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, offering latter’s attacks on the pope. Donohue has described the right, and maybe a duty, to call them as he sees them, sentiments similar to those used today by the nutty film industry as “controlled by secular Jews who hate but calling Mandela’s actions as president “shameful” right in describing President Obama. Kennedy’s Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular” on the day the people of South Africa were burying support for the United Nations was in sharp contrast Not my choice to speak for Catholicism. A homophobe their beloved leader was a mean-spirited low blow that to today’s conservatives, who loath that institution and racist. No thanks. Catholics can do better. could have waited until the man was in the ground. and its supporters. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Travel & More ReporterTom Courtney’s first CD is a thank you to those who helped his music take off

By Sean Smith There are also two tra- he lets the songs do the Special to the BIR ditional Irish songs that work. And the dominant Dublin native Tom have become classics in qualities in each one Courtney regards his de- their own right, “Cliffs comes forth: the tender, but CD as a tribute album of Dooneen” and “Rose of sheltering nature of “John of sorts: an expression of Allendale.” O’Dreams”; against-all- gratitude to songwriters If you’re a habitué of odds resilience in “Mary and singers who have in- Irish pubs and the like, Ellen Carter” (and yes, spired him the most since chances are you’ve heard Courtney trots out its he started performing most, if not all, of these well-known guitar lick seriously more than two songs – and not necessar- halfway through); muted decades ago. ily in the best possible way outrage in the elegiac “No “I’ve played these songs – but on “Guysborough Man’s Land”; the emo- for quite a while,” says Train,” Courtney gives tional toll of the familial Courtney, a Boston resi- them new luster. Aided obligation vs. personal dent since 1991, who by his co-producers and ambition tug-of-war in released the 10-track arrangers Dave Mattacks “Sonny’s Dream”; and the “Guysborough Train” this and Mike Barry, Courtney bittersweet tumbleweed past year. “I wanted to re- fashions a crisp folk-rock nostalgia of “Desperados cord them with the sense sound centered around Waiting for a Train.” that I’m giving something his acoustic and electric “I didn’t want to do them back, and saying ‘Thank guitars. Mattacks – a like they’ve always been you for writing these great stalwart for many years done,” says Courtney. “I songs.’” in the legendary Fair- went back and listened to It’s a distinguished ros- port Convention – makes different versions before ter of songs and authors, another key contribution I committed myself to a to be sure: the title track, on drums, percussion and particular arrangement. as well as “Bluenose” and keyboards, heading up Really, though, I wanted “Mary Ellen Carter” by a tight rhythm section to evoke the songs’ origi- the late Stan Rogers, one along with bassist Richard nal sounds – the way I of Canada’s finest folk- Gates and pianist Dave do ‘Sonny’s Dream,’ for singers; “No Man’s Land Limina. The Irish/folk example, is closer to Ron (Green Fields of France)” flourishes are supplied by Hynes’ version than most by Australian Eric Bogle, Boston-area fiddler Larry anything else I heard. also known for “The Band Young and whistle player “Dave and Mike were Played Waltzing Matil- Pat Broaders, a childhood great to work with, and da”; “You’ll Never Leave friend of Courtney who a big help in putting it Harlan Alive” by Darrell has played with bohola all together. My feeling Scott; “Sonny’s Dream” and now Open the Door was, these are all strong by another esteemed for Three. enough songs to stand on Canadian songwriter, Most of all, Courtney their own, and they sup- Ron Hynes; “Desperados sings the songs with a ported that idea.” Waiting for a Train” by straightforwardness and “Guysborough Train” Texan Guy Clark; and restraint that is refresh- also serves as a kind of “I’ve played these songs for quite a while,” says Tom Courtney about his album ing. He doesn’t try to anthology of the influ- “Guysborough Train,” released this past year. “I wanted to record them with “John O’Dreams” by Bill Caddick, with an assist oversell them, or go all ence that North American the sense that I’m giving something back, and saying ‘Thank you for writing out to tug the heartstrings blue-collar country/roots these great songs.’” Bob Morin photo from some guy named Tchaikovsky. or quicken the pulse; (Continued on page 12) The grand finale The Murphy Beds: at BCMFest will Laid back, but also feature Celtic dance deceptively elaborate By Sean Smith Murphy’s creation, but it, Celtic dance – in both notch local musicians and too, is an Irish-American a traditional and con- singers. Local radio per- Special to the BIR The Murphy bed is one success story, on its own temporary vein – will be sonality Brian O’Donovan of those quintessential terms. the focus of the BCMFest of WGBH-FM’s “A Celtic Irish-American success During the past 18 Nightcap, the grand fi- Sojourn” will serve as stories, born (allegedly) months, Hamer and nale for the 11th annual emcee. of romance and determi- O’Leary (when not pur- BCMFest (Boston’s Celtic Masterminding the nation. As legend has it, suing other projects and Music Fest), on Sat., Jan. concert are two of the San Franciscan William collaborations) have per- 11. Boston area’s most emi- L. Murphy came up with formed at venues in New A grassroots celebration nent traditional-style his namesake invention York, Washington, DC, of local Irish, Scottish, dancers, Jaclyn O’Riley at the turn of the 20th Philadelphia, Ireland, Cape Breton, and other and Jennifer Schoonover. century because it was and here in the Boston Celtic music, BCMFest O’Riley has studied Irish improper for a gentleman area at The Burren in takes place over two days step dancing at University to host a lady in a room Somerville; the duo will at venues in Harvard College Cork with dancing containing a bed – which be back in town Feb. 14, Square. The festival is master Peggy McTeggart made wooing his intended when they play The Para- a program of Passim, and locally with Kieran difficult, since he lived in dise. They’ve also released the nonprofit folk and Jordan, an acclaimed per- a one-room apartment. a 10-track CD that very acoustic music-oriented former and teacher of sev- So he devised a special effectively captures their performance and educa- eral styles of percussive hideaway bed to turn his laid-back yet deceptively tion center. dance. It was through bedroom into a parlor, got elaborate, quietly mes- The BCMFest Night- Jordan that O’Riley was himself a patent, and did merizing arrangements cap, which will begin at inspired to learn the rich very well for himself; the of mainly traditional Irish 7:30 p.m. at First Church, improvisational tradition company he founded is and American songs. Cambridge, 3 Church of sean-nós dance, and still in operation. The format for their Street, will feature solo, the old-style step danc- The Murphy Beds, the material is largely con- duet, and group perfor- ing which has influenced New York City-based duo sistent, with Hamer on mances of dances from modern, competitive step of Massachusetts native guitar and occasionally Ireland, Scotland and dancing. In 2010, she be- (and sometime Boston mandolin, O’Leary on Cape Breton. Accompany- gan her own Irish dance resident) Jefferson Hamer bouzouki and sometimes ing the dancers — some of program for children, with and Dublin-born Eamon guitar; they sing in close the most accomplished in a goal of teaching dancers O’Leary, may not have harmony – O’Leary has the Greater Boston area who know how to interact Uilleann piper Paddy Keenan, above, will kick off the same historical or cul- a slightly bassier voice, — will be a “house band” with musicians and other the spring slate of Gaelic Roots events this month with Jimmy Noonan. Page 11. Sean Smith photo tural impact as William L. comprising similarly top- (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 11) Page 10 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

The Tony Award-winning musical love story, “Once,” plays Boston’s Opera House from January 7 - 19. Photo by Joan Marcus Playwright Walsh hails the magic of ‘Once’ (Continued from page 1) 16 years … and this was originally. I thought it was – you can feel people in the created more on the stage adaptation of Roal Dahl’s one of the moments where a terrible idea. I thought audience bringing their than on the page. “The Twits” for a run at the alchemy was really it was just a gimmick. I own love story to it, their EW: Absolutely. We The Royal Court Theater, right … I swear there was said I think you should own experience. It’s an believe in ensemble and a play with Cillian Mur- just something about us just begin it in black, amazing thing. we believe in actors. Be- phy for London’s National all living together. First of and then the characters BIR: Most theaters lieve the power needs to Theatre plus a new Broad- all, it wasn’t our own town. start. I was interested in want to keep the public be in the stomach of the way project. We were all sort of on top of the story happening from completely away from the actors. If (the play’s) in Speaking by phone from one another and meeting no space. From a space performance area. Have any way sort of “authored” his home in London, Enda and socializing and trying that wasn’t charged from there been any issues by the director or the said. “I’ve done the odd to make the work and talk- something already. John, with people socializing too writer or the designer, it movie, but theater for me ing about it … And making a great director, he went much on stage? just doesn’t seem correct still holds that draw. It’s a work about people who “No, no, no. It’s much EW: Yeah, there’s been … There’s great power Dublin-born playwright still extraordinary when are transient in a city. larger. It’s about forget- a bit of that (laughing). for the actors … It’s that Enda Walsh, winner you get it right it. It’s still, Immigrants in a city, ting about musical theater There’s guitars all over great thing about theater. of the Tony Award for for me, the most beautiful really, who are rubbing and what’s been presented there and banjos, and a It’s only true to the effort “Once” playing Boston’s and the most dangerous up against one another before and really showing number of times we’ve of the actor, sort of push- Opera House from Janu- medium.” and forming friendships the bones of it.” had people grab a guitar ing words into space and ary 7 - 19. Here’s a condensed look … there was a lot of cor- BIR: And you have an and try to play along. The taking it forward that the that suspension of disbe- at our conversation about relation between what we actual, working pub on thing about it is, that thing happens and the lief, of just going in and “Once,” coming to Boston’s were going through and stage for the audience. would have been fine in magic begins to happen. watching the imagination Opera House from Janu- what the characters were EW: Opening up the a session, but actually BIR: Great theater of that world happening in ary 7 - 19. going through … It be- space and allowing the some of the guitars are really has that ability to front of you. When you get BIR: Boston audiences came much, much bigger space to be used by an tuned (laughs). And lots of transport, doesn’t it. it right, it’s an extremely feel a kind of ownership that the sum of its parts. audience – I didn’t under- dancing. You know, it’s the EW: There are so many powerful medium. for “Once,” considering it BIR: The musicians stand until we got to the sweetest thing. Watching variables in the air. And R. J. Donovan is Edi- all began with a workshop are jamming on stage as end and could feel how an audience get up there there’s that thing that tor and Publisher of on- at the American Reper- the audience comes into audiences were reacting and be excited about it and it’s such a daft medium, stageboston.com. tory Theatre in 2011. the theater. Was that a to it. We’re telling one love go “Geeze, we’re going to you know? It’s all com- *** Audiences just fell in love choice from the beginning? story on stage, but some- watch a story unfold and plete make believe. It’s “ O n c e , ” J a n . 7 - with the show’s intimate, EW: That came really, how, by handing it over to already our feet have been all lights and sets and 19, The Opera House, bittersweet magic. really early. Actually that the audience, you’re allow- on it. We’ve been in the pretending. But there’s 539 Washington Street, EW: It rarely, rarely was (director) John Tif- ing a thousand love stories world, been in the space.” something that happens, Boston. Tickets: 1-800- happens. I’ve been mak- fany’s initial (idea) to to bounce off one another BIR: I’ve read that you with the deal that an au- 982-2787 or BroadwayIn- ing work now for about do it, and I balked at it … It’s most extraordinary believe good theater is dience comes, and there’s Boston.com. The grand finale at BCMFest will feature Celtic dance (Continued from page 9) Days stepdancing festival might be a ‘party-piece’ and we’re looking forward which will feature NØÍR Marshall and Lindsay dancers and to encourage in Cape Breton; she also someone would share at to putting them together (Torrin Ryan, Mark Oien Straw; Flynn Cohen and a lifelong appreciation for was a co-choreographer a gathering of friends and again in the spotlight.” and Stuart Peak), Cat the Deadstring Ensemble; the tradition. for Bonnie Rideout’s na- family. Or perhaps it was Joining O’Riley and and the Moon (Kathleen Jenna Moynihan; Joey Ab- O’Riley has performed tional production, “A Scot- for a competition, or – as Schoonover are Jordan Parks, Ricky Mier, Eamon arta; Skylark; Realta Gae- with “Atlantic Steps,” an tish Christmas.” Her local has been the case in more and Kevin Doyle, a per- Sefton, Elias Alexander la; Sparrow’s Joy; Oran international sean-nós performances include the recent years – used in a former of old-style tra- and Charles Berthoud), Mor; Highland Dance dance show organized by Gaelic Roots festival at performance setting, per- ditional Irish step dance and the trio of Mark Boston; sean-nos singers Connemara dancer Brian Boston College and the haps with influences from and American tap dance Kilianski, Bronwyn Keith led by Bridget Fitzgerald; Cunningham, and has New England Folk Festi- other kinds of dance, like whose resume includes Hynes and B.B. Bowness. Step About Boston; Fresh collaborated on projects val Association, as well as tap, modern or even ballet. “A Christmas Celtic So- Also that night will be the Haggis; Diane Taraz; with friend and fellow BCMFest as a member of And of course, in addition journ,” as well as Abbie Boston Urban Ceilidh, at Lindsay Adler; Elizabeth dancer Rebecca McGowan Highland Dance Boston. to solo dances there are MacQuarrie, a former The Atrium (50 Church and Ben Anderson; Molly in Washington, DC – the In addition, Schoonover also duets and more social- member of Highland Street), featuring partici- Pinto Madigan; Wisp of two are performing at has been active in modern type dances that are part Dance Boston. patory and social dances Thistle; Royal Scottish BCMFest 2014 as part of dance, appearing at the of the tradition.” Among the musicians from the Irish, Scottish Country Dance Society; the production “Stepping Theater Outlet in Allen- Adds Schoonover, “In slated to take part are and Cape Breton tradi- Alba’s Edge; Sean Smith; Back.” She also occasion- town, Pa., The Irondale this concert, we hope to John Coyne (bouzouki, tions, all with live music. SoundShapes — a special ally choreographs both Ensemble Project and celebrate the symbiotic vocals), Mairin Ui Cheide The festival continues performance of Irish mu- solo and group pieces, and Voice and Vision Theater relationship of music and (vocals), Joey Abarta on Saturday with children/ sic and dance featuring calls dances at weddings in New York City, and as dance. Music is at the root (uilleann pipes), Chris family-oriented entertain- Kieran Jordan and Sean and ceilis. part of the Back Porch of these dance traditions, Stevens (accordion, con- ment in the morning at Clohessy — and Jigs & Schoonover has per- Dance Company and the where dancers often con- certina), Neil Pearlman Club Passim, followed by Saws. formed Scottish dance Willing Suspension Play- tribute to the music with (piano) and Katie McNally concerts and participatory Updates on BCMFest at Carnegie Hall, the ers in Boston. sounds they make with (fiddle). events at Passim and First 2014 performers and Kennedy Center in Wash- “Over the years, these their feet. In turn, dance BCMFest 2014 begins Church, Cambridge. Per- events, and other details ington, DC, and “Good dance traditions have ful- has historically fueled mu- on Fri., Jan. 10, with the formers include: Matt and about the festival, are Morning, America,” and filled a number of roles,” sical forms. The two have “Roots and Branches” Shannon Heaton; Liz Sim- available at passim.org/ appeared at the Chestico says O’Riley. “A dance always been intertwined, concert at Club Passim, mons; Katie McD; Owen bcmfest. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11

Hamer says that recording the Murphy Beds CD with O’Leary “really encour- The Murphy Beds – Jefferson Hamer, left, and Eamon O’Leary – performing aged us to create, and helped us define what we wanted to be.” at The Burren in Somerville last year. Sean Smith photos The Murphy Beds: Laid back, but also deceptively elaborate (Continued from page 9) Willie”); others from clas- hurried feel to the music you hear the distinctly ed with him, he told me, ‘If of interest to me, but I was blessed with Dublin ac- sic song collections, like here, but at the same time American side of their you like Tull, you should surprised at how much he cent and intonation, while that of the aforementioned the interplay between joined musical person- check out Fairport Con- loved country music – I Hamer is a little higher up Francis Child (“Bonny Hamer and O’Leary gives alities, and it all seems vention, or Martin Carthy, think a lot of Irish musi- on the register and with George Campbell”) or their sound complexity perfectly natural and or, Richard Thompson, cians share an enthusi- no obvious affectation to Sam Henry’s Songs of and depth: The exquisite unforced. or Steeleye Span.’ So I asm for classic American his vocals. the People (“Sweet Bann instrumental breaks in, “I’ve always preferred started listening to those songwriting. So we found When it comes to song Water” and “The Navvy for instance, “Rise Up a recording where there guys, and that got me ways of connecting outside selection, The Murphy Boy”); and for good mea- My Darling” and “Lovely is a sustained mood,” going in the direction of Irish traditional music.” Beds boast a distinguished sure, the well-traveled Willy” recall the fret- says O’Leary, “instead folk and acoustic music. O’Leary adds, “I just pedigree: some from the 19th-century composition ted-string intricacies of of those where you’re But when I got a guitar, love good songs, and there repertoire of traditional by W.T. Wrighton and J.E. 1960s/70s Irish revivalists treated like someone with I actually went to playing is a lot about American singers like Donegal’s Carpenter, “Her Bright like Planxty, Sweeney’s a short attention span: bluegrass first. So I was folk that attracts me. As Lillis O’Laoire (“Rise Up, Smile Haunts Me Still,” Men and De Dannan. At ‘Here’s something fast. learning American, Eng- everyone knows, you get My Darling”), Arkansas’ one of those songs that re- other junctures, such as Now here’s something lish and Irish folk music a lot of crossover between Almeda Riddle (“The Old sides equally comfortably their take on “Come In slow. Now here’s lots of all at the same time, and Irish and American music, Churchyard”) and the re- among Irish, American, (The False True Love)” noise.’ We were going for that gave me a broad base so it’s not that big of a doubtable Paddy Tunney and British singers. and the lovely old hymn a unity of sound.” in which to work; I was stretch for me.” of Fermanagh (“Lovely There’s a pastoral, un- “The Old Churchyard,” Adds Hamer, “I like the able to draw from lots of Hamer and O’Leary idea that every album is a different sources.” originally began play- ‘concept album’ – and that Hamer’s ecumenical ap- ing together as part of a means you stick with the proach has led him to col- quartet, but after a time Gaelic Roots spring schedule is set concept.” laborations with the likes realized they had a good Well-matched as they Uilleann pipes virtuoso ing member of the Bo- guitarist-vocalist Max of local fiddler-vocalist- enough rapport to work as are, Hamer and O’Leary Paddy Keenan and Bos- thy Band, a pioneering Cohen — performs music songwriter Laura Cortese a duo. They came up with took different paths to tra- ton College faculty musi- group in the 1970s Irish from Celtic traditions and and, more recently, with a repertoire and decided ditional music. O’Leary’s cians Jimmy Noonan and folk music revival —and contemporary sources, singer-songwriter Anais to make the CD, so they was perhaps more conven- Sheila Falls will be among Noonan, an acclaimed and last year released Mitchell, resulting in set up recording gear in tional: During his teens, the performers featured and award-winning flute the album “This Distant the widely acclaimed CD Hamer’s apartment and he befriended the Mayock during the spring 2014 and tin whistle player, Shore.” “Child Ballads,” an assort- went on from there. “The family from Mayo, who Gaelic Roots series of tra- will present a concert on Falls, a former fiddle ment of new, Americana- act of recording really were very much rooted ditional music that starts Jan. 25 in the Walsh Hall student of Connolly, will influenced adaptations of encouraged us to create, in the tradition. “None of this month. Function Room. appear on March 27 in English and Scottish folk and helped us define what them played guitar, but I Directed by Sullivan On Feb. 3, Connolly and the Walsh Hall Function songs found in the vener- we wanted to be,” says could, so I started learning Artist-in-Residence and BC Irish dance teacher Room with Mark Roberts, able collection of ballads Hamer. traditional music in that master fiddler Séamus Kieran Jordan will lead a a solid performer on gui- by Harvard professor A key decision in the role,” he says. Connolly and sponsored participatory Irish dance tar, flute, bouzouki, banjo Francis J. Child. process, says O’Leary, O’Leary began spend- by the Boston College and ceili evening in the and other instruments. In 2008, Hamer made was “not to do overdubs, ing time in New York Center for Irish Pro- Gasson Hall Irish Room, Among their many indi- his way to New York because once you do some- City during the 1990s grams, the series brings with student and local vidual musical activities, City, and it wasn’t long thing like that it opens – moving there for good to campus acclaimed musicians. Falls and Roberts have before he crossed paths the floodgates. Doing it in 1994 – and became a musicians and experts The Western Massa- both been regular mem- with O’Leary. “The thing straight forced us to be fixture in the city’s Irish in Irish, Scottish, and chusetts-based trio Mist bers of the fiddle super- is, New York is a big city creative: How can we get scene, performing and other related Gaelic music Covered Mountains will group Childsplay, which but a small town, in the the maximum effect out touring with numerous traditions. make its Gaelic Roots on tours annually in the musical sense,” O’Leary of two voices and two in- musicians. He appeared Gaelic Roots events, Feb. 27 with a concert in Boston area. explains. “If you’re into struments? “We felt that, on the 2004 album “Live all of which begin at 6:30 the Walsh Hall Function For more about Gaelic old-timey or bluegrass or if you treat each song the at Mona’s” along with Pat- p.m., are free and open to Room. The band — fiddler Roots, see bc.edu/gaelic- Irish or anything along same, you bring out what’s rick Ourceau, Dana Lyn, the public. Donna Hébert, vocalist roots. the lines of folk/acoustic, best about them.” Cillian Vallely, Brendan Keenan — a found- Molly Hébert-Wilson and you meet eventually.” Now, having made their Dolan, and Susan McK- As it happened, the metaphorical and musical eown, among others. two first met at a mutual bed, O’Leary and Hamer Hamer credits a college friend’s house, and dis- are content to lie in it as professor of his for direct- covered that each had a often as is possible. “We do ing him toward folk music. fondness and familiarity have a lot of things going “In class, he mentioned for the other’s native mu- on,” says Hamer, “but we Jethro Tull, which was a sic. “I knew Eamon played definitely enjoy playing in EIRE band I liked. When I talk- Irish, which was certainly this groove.” Phillips Candy House pub fine chocolates since 1925

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CD Reviews Yet this is Carroll, after all, so you know that at sion) and Aaron Jones the core of all this innovation and experimentation (bouzouki), working By Sean Smith are unimpeachable trad credentials. It’s not so much in tight, pleasurable Special to the BIR that’s she’s pushing out at musical boundaries – for arrangements that Liz Carroll, “On the Offbeat” • Let’s get this out Carroll, there are no boundaries, but a series of inter- compellingly support of the way first, and fast: No, John Doyle does not ap- locking domains in which there are seemingly endless the vocals. pear on this album – counting the CDs they’ve made possibilities. And those vocals are as a duo, it’s the first time since 1988 he hasn’t played Colleen Raney, “Here This Is Home” • When does a treat. As if Raney’s on one of her releases (excluding Carroll’s recordings a Very Good Singer become A Great Singer? Well, if solos aren’t outstand- as part of Trian and the String Sisters). If that’s a you’re Portland, Ore., resident Colleen Raney, that time ing enough — on the disappointment to you, you’ll get over it very quickly would seem to be now, and “Here This Is Home” – her sweetly lamenting once you start listening to “On the Offbeat.” fourth album – definitely helps the cause. “Boys of Mullagh- Not that Carroll hid her All-World fiddle talent under Her earlier releases, including “Cuan” (2011), showed bawn”; “The Lovely the proverbial bushel in any of her work with Doyle, Raney as a singer possessed of a rich, hearty, inviting Green Banks of the Moy,” a tribute to Michael Davitt, but here she is truly front and center, and her power, and unaffected voice, and a familiar-enough repertoire Irish firebrand turned non-violence advocate; “The control, plus her sheer ability to wring seemingly every taken mainly from traditional Irish, Scottish and Granemore Hare,” which is high on everyone’s list of possible tone and emotion from her instrument, are at English (“Lord Franklin,” “Mary and the Soldier,” “An- Best Melodies for a Traditional Irish Song Ever; the full deployment. Carroll’s faculty for composition also nachie Gordon,” “Western Highway,” “Wild Mountain melancholic, sublime “Nightingale,” and in particular is in the spotlight: With one exception, every tune on Thyme”). On “Here This Is Home,” there are subtle, poet Vince Woods’ emotionally complicated “Sanctu- “On the Offbeat” was written by her. (Oh, and her flair delightful advances: a little more depth to her voice, a ary” (with solemn solo piano backing by O’Caoimh) for naming tunes is pretty impressive, too: “Barbara certain extra attention given to her delivery, perhaps, – her duets with Brennan are fresh and invigorating. Streisand’s Trip to Saginaw,” “The Fruit and the and a more discerning song selection. They put new, energetic turns on traditional staples Snoot,” “The Yellow Pantsuit,” “Go Ahead, Back Up,” No small reason for the appeal of “Here Now Is Home” “Canadee-I-O” and “The Cruel Brother,” as well as to name a few.) is the presence of guitarist-vocalist Aidan Brennan (he’s Joseph Kavanagh’s “Colliery Boy,” and are at their She doesn’t do it alone, mind you. Her supporting cast played with folks like Kevin Burke, Susan McKeown, arguable best on the gently resolute “Stand Up for of Beoga’s Sean Og Graham (guitar), Catriona McKay and Loreena McKennitt), who also served as producer, Love,” Brennan’s setting of another Woods composition. (harp), Natalie Haas (cello), Chico Huff (bass), Keith and string-bassist Trevor Hutchinson (Lunasa, The (Mention also must be made of the infectious “Lassie Murphy (guitar, piano), Solas’ Winifred Horan (fiddle) Waterboys, Sharon Shannon), who did the record- with the Yellow Coatie,” on which Hanz Araki assumes and Seamus Egan (mandolin, percussion) — he also ing and mixing. They are part of an ensemble that backing vocal duties.) produced this fine CD — and Trevor Hutchinson (bass) also includes Johnny B. Connolly (accordion), Steve Raney has often referred to her familial roots in individually and collec- Larkin (fiddle) – the interplay between Connolly and Ireland as a source of enduring inspiration, and having tively seem to fire, and Larkin is particularly outstanding – Colm O’Caoimh recorded the album in Dublin, it’s clear she is — quite simultaneously draw (piano, harmonium), Dave Hingerty (drums, percus- literally — at home with her music. on, Carroll’s artistry. In fact, the album reflects associations and activities in which Carroll has engaged over the past several years, notably her in- volvement with “A Christmas Celtic So- journ” and the fiddle ensemble Childsplay (whose most recent album she produced). There are some intriguing experiments with rhythm and meter, such as in “The Fruit and the Snoot/On the Offbeat,” “The Wolf/The Duck” (the first tune is divinely histrionic, like the soundtrack for one of those sumptuous Golden Age of Animation cartoons; Carroll describes the set as “an imagining of different tunes for some of Prokofiev’s protagonists”) and – in a fine example of closing the circle – a set of tunes (“Liam Childs/Balkin’ Balkan/The E-B-E Reel”) she originally wrote for dancer Molly Gawler’s performance with Childsplay, and which wound up on Childsplay’s 2009 CD “Waiting for the Dawn”; the concluding tune in the set features a bracing double shot of fiddle from her and Horan. “Tinsel,” meanwhile, is a delicate melody with a structure and mood that hints of Scandinavia, Horan and Haas providing superb embellishment. Similarly, for the reel medley “W.T.’s 97th/Bar Hopping/Kelly’s Roadhouse,” Carroll duets with McKay, whose nimble, exotic style gives the set a transformative charm. The one non-Carroll tune on the album, the tradi- tional “Yellow Tinker,” gets a decidedly non-traditional treatment, as an unaccompanied Carroll slowly and haltingly makes her way in before putting things into gear, tossing out a few “did-she-really-just-do-that?” variations and turns that Vassar Clements would’ve loved to call his own. Courtney’s first CD is a thank you note (Continued from page 9) music has had on Irish singers like Courtney, who came of age in the 1970s listening to the likes of Rory Gallagher and Thin Lizzy but also was drawn to trad- oriented acts like Planxty – in fact, Andy Irvine was a neighbor of his. “Dublin was a thriving place for music when I was growing up,” Courtney recalls. “But it wasn’t so much the traditional stuff – the old tunes and songs – that was the big deal, although it was certainly around. You’d go into a pub and people would be playing Woody Guthrie, or Johnny Cash, or Stan Rogers or especially Guy Clark. I learned ‘Desperados’ when I was 16, and have been playing it ever since. “There’s a connection, obviously, for Ireland with America and Canada, what with all the emigration over the years. But I also think those songs by writers like Stan Rogers and Guy Clark – about ordinary folks trying to make a living and triumph over hardship – re- ally struck a chord with Irish people, and just became a part of the culture.” Although Courtney has extensive performance expe- rience that includes not only Dublin but also London and other parts of the world, nowadays he is a “part- time” musician, playing nights at Boston-area venues like Mr. Dooley’s, the Kinsale Pub, Waxy O’Connor’s in Lexington, or O’Neill’s in Salem after a day’s toiling as a real estate broker. While he jokes how “it took forever – like two decades – to make the album,” he is more serious about the role music plays in his life, and the relationships it has enabled him to cultivate. “I can’t say enough what a pleasure it was to work with Dave and Mike, and all the other musicians, on the CD. It’s great to have the opportunity to get to know people like them, and fortunately, through play- ing music I’ve been able to do that for most of my life.” Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Traveling People The Ireland I know: A list of my favorite things By Judy Enright wonderful Lough Bishop Special to the BIR House in Co. Westmeath. A new year has dawned, • Favorite castle accom- bringing with it the poten- modations include Dromo- tial for many new adven- land (also very near Shan- tures for us all – hopefully non Airport) and Ashford they’ll be pleasant, fun, in Cong, Co. Mayo. Red and memorable adven- Carnation Hotels bought tures. Ashford last year for 20 We like to start the year million euro. During the by mentioning some of our high-flying Celtic Tiger favorites with the thought years, Ashford was sold that readers might find by a group of American them enjoyable, too, when investors for 50 million visiting Ireland. euro to Galway-based FAVORITES property developer Gerry • Ireland has amazing Barrett, but the hotel ancient churches, friaries, went into receivership in and ruins where you can 2011. During the boom spend hours reading in- years, Ashford guests scriptions on tombstones were reputed to be lavish and admiring detailed spenders - one wedding carving, architecture, and party reportedly spent Celtic crosses. 250,000 euro on flowers In Co. Offaly, the alone and helicopters were Clonmacnoise monastic a common sight ferrying settlement, founded by guests in and out. The St. Ciaran in 548, is asking price for Ashford awe-inspiring and well was 25 million euro before worth visiting. There, on Red Carnation clinched the eastern bank of the the deal for 5 million less Shannon, you can see the Fishing boats docked in colorful Killybegs Harbor in Co. Donegal. and bought the hotel. To- ruins of a cathedral, seven day, most of the Ashford’s churches (10th-13th cen- buoys, and scenic harbor. invented and developed looking for a great place to Rede rope bridge, or the guests are American, with tury), two round towers, If you stay in that area, the gas meter, was the take the family, be sure to many historic homes and the greatest number com- three high crosses, and the there is a great restaurant last private owner of Glen- stop by Fota Wildlife Park, glorious gardens there. ing from California. largest collection of Early nearby – Kitty Kelly’s veagh Castle. He bought a joint project between Visit discovernortherni- This year, Ashford cel- Christian graveslabs in (kittykellys.com) - where the property in 1938 from the Zoological Society of reland.com for details on ebrates its 75th year as a Western Europe. we enjoyed the food and his Harvard professor, Ireland and University these and other tourist hotel. Noel Huggard, from In 2016, another his- excellent service. Be sure A. Kingsley Porter, after College Cork (UCC). The attractions, accommoda- a family of Co. Kerry hote- toric site, Ballintubber to make a reservation, renting it for several park, opened in 1983, tions, and more. liers, bought the property Abbey in Co. Mayo, will though, as Kitty Kelly’s summers. McIlhenny sold was an idea originally • In Co. Kerry, my from the Guinness fam- celebrate the 800th an- is always busy. most of the land to the conceived in the 1970s by favorite accommodation ily trust and opened the niversary of its founding When you’re up in Done- Irish state in 1974-75 for a a former director of the is Heaton’s Guesthouse estate as a hotel in 1939. by King Cathal O’Conor. gal, a visit to the nearly national park and gave the Dublin Zoo, Dr. Terry (heatonsguesthouse.com) He bought 18th-century Ballintubber is the only 40,000-acre Glenveagh castle and gardens to the Murphy. Animals were in Dingle. Heaton’s is Ballinahinch Castle in church in Ireland founded National Park, one of six Irish state in 1979 while chosen based on their clean, welcoming, and Connemara 10 years later. by an Irish king that is national parks in Ireland, retaining the right to live ability to roam free, mix comfortable, with beauti- At one time, the Huggard still in daily use. Mass has is highly recommended. there for his lifetime. with other species, and fully appointed rooms and family owned seven Irish been said there every day Glenveagh, once owned McIlhenny had many thrive in the free-range delicious meals. I have hotels – Ashford and Bal- since 1216. by several Americans Boston area connections. environment. It’s a fun stayed there a number linahinch Castles, The Ross Errilly Friary in with Harvard University He studied at Milton place to visit and there of times and have always Lake Hotel, The Royal in Co. Galway, founded in connections, was officially Academy, graduated from were some fascinating had an excellent visit. Valentia, Caragh Lake Ho- 1351, is said to be the opened to the public in Harvard, and completed animals there that I had • If I were to name my tel, The Bay View, and The most extensive and best 1986. a graduate degree in art never seen before – like absolute favorite Irish Butler Arms in Waterville. preserved of all the Fran- The story behind many history at the Fogg Art the capybara. hotel, I wouldn’t hesitate • Another favorite – this ciscan friaries in Ireland of Ireland’s landmarks is Museum at Harvard. He While in Co. Cork, we to say it’s the lovely, time for my rental car - is and, even though it’s a often as interesting as the served as the curator of also enjoyed the Cobh small, and homey Lough Dan Dooley (dandooley. ruin, it is still beautiful landmarks themselves. decorative arts at the Heritage Centre, Donkey Inagh Lodge Hotel in the com) and my favorite car and worth a look. John George Adair (1823- Philadelphia Museum of Sanctuary in Liscarroll, Inagh Valley, Conne- in Ireland is a Skoda – In Co. Clare, the Kilfe- 1885), a Co. Laois native, Art (for an annual sal- Jameson Distillery in mara. Rooms are large, automatic, of course. I nora Cathedral sited next built Glenveagh Castle ary of $1) from 1935 to Midleton (we had a deli- bathrooms have been up- have heard that other car to The Burren Centre is in the 1870s. He made 1963 with time out for cious lunch at the Dis- dated from bathtub-only rental companies are less another interesting ruin. much of his fortune in the four years in the Naval tillery and a great dinner to walk-in showers, the expensive, but I am happy The cathedral, with five US and owned a ranch in Reserve during WWII. He that night at Farmgate food is delicious, and every to pay a bit extra for the high crosses, was built the Texas Panhandle. In regularly used Glenveagh Restaurant in Midleton), member of the staff acts security of having a vehicle around 1190 on the site 1883, its peak year, the JA as a part-time residence and Kinsale, the gourmet as though you are a fam- that is so well-maintained of an earlier monastery, Ranch had more than a until 1982 and died in capital of Ireland. Be sure ily member coming home. and backed by outstanding and is dedicated to St. million acres in portions of Philadelphia in 1986. to tour West Cork, too, for In short, it’s a wonderful Dooley personnel who are Fachtnan. six Texas counties as well Be sure to visit the gorgeous coastal scenery, place to stay, dine, or visit. friendly, helpful, knowl- Those are some favor- as 100,000 cattle. extraordinary gardens at great accommodation, and A friend with a time-share edgeable, and totally top- ites but there are many, In 1869, Adair mar- Glenveagh to see the vari- great food. in Barna stopped there for notch. I once rented from many more to visit as ried Cornelia Wadsworth ety of exotic plantings and • In Co. Tipperary, the lunch one day last sum- another company and you’ll discover when you Ritchie, daughter of James magnificent rhododen- Rock of Cashel is a “must mer and then returned discovered that someone drive around. S. Wadsworth, a Union drons. Tours and booklets see” and in Co. Meath, be for lunch every day that had been sick in the back • Irish shopping is an- general in the Civil War. are available at the visitor sure to visit Newgrange, she could manage there- seat. The evidence had not other of my favorites. Out- On returning to Ireland, center. The gardens are Knowth, the Hill of Tara, after because she and her been very well removed. standing crafts are sold Adair bought large tracts primarily attributable and Trim Castle. traveling companion were • Great pubs abound in in many fine stores and in Donegal and set about to McIlhenny, who per- • Northern Ireland so impressed. Ireland where food is usu- visitor centers. Some of my building the castle and sonally supervised their boasts many splendid at- There’s a lot to do at and ally good and reasonable. favorite shops for unique estate. development from 1937 tractions, too. Don’t miss near Lough Inagh too – A couple of West Coast fa- gifts are: in Co. Mayo, American Henry Plum- to 1983. the Giant’s Causeway, golf, fishing, hill-walking, vorites are the Granuaille The Beehive in Keel, er McIlhenny, grandson of OTHER FAVORITES Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy and more for the athletic in Newport, Co. Mayo, and Achill Island (where you an Irish immigrant who • In Co. Cork, if you are Harbor, the Carrick-a- types. For the artistic, McDermott’s in Doolin, can also get a delicious, there’s a watercolor work- Co. Clare. You can find fresh lunch); O’Reilly & shop at Lough Inagh with top Irish food products – Turpin in Westport (a accommodation included like St. Tola Goat Cheese fun town to walk around by Rosemary Burns (rose- and Cashel Blue, Burren in); and Seamus Duffy’s maryburnspainting.com) Smokehouse salmon, and Bookshop on Bridge Street - usually several times other products - in stores in Westport. In Co. Gal- a year. across the country. My way, I have found great Kylemore Abbey, a favorite store there is gifts at Kylemore Abbey’s great place to visit, shop, Tesco – their store brand beautiful shop (shop.ky- and dine is nearby as is products (the fish pie is lemoreabbeytourism.ie); Clifden, a nice little town divine) are excellent and Cottage Handcrafts in Mo- to walk around and dine the variety is amazing. yard (cottagehandcrafts. at Mitchell’s, my favorite TRAVELING ie); and at the Clifden seafood restaurant. The Here’s hoping you were Bookshop (clifdenbook- late, great Peter O’Toole lucky enough to get tickets shop.com). Many stores was said to have owned to Ireland for the holidays in Ireland have websites a place near Clifden and and, no doubt, you’ll re- now but many still do not. was often seen in the town. turn from your trip with DONEGAL • B&Bs are plentiful your own list of favorites. • In Co. Donegal, I am everywhere, but a few of Be sure to visit Tourism always drawn to the buzz my favorites are Cahergal Ireland’s website - discov- of the interesting and Farm (very near Shannon erireland.com - for events, bustling port of Killybegs airport) and Riverfield accommodation, and more with its colorful fishing House in Doolin, both on the Emerald Isle and boats, piles of nets and Even the black-faced sheep on Achill Island, Co. Mayo, like to stop by The in Co. Clare, and Helen enjoy Ireland whenever Beehive in Keel. and Christopher Kelly’s you go. Page 14 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic Bliana Mhaith Úr Dhuibh -- “Happy New ross year to You-all!” C Until now I have avoid the grammatical term, Words Nominative Case. Not because if is difficult but I don’t believe in throwing the names of technical The Irish grammatical categories around. Actually, the Nominative Case is quite simple. The term crosswords are “Case” tells you that it is applied to nouns. The a service of an Nominative Case or “Naming Case”, is the form that you will find first in a dictionary – the Ireland-based form used as either the subject or direct object of a sentence. website which Tá Cait ag caint le Nora. “Kate is talking provides Irish to (with) Nora.” Here both “Kate” and “Nora” are Family Coats of in the Nominative Case. You can substitute any noun in the Nominative Case for “Kate” and Arms by email. “Nora” – Tá an garda ag caint le an múinteoir “The policeman is talking to (with) the teacher”. You are invited

The reason that you now know what the to visit Nominative Case is so that you can understand www. when some one quotes the rule, “The Genitive Singular is the same as the Nominative Plural bigwood.com/ and the Nominative Singular is the same as the Genitive Plural.” This is best illustrated by the heraldry word cat /kaht/, “cat.”

Chonaic cat an madra ©-bigwood.com /HON-ehk kaht uh MAHD-ruh/ IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS “A cat saw the dog.” ACROSS 9. Elf room passkey. (anag.) Galway beauty spot near Chonaic cait an madra. 1. A cell dustbin goes astray in Irish capital strong- Letterfrack with 3 lakes and a famous abbey. (4,2,8) “{Some) Cats saw the dog.” hold wherein is St. Patrick’s Hall used for many state 10. No, tough, many can be broken in Ulster region of Chonaic madra súil na cait. functions. (6,6) many lakes, known as the MacMahon country, . (6,8) “A dog saw an eye (of) the cat.” 11. Electron deficient learner fails to start jungle 15. Engaged in banter seated around. (6) Chonaic madra súl na cat. king. (3) 16. Brute dug up the root crop. (5) “A dog saw eyes (of) the cats.” 12. Conditional return of plant container. (3) 17. Grand let in prosperous Cork town, known as the 13. Wants to be born a detective sergeant. (5) ‘Bath of Ireland’ where Thomas Davies was born. (6) Or even better … 14. I moult badly in the last month in beautiful 18. “No, there’s nothing half so sweet in life As love’s Timoleague. (6) young ——.” Moore. (5) Singular Plural 17. Did the cow sound colourful when the boat was 20. Made haste along in Maghera navigation. (3) Nominative: cat cait tied up? (6) 21. Tip of the separate legend! (3) Genitive: cait cat 19. “You write with ease, to show —— breeding. But 26. A contrived event will put a stop to growth. (5) easy writing’s vile hard reading.” Sheridan. (4) 27. Sam’s coming over for the celebration. (4) This rule does not take into account all of the 21. Ardfert rekindling involves long migratory march. 28. Southern, yet upset about what’s causing a pain “irregular Genitives” although it does apply to (4) in the eye. (4) many if not most. 22. All one’s bail (anag.) Galway horse town with a 30. Tie in the back room of the hospital. (4) well-known castle adjoining Garbally park. (11) 32. Sap rising in Kerry resort four miles west of Tralee, 23. “There was —— ground where a man might linger, with mineral springs. (3) bean /ben/ “woman” For a week or two for time was not our master.” Ewan 33. Take us out of 26 down with explosive result ini- mná /mrah/ “women” / Genitive singular McColl -The Travelling People. (4) tially. (3) beaince /BAYNK-uh/ Genitive singular” 24. Noble but not quite on time. (4) (Solution on page 15) 25. Cut back and see where the zloty goes round. (6) In these cases (pun intended) you will have to 29. This do suit, up in workplace. (6) memorize them – but I will be sure to tell you 31. “Where fierce indignation can no longer tear his ——.” Epitaph of Jonathan Swift. (5) the Genitive. Most of these are nouns making 32. Drunkard returns to south. (3) Irish Sayings … plurals ending in and are newer words –(e)anna 34. Soft approach by United Nations initially is a “People live in each other’s shelter.” in Irish. Now, did you notice how this column wordy joke. (3) “The world would not make a racehorse of a donkey.” began? Bliana Maith Úr Dhuibh! “Good New 35. Wants west tor. (anag.) Tyrone village near Coal- “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have Year to You-all!” Here is another example of island and seat of Viscount Charlemont. (12) sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall dialects in Irish. The “Official Irish” is that rec- unless you have rounded a corner.” ognized by the Irish Government and used in all DOWN “There is no strength without unity.” governmental documents and in Irish courses 2. One nut I cracked. (4) “You must live with a person to know a person. If 3. Peruvian pack animal seen coming back through taught in schools with the blessing of the Irish you want to know me come and live with me.” Tuam all alone. (5) “Praise the young and they will blossom” Ministry of Education. The Cois Fhairrge or 4. Upset trash can to find the means of writing. (3) “The raggy colt often made a powerful horse.” “Sea Coast” dialect is the one spoken in Galway 5. Oh, R.U.C. tour ban row. (anag.) North Wexford sea- “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” where the majority of native speakers now reside. side resort near Gorey with a 2 mile sandy beach. (8,7) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” 6. “Go to the — thou sluggard; consider her ways, and “Both your friend and your enemy think you will The difference is in the pronunciation of the be wise.” Proverbs Chap. 6 verse 6 (3) never die.” initial consonant of the Prepositional Pronoun, 7. Sound of Ireland’s first republican? (4) “The well fed does not understand the lean.” d- in “Official” but dh- in Cois Fhairrge. We 8. “Nothing is —— done in this world until men are “He who comes with a story to you brings two away prepared to kill one another if it is not done.” Shaw (4) will not concern ourselves with the vowel sounds from you” for now. Dh- represents a sound which does not ADVERTISEMENT occur in American English (nor in many other dialects of English). It is a “g-like” sound made with the top back of the tongue not quite touch- ing the roof of the mouth, characterized by some as a “gargled g”. From here on we will represent Photography by this sound by the Greek lower case “Gamma ”/γ/, a “v” with a little loop on the bottom, not to be confused with the English letter ”y” as in /yee/. Image Photo Service Official IrishPronounced Cois Fhairrge Pronounced Meaning • Weddings • Anniversaries dom dohm/ dhom /γohm/ “to me” duit /dooch/ dhuit /γooch/ “to you” • Banquets • Portraits dó /doh/ dhó /γoh/ “to him” di /jee/ dhi /yee/ “to her” • Reunions dúinn /doon/ dhúinn /γoon/ “to us” daoibh /deev/ dhaoibh /γeev/ “to you-all” • Groups • Families dóibh /dohv/ dhóibh /γohv/ “to them” • Special Occasions In the February column we will review the uses and the rules associated with the preposi- tion do “to” or “toward” and how to tell it from (617) 291-6609 its homonyms. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 For local teams, stunning in a rear-view look

By Clark Booth the lucky beneficiaries of totality of that particu- Special to the BIR this woeful imbalance at lar evening’s nastiness, Clearing the decks soon the moment, are not likely beginning with Orpik’s to be draped in holly as the to demand answers. hit on Eriksson, which ig- clock runs out on what’s ••• nited the unpleasantness. been another banner year Well known as a class It was vicious and should in sports – especially if you act and team guy, etc., have been penalized. The hail from New England! Dustin Pedroia isn’t likely deliberate attempt by ••• to demand a re-opening of another Penguin to injure The scorecard for 2013 his contract negotiations Marchand of the Bruins is stunning! A spectacular now that he will be earn- was another huge factor. championship in baseball. ing less than half of what That offending Penguin In hockey, a precious near- Robinson Cano will drag also got suspended – six miss as tender as any Cup down in Seattle. Nor is it games – mainly because might be. A festival of a knock on Cano to note he’s also a repeat of- Sports world-class dramatics in that most baseball GMs, fender. Finally, there was football that has become given the choice, would the matter of a Penguin Clark Booth routine in the Belichick/ prefer the spunky lad who defenseman deliberately Brady era. And if in bas- plays for Boston. slashing the Bruins’ Kelly, alone factored. In the end, ketball we had to accept This acclaimed photograph taken on the night of Cano may have greater breaking his ankle, an the stigma Thornton now the end of an era, your Oct. 13 by The Boston Globe’s Stan Grossfeld as talent, but there’s some- ugly incident that went permanently bears seems team, given its history, David Ortiz’s eighth-inning home run soared into thing special, indeed rare, un-penalized because further unfair. But to go need never apologize. the visitors’ bullpen in Game 2 of the American about Pedroia much as none of the four on-ice much beyond that sug- In years like this, you League championship series says it all about the was cited about Derek officials noticed. Maybe gestion is to appear to should wonder what it’s 2013 Red Sox: A winner to beat all. Jeter over the years when they need six. defend what I don’t wish like living in Cleveland, he was oft compared with Kelly will be lost two to defend. Milwaukee, or Atlanta. quibble with the Veteran in mind that save for a A-Rod. You can safely bet months. The Penguin There are no easy an- Which is why one finds Committee’s selection of handful of flukes, they’d Pedroia will remain mum who attacked him has swers. It may be con- intolerable the spoiled the three baseball mana- be 6-8. on the matter. But, it’s been identified but not venient for bombastic yuppies hanging out in gerial tenors – Brothers ••• fair to ask, what was he even questioned, let alone newspaper columnists to Foxborough when they Torre, Cox, and LaRussa A finely orchestrated thinking? punished. It’s unclear declare justice is being gripe about officiating, – for the Hall of Fame. As parity is the work of ge- On the other hand, it’s how long Eriksson will done here. But they are or those inveterate bores well as deserving, they are nius in the other three fair to wonder what Cano be sidelined, but it’ll be wrong. And mounting from The Nation when highly popular picks and major games, yet profes- was thinking when he la- longer than Orpik, who the soapbox on this issue they whine about the psy- Cooperstown ever craves sional basketball survives mented that the Yankees appears near to returning is always suspect. I’m chic sores they retain from to appease the popular with very little of the stuff. had “disrespected” him by at this writing. Having thinking of a local scribe the 1949 baseball season. fancy. But was it neces- Rules have been rigged only offering a seven-year sustained two concussions in particular who has Tell them they should sary now, their first year in the other leagues to deal for $25 million per. in less than two months, loftily denounced sporting move to Seattle! of eligibility? promote the equitable Was there no one in his the very clean-playing and violence as represented in ••• Bolder, even smarter distribution of talent in witty entourage able to non-violent Eriksson will the Thornton case. Most Without question Ja- choices might have been the pursuit of as high advise, ‘Don’t go there’. be at considerable risk impressive! Now he can meis Winston was the characters who’ve been a degree of competitive ••• henceforth. go back to fawning over nation’s best college foot- waiting patiently for their integrity as possible. But Regarding the severe Maybe it’s impossible his first love, the National ball player, and yet his turn, including a fascinat- in basketball such efforts suspension and censure to precisely adjudicate Football League. winning by a landslide of ing trio, each of whom had have failed miserably. the Bruins’ Shawn Thorn- these messy scenarios. ••• the Heisman Trophy only genuine historical impact: So with the NBA sea- ton got socked with for They might defy the wis- On that complex and further cheapens that Marvin Miller, whose son near a third over, his smack-down of the dom of a Solomon. But admittedly uneven note once-fabled bauble to the continuing rejection bor- you have three of the six Penguins’ Brooks Orpik. vaguely there remains may we conclude this point where it ought to be ders on the scandalous; division races virtually Yes, a stiff penalty was the sense this one was year’s ramblings. They retired out of respect for George Steinbrenner, who decided, only two of the fif- in order. Thornton, as fumbled while the intrin- seem consistent with the those who won it validly is certainly as worthy as teen Eastern Conference he himself has entirely sic complexity of these nature of the times, sport- once upon a time. Winston Tom Yawkey; and the teams having winning acknowledged, bolted situations is not being ing and otherwise. And to is the third highly contro- chap who is No. 1 on my records, six teams serving well over the line. But properly understood, let all, a Good Night! versial winner in the last list, Tommy John. How as doormats with miser- a 15- game suspension four years. the electors can deny the able winning percentages was too stiff; 10 was suf- Vaguely cleared of very superior craftsman John, of less than .300, and the ficient, 12 at the most. serious legal charges the winner of 288 games Boston Celtics leading Keep in mind that the against him, the 19-year- while playing a historic their division with an 11- Buffalo roughneck who old freshman QB from role in sports medicine, 14 record (as of the writ- ambushed and concussed Florida State has every remains beyond me. ing) and little likelihood of Louie Ericksson earlier right to ply his trade, Choosing Miller, Stein- much improving. This is this season got only six, which will be soon enough brenner, and John would astonishing, and probably although the incident was in the NFL where he have required a bit more unprecedented in modern equally nasty, with the belongs. But his now- imagination, along with pro sport; all of it. Sabre, unlike Thornton, anointed status as a col- a deeper sense of history, How a league can sur- being a repeat offender. legiate icon is ludicrous, and would have, thereby, vive with such disparities Moreover, lowering the like everything else con- been, may I politely sug- and so little competitive boom on Thornton fails nected with Big Sport on gest, more impressive. balance defies explana- to take into account the America’s campuses. ••• tion. But the Celtics, as A remarkable 115 of With their garrison the 900 sportswriters and finishes of late, the swash- AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 broadcasters who voted buckling Patriots owe us (617) 825-2594 for the Heisman this year nothing in terms of enter- FAX (617) 825-7937 left Winston off their bal- tainment. It’s as if their lots. That’s a lot; in fact it’s playbook were taken from an unprecedented rebuff the Perils of Pauline. But to a winner. So maybe the does this bode well for the cheerleaders are waking post-season? Not likely. up. And maybe next year More to the point, of Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service the cow will jump over their seven thrilling and the moon. epic finishes this season, 150 Centre Street ••• three resulted in losses, Further in the realm with two of them to teams Dorchester, MA 02124 of no-brainers, few will presumed to be decidedly inferior. You should keep

PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 14 Burials in Looking to buy Massachusetts in the or Ireland Boston Area? Or perhaps your looking for Gormley that getaway out in the Berkshires. Funeral Home 617-323-8600 Jack Conboy Exclusive Buyers Agent 781-799-7706 2055 Centre Street [email protected] West Roxbury, MA From the Berkshires to Boston www.Gormleyfuneral.com Reliability • Integrity • Trust Page 16 January 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

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