Vol. 2, Issue 1 March 2021 BostonIrish.com

Boston City Hall, Winter 2021 Original painting by Vincent Crotty

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the RSVP: bit.ly/300xbsV. both those familiar & unfamiliarwithit. in thepast. Info: maineirish.com. parades welcome acolorful displaymuchlike can submit in one of Anyone festive! and fun it make to finery rade Dancing. Dress inyourbestSaint Patrick’sPa - Crowd, The submissions, with three types ofvideos: The a virtualparadefeaturingparticipantvideo Irish. RSVP: bit.ly/2MtiefG. about travelling around Ireland speakingonly He presented NoBéarla, a documentary series on issues of world has madeover30travel host writer and filmmaker Manchán The Irish American Club of Mainewillhost BC Professors MikeCronin andJoeNugent The IrishInfluence -ManchánMagan Maine’s VirtualSt Patrick’sParade Marchers, and The Floats, Music & March 12,4:30p.m. March 14,Noon cultures andglobalisation. Month Calendar -

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Bill Clinton;andthelateMargaret of JFK,wastheenvoyunderPresident 2001-2003; JeanKennedy-Smith,sister St. Patrick’s Magan, who 2021 Info: bit.ly/3aWC5wY./ people toactivelyengageintheircommunities. the Partnership’sinterest in empowering young versity ofIreland, Galway, CillianMurphyshares & FamilyResearch Centre at theNationalUni- Cillian Murphy. As Patron oftheUNESCOChild Featuring confirmed. Updates on More eventswillbeannouncedasdetails are may beincompletedue topress deadlines. RSVP: bit.ly/2NF0tKU. Germany, andmost recently theUnitedKingdom. world including Ambassadorships to he hasservedinnumerous posts around the the Departmentof Foreign Affairs in1978, Ireland Ambassador Dan Mulhall.Since joining org Music alsoonlineat are required. Email: ICCPub@IrishCulture. Three sittings: 1:30,3:45 & 6 p.m. also availabletobestreamed athome! meals are available),and live Trad music Corned Beef & of NewEnglandSt.Patrick’sDay festivities. dfa.ie/Boston subscription totheConsulate’snewsletter,or by The 26th annualSt.Patrick’s DayCelebration Note: These listings from the Irish Consulate, BC Professors Mike Cronin and JoeNugenthost All are invitedtotheIrishCulturalCentre The IrishInfluence -AmbassadorDan ICCNE St.Patrick’sDayCelebration St. Patrick’sDayCelebration Irish American Partnership honored guest,award-winning actor March 19,4:30p.m. months tocomplete. struction isexpectedtotakeatleast36 catchphrase: “Write It Down!”) his uniquebrandofIrishhumor(his of delighted American visitorswith Hal Roachentertainedthousands Jury’s Cabaret, where Irishcomedian the United States, thesiteofpopular generation oftouristsfrom Bostonand campus. streetthe from current the embassy the oldJury’sHotel.Itislocatedacross the property, whichonce the US government agreed topurchase bridge a newembassycomplex be asked to oversee construction of Biden-Harris administrationwill the under RonaldReagan. Massachusetts, waspostedinDublin Heckler, aformerCongresswoman from March 17,AllDay March 15,6p.m. Pending final approvals, the con- the approvals, final Pending The Jury’swasafamiliarplaceto Whoever isnamed to thepostby

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Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 3

lebration Day Ce . Patrick's 2021 St Invited You're Page 4 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Hibernians’ Entertainment Committee. refreshments –allwere handledby the come thenorm.Bands,organizations, 8,000 membersinBostonalone, hadbe Hibernians, whichnumbered some organized bythe Ancient Order of singing. their bandsbooming,crowds had marched through theNorthEnd, their patron saint at a traditional Mass, than 2,000localIrish,afterhonoring sanction by government officials, more of St.Patrick’sDay. kee antipathytoanycommemorations thumbing theircollectivenoseat Yan new livesin America, theysoonwere and 1850sstakedtheirclaimsto ever-increasing numbersinthe1840s immigrants began landing here in scheduled easily. After Irish-Catholic and takeforgrantedtodaydidnotget the procession thatsomanybothenjoy Day Parade. – SouthBoston’sannualSt.Patrick’s Locally, thephrasemeansonething symbol oftheholidayisTheParade. Perhaps thebest-knownBostonIrish Parade adozenyearsearlier, in1724.) Day Patrick’s Saint first the held Irish Charitable evidence suggestingthatthe Improper Bostonianevent.(There is of thePuritancitytoholdadecidedly Irish Society–gathered intheheart year,that Charitable 26men–the saint camein1737.OnMarch 17of Ireland’s commemorate to patron a long struggle. The first local stirrings alone celebrating–St.Patrickproved so—even inrecent years. regard totheparadewasnotever what somanytakeforgrantedwith worth remembering, however, that dogged thenear-annual event.Itis 1956, 1978,and1993. and snowstoppedtheeventin1920, cancellations oftheparade;icystreets tricolor aside.World War Iledtotwo with painted shamrocks or the Irish various stages ofinebriationandemblazoned reflecting all, from far but I’m Irish”badges,andfaces—some, beer, green plasticderbies,“KissMe, crowds ofallages,anocean ofgreen trappings, of course, include dense trappings ofthe“BigParade.”Those military formations,andalltheother being awashinmarching bands, to ahalt,preventing Bostonfrom brought procession traditional the the secondstraightyear, Covid-19has echo abovethestreets of Southie.For tramp of thousandsfeetwill not of pipes,thebeatdrums, andthe In mid-March 1901, theblare of By 1900,St.Patrick’sDay parades official without 1841, as early As It all started officially in 1901, but 1901, in officially started all It FortheBoston Irish, honoring– let Man-made controversies havealso It’soff—again. ThisMarch, theskirl History ofSt.Patrick’s DayParadeshowsit’s amarch ofstopsandstarts C B ontributing In theBeginning y P etr F.S E tevns A PROCESSIONOF MANY HUES AND HURDLES ditor History - - Parade.” awash in marching bands, military formations,and all the other trappings of the “Big being preventing Bostonfrom the secondstraightyear, a haltfor ups anddowns,to Unfortunately, thepandemichasbroughttraditionalprocession,whichhadits sidewalk watchers. thousands of drums inthemiddleof pipes, thebeatingof skirl of This scene captures the essence of theannual St. Patrick’s Parade inSouth Boston –the feet pealedaboveSouthBoston’ bands andthevibrationsofmarchers’ of theprocession. years ontheliteral andfigurative route had beensownandwoulderupt inlater future political,social,andculturalstrife of who got to march in it. The seeds of and sponsoroftheparade– asarbiter Veterans Councilasorganizer, planner, designated theSouthBoston Allied War make theeventeven“greener.” He Curley –“Himself”–foundawayto until 1947,whenMayorJamesMichael Boston served asthe parade’s sponsor power oftheBostonIrish,City the paradein1901. Murray theinauguralchiefmarshallfor commenced withMajorGeorge F. H. that Mondaymorning,theprocession and wassubjecttotheBlueLaws.On because the17thhadfallenonSunday Evacuation DayParadeforthe18th South Boston’s first official St. Patrick’s/ reason. Thecity’sleadershadsanctioned however, wasMarch 18–withgood racing infrom the Atlantic. Thedate, patron sainthimselfnoddedinthegusts shamrocks, harps,andimagesofthe streets. Banners awash with glittering In anodtotheburgeoning political s (the schooldesegregation/busing era), Derry.’’ while peopleare dyinginBelfastand should beplayingandpeoplecheering taking placetoday. We don’t thinkbands is thesortofprocession thatshouldbe quote byJimDunn,ofNORAID:“This armbands. Get OutofIreland!” Theyallwore black Tricolor and held a sign proclaiming “England, Irish the by shrouded coffin Northern Aid group marched witha public turn.Representatives ofthe nationalists’ presence tookablatantly St. Patrick’sParades,butin1972,the manner inanumberoftheSouthBoston unofficial an in marched nationalists Irish Northern Aid Committee.Irish in theformoflocalchapter the Irish Republican Army, most notably Boston Irishespousedtheirsupportof raged inNorthernIreland, manyofthe ‘The Troubles’CometotheParade With racial tensions rising in Boston The March 20,1972,BostonGloberana Some 25yearslater, as“TheTroubles” Race andtheParadeRoute Chris Lovettphoto usual numbers. usual throng to roughly half the event’s the parade,busingcrisisreduced the though 1976wasthe75thanniversaryof parade, according to theGlobe. Even firecrackers, and racist insults in the 1975 had endured volleysofhurledsnowballs, March intheparadebecause histroops allowhisunitsto Devensdeclinedto Fort in 1976,US Army Col.Forest Rittgersof soarthat loud cheers.Sohighdidtensions snowballs. Kevin White wasjeered and pelted with at the1974parade,where Boston Mayor Black neighborhoods, tensionserupted measure ignitingrageinwhiteand of the1970s.With thecontroversial the paradethrough thebusingcrisis the NAACP. deemed the “lunatic fringe.” organization’s float from an element that and racial epithets poured downon the anything butwelcoming.Rocks,bottles, equality.” for Negro the of freedom fight freedom the and for fight Irish the between sign re thesame—basic similarity of ourentry…andthemessage explained totheGlobe,“Thepurpose Executive Secretary ThomasI. Atkins equality. OnMarch 17,1964,NAACP Black peopleandthelocalIrishforsocial to appeal a perceived bond among how riskythegambitwasbutwanting knowing march, the in float a enter to parade. In1964,theNAACP decided into andeventuallyexplodedoverthe the 1960sand1970s,unrest seeped Massachusetts, andtheentire nationin Boston onParade,”byPaulChristian. controversy behind us.” the media,“Bostonisputting yearsof some twodecades. Boston mayor to march in the parade in in response, Marty Walsh became the first were allowedtojointheprocession, and March 2015,BostonPrideandOutvets with gayveteransleadingtheway. In fought fortherighttojoinparade, Over theensuing20years,gayactivists gays from marching. faith –gavethemthegreen lighttoban religious grounds RomanCatholic –their Veterans Council’srighttofree speechon the justicesruled thatthe Allied War USSupremeto the In 1995, Court. parade. Veterans responded cancelingthe by the parade’s organizers, the Allied War a sexual-discrimination suit against won and filed GLIB when 1994, In so. winning acourtorder tomarch, did parade.GLIB, to march inthatyear’s Bisexual Group ofBoston,orGLIB, of theIrish American Gay, Lesbian,and Veterans Councildeniedtheapplication A year later, anti-busing floats elicited Racial turmoilcontinuedtobeleaguer A number of parade watchers proved For furtherreading,seethebook “South parade,”hetold “With thisyear’s Time, liketheparade,marched on. Eventually, thecasewounditsway In 1992,theSouthBoston Allied War A LongSlogtowardEquality Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 5 - and a beer’ were affordable Oh for the days when a ‘ball On a lighter note, speaking of eating On a lighter note, speaking of eating I know six bucks isn’t a lot. Plus, it’s wouldn’t give At any rate, what I Larry Donnelly is a Boston born and Here’s hoping we get things under Here’s and drinking out in and around the the and drinking out in and around city of my birth, I have noticed an in price over increase astronomical In the course of a few short years. Ireland in when we heady days those actually go or visiting tourists could out and enjoy ourselves, I would defy anyone to show me evidence that a night of eating and drinking in Galway City, the oft-labelled expensive, approaches costs of doing similar in the Boston area. a bottle of than $5 for more now It’s tip, in many suburban before Budweiser, dollar pints of establishments. Ten And downtown. common are Guinness even John Stenson’s venerable and very Pub in Dorchester’s Éire affordable Adams Corner isn’t immune to the I noticed Last week on Twitter, trend. a “special” for two hot dogs and chips for $6. While that and other tasty treats sounded fantastic to someone who’s what happened to the dollar homesick, dogs?! egregious the most a long distance from examples I could point to. I also hasthatpublichealthcrisis the recognize bars and restaurants impacted severely huge. and that operating expenses are be might bargains that think would I But the best way to entice wary customers night A to get back out and to spend. of high out shouldn’t be the preserve income earners. to be a customer for a few days at my or favorite haunts in town, in Dorchester catching up with friends and in Quincy, complaining about what has changed and keeps changing since I’ve been my old stomping grounds, away from God prices. especially the skyrocketing knows when that will be…Happy St. Patrick’s Day! educated attorney, a Law Lecturer at the National University of Ireland, Galway and a regular media contributor on politics, current affairs, and law in the US and at him on Twitter Ireland. You can follow @LarryPDonnelly. people, me included, are finding this one harder than the first two. My son hasn’t been in school since the 22nd I haven’t been in a pub of December. or hit ball a golf in 2021. or restaurant Of course, that’s an extremely selfish perspective in light of what others are hearing jealous am but I going through, making plans my pals back in Boston a few beers. to go for lunch or as possible and we can as soon control of normality back semblance get some once and for all – without yo-yoing Unfor between opening and closing. government the message from tunately, experts is that this is and the medical imminent. far from February brings the Brrrrrrs, the pandemic brings the blues - An Taoiseach Micheál Martin - An Taoiseach Micheál Martin All of us with connections to the west All of us with connections to the west In that context, it is a pity that the very few occasions on which are There Following an explosion in the The report “opens a window into window a report “opens The culture in a deeply misogynistic a “dark, light on Ireland,” sheds difficult and shameful chapter,” there had that acknowledges and atti- warped “a completely been and intimacy and to sexuality tude their sons and that young mothers and daughters were forced to pay a dysfunction.” that for price terrible hard for everything he achieved in for everything he achieved in hard choice. In an is an inspired life, Walsh inequality and income where America and omnipresent its consequences are livelihoods have been decimated where by Covid-19, he has his work cut out departure his aside, an (As him. for be a Boston sets up what should from him. Buckle fascinating race to succeed up, #bospoli junkies!). heartened as President were of Ireland in Ballina, Biden, who has family roots the referenced Co. Mayo, indirectly between Galway and rivalry storied Mayo when he announced Walsh’s the most Irish selection. This is arguably American administration in presidential tremendous presents it and history to committed us of all opportunities for that is already deepening a relationship of that world. the envy of the rest pandemic prevents Micheál Martin getting to the White House this from avail can’t Ireland that and month possibilities a bilateral of the endless At the 17 offers. get-together on March virtual meeting that will take its place, isn’t shy about I hope the Taoiseach asserting that the Irish intend to be back in 2022 and Avenue on Pennsylvania anytime ready carpet is that the green Joe Biden wants to come “home.” cold I have been genuinely freezing During during two decades in Ireland. there in County Wicklow, February frigid snowy, icy, was a week of windy, wearing the weather that necessitated taken gets that seldom heavy winter coat me to abandon several of out and forced up the multiple long walks I use to break andÓg Larry homeschooling of days my as well as to get working, a bit remote Experiencing of badly needed exercise. Boston-like chills made the ongoing exasperating. lockdown more numbers of persons acquiring and when coronavirus from dying sadly run-up in the eased restrictions Ireland swiftly shut to Christmas, the gates were This is again as a matter of necessity. full-scale lockdown and many the third The nomination of Boston Mayor The nomination of Boston Mayor On the flip side when it comes to I am constantly asked what’s next for as Mayo’s Joe taps Galway’s Marty Hurrahs ring out across Connemara Marty Walsh to be Secretary of Labor to be Secretary Marty Walsh in the Biden/Harris administration was enthusiastically throughout greeted and was celebrated joyously Ireland turf. home in Connemara, his parents’ As a long-time union member who adversity and has toiled overcame election made Dorchester’smade election King John the day that a household name here, created live in infamy will forever This sensation. CNN Irish another time, it was the network’s reporter, native of Donie O’Sullivan, a proud O’Sullivan’s Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. they transpired as of events reporting was outstanding. He was cool and full in an environment professional of risk and his journalism garnered A every direction. him plaudits from subsequent interview with The Irish Times, in which he spoke candidly of the in that he has faced mental health issues of helping others, is further the interest testament to the quality of Donie’s (as known to all) character. he has become the outcome of Donald character, Trump’s impeachment trial flowing as the catalyst for the attack his role from on the Capitol Building was no surprise. of one was here reaction general The few Republicans were disgust that so moved – either by the capable House defense Trump or the dismal managers That said, I was surprised that Sen.team. Cassidy of Louisiana and the retiring deserted Sen. Burr of North Carolina their erstwhile ally and voted to convict. the 45th POTUS? I don’t have an answer. is typically nothing I do know that there politician. deader than yesterday’s had looked set to buck that Trump But January 6 and the fallout, truism. social media particularly his ban from to envisage it harder make platforms, he once role his playing the prominent looked certain to assume. “The Donald” however. before, wrong me proven has Letter from Wicklow/Larry Donnelly Wicklow/Larry from Letter olumnist onnelly C D rish I arry L y B oston B

The Irish watched ‘angrily’

It is a struggle to find the words to Just as the November presidential WICKLOW, Ireland – In January, this – In January, Ireland WICKLOW, In its wake, An Taoiseach Micheál that the oral revelation recent The as Capitol was breached by a mob adequately capture the scenes that the scenes that adequately capture on Capitol Hill on January unfolded deep a with is it that say to it Suffice 6. that from of shock and shame sense do damage Americans afar I saw fellow in the and, to a physical structure to unravel our democratic seek process, I couldn’t help institutions. Regrettably, of a but think of how the insurrection into the playing right mob was criminal of those who loathe the United hands a was there yet did, States. It surely sympathy and solidarity in widespread People watched it both closely Ireland. relieved and angrily on CNN and were though subsided, finally threat the when 5 people lay dead. not before country was rocked by the publication of by the publication country was rocked Baby and Mother the of report final the of Investigation, Commission Homes of pages and to thousands which runs of the stories tells the often harrowing and their children unmarried mothers committed to the effectively who were homes between 1922 and 1998. Most damningly, the report confirms that while died children 9,000 approximately that living in the homes. It recommends and information redress, a state apology, all be granted to the about birth parents survivors. a “opens that the report Martin said misogynistic deeply a into window sheds light on a in Ireland,” culture chapter,” shameful and difficult “dark, been had and acknowledges that there to attitude warped “a completely sexuality and intimacy and that young daughters and and their sons mothers to pay a terrible price for forced were another Meanwhile, dysfunction.” that Boyd politician, Richard prominent born himself into a mother and Barrett, that the report alleged baby scheme, to it response the government’s and and a an insult, amounted to “a sham, whitewash.” than 500 witnesses to testimony of more has had been destroyed the commission outrage of and the anguish compounded It is and their advocates. the survivors questionable if those people who were will hell for no good reason put through they richly deserve. get the justice ever And it is very difficult for those of us observant Catholics to who remain we were that the clergy comprehend have perpetrated could taught to revere when our 20th century, the In evil. such over near total control exerted Church were some of its deeds Irish society, Absolute power does unforgivable. Saddening and absolutely. corrupt sickening in equal measure. ‘dark, shameful chapter’ in 20th century Ireland century 20th in chapter’ shameful ‘dark, Mother and Baby Homes panel report lays out lays panel report Homes and Baby Mother Page 6 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com convened avirtual meetingtosignala out oftheGood Friday Agreement, initiative thatbeganin 1999 growing cer Consortium(AICC),a north-south the costs paid bytheRepublic ofIreland. to continueintheprogram would have any NorthernIrishstudentwho wished Minister, SimonHarris, guaranteedthat the RepublicofIreland’s Education Johnson’s stock intrade.Inresponse, mixed withbumptiousdelusionis for UK citizens. A broken promise study abroadworld-beating program’ promised tointroduce a‘new, better, announcing the UK’s exit, he boastfully in Erasmusjustdaysbefore,stay in but the budget.Johnson had promised to Erasmus studyabroad program from stunned whenBoris Johnson cutthe Northern Irishuniversitystudentswere Brexit began tohurtUKcitizens, Ireland counterparts. border toworkalongsidetheirNorthern paramedics from theRepublicacross the of Ireland sentambulancesandcrews of ambulances. Inresponse, theRepublic been inICUbedswere treated inparked hospitals. Patientswhoshouldhave Care Unitsoverwhelmedseveral of CovidinNorthernIrishIntensive of Brexit playsout. crisis disappears, and the full disaster periods end, the excuse of the Covid get worseasthevariousgrace likely become more complicated.Thiswill of pets to visiting Great Britain,life has quarantining mandatory the supplies to Ireland. From reduced grocery store ery otherelementofsocietyinNorthern already disrupted theeconomyandev- utilitarian reasons. action but by democratic means for and will not be achieved through armed will require bothpatienceandboldness parties inIreland deservecredit. Unity allofthemainpolitical this casebecause in slightly modified be could credit” politics ifyoudon’tcarethe whogets amazing whatyoucanaccomplish in old HarryTruman“it’s chestnutthat in thepost-Brexitinevitable world. The united Ireland isnotjustpossiblebut their achievementmightentail. unleash and what theconsequences of and anxietyatwhattheirpursuitmight for generationsevokebothexcitement animated Irish and the Irish diaspora Nation Once Again. Notionsthathave unattainable” –PatrickKavanagh the endmorepowerfulthanthatof The unificationofIreland willhappen It won’tbeeasy, butmakenomistake: • In early February the All-Island Can of effects first the as January In • • In late December 2020, critical cases The UK’s withdrawal from the EU has There isgrowing momentum that a A unitedIreland. Irishunity. A “The attractionofthepossibleisin During Covid,andAfterBrexit Three RecentEventsinIreland B oston B I y T rish im K C olumnist irk Letter from Dublin - 10, 2017. Sinn Fein’spresidentattheparty’sspecialconferenceRDSinDublinonFeb. Mary Lou McDonald acknowledges the applause of delegates after she was elected as opportunist, was quicktoattempt facilities temporarily and Johnson, the officerscustoms closedcustoms corrected, butloyalist threats toEU quickly was misstep The difficulties.” “economic, societalorenvironmental causingconsiders thataspectto be aspects ofitsoperationsif eitherside the EUorUKtounilaterallysuspend Northern Ireland protocol, whichallows borderinvoking by Article 16ofthe a blunderbythreatening toclose the Covid vaccinesupplies,theEUmade ‘teething pains.’ EU orminimizes the veryreal issuesas Protocol. In turn, Johnson blames the a betterversion of theNorthernIreland blame Boris Johnson for not negotiating unionists whosupportedBrexitnow society ofNorthernIreland. Hard-line damage thepeople,economy, and predicted impactsofBrexit beginto are especiallyimportantnowasthe Island ofIreland. Cooperativeefforts spread andtrust goodwill onthe government and civic organizations ness aswellbasiccompetenceby accelerated clinicaltrials. broader useoftelemedicinewhichhas clinical trialparticipantsandtothe approval for mailingmedications to at-risk patients,hasledtofast-tracked of restricted movement, especially for cancer research. For example,thefact actually improved some elements of that theresponse totheCovidcrisishas positive purpose,the AICC explained spirit and ingenuity when put to of Ireland. Inatestamenttohumanity’s private sectorpartnersacross theisland Cancer Institute, and a host of public/ Belfast, Trinity, UCD,theUSNational The AICC involves Queen’s University redoubling ofefforts todefeatcancer. In early February, during a row over These affirmative actsofkind- Bottom LineonBorderMisstep: The ProblemisBrexitItself heading fortheexitdoor.” decade. NorthernIreland isalready the centralpoliticalissueofcoming Brexit has madethefuture oftheUK the Exchequer, George Osborne, wrote: January theformerUKChancellorof Wales movementisgrowing. Inlate Independence referendum and even the Nationalist Partyispushingforanew UK weakerthanever. TheScottish England wouldcommit. Valera admittedtosometimes hoping the “ghastlymistake”thatEamonDe further intoquestion.Brexitcould be membership intheUKwillbebrought the purposeofNorthernIreland’s and significantly shift may this time is currently withBritain,butover trade toandfrom NorthernIreland Great Britain. After all,80percent of maintain tradingarrangementswith and farmerswilltoleratedelaysto Northern Irishretailers, manufacturers, avoid impediments.Intheshortterm in Roscoff, andCalaisto Dunkirk, directly from Ireland toFrench ports UK landbridgeinfavorofshipments lanes from Ireland toEurope overthe are beingreassigned from shipping from theStenaLine and Brittany Ferries ferries Large difficulties. Brexit avoid reorganized directly to the continentto The problem isBrexit itself. mistake. But,ofcourse,thatisnonsense. assign alloftheBrexitissues onthis had lost thewar. Ireland’s was not acom was applied only inside the empires that for self-determination bysmall nations US President Woodrow Wilson’s push victors ofWorld War I.BesidesIreland, controlled anation by movement the by came the first successful independence “By unleashingEnglishnationalism, Brexit andCovidhavemadethe Trade routes are already being One hundred years ago,Ireland be- Does BrexitFortellFulfillment of theDreamIrishUnity? Niall Carsonphoto - countries were unenthusiastic aboutthe in 1989.The twomost powerful EU the agenda that yearafterthefallof BerlinWall of top was reunification Taoiseach. TheissueofGerman charismatic FiannaFailLeader and the Haughey, Charlie to specifically of the EU commission fell toIreland, unity. have helpedcreateconditions for the Irish historybythemainpartiesthat lesser-known contributions from recent histories. Rather, Iwillhighlightseveral not permitaddressing theircomplex Ireland are intertwined,andspace does three ofthe origins in mainparties of their first meeting is “the split.” The a politicalpartyinIreland, thesubject noting thatwhenathird personjoins to aunitednation.There isanoldyarn deserve credit fortheircontributions and all of the major parties inIreland reasons are more practical thanpoetic, favorable astheyhaveeverbeen.The conditions for Irish unity are as well forIrishreunification. before, during, andafterBrexit bode while France and Germany’s support obligations its fulfill will UK the that Agreement (GFA) will beupheld and parties confidence that the Good Friday success ofthisproject. JoeBidengivesall USA andtheEUwillbecrucial tothe resources. say goodriddance to adrainoftheir left theUK. Most would be happyto people wouldcare ifNorthern Ireland shows thatonly31percent English ofthe goes ontonotethatthelatestpolling himself. FormerExchequerOsborne English nationalismandBorisJohnson conditions forIrishunityare theriseof pandemic andBrexit. the negativedoublewhammy of the by 9.5percent (TheGuardian) dueto the sameperiod, the UKhascontracted by thetechandpharmamarkets.During pandemic, grow at3.5percent, powered facing economy,global evenduringthe and ithas seen its matic superpower’; session; it hasarisenasa“tinydiplo- seat ontheUNSecurityCouncilthis The RepublicofIrelandits hastaken agrarian, Celticutopia. creating aninward-looking, isolationist, while theIrishFree Statewasintenton stay integratedwiththebroader world was thatunionistswantedto partition one ofthemainunionistarguments for UK alongsectarianlines. At thetime, retainingtheir statusasmembersofthe partitioned withsixcountiesinthenorth plete victory, however, asthenationwas Three MajorPartiesHaveAdvanced Favorable ProspectsforIrishUnity In 1990, the rotatingIn 1990,the role ofPresident As 2021begins,theprospects and The moral and material support of the The unintendedcontributorstothe Today, thoseroles havebeenreversed. Fianna Fail Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 7 - True Unity True A clear majority of Northern Ireland Ireland of Northern clear majority A a new shared unite Ireland, truly To be to need will parties political Irish be naive to think that this It would wants to stay inside the EU to allow stay inside the EU wants to the oppor and their children themselves and travel without work, tunity to study, but membership in the EU, restriction Ireland. enough to unite alone is not must be envi- mission and purpose be united could new Ireland A sioned. an goals of creating by the common Irish people the inclusive society where flourish with world class healthcare and energy green and education, shared infrastructure, transportation sustainable food healthy prosperity, retirement. and secure production, continue to be would new Ireland This artists, musicians, a mecca for writers, actors, historians, as well as engineers, it In essence, scientists, researchers. anyone from would be a country where Ireland united A thrive. could anywhere would serve as an example that peace is not just possible, it is transformative, betterand that tolerance, while certainly love. toward step a only is conflict, than of its own painful overcoming Ireland’s and the history of colonial oppression and unity for freedom long struggle other peoples, including can inspire the United States, as they deal with post-conflict societies. big-hearted enough to give each other to build enough nimble and credit, in a new political landscape. coalitions There is every reason for confidence; modern Irish politics can be contentious with not practiced generally but are malice. If Nelson Mandela could reach Afrikaners who out to the Orange imprisoned him, and if France and Germany can cooperate after a century majoritya surely annihilation, mutual of vote can Northern Ireland people in of of the island’s people to join the rest of to work together for a new future purpose. shared will be easy and without painful setbacks. The financial support from the UK would need to be extended by by other a transition period, or replaced for like reparations negotiated means, past harm. But make no mistake Irish Unity is coming. [email protected] CFP, ChFC, CLU, Senior Partner ChFC, CFP, Brian W. O’Sullivan Brian W. Brian Lawless photo Some unionists will always paint paint will always unionists Some elements the most extreme Ironically, that partitioning majority Protestant Protestant majority partitioning that of the interests protect would counties but in practice, minority, the Protestant by creating it compounded the problem the Even jurisdictions. two in minorities most sympathetic observer of Unionism to evaluate the pressed be hard would last 100 years of partition as a success diehard some year, at any level. This to “celebrate” attempting unionists are seems the centenary but the effort half-hearted at best. blue, white, and red, their curbstones fly Union flags over their homes, and look One need Ireland. a united reject - no further than the US Capitol insurrec tionists on Jan. 6 with their Confederate flags to know that some ideas live on, no matter nourished by lies and hatred, how bankrupt. marriage of unionism – those that reject equality right and a woman’s to choose with the Catholic aligned most are – will Differences issues. social on Church Northern in parties five the but remain, President to heed would be wise Ireland people American the plea to Biden’s in his inaugural: “Hear one another. to one respect Show another. one See raging a be not need Politics another. fire destroying everything in its path. doesn’t have to be Every disagreement a cause for total war.” - Kenneth Lloyd [email protected] AIF, LUTCF, CLTC, Senior Partner Senior CLTC, LUTCF, AIF, Sinn Fein Challenges for Unification Modern Sinn Fein’s mission and pur Sinn Fein’s mission Modern a billion euros The UK spends 11 The other major challenges are Beryl McCrainey Slevin, originally from California, reacts as residents of Ballina, Ireland,Beryl McCrainey Slevin, originally from of Joe Biden in anticipation of the results of begin celebrations in the ancestral home the US election on Nov. 7, 2020. year in subsidies to keep its six-county keep its to year in subsidies running. Ireland of Island the on statelet the blending for challenges practical The two jurisdictions will be considerable. Integrating the health and education systems, pensions, and currency among many. a few stability are Northern political. and ideological was born in part by the notion Ireland pose is to achieve Irish unity. It has held pose is to achieve Irish unity. existence, that banner high for its entire rights the for advocating and defending Ireland. their supporters in Northern of for keeping The party deserves credit alive, for the goal of a united Ireland the becoming a constitutional party in early ‘90s in embracing democratic politics as the means to achieve its aims, and for building the only all-island driven success recent its political party, affordable as much by its call for more housing as an appeal to patriotism. Lou Mary president, its under Fein Sinn wants the planning to start McDonald, been clear in stating that It has also now. Sinn Fein is not the solitary custodian an it is of the aspiration for Irish unity, main parties. issue for all of Ireland’s (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 617.439.4389. CRN202106-249997 617.439.4389. Tel: 02110. Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA Federal 101 Supervisory Address: (www.sipc.org). Fine Gael Ken Lloyd & Brian O'Sullivan are registered representatives of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, Member SIPC LLC, MML Investors offers Lloyd & Brian O'Sullivan are registered representatives of and advisory securities, investment and financial planning services through Ken Over 50 Years Of Experience 234 Copeland Street, Unit 225 |Quincy, MA 02169 | Office: 617-479-0075 | Fax: 617-479-0071 234 Copeland Street, Unit 225 |Quincy, In 2016, after the shocking Brexit In 2016, after the shocking Brexit This is a huge advantage compared itself: Now the situation has reversed referendum victory, Irish unity was was unity Irish victory, referendum outcome. a possible as widely discussed Enda Fine Gael Taoiseach The next year, support unanimous Kennysecured EU“automatic” track fast to EU the from – “if membership for Northern Ireland in stage at some Irish unity occurred occur poll does If a border the future.” Northern confirmed, is unity Irish and is acceptance into Europe Ireland’s this move was Importantly, assured. poll border not a call for an immediate Unionists. that might have threatened Ireland, Like Northern to Scotland. but EU the in to remain voted Scotland the Union by Brexit. from was removed Scotland’s independence movement Brexit by the has been re-energized that arguing outcome with proponents was the 2014 independence referendum told that were Scots defeated because would mean leaving independence the EU. - to leave the UK would give Scot Voting the EU. There land the chance to rejoin some ifs: If the Scottish Nationalist are if the independence Party wins in May, if and by Johnson, called is referendum it is successful, Scotland could then start to apply for EU membership. proposal. France’s memories of three three of memories France’s proposal. wars between 1945 1871 and disastrous Germany. about a united made it uneasy who fought Clemenceau, in Georges left strict led France in WWI, 1871 and died (1929), that when he instructions up standing buried be to was coffin his against sentinel a forever east, facing and Thatcher Margaret aggression. German becoming the saw a united Germany and was in Europe dominant force took bold opposed. But Haughey leading the EU action with his one-year of EU a conference council, convening Germany’s promote to Ireland in leaders the practicalities of cause and to plan German reunification. Helmut Kohl saying Irish support crucial, considered have always supported at the time, “You will never We unity. the idea of German that.” forget Page 8 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com it is the timetogetbackIreland. There’s pent-up go, andwhatare theylookingfor?Peopleare saying people whentheymighttravelagain,where might they thousands of interviews around the world and asked we’reto ourcustomers.We’ve listening conducted home. And whatwe’vebeendoingisreally important; “I putthecalloutforwhentimeisrighttocome Tourism Ireland’s mindsetaboutvisitors’travelplans. find and deep resilience.” dig to have just we And again. are last year. And it has been atzero since. So here we gone back;itwentbacktozero onthe13th of March and people used to laugh.Now, theclock really has has gonebacktozero andwehavetodo it allagain,’ my speeches on the first of January saying, ‘The clock could ever haveforeseen that. Iused to alwaysstart success story;itreally has. North American wave. And it hasbeen aphenomenal biggest market,wascompletelyeclipsedbythiswhole that Great Britain,which had traditionallybeenour visitors spending$2billion. And whathappenedwas the timewegotto2019,itwasactuallytwomillion spending abilliondollars,” Gibbons said. “But by ever seeonemillionvisitorsfrom North America launched ‘The Gathering,’ I wondered if we would of theindustryisnotexpecteduntilatleast2022. place inlatesummerorfallthisyear, butfullrecovery and family. wanting toreturn toIreland to re-connect with friends is notlikelytoberesume anytimesoon (NAI), transatlanticservice from Corkhasended, and employs 10percent oftheisland’sworkforce. shutdown. Theindustryusually full yearduetothe to workfora unable sectors havebeen hospitality information: Canadian Irishmediaandculturalrepresentatives. in aonehourreach-out tomore than50 American and and RTE presenter andcommentatorMartyMorrissey byAlison joined was Metcalf, agencyEVP forNorth he America in New York, and Dublin, in office his pandemic. twelve monthsofacompleteshutdownduetothe and travel sector there continues to hemorrhage after happening inIreland, evenasthehard-hit hospitality a wide-rangingonlineconversationaboutwhat’s Scoping outtherecovery with Tourism Ireland publisher toedit,reject, orcutanycopywithoutnotice. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by the The Boston Irish is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond [email protected] www.bostonirish.com Gibbons said that the coronavirus has altered “I scratched my headallthetimebecausenoone “I remember in2013,whenTaoiseach Enda Kenny ••• • The agency is hoping that a small recovery will take • Surveys reveal a huge pent-up demand by those • With the failure of budget airline Norwegian Air and tourism Irish the in workers 325,000 Some • Highlights from thesession included thefollowing The organization’sspoke from CEO,NiallGibbons, January,late In of officials Ireland hosted Tourism Fax:(617)[email protected] 150 Mt. Vernon St.,Suite120,Dorchester, MA 02125 Deadline forNextIssue: Tuesday, June1,2021 atnoon Thomas F. MulvoyJr., Managing Editor Mary C.Forry, President (1983-2004) Peter F. Stevens,ContributingEditor Date ofNextEdition:Summer 2021 Boston NeighborhoodNews,Inc., EverydayatBostonIrish.com Edward W. Forry, Publisher News Room:(617)436-1222 is publishedquarterlyby: William P. Forry, Editor Ads :(617)436-1222 By EdForry Publisher’s Notes

the Year in2016. and 2018,while shealsonamedBBC2Folk Singerof Year’ at the International FolkMusic Festival in 2016 recent soloendeavours winning‘Best Album ofthe Carolina Chocolate Drops atthe2011 Grammys. Folk Album’ aspartoftheground-breaking ensemble right, an American musician, whowon‘BestTraditional including Grammy award winner Rhiannon Giddens, at performers from all over the world coming together, University ConcertHallontheholidaythatwillsee St. Patrick’sDayconcertofmusic,songanddancein the UniversityofLimerickwillpresent afree virtual holiday concertfrom Limerick Giddens headlinesfree virtual come back toIreland and come backatthesame or over thelastwhiletomakesure theyare allgoingto San Francisco,Seattle,andLos Angeles. Dallas, over thelastnumberofyears,intoplaceslike Philadelphia, Washington, DC,andCharlotte, York, Boston,Chicago,whichwesawexpandedinto have seven gateways, thetraditionalones like New more soinNorth America where weusedtoonly key component oftheTourism Ireland strategy, never you can’tgethere, it’sacademic -andairaccess is a nectivity,demand isgreat,the becausehaving if but people whowanttocomehome. we canconnectwiththose that to besoimportant you know, talkingtoanaudience like you,it’s going that’s wherethink marketslikeNorth America and, family. They’re lookingforthefamiliarnow. And I us. Theywanttogetbackvisittheirfriendsand friends; now, that’swhatpeoplehavebeen telling their to about theycouldbrag destinations, placesthat years ago,peoplewouldhavebeenlookingfornew back todestinationsthatare familiar. demand there, no question aboutit.They want togo agency’s executiveVPforNorthAmericainNewYork. uary Zoomconferencethat included Alison Metcalf, the revive thehospitalityandtourismsectorsduringaJan- Tourism IrelandCEONiallGibbonsexplainsplansto She continuestohavehuge success,withhermore The IrishWorld Academy ofMusicandDanceat And we’ve been talking with the airlines and airports And we’vebeentalkingwiththeairlinesandairports “The second thing we’ve been looking atis con- “If I were having thisconversation with youtwo B y R eporter S taff irishworldacademy.ie. concert onthe IrishWorld Academy website,visit on March 17. Formore information and link to the and Arts Office,LimerickCityandCountyCouncil. Dance, University Concert Hall and Limerick Culture between UL Global,Irish World Academy ofMusic and Dreams.” with theirnew“Handfulof triple aerialhoopsystem will premiere an innovative Aerial DanceTheatre, which the spectacularFidgetFeet did strikehome.” simple message, ‘We Can’t Wait toSee You Again!’ about their own campaigns, but it’s funny: That interesting. Sometimes the Irish can be very cynical that Iputoutonsocialmediaoverhere, and it’svery message: “We can’twaittoseeyou.That’ssomething instance, andCorkwouldcomeafterthat.” will be restoring into Dublin and Shannon in the first transatlantic service from Cork.Ithinkthepriorities there’sback; now in relationright nolineofsight to a And I’m not sure we’ll see that Cork service coming bailout assistancefrom theNorwegiangovernment. trouble. Itlookslikeatleast[there’ll be]somesortof hopefully toabiggerseasonin2022. to bethesameaswhatitwas,andwe’re really looking very keentocomebackthissummer,it’s unlikely but spoken tosomeof their board members, and they’re Aer Lingusisstillverycommitted toIreland. Ihave that hasbeencreated thecollapseofVirgin by Atlantic. rights inManchesterforatransatlanticservice. planes cominginandtheyhaveappliedforlanding Lingus has expanded tits fleets; they’ve got five new summer, butIhopeitwillcomebackin2022. Aer other day, and Delta has suspended service for this said. “I wastalkingwith Aer LingusandDeltathe current airlineconnections. wasaskedabout almost afullyearago.Gibbons Dublin,; thepopularroutes toShannonwere cancelled to flowagain.” when those two thingsdo get going,thatitwillstart fast airconnectivitygetsreestablished. I’ve no doubt and speed the first, success of thevaccine rollout, andsecondly, how things: two to down come to in quarterthree thisyear. And alotofthat’sgoing of theeconomicrecovery. I’mveryconfident. people around theworld, is goingtobeacornerstone the diaspora,ourfamilyof70million And Ithink support ourindustrytoconnectwiththemarketplace. consumer feels,howdotheygethere, andhowwe and they’re anxioustoget backointhejob. are almost 325,000 peoplewho work inour industry provide or thetaxiservices, the concierge services. There fishing, out people bring that guys the courses, mom-and-pop enterprises–thecaddiesongolf Ferries, butit’sactually20,000plussmall enterprises, of bigplayerslike Aer LingusandRyanair andIrish supporting ourindustryhere athome. is home. Itthen critical factorforpeopletryingtoget are workingveryhard inthatspacebecauseit’s will beasbigintheinitialinstanceitwas,butwe greater volumethantheydidbefore. Idon’tthinkit The concertwillbeavailable toviewat8p.m.EST The eventisapartnership The concertwillalsofeature Gibbons saysheremains hopeful,andoffers asimple “Norwegian isanotherairlinethat’sinbig,big “What’s happening there is that they’re filling a gap “he moment, the at fluid very is situation “The Currently, the only Boston flights to Ireland land in “We’d liketothinkthatthingswouldstartrecovering So there are thethree bigthingsfor us: how the “The Irishtourismindustryhasaverysmallnumber Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 9 Page 10 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com festivities inIrelandthis virtual willbe because ofCovid-19. Theannualholiday different March 17experience inIreland ernireland.com Travels.Swift’s Gulliver’s Land of Lilliput, based on Jonathan has threeincluding The majorexhibits St. Patrick’sTrian Visitor Centre, which North DownMuseuminBangor;and Cross and Cathedral; Bangor Abbey and nearby, includingtheDromore High Castle) inNewry, andotherattractions the Cistercian Monastery (Bagenal’s County Museum and public library, as St.Patrick’sCathedral,the Armagh places ofinterest alongthewaysuch the way to Bangor. There are many a 92-milesignposteddrivingroute all St. Patrick’sTrail. is agoodtimetotravelthere andfollow and friendly land and any time of year among othersintheUS. including Pittsburgh andMilwaukee of St.Patrick–withchaptersallover, extensive outreach program –Friends made gifts. The Centre also has an craft andgiftshopwithunusualIrish- art gallery, restaurant, and an excellent saintpatrickcentre.com an hourfrom Belfast.Fordetails,visit drive northofDublinandabouthalf saint.” The Centre is just a two-hour tells thestoryofIreland’sthat patron permanent exhibition in the world is billedas“theonly Downpatrick that might startattheSt. Patrick Centre in St. Patrick,hislifeandjourneys,you the island. pagans andtheexpulsionofSatanfrom a symbolusedfortheconversionof snakes inIreland. Snakeswere simply Mayo, itis said thatthere neverwere any while fastingatopCroagh Patrick inCo. ited withdrivingsnakesfrom Ireland Northern Ireland. Although heiscred- Down CathedralinDownpatrick, 17 andburiedinthegraveyard beside convert thepagans. and ultimately returned toIreland to when hewas15.Heescapedcaptivity bandits andtakentoIreland asaslave around 400 AD. He was captured by month was reportedly bornin Britain of transportation. were nocars,trains,orothersuchmeans exceedingly wellinanerawhenthere Bridgid, hemanagedtogetaround was verywell-traveledand,likeSt. Christianity. Ifthere wasonlyone,he or manywhotraveledaround tospread as towhetherthere wasjustonePatrick the goodsaintandasmanyquestions Irish. There are somanystoriesabout celebrate St.Patrickandeverything March inIreland isallaboutasaintnamedPatrick Yes, there willindeed beavery To learn more, visit:discovernorth- If youstartin Armagh, youcanfollow Northern Ireland issuchabeautiful The Centre hasaninterpretive exhibit, If youwouldliketolearnmore about Patrick is said to have died on March who iscelebratedthis The St.Patrick Welcome to March, the month to ST. PATRICK’SFESTIVAL S ST. PATRICK’STRAIL pecial B y THE SAINT J

udy to B E oston nright I rish Traveling People Tim Campbell,director,St.PatrickCentre,Co.Down grave ofSt.Patrick at DownCathedralin Downpatrick, Co. Down.PhotocourtesyDr. said to be buried. Photocourtesy of St.PatrickCentre,Downpatrick Down CathedralinDownpatrick,Co.Down,NorthernIreland,iswhereSt.Patrick is updates atstpatricksfestival.ie. be announced soon. Sign up fornews and SPF TV, andRTÉ/SPF Virtual Parade will on SPFTVduringtheweek-long run. organizations across Ireland, willbe event workers,aswell community ists, musicians,performers, artsandlive world. ie, and will beaccessible around the TV Channel,atstpatricksfestival. through SPFTV, aSt.Patrick’sFestival days andnights. into homesaround theworldoversix bringing color, culture, andpageantry rick’s DayFestival2021movingonline, living room with t he nationalSt.Pat- year andcanbeaccessed from your Details on St. Patrick’s Festival 2021, The festivities will be presented Assorted events, created byart-

the saintand his annualday. Covid-free andsafewaystocelebrate many find doubt no will March,you in you are luckyenough tobeinIreland tourists. and emeraldgreen garbwere wornby The only“KissMme,I’mIrish” buttons 17 wasaliveshamrock pinnedtoacoat. Ireland whenwewere there onMarch obvious displayofIrishnesswesawin hotel orpub,andthenhome.Themost church, lunchwiththefamilyinalocal primarily afamilydaythatincluded special day. InIreland, March 17 was anything the staid Irish did on that observances intheUSfarout-celebrated But thatwasthen,andthis isnow. If There wasadaywhenSt.Patrick’s FAMILY DAY Blessing of the choose tocelebrate. St. Patrick’s Daywhereverhappy you and ground deals. Above all, have a very other internationalcarriers, too,forair area where you’llbetraveling. accommodation, andtolearn aboutthe for thelatest happenings, to secure green abig (marked with shamrock) by the Failte Ireland tourist board offices more. different areas, activities,festivals,and for travelersandmanydetailsabout com –isagreat source ofinformation Ireland’s –discoverireland. website for theverybesttravelspecials.Tourism your travelagentorchecktheinternet you goanddon’tforget tocheckwith time tovisit. and April and May are such a perfect is aheadofourshere inNewEngland, inhisyard,blooming Ireland’s too. spring posted thephotosaidSnowdrops were Irish garden. A friendofthewomanwho burst forthontrees andbushesinan mid-February of blooms starting to lage.com and arrangetodrop suppliesattheirdoor. in touch withthose whoare self-isolating to limittheirneedgooutandalsostay and collectgroceries, fuel,medicines,etc. telephone olderorvulnerableneighbors asked peoplewhoare well toplease social contact.Thecommunityhasalso the adviceofGovernmentandreduce - and others who are vulnerable - to heed have beendeferred untilfurthernotice. normally conductedintheLeenanearea Covid crisis,allcommunityactivities people usedduringthefaminetosurvive. grows alongtheroadside andwhatherbs GP &herbalistwhopointedoutwhat the FamineTrail presented byaGalway there wasafascinatingHerb Walk along year becauseofthepandemic. Killary Harborhavebeencancelledthis headof the at Leenane, Co.Galway April/May walkingfestivalsinbeautiful quiche, soupsandyummydesserts. shop andhomemadeluncheonfare like interesting placewithanexcellentgift the SheepandWool Museum.It’san you’re inLeenane,besure tostopby any concerns. people cancallfrom 8a.m.top.m.with people, alsohasaCovid-19helplinethat contact withothers. is self-isolatingordoesn’twanttorisk meals dropped atthedoor iftheperson that arrangementscanbemadetohave to beprovided andthewebsite notes other essential services willcontinue Services suchasMealsonWheelsand the communityislookingoutforthem. Leenane andit’ssonicetoknowthat who liveinisolationthehillsaround Check outthe Aer Linguswebsiteand When you’re inIreland, besure tostop Enjoy yourtriptoIreland whenever We sawaphotoonFacebookin The communityhasurged olderpeople As witheventselsewhere duringthis At apasteventduringthatfestival, Sadly, thewonderful Connemara For moreFor leenanevil visit information, When we’re abletotravelagainand Alone, anorganization forolder There are manyolder, singlepeople LEENANE FESTIVALS TRAVEL PLANS -

Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 11 24/02/2021 12:07 2659 AL Boston Irish Reporter 10x13" FA.indd 1 Page 12 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com decided that I would stay in the US I wouldstayinthe decided that I carefully considered myoptions and placement support. Although worried, contacts, and,ofcourse,itsinternship visories, itsResource &SupportServices us informedofthesetravelad- keeping home. on shorttermvisasimmediatelyreturn was recommending thatallIrishcitizens to stayornot,andtheIrish Government I wanted to makethedecisionwhether world quickly fell into a pandemic. I had entireinto lockdown,andthe went City however, CovidarrivedandNew York industries. A fewweeksintomyJ-1, was togetintotheBiotech or Pharma degree, somyaim with mybachelor’s with myvisainhand. was onmywaytotheUnitedStates without delayandwithinsixweeksI Day, 2019.The process moved forward Rian ImmigrantCenteronSt.Stephens for theJ-1visasponsorshipwith University of Ireland Galway. I applied I studied Biotechnology atthe National shares her experienceamidapandemic Clara Casey, aRianJ-1exchangevisitor, Answer truthfully, fullyonallimmigrationforms to aUScitizen.I’mundocumented,and residence in the US, based on my marriage Rian Immigrant Centerwas great in February USlast I arrivedinthe I amfrom CountyClare inIreland and Q. I’mapplyingforlegalpermanent NMLS #408169. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Wishing you and your afun, family L from all of Canton. of at us Bank safe St. Patrick’s Day St. safe year this – á F S héiLe ona Rian Immigration Center d people on the listthatcame up, and I I beganreaching outtothe hundreds of “Ireland” “NUIG”“Science”andNYC.” LinkedIn forpeopleundertheterms He showedmehowIcouldsearch on all future J-1ersshould take toheart. important nuggetsofadvicethatIthink san, provided me withoneofthemost and secure jobs. on endtohelpingusgetinterviews volunteers inNYCwhodedicatedhours efforts. Theyputus in contactwithRian networking eventstohelpusfurtherour held Zoom workshops and virtual not yetsecured positions.Theprograms decided to stayintheUS, but theyhad the fewJ-1exchangevisitorswhohad for internships find help to continue Programs to wasdetermined team freezes becauseofthepandemic. hiring indefinite on operating were in of thecompaniesthatIwasinterested faced with anotheradversary-most into jobhuntingbutwasimmediately my opportunity. I put allmyefforts and trymybesttomakethemost of authorities. Iseethattheformsinvolvedin theimmigration from authorization without I’ve been working here for several years P One suchvolunteer, PatrickMcCros- Thankfully, theLearningExchange uit ádraig www.ibankcanton.com ! 888.828.1690

poned duetothepandemic. sporting eventsandshowson out onduringmyyearinNYCwere most ofthesummersun. on thesubway, Imadesure togetthe York’s restaurants andbarswithfriends. so IenjoyedmanyeveningsoutinNew outdoor diningduringthepandemic, The weatherinNYCallowed for Maine, Massachusetts,andTennessee. the opportunitytotakeroad tripsto the pandemic,Iwasfortunatetohave one ofthetophospitalsinUS. esteemed hospitalinNYCand a highly where I currently work,inMountSinai, in thiswaythatIlandedtheposition resume to peopletheyknew. It was Many people set upcalls and sent my were delightedtolendahelpinghand. these peoplewithconnectionstoIreland for jobs on jobsites to noavail, but all received. I had spentmonths applying was astonishedbytheresponse thatI worldwide. Plus,USarrivalanddepar checks onapplicantsthatreach records and theFBIrun criminalbackground the DepartmentofHomelandSecurity past. Applicants needtorealize that who allegedly got away with this in the or hearsayaboutsomeacquaintance marriages, forexample. to past entries intotheUS orpast abroad orwithomittingreference criminal justicesystemintheUSor the with involvement past denying with away canget they that think is sought.Likewise,someapplicants leave blankswhere jobinformation their entire timeintheUSortosimply that theyhavebeenunemployedfor asked forthem. it alsomeansnotomittingfactswhen means notjustmakingtrue statements; Immigration Services(USCIS).This the forms filed with US Citizenship and truth inresponse toallthequestionson my jobsintheUS.WhatshouldIdo? that my application will be denied if I list concerned I’m ago. years five as back far questions aboutmyemploymenthistoryas the processforgettingagreencardinclude statement oromitting amaterialfacton risk deportation; and(2)makingafalse could bedenied, andtheapplicantwill sought benefit immigration The (1) statements oromissions are detected: consequences whencertain false applications. are adeptatdetecting falsehoodsin who officers USCIS experienced by of status applicants are conducted immigration officers. database and are easily retrievable by ture records are heldinacomputerized Broadway. Thesewere mostlypost- The twomainthingsthatImissed And witheasyaccess to thebeaches Despite therestrictions inplace due to This beliefisoftenbasedonrumors Some applicantsare temptedtosay A. Quitesimply, youneedtotellthe There are potentiallytwomajor Finally, theinterviews foradjustment - Clara CaseyenjoyingNewYorkCity opportunities, andsuccess. opportunities forpersonalgrowth, J-1 experiencehasafforded meendless bipolar disorder in MountSinai.My research disease and on Alzheimer’s City anddoinginvaluableneuroscience best yearsof my lifelivinginNew York expected, Ireally did have oneof the an applicationform(aswellassubmit services staff. legal advice seek the assistance of Rian legal alter processing and filing procedures. For of Statefrequentlyamendregulations and Immigration ServicesandUS Department subject tochange.TheUSCitizenship and individual cases.Immigration lawisalways to informgenerally,not advisein schedule aphoneconsultation. with you.Pleasecall617-542-7654to speak to happy phone andwillbe immigration consultations overthe but ourattorneysare providing free COVID-19, suspendeddueto been Our walk-inimmigrationclinicshave advice onanyimmigrationmatters. immigration authorities. proceeding withanyapplicationtoUS experienced immigration lawyer before the casewas,needsadvicefrom an and nomatterwhattheoutcomeof matter howminorandlongago, anyone whohasacriminalrecord, no bar topermanentresidence. However, if openlydisclosed, are not necessarily a Likewise, some minor criminal offenses, grounds fordenyinganapplication. unemployment are notinthemselves presence intheUSandunauthorized ried children under21)isthatunlawful of US citizens (spouses, parents, unmar applicants whoare relatives immediate The goodnewsforadjustmentofstatus and accurateapplicationstoUSCIS. the importance of submitting complete imprisonment intheUSbeforehand. just indeportationbutprosecution and a federalfelonythatcouldresult not an application)isequivalenttoperjury, ting anyfalsedocumentstoaccompany Although theyearwas not whatI These articles are published Disclaimer: Thesearticlesarepublished Rian attorneysare availabletoprovide It is,therefore, crucial tounderstand ••• ••• - - Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 13 3/5/21 1:10 PM center.org rian *

* Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

sona daoibh! Lá Fhéile Pádraig Pádraig Lá Fhéile Formerly International the Irish Immigrant Center. The Rian Immigrant Center provides a range of immigration legal, legal, immigration of range a provides Center The Immigrant Rian from and from Ireland immigrants to services support and resource globe. the around riancenter.org us 617-542-7654at Contact our website see or information. for more RIAN_AD_CONCEPTS_2021_F.indd 1 Page 14 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Lá Fhéile Pádraig sonaduit! Lá FhéilePádraig & blessedStPatrick’s Day Best wishesfor ahappy Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 15 a converted sloop-of-war, left sloop-of-war, converted a , , Constitution, and Boston Harbor National Parks of Boston, the USS Constitution Jamestown USS The go to voyageofmercy.eventbrite.com. register, To I expect that Liam Dignam will be remembered in I expect that Liam Dignam will be remembered Thomas O’Grady was Director of Irish Studies at the Museum, USS an open-to-the-public virtual Now have organized 6 to 7:30 9) from (March gathering for next Tuesday with a conversation and stories that will feature p.m. The USS Mercy: of Stephen Puleo, author of “Voyage Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable America’s First Humanitarian Mission.” Story of Author will talk on book Author voyage about famine relief of USS Jamestown in 1847 1847 to deliver in March Yard Charlestown Navy which was then in humanitarian aid to Ireland, devastating Potato Famine. This the the grip of voyage – with ties to Charlestown extraordinary and the people of Boston –marked the Yard Navy first official US foreign aid mission authorized by for humanitarian and set a precedent Congress, worldwide. efforts information, call 617-242-5642. For more multitude of people. There were ten priests at the were multitude of people. There mass and the day was like a day in June. It was kept all and off the factory closed, holiday—all shops like a until after two o’clock. the town suspended work in is one thing It was all carried out splendid and there your dear is Ireland Ireland certain, that as long as I only wish never be forgotten. will Willie brother to see and know what was thought here you were to have it would make you proud about Poor Willie, Even though to do so much for his country. a Brother if I could only were he lost his life his dying [words] down to the Boys I would do the same again creep all the During the procession for Poor Old Ireland. stood to attention in both schools and school children it was splendid . . .” death. his the centenary of year on this again Clara I and my siblings and our cousins on this side of him, too. His sister the pond will be remembering Liam Dignam was our Alice was our grandmother. up, we absorbed the family Growing great-uncle. of how my father’slore at the gaze mother would coat and a slouch in a trench photo of her brother his chest hat, an ammunition bandolier slung across how of and hand, swagger stick in his a wooden and for having “died she would sigh about “poor Liam” Ireland.” University of Massachusetts Boston from 1984 to 2019. He College Saint Mary’s is currently Scholar-in-Residence at in Notre Dame, Indiana.

-ED FORRY Pastoral Center was founded in 1987 at in 1987 founded Center was Pastoral According to an eyewitness to Liam Dignam’s to an eyewitness to Liam Dignam’s According then and in Clara house” a “safe First taken to of anniversary first the after days two later, year A organization a unique ‘heart and soul’ organization “This is truly Irish The to hunt rebels in motorized packs across the Irish across motorized packs in to hunt rebels countryside, qualified even more aptly for the term often referred were the new forces All Tans. and Black contempt, of hatred, expressive to in tones equally And as such they as ‘the Tans.’ and healthy respect myth.” have gone into Irish on form to true were and the Tans shooting, the RIC. the night of October 25. Speculating that the shooting the raid on RIC barracks for an IRA was in retaliation the to submitted O’Neill Seán 1920, in earlier Clara in a typewritten 1913-21, of Military History, Bureau describing the incident in graphic statement in 1955 a Lancia car laden with evening detail: “One Saturday of Tullamore the direction from came R.I.C. and Tans look a good Clara I had through they passed as and But they were window. the shop at them through were they if as fashion dangerous a in rifles sporting quickly back moved I shop. Whyte’s into fire to going out of range. They passed, but did …not Liam fire. public house to Cowan’s Dignam and myself entered to leave as it was past closing hour. ask those present but taking any intoxicating liquor were us Neither of to inclined were at the bar who a few men were there discuss the merits or demerits of this county or that. the discussion again asked them to leave and drop We all and had a chat when, and went out into the street the hill as silent of a sudden, a Lancia car came down R.I.C. jumped out and and as a ghost and the Tans fired at us without the slightest warning. I dashed and over a wall and Liam dived in the corner round . . . He got a bullet in the back the opposite direction. him moan and say I heard at the point of the kidney. their vehicle he was shot. The R.I.C. jumped into as fast as their engine could take them and sped off towards I Tullamore. immediately returned to find calling for his Liam on his face half-way in the door It was pathetic.” mother. spirited to a hospital in Dublin—transported via on the Grand Canal—Liam Dignam lingered barge in (Seán agony. O’Neill recalls a telling detail from the immediate aftermath of the shooting: “When wound see a large examined, I could back was Liam’s split or used R.I.C. or suspected that the Tans I and his body was After his death, bullets.”) ‘dum-dum’ to Clara for burial. returned in Clara. his death, Liam Dignam was remembered Alice, who had emigrated In a letter to her daughter “On in 1912, his mother wrote: City York to New after and mass high and office an had we 23rd March that was ever seen in procession greatest the mass recited was the Rosary where graveside Clara to his by a vast Father Smyth and answered in Irish by Rev. means a a it means and years lot to me to be Irish in of a part are We Boston. multi-generational great in our rooted story that’s where heritage shared the Irish Pastoral Cen- serves us so well. tre in the that quietly supports all of us in joy and sorrow, and continue to share am honored I past and present. work and legacy.” their great St. Mark parish. The agency’s offices, now located are building at 512 Gallivan Blvd. in a professional and her staff due to the pandemic. Swanton closed can be contacted by telephone at 617-265 5300.

O’Grady and community and rish I rady O’G oston B to

homas T y B pecial S programming, arts, fine in US Presidents with Irish Heritage with Irish US Presidents

Launched in 2012, the Government of Ireland’s Ireland’s of the Government 2012, in Launched the centenary This month, I am personally marking British soldiers, Comprising mostly demobilized - commu Irish in the Boston “Well-known The Dorchester-based Irish Pastoral Centre, a a Irish Pastoral Centre, The Dorchester-based the where Village, Adams in years for Active experience “She brings with her a wealth of relevant “Decade of Centenaries” commemoration is now “Decade of Centenaries” in its final phase. So leading political and social unrest acknowledged the far the commemoration has the up to and including Easter Rising of 1916 as of 1914-18, War in the Great role well as Ireland’s the first sitting of the public life, and literary of women in Irish presence Dáilin 1919, emerging the in the and cultural developments midst of all these The next couple events and changes. other seismic for of the Struggle remembrance of years will include the the Foundation of Independence, the Civil War, and Partition. State, Irish Free of the death of a specific active unsung outside for Independence. Mostly Struggle participant in the County (known as Kings his native County Offaly a century ago), Liam Dignam was the Officer Com- of the South manding of the 1st Battalion (Clara) He Army. Brigade of the Irish Republican Offaly Mater Hospital was 23 years old when he died in the in Dublin on March 21, 1921, finally succumbing to wounds he had almost suffered five months earlier, in a down on October 25, 1920, when he was gunned combination out by some drive-by shooting carried the of the Royal Irish Constabulary and “the Tans,” auxiliary police generic term for two distinct units of Royal Irish raised to augment the overextended Constabulary (RIC). in England, the recruited War veterans of the Great derived their Tans” “Black and original so-called their hybrid uniforms—the not only from nickname with tunics of the RIC mismatched dark bottle-green of a pack also from khaki military trousers—but essentially as hunting hounds, and aptly so, Tipperary the Irish to put down in Ireland unleashed they were Army with indiscriminate and ruthless Republican for a people and a place in which they disregard As the historian investment. had only a mercenary catalogue the of much however, clarifies, Kee Robert attacks for IRA (many of them reprisals of atrocities home with them—random on the RIC) associated invasions, burnings of town centers, assassinations, and drive-by shootings—belongs to another group: new by a supplemented were Tans and Black “The which the RIC of Auxiliary Division specially-raised some In . . . July 1920. 27 into being on brought was Auxiliary Division, which permitted its ways this RIC to wear either the traditional dark members badges without dress service officers’ army or uniform of rank, with dark Glengarry caps, and which was development,” read a statement from the agency’s a statement from read development,” of directors. board has liaised with all Boston Mary area nity, work at the Irish Emigrant through organizations many programs created and she newspaper, events.” Irish for Boston performances and Said Swanton: “Boston has been my home for 34 at Irish Pastoral Centre non-profit that helps immigrants from Ireland get Mary Swanton, a new leader, has settled in Boston, Co. Limerick. a native of Ireland’s Swanton started as headquartered, is organization on Jan. 25. executive director many years of that she has accumulated from working Swanton takes charge Remembering Liam Dignam (1897-1921) Dignam Liam Remembering Page 16 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com email list to get more information. to buytickets, andto signupfor our Head to www.celticsojournlive.com style, we so you hope canjoinus. for thisuniqueyear, andinthisunique show. Theshows builtespecially willbe we normallywould presenting be the venues around New Englandwhere for thisMarch withthe andpartnering unique performances built especially of inaseries This willallhappen the celebratory spiritof theholiday. the world whilesharing intheirhomes musicians, singers anddancers around familiarsome songs, visitingvarious there for virtually you, singingtogether of your own homes. is to Ourgoal be to gather withloved inthesafety ones onlinefor willbe Sojourn you to enjoy, This year, ASt. Patrick’s Day Celtic March 11-17 of IrishMusicaround theworld Exploring theinfluence andimpact PHOTO CREDIT: TIMRICEPHOTO Host your own St. virtual Pat’s gathering withfriendsandfamily anywhere! MULTIPASSES AVAILABLE! www.wgbh.org/celtic Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 17 - - Haley Richardson, one of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Boston Music is accepting registration for its online spring is accepting registration What kind of influence has Coleman had on you Oisín, how have you and Samantha been faring Oisín, how have you and Samantha The pandemic has brought a huge change of The pandemic has brought Coleman’s music will always be an enormous Coleman’s music Q. A. Q. A. For details on viewing the concert, go to haleyrich •The Go to bostonirishmusicschool.com. I’ve been thankful how our government here in here I’ve been thankful how our government [Gaelic Roots events are livestreamed via the Gaelic Roots native Jersey •New A student of Sligo fiddle master Brian Conway, “Christmas the in appeared has she Locally, recording career in New York, with what seems with what seems York, in New career recording during the early 1920s, he York ease. In New incredible be to order in time right the at right place the in was prolifically, record to opportunity the with presented was the right person to than that, he but even more of traditional Irish The world into this role. be thrust had Michael fiddling would be so much the poorer recorded. Coleman not been personally? of reminder of inspiration for me, a continual source artistry that lies within so much the potential for great Listening to of the traditional Irish music repertoire. and inspiringColeman periodically is both humbling that and it helps me remember in equal measure, in a deep way is exploring the inner beauty of tunes and meaningful essential to keeping this music fresh in Sligo, we are Living here for player and listener. of Coleman’s legacy and his role proud incredibly in bringing Sligo music to wider attention. during this past year? onships at the All-Ireland Championships and the All-Ireland onships at the coveted junior and senior Fiddler of Dooney awards. ardsonmusic.com. School held 10. Classes, which are until March program Saturdays, on noon and a.m. between 9 Zoom via is 27 and go for 10 weeks. Instruction begin March available for fiddle, accordion, banjo/mandolin, concertina, sean-nos dance and other instruments, as well as singing. lifestyle for so many, myself included. There has has myself included. There lifestyle for so many, in our been a lot which we have missed, particularly of have been other sources musical lives, yet there watching of fun the notably most – enjoyment great our little boy Finnán growing up! Both Samantha when the in the US last March touring and I were a while for the situation and it took started, lockdowns nearly could never have guessed that to sink in. We the situation would still be playing out. a year later, a very has tried to support artists during Ireland we ,but hurting are people course, Of time. difficult not alone. I’ve been trying to keep busy with online are teaching and performances, as well as planning some a new Éireann, Ireland/Traid with Trad new projects my Téada band-mate set up by organization resource Rosenstock and myself. Tristan through available made then YouTube, and page Facebook the BC Irish Studies Program web page at bc.edu/irish.] emerge to fiddlers Irish college-age) in (as young best in the past decade – she released her first album at Home” at Day Patrick’s “St. a perform will – 12 age by 17 at 3 p.m. (EST), presented concert on March Irish Music Magazine. has played with such luminaries as Liz Richardson Altan, Dervish, Cherish the The Chieftains, Carroll, and is a and Paddy Keenan, Ladies, John Whelan, the John American and Fields of member of Green Whelan Band. She recently toured as lead fiddler tour and was for the 25th anniversary “Riverdance” in in the 25th anniversary show recorded featured Dublin and shown world-wide. Celtic Sojourn” and “St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn” has won multiple champi Richardson productions. - I think the aspect of his genius that can be can that genius his of aspect the think I Is there some aspect of Coleman’s life/music you To this day, the music of Michael Coleman retains the music of Michael Coleman retains this day, To Q. A. It is a source of great fascination for me how Cole fascination of great It is a source vision it showcases has been incredibly inspirational vision it showcases has been incredibly strongly still is legacy This fiddlers. of generations for of and the reach City area, York felt in the New spread quickly very Ireland in influence Coleman’s the 1930s onwards. from all the regions throughout a unique mystique and fascination, and is said by so many to be unsurpassed in both its technical and It is amazing that in recent mastery. interpretative of Coleman have come times, some new recordings some acetate recordings most recently to the fore, recorded by another Sligo fiddle for decades by the O’Beirne – in 1942, preserved master – Lad Joe Burke, and now made publicly accordionist great Archive. Music accessible by the Irish Traditional think is perhaps overlooked or under-appreciated? man navigated from the informal social-based music man navigated from Sligo to the rigors of a professional making in rural difficult to articulate is the extraordinary creativity he displays which in so many in improvisation the lot about we talk a mean, I of his recordings. music and how tunes in traditional process creative played the same way twice by musicians, rarely are but the scale with which Coleman embraced this is truly unparalleled. The renowned fiddler Jesse in great Smith has transcribed Coleman’s recordings and I’m sure his academic research, detail through people will continue to be fascinated with the extent of Coleman’s creativity. Oisín Mac Diarmada will celebrate the life and music of Michael Coleman. - - - Arts & Entertainment Arts mith ontributor S C ean rish Gaelic Roots concert series – S I y B oston B

What do you see as Michael Coleman’s most What do you see as Michael Coleman’s most

Many artforms are nurtured by one-off, extraor one-off, by nurtured are artforms Many •Boston College’s last fall to the virtual format made the transition “Virtual Celtic” explores online concerts, festivals, festivals, concerts, online explores Celtic” “Virtual Q. Mac Diarmada, who co-published a tunebook Mac Diarmada, who co-published a tunebook A County Clare native, Mac Diarmada is widely County Clare A Mac Diarmada, who had Although born in Clare, In 1921, Coleman made the first of some 90 Coleman Michael believe who many are “There The spring 2021 Lunchtime Series will kick off will kick off The spring 2021 Lunchtime Series

A. Virtual Celtic: March roundup March Celtic: Virtual which for almost two decades has hosted prominent decades has hosted prominent which for almost two American, in Irish, Scottish, musicians and experts – folk music traditions and related Series,” incorporating real-time with its “Lunchtime by notable musicians with pre-re presentations dinary visionaries, and in the world of traditional for role that inhabits Coleman Michael fiddling, Irish legacy Coleman has so many of us. The recording left is not only enormous in its scope, but the artistic featuring 22 famous Sligo fiddlers, Coleman among Coleman fiddlers, Sligo famous 22 featuring figure legendary this on thoughts some offered them, in Irish music. tional Music Archive in Dublin will make available Archive tional Music his. of private recordings unreleased previously this to have Oisín present “So it’s quite appropriate in-depth look at Coleman’s life and music.” March 11, from noon to noon 1 p.m., with one accomplished from 11, March music, life, the saluting player fiddle Irish traditional Mac Diarmada and 130th birthday of another: Oisín and a scholar, teacher, – an acclaimed performer, founder of popular traditional Irish band Téada – will and performance in lecture a combination present a key celebration of Michael Coleman (1891-1945), in the evolution offigure the Irish-American music of traditional style and a pioneer in the recording Irish music. recognized as one of the best Irish fiddle on or appeared of his generation. He has released players including “The Green an assortment of recordings, energetic, its Harvey, Branch” with his wife, the pianist Samantha for known Téada, of member a as five and with music Irish traditional of combination expressive Mac Diarmadacontemporary-minded arrangements. the United States and throughout has often toured at Gaelic Roots with accordionist in 2012 appeared and vocalist Séamus Begley. Sligo, County to moved age, young a at fiddle started the birthplace of Coleman and home to a distinctive fiddle style Coleman promulgatedto effect. great rich musical environment, Raised in this region’s he time the by fiddler skillful a become had Coleman After living immigrated to the United States in 1914. years, he with his aunt in Lowell, Mass., for three a hotbed of traditional Irish City, York settled in New part to Coleman music in the 1920s thanks in great and his fellow immigrant musicians, many of them Sligo. also from issued most of which were recordings, commercial His art, along with those of on 78 RPM records. crucial other Irish musicians of the period, were the sounds and styles of traditional to preserving Irish music – especially that of Sligo – and proved invaluable to musicians, scholars, and aficionados in later generations. to be the most influential Irish musician of the 20th Sheila Falls, a said Gaelic Roots Director century,” fiddler herself, who added thatTradi this year the corded performances. The fall series featured two performances. The fall series featured corded distinguished Irish fiddlers, Manus McGuire and Gerry O’Connor. workshops and other events that feature or include Celtic workshops and other music. important contributions to Irish music? Page 18 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com ‘real time’ formatfor St.Patrick’s DayCelticSojourn An all-star castisready to performremotely, butin occasion they couldallenjoy. glad tohavean eventserveasasocial mas Celtic Sojourn.’ Clearly, they were watched ‘Acocktails whilethey Christ- together –safelytohave dinnerand We heard howsome people gathered of the lightsand rise of the curtain. your seat,andanticipatethe dimming you headouttothevenue,settleinto miss the routine thatgoeswithit,where ing livemusic. Just asimportantly, they includes enjoy - old lives,andthat their people are desperatefor a semblanceof ovan. “Onethingwelearnedisthat Celtic Sojourn’experience,”saysO’Don- exclusively forthosewhobuytickets. time” andthenbeavailableondemand will allbeginat7:30p.m.as if in“real the March 17 WGBHspecial edition, Beverly (March 14); these shows, and Cambridge (March 13); CabotTheatre, Rockport (March 12);SandersTheatre, 11); ShalinLiuPerformanceCenter, Hanover TheaterinWorcester (March collaboration withapartnervenue:the presentedperformances willbe in journ,” “St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn” from remote locations. Maonaigh, andO’Sullivanbeamingin ensemble, withByrne,NicGabhann-Ó the production. Theyserve as the core Cabot Theatre inBeverlytoworkon Abarta –“bubbledup”recently atthe ley, Feddersen,Cassel,Falquet,and the locallybasedperformers–Gour “ChristmasCeltic Sojourn”:and He will followtheblueprintprovided by Conservatory ofMusic. which hasitsrootsNew England inthe appearance bytheRasaStringQuartet, Sojourn” musicdirector. serves as the“St.Patrick’sDayCeltic and traditions, England, andCeltic Maritimes aswelltheQuebec,New plays musicfrom hisnative Canadian anist-vocalist Keith Murphy, who O’Sullivan. or “old-style” Irish dancer Emma and Maonaigh; Ó Ciarán and ditional IrishduoCaitlínNicGabhann piper Joey Abarta; highlytoutedtra- guitarist Yann Falquet;localuilleann fiddler Hanneke Cassel and Québécois Feddersen; Scottish/CapeBreton-style Irish fiddlers Nathan Gourley and Laura singer MatthewByrne;Boston-based ator andhost,willbeNewfoundland 14, andonMarch 17. Celtic Sojourn,”from March 11 toMarch version oftheannual“St.Patrick’sDay Greater Boston–willpresent anonline dance performers–includingsomefrom a cohortofaccomplished music and and hisdedicatedproduction team,plus WGBH broadcaster BrianO’Donovan Christmas CelticSojourn”inDecember, “Which iswhy wearedoing again “We learned a lot from our ‘Christmas And, aswith“ChristmasCelticSo- According toO’Donovan, the show In addition, there willbeaspecial Also performing willbeguitarist-pi- Joining O’Donovan, the show’s cre- Fresh from thesuccess ofthevirtual“A B oston B y I S rish ean C S ontributor mith sean-nos, Arts &Entertainment - rick’s DayCelticSojourn.” Pat- “St. year’s this of cast the among are Feddersen Laura and Gourley Nathan Abarta, Joey musicians Irish Boston Greater (L-R) to produce something meaningful. all itsown.The technologyenabledus a personality an individualeventwith form where theycould shine, tocreate important togivetheperformers aplat- as itcouldbe.Why?We feltitwasvery be neededtomaketheshow asgood planning, goingthrough whatwould ovan. “We spentalotoftimetalkingand struck a chord with them,” says O’Don- by ‘ChristmasCelticSojourn’; it really 6,000 join us – said they were moved ville’s belovedIrishpubTheBurren. his recipe forIrishcoffee from Somer musician Harry Gileswilldemonstrate in Cork,forexample,and of Clonakilty hometown his of flyover video drone a narrate will O’Donovan flourishes: Celtic Sojourn,” with some additional case again withthe“St.Patrick’s Day remote performers. That willbethe local and seamlessly synchingupthe and other top-shelf production values, high-quality video, audio, andediting, from-the-living-room approach, with well beyondaconventionallivestream- events, “Christmas CelticSojourn”went of in-person, pre-COVID performance if wewere allatatheater.” 10-minute intermission–again,justas to 45minuteseach,andthere’ll bea will havetwosetsofapproximately 40 music until theshowbegins.The stream some slides and St.Patrick’s Day a genericcountdownclock,andwe’ll see and beforehand minutes 10 or five show to the link you canclickonthe this asa‘real-time’ performance–here, “Because ‘Christmas Celtic Sojourn’ “Many people – and we had almost Though itincluded familiar elements - All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoilonconcer Gabhann isa three-time winnerofthe sicians. A nativeofCounty Meath,Nic of anewgenerationtraditional mu- been heralded as among the vanguard venerable Irish music families and have from come both Maonaigh Ó Ciarán English folk musician Martin Simpson. album, tobeproduced byrenowned is preparing torecord hisfourthstudio of the Year” honorsforhisrecordings; he Music Awards Folk “Traditional Album family. ByrnehaswontwoCanadian tradition of his homeland, and his own thetic treatment ofsongsfrom thevocal rich tenorvoiceandsensitive,empa- Celtic Sojourn”performers: end product. and some will be incorporated into the show’s website,celticsojournlive.com), (precise directions are provided onthe this longtimeClancyBrothers favorite and clappingalongto,thechorus of to submitvideosofthemselvessinging, set. Audience membersare encouraged first the concludes that Liverpool” of staple: thesingalongto“TheLeaving a “St.Patrick’sDayCelticSojourn” the St.Patrick’sDayspirit.” Irish hometown, which fits right in with I’m from’ and give folks a look atmy I’ll be abletosay, ‘Hey, checkoutwhere the audience. So, for example, thisyear resonatessomething specialthat with effort, again,togivethelatterevent each hasitsownvibe,we’vemadethe and ‘St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn’ Soss atí Nc ahn and Gabhann Nic Caitlín •Spouses •Matthew Byrne is renowned for his A lookatthe2021“St.Patrick’sDay The virtualapproach alsowillenhance - has performed locallyandelsewhere scene is uilleann piper Joey Abarta, who individual playerwho’splaying it. in Ireland,on the butalsodependent of theregional traditions thatoriginated communities havethrived –offshoots and wherever else strong Irishmusic like Boston,New York City, Chicago, that developedovertimeinplaces influences and styles the of amalgam “the American styleofIrishmusic”: an Checkered,” represents whattheycall spot- lighted intheir2015album“LifeIs All as fiddling, Their concerts. or Irish scene, whetheratsessions, ceilis, have becomemainstaysofthearea’s Nathan GourleyandLauraFeddersen ago withinafewmonthsofeachother, country singerDollyParton. seven-month residency withlegendary globe, includingonethatfeatured a Her tourshavetakenheraround the of herenergetic street performances. – shared– some 20millionpeople by tion for the viral videos she has posted media: Shehasgainedworldwideatten- Emma O’Sullivan is well-versed in new in “old-style”dance,butGalwaynative praised Irish/Celticreleases of2018. “The High Seas,” was one of the most highly Curráin, Ó Cathal with album steeped in the Donegal fiddle style. Their of the Year” award winner, grew up onaigh, aformerTG4“Young Musician Keenan andCherishtheLadies. Ó Ma- performed with,amongothers,Paddy in the“Riverdance” troupe, andhas step dancerwhowas a talented tina, •Another fixture of Boston’s Celtic Boston’s of fixture •Another •Since arriving in Boston several years •She may be an All-Ireland champion Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 19 - - O’Donovan had commissioned the O’Donovan had commissioned very happy to have the Rasa “We’re sing may O’Donovan However much past in this think we’ve all seen “I For more about “A St. Patrick’s Day violist Claudia Do Minh Ramos and violist Claudia Do Minh Ramos cellist Eunghee Cho. Korean-American a mid-20th century quartet to resurrect Pasto “Meath composition, classical for last year’sArthur Duff, ral,” by “St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn”; the in Rock- show last March production’s lockdown COVID the before – right port began – was their only performance of the work. again,” he says. String Quartet with us ex- in some “They take chamber music highly a – Maura and citing directions, trained classical violinist but with a folk/trad sensibility – is certainly one all they are that; however, for reason talented and and inventive musicians this year’swill be a big part of show. They’ll be accompanying Keith on a moving traditional song, ‘Cross lovely, another audience well as as ing the Bar,’ Go Lassie Go?’” You favorite ‘Will the praises of virtual performances, he they “Will is clear about his preference: No. No way. live music? ever replace But they can certainly supplement live for whet our appetites perhaps music, some creative thing, and provide the real other and music, to how as possibilities kinds of art, can be presented. year how valuable art is to us, especially sense of history and art with a strong tradition. It reminds us how humanity tradition. It reminds managed to outlast those forces has which have challenged us: pandemics, politics, or whatever else.” Celtic Sojourn,” go to celticsojournlive.com. eries, nursing homes ,and even health the settings. Their members are care violinist Maura Shawn Irish-American Scanlin – who performs as part of the (among Rakish duo Celtic-American Celtic the cast in the 2020 “Christmas Sojourn”) – Japanese-American violinist Kiyoshi Hayashi, Spanish-Vietnamese •A •A union of different cultural back- Hanneke Cassel and Yann Falquet play music from Scottish, Cape Breton and Quebe- cois traditions. a masterful arranger. that formed at NEC in 2019, grounds the Rasa String Quartet has become a on the New England force progressive performing circuit, chamber music as such venues conventional in less - clubs and brew concerts, local house •Hanneke Cassel and Falquet Yann •A familiar figure in the Boston/ The Rasa String Quartet will play a specially commissioned piece at “A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn.” The Rasa String Quartet will play a specially frequently, including in a duo with including in a duo with frequently, as well as with Mick Nathan Gourley, The Green Moloney and the group America. He also took part in Fields of “Seeking the special 2018 production, an immigration-themed Sanctuary,” Arts Center for the event at the Boston piece by a commissioned that featured most Charlie Lennon, one of Ireland’s mu- tradition-influenced distinguished sicians/composers. a blending of distinctive mu- represent by contemporary traditions infused sic influences and styles. Cassel’s- expres brand of sive, emotive, and energetic American Scottish fiddle – featuring well as compositions own her of many Scottish and Cape Breton as tunes from influential highly been has – traditions as well as popular in the Celtic music world. Falquet is an active, creative acoustic guitar player on the Québécois inspiration from drawn has who scene of dif- the playing of the accompanists Scandinavia, (Brittany, cultures ferent America). He appears on North Ireland, “Over album, released Cassel’s recently the Sea to Skye.” New England folk scene for some 30 years, Keith Murphy has been part of with collaborations, notably numerous his wife, fiddler Becky Tracy album 2020 the recorded he whom – with “Golden” – the Boston-based fiddle and fiddlers like ensemble Childsplay, Brian Conway and Hanneke Cassel. career a successful He has also forged as a soloist, an engaging singer with his native drawn from a repertoire Newfoundland as well as Irish, English, as and traditions, French and Scottish, Page 20 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com BOSTON IRISH REPORTER .indd 1 www.irishworldacademy.ie pleasevisit concert For more information onand linkto this Academy.and graduates ofthe students and Theatre, Dance Aerial Feet Fidget Giddens, Rhiannon guests special at together University coming Concert Hall world for the an overexciting all virtual event, from featuring performers has concert This unique Day.Patrick’s St for dance and song music, of performance special a The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, presents St.Virtual Patrick’s Day Concert University ofLimerick presents a

free

8pm est 16/2/21 9:41 am Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 21 in person at the ICC / for ages 11+ / for ages 11+ in person at the ICC ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO THE ARE OPEN TO EVENTS ALL PUBLIC. ICC Pub & Restaurant is open to the public Singing Workshop online Singing Workshop (youth) - registration open Thursday at 5pm with Jen O’Shea Irish History Classes online- registration open / 4 week course virtual history tour of Co. A Thursday at 6pm: Cork starts March 4 The life and times of St. Thursday at 7:30pm: Patrick starts March 4 Irish Music Classes - registration open: next session began February 27 Saturday / all ages Whistle Tin 9:30am: Beyond Beginner online 10:45am: Fiddle Button Accordion 11:30am: Irish Language Classes - next session will This begin in March. Registration now yet open. na in conjunction with Cumann class is offered Gaelige - registration March 10 - Sheet pan : March 3 - Mushroom - registration open CLASSES OFFERED AT THE ICC AT CLASSES OFFERED Irish Cultural Centre Tuesday, March 30 at 5:15pm: Tuesday, Lecture “ Revolution in Ireland: 1921 and the violent quest of self-determination” by Professor Ruan O’Donnell from the University of Limerick Whistle online Beginners Tin open at 5pm with Denis Galvin. Next Tuesday session begins on March 2 Bodhran for Beginners / Beyond Beginners online Aimee Farrell at 5pm / 5:45pm with Wednesday Next session begins on March 3 Courtney. Adult Baking Class in person at the ICC - registration open at 6:30pm Wednesday risotto & sponge cake at 6:30pm: Wednesday chicken & profiteroles 781-821-8291 www.irishculture.org 200 New Boston Drive., Canton, MA at the Irish Cultural Centre Centre Cultural Irish at the Celebrate St. Patrick’s Month St. Patrick’s Celebrate Tuesday, March 2 at 6pm: Tuesday, Abolitionish Black A Lecture: “Sarah Remond - in Ireland.” 7pm: March 4 at Thursday, Nixon & Devri Terri Mixology Class with Virtual March 6 at 6pm: Saturday, finest “Heron Concert with Scotland’s Virtual Valley” March 7 at 3:30pm: Sunday, Author Discussion with Kyle Darcy & Michele McPhee “Crime Time” March 13 at 7pm: Saturday, concert with “Strawberry Hill” streamed Virtual live from the ICC March 17: Wednesday, at Day celebration kicks off St. Patrick’s Virtual 3:30pm. “Music, Songs, Stories & Irish Dance.” March 21 at 3pm: Saturday, “Máiréad concert with Celtic Violinist Virtual Nesbitt”

Page 22 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com learning.” enjoy thewhole experienceandkeep to trying just I’m voice. my finding in a fiddle tune, so I think that’s helped me have melodiesthatfeelgood tome,like of folk songs, especially traditional ones, “As a fiddler, I’m melody-driven. A lot disadvantage, either, Moynihanadds. just tookwhatIliked.” listened todifferent kindsofmusic,and sing harmoniesinperformance. And I I started getting more opportunities to music partiesorjamsessions,andthen Moynihan. “Mostofmysingingwasat lessons or study under someone,” says learned tosing. as theMilkCartonKids. in collaborations with Cortese as well fiddle stylings and indie/acoustic pop, her horizonsbyexploring American Celtic Sojourn.”Shehasalsobroadened and twiceappeared in“A Christmas Symphony HallwiththeBostonPops, at BCMFestandClubPassim, Mairi Chaimbeul,performedlocally duet andrecorded withScottishharpist solo album,2015’s“Woven,” formeda ing to Boston, she has released her first Jeremy Kittel,amongothers.Sincecom through listeningto Alasdair Fraserand fiddle Scottish with infatuated became the progress ofMoynihan, whoas achild back oncommercial success. a popmusicmaverickwhoturnedhis author ofaniconic1960santhem,and nearly forgotten singer-songwriters –the compositions bytwoaccomplishedbut traditions pluscoversoflesser-known songs from theIrishand American folk porary styles,thealbumincludesthree blending offolk/acousticandcontem past fall. A low-key, subdued sometimes Songs,” whichMoynihanreleased this of 2020,buttheresult wastheEP “Five recording sessions,thelastinJanuary songs andseewhathappens.’” encouraging: Hesaid,‘Let’sdosome College ofMusic. “ButSam was so ern Tier andgraduateoftheBerklee ofNew Moynihan, anative York’s South album, certainlynotasasinger,” recalls try singinglead. impressed enough to tell her she should producer/engineer, SamKassirer, was harmonies, and the studio’s owner/ fiddle, Moynihan hadcontributedsomevocal playing to addition In Cards. member of Laura Cortese and theDance she hadrecently recorded analbumasa an invitationtovisitthestudiowhere here more thanadecadeago–tookup Celtic/folk musicscenesincemoving in Gloucester but a habitué of Boston’s years ago,Moynihan-currently living ing her first album as a singer. About four is ‘areimagining ofwhatfolkmusiccanbe’ For JennaMoynihan,her EP ‘FiveSongs’ a whilebefore sherealized shewasmak It’s notasifshewasoperatingata “It wasnothingformal–Ididn’ttake And, somewhere inthere, shealso “Five Songs”isthelatestmilestonein What happenedwounduptakingfour “I hadno idea, no plan to make an It took Celtic fiddler Jenna Moynihan B oston B y I S rish ean C S ontributor mith Arts &Entertainment - - - - helped meinfindingmyvoice.” that’s think I so tune, fiddle a like me, to good feel that melodies have ones, ditional tra- especially songs, folk of lot A melody-driven. I’m fiddler, a “As Moynihan: Jenna singing, withtheoccasionalornamenta a confidence and purposefulness to her melodically andlyrically. Butthere’s also song squarely atthecenterofattention, quiet, understateddelivery, puttingeach being intransit. For herpart, though, of or confined; or restrained being of state the definitions: multiple word’s “bound,” andinsodoingpoints upthe you bound?”thatputsanemphasis on phrasing duringthe“Amelia, where your stores away”). stormy sea(“They’llstealyourgoldand perilous forreasons thatgobeyondthe survive thecrossing bypacketship,often to has he first but sure, be plenty,”to than whathe’sheadingfor:“alandof focused lessonwhathe’sleavingbehind Johnny”). Thenarratorinthesongis in this case the sea shanty “Leave Her, has shared elementswithothersongs, ine (likemanytraditionalfolksongs,it immigration dating from the Great Fam released asasingle,anIrishsongof Western Ocean,” which Moynihan subtle backdrop forhervocals. every sooftenforasolo,orprovides a out peeks fiddle Moynihan’s bass. and brass accompaniment,aswellguitar itrich Strausseaddssomeverymellow guitars here andthere ontheEP, andDe touch ondrums andacousticelectric songs acommoncontext.” and theotherinstruments, givethese emotions andsituations.Sam’spiano, are more recent butspeaktosimilar tradition, andthenthere are othersthat There are songsthatare veryold,from reimagining ofwhatfolkmusiccanbe: a is EP “The explains. she tracks,” five and dark–there isathread through the and synthesizerfortexture andeffect. phone, marimba,electricpiano,organ, album; atvarioustimes,headdsvibra Moynihan calls“thebackbone”forthe improvisations, butconstitutingwhat minimalist chording, arpeggiosand ing piano oneachtrack–spare, almost ment- and engineering-wise, while play giving Moynihanlotsofspace,arrange you engaged.Kassirer helps mattersby tion orbendingofthenote,thatkeeps On “FiveSongs,”Moynihanhasa There’s somethingaboutMoynihan’s The EP’s centerpiece is “Across the Sean Trischka alsoprovides alight “I feelthat,withSam’spiano–washy ------greater significanceinthe pastyear. meaning, whichshesayshastakenon Moynihan focusesmore onthelatter do myownversionofit.” is sogorgeous. Iwasgladtobeable it’s abeautifullovestory, andthemelody rescue,” Moynihansays.“Butaboveall, where she’s the hero andrides to the execution. out tostopherlover’s case, it is the damselwho is the savior, familiar damsel-in-distress trope: Inthis The song’snarrativeisatwistonthe LP, whichiswhere Moynihanheard it. Irvine and PaulBrady ontheirlandmark of Derry,” famously recorded by Andy something betterattheotherend.” known, butyouhavetobelievethere’s these manymonthswiththepandemic. we’ve allbeenonajourneyourselves obstacles. And ifyouthinkaboutit, and facedmanykindsofdangers across theworldhavetakenjourneys, years, anincredible amount ofpeople on ajourney: As we’veseeninrecent fort inthesong,andideaofbeing from 1968-73, whenhissongs“Without my song”). Nilsson blazed brightest (“Turn onyourradio,baby/Listento valediction, withmusicasthe keepsake “Turn On Your Radio”–abarebones dio, her first track was Harry Nilsson’s stu when Moynihan cameto Kassirer’s Songs” creation. On that first day in 2017 constituted themid-pointof“Five I wouldenjoysingingitjustformyself.” andevenbeforefor years, Isangpublicly, Moynihan. “I’veheard ‘BlackestCrow’ Uncle Earl. Bruce Molskyandtheall-femaleband from Tommy Jarrell andJeanRitchieto cades, recorded byperformersranging mainstay of American folkmusicforde post-Civil War era, the song has been a lachians andOzarksintheimmediate thought tohaveoriginatedinthe Appa times known as “My Dearest Dear,” and against apulsing,sequencedbeat.Some graceful fiddle-piano break juxtaposed of “TheBlackestCrow,” featuringa dition withanabbreviated rendition “I’ve cometofeelthere’s alotofcom Moynihan goestothe American tra “I really likethestrong femalerole, “So we’re allgoingthrough theun Those three traditional songs actually song for me,” says “It’s a ‘forever’ Also from theIrishtraditionis“Streets Louise Bichanphoto ------Talkin’” wonaGrammy, thoughhenev bestsellers andhiscoverof“Everybody’s You” and“Coconut”were international go tojennamoynihan.com. listen to“FiveSongs” andotherrecordings, with themusiccommunity important way, andkeeping intouch You feellikeyou’re connecting inavery natural avenuetoshare yourmusic. she says.“Teaching feelslikethemost and that’sbeenapositivedevelopment,” important outlet. her ownmusic,shehasfoundanother Sojourn,” butinadditiontoworkingon events likethe2020“ChristmasCeltic demic, exceptforvirtualconcertsand has beenlargely sidelinedbythepan Passim gavemethechancetodothat.” with measamusician.Iwassohappy before, andtoseehowthisconnected and center, in a way it had never been setting inwhichmyvoicewasfront something new. Iwantedtocreate a what thatmeanswhenyou’re trying for it,’”sheexplains. “I can’t overstate went beyondfinancial. grateful forthesupport,whichshesays nonprofit Passim’s Iguana Fund, and is EP through agrantfrom Cambridge in there’ toyourself.” “To me,itfeelslikeyou’re singing‘Hang for sure where thingsstand,”shesays. mind”). even trying/Andsomething’sonyour lyrics (“You can’t make it without ever by theundercurrent oftensioninthe it inherrepertoire, struck asshewas in turn inspired Moynihan to include “Something on Your Mind”–which Dalton, whorecorded aversionofhis days wasTexas-born singerKaren blues acquaintances oftheGreenwich Village band QuicksilverMessengerService. popular San Francisco psychedelic rock touchstone, andeventuallyjoinedthe gether,” whichbecamea1960smusical where hepenned“Everybody GetTo circuit, thenheadedoff toLos Angeles ’50s/early ’60sGreenwich Village folk at 17andbecameastapleofthelate nival family, Powers/Valenti ranaway used byChetPowers.Raisedinacar Dino Valenti, oneofseveralpseudonyms Your Mind,”writtenbytheenigmatic we were abletodowithit.” totally an experiment, but I liked what it pushesthingsalong.Recording itwas like theheartbeatofsong,andhow many years,”saysMoynihan.“Ireally route. music sceneinfavorofgoinghisown further dallianceswiththecommercial andavoidedanyAmerican Beatle”) bandmates, referred toNilssonas“the Lennon (who,alongwithhisFabFour he became a drinking buddy of John er didmajorpublicconcertsortoured; For moreabout JennaMoynihan,andto “I’ve been doing a lot more teaching, Like manyperformers,Moynihan “Passim said,‘We likeyouridea.Go Moynihan wasabletocompletethe “It evokesafeelingofnotknowing Among Powers/Valenti’s friendsand The EP’s final song is “Something on “I’ve listenedtoNilsson’smusicfor out there.” - - - - Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 23 and “Water” (known “Water” and (Continued on page 24 The melodies and arrangements devised by by devised arrangements and melodies The In the concluding track, “Being,” piano and strings makes Sturgeon Air,” the Salt and Wren in “The As Here, Sturgeon has taken inspiration – and the Sturgeon Here, jaunt to wasn’t just out for a pleasure Shepherd poems also adapted a couple of Shepherd’s Sturgeon as “Singing Burn”). She the lyrics. complement thoroughly Sturgeon piano, guitar, on variously herself accompanies with synthesizer, whistle, and dulcimer, harmonium, vocal), (bass, Anderson Grant help from occasional (cello). Sua-Lee vocal) and Campbell (viola, Mairi help proclaim piano and strings On “The Group,” of life and a the Cairngorns as both a rich realm the been witness through in of itself (“I’ve lifeforce ages/Marked changes and uses”). “The Plants” is an with flora, of diversity mountains’ the to introduction “Water,” of the soil.” are “We refrain, proud a joyous, note, accompanied for the most part by a single drone rivers, and other bodies animates the springs, creeks, with the terrain and their interrelationship water, of trickling burn lowland plain/The spring to (“From she sees it all”). benediction, a call to embrace Shepherd’s/Sturgeon’s distraction: from loose set selves, of our true be mindful “Living through the senses/As we search/To find out what’s real.” Cairngorns the from recordings field assorted of use the album, enabling the National Park throughout artistic vision. Born in Aberdeenshire and now living Aberdeenshire artistic vision. Born in ecology, has a PhD in seabird in Shetland, Sturgeon and in, interest abiding an reflects songwriting her and of and rhythms fascination with, the sights, sounds (or perhaps them – and how humans perceive nature and the Salt Wren “The fail to adequately). Her 2017 EP, populations of by the unique bird inspired was Air,” that album included group; island St Kilda the remote and island weather. of wild birds recordings field a Mountain,” Living “The title – from album’s (1893-1981) of Anna “Nan” Shepherd by memoir of walking in the her experiences and impressions richly are here Cairngorns mountain range. The songs equally steeped deeply felt meditations lyrical, vivid, the structure follows Sturgeon in senses and science. chapter, each for named the book – the tracks are of or feature aspect, some on – and focuses in order travels her or felt during observed Shepherd sensation the Cairngorns. through gaze at pretty flowers and photogenic wildlife: She and to the mountains completely over gave herself conveys this in songs and Sturgeon their environs, like “The Recesses” (“Cracks and fissures/Fractures and falling fair/in the dark and hidden/You forced Snow” and “Frost and there”) what’s know really don’t it overhang cornice formed, keen/A winds (“Wild sea like the waves/A sastrugi force, leans/Prevailing of ice, sea of ice”). “Huam” on appears which – album: “Man” the for – “Fires” name, original its under - Scottish with harmonium drone – Salt House originally began with a different name Salt House originally began with a different for the call of an “Huam” – the Scots word Such is the case with “Mountain of Gold,” sung the darkness over not gloss But Salt House does “The Living Mountain,” Listening to Sturgeon’s Yet another undeniable asset of this album is that, another undeniable asset Yet Living “The Sturgeon, Jenny “Huam”; House, Salt trio Salt House hit the trifecta over this past year, with year, past this hit the trifecta over House trio Salt by two of its members album and solo releases its third Each recording coming in the space of eight months. this convergence is enjoyable on its own terms, but opportunity to appreciate an offers also three the of and personas that the individual talents, interests, constitute a band lauded as much for artistic vision as well as its musicianship. its defining and went through a couple of configurations – they “Lay 2013, in House Salt as album first their released 2018 has con- as a quartet – but since Dark Low,” Your vocals) dulcimer, (guitars, MacPherson Ewan of sisted Lauren MacColl (fiddle, viola, glockenspiel, vocals) dulcimer, keyboards, (guitar, and Jenny Sturgeon that marries The trio has fashioned a sound vocals). as 1960/70s UK contemporary acoustic styles, such pastoral blues-folk a la Pentangle, with introspective, songwriting that is deeply ingrained in folk song and literary traditions. owl – affirms Salt House’s self-described interest in “place, politics and landscape,” with an emphasis on in reassurance and that bring comfort environments the midst of turbulence. implicit in their But songs’ a belief that, is glens peaceful and shades for rural ardor or weekend as refuge rather than escaping to nature one should embrace it as a commitment getaway, worth undertaking. with a part-hymn, fashion by all three in gorgeous part-lullaby quality to it (“When the hill awakens the land/ from the winter runs sleeping/And from When the burn continues its singing/When spring a lament Land,” Same and “The its hand”), reveals (“HurryMacPherson and Sturgeon by voiced achingly never the fractious ground/Through stoney on down we descending/Until up and all mixed ending/It’s find the time to breathe”) not to guitars – electric distant, slightly distorted and “Hope Is mention their setting of Emily Dickinson’s the Thing with Feathers.” within the natural by world, as evidenced “William and Elsie,” their chilling adaptation of a Danish ghost describes ly-lover ballad in which the titular William thy when thou art smiling, (“Whenever the afterlife bosom gladly glows/My grave in yonder dark kirk thou are is hung with leaves of rose/Whenever yard grave reigns/My sadness thy dreadful weeping, and in yonder dark kirk is yard filled with living pain”), Thomas Daughter,” Ullin’s and an enthralling “Lord Campbell’s tragic poem of lovers fleeing the fury of straight into the wrath of the elements (“By her father, was loud apace/The water-wraith this the storm grew shrieking/And in the scowl of heaven each face/Grew speaking”). dark as they were contributes to Salt House’s she much how clear it’s tions of songs by Shetland writers, in robust Shetland in robust by Shetland writers, tions of songs is homage “Isle O’Gletness” Barclay’s dialect: John to home and hearth, McGuire and Donald’s fiddles the sprightly waltz; Texas sound like a sweet making it and Larry Robertson by Yell,” Tae “Farewell maritime 2/4 riff nifty recurring punctuated by a Robert Tait, Time Fine a Picked “Du and accordion; and fiddles by witty Shetland Bobby Tulloch’s ta Faa-by Dastreen,” Lucille.” Me, Leave to a Fine Time Picked “You take on live, back during recorded it was the title indicates, as If you think you’ve somehow 2019 tour. the band’s to music at a remove, to listening become inured of what a special thing you Live” reminds “Full Tilt is: the in-the-moment sensation, an in-person event the sheer audience, band and the rapport between performance. and cheering a great joy of applauding like being there, Listening to this album isn’t exactly than enough pleasure but you’ll get more obviously, out of it. [fulltilt.band] • “Landskein” MacColl, Lauren Mountain”; CD Reviews CD Oh, my. This is one of This is one Oh, my. mith ontributor S C ean rish S I y B oston B Full Tilt is a union of different generations as well is a union of different Full Tilt Irish, Scottish, The quartet seamlessly merges Most of all, they just sound so damn good. The and Donald whip delight to hear McGuire It’s a pure displays their inventive, fun spirit on the Full Tilt selec- with his dimension another adds Nicholson Full Tilt, “Full Tilt Live” • as music traditions: Manus McGuire, member of of member McGuire, Manus traditions: music as Cloud Moving and Bows Buttons and as bands such and champion of the Sligo fiddle, butAlan Small, a also in other styles; accordionist interested greatly Shetland/ band scene; ceilidh the Scottish veteran of finalist past a Donald, Gemma fiddler-pianist Scottish and Year; of the Musician Traditional Young for BBC Shetlander Brian Nicholson, a guitarist and vocalist interests. with a variety of musical tastes and and Shetland tunes, including originals by McGuire, Donald, and Small and others by the likes of Charlie and Donald Shaw, April Verch, Lennon, Nollaig Casey, between different able to shift is also Full Tilt Reavy. Ed in archetypal fully comfortable sounding incarnations, ceilidh band (Irish or Scottish) mode, modern Celtic vibe. vein, or a Saturday-night-in-the-pub folk revival and virtuosity and chemistry displayed by McGuire Donald, whether playing in unison or – better yet – in (which Small’s accordion is energizing. harmony, a deft, includes a MIDI-enhanced bass) provides rhythmic punch and he’s a fine melody too. player, adding versatility, guitar lends electric Nicholson’s country, shades of rock, complementary and creative blues, and jazz. “The Barrowburn old familiars, like some through intricate “Belfast the absurdly Penny Bit,” Reel,” “Ten Hornpipe,” and a medley encompassing Ed Reavy’s traditional“MaudabawnChapel,” tunes“The and “Dawn Hornpipe,” and Donald Cameronian” and Donald McGuire Shaw’s “The Shetland Fiddler.” instrumentals: their own a set of each get to lead also the Moon/Sunset Over “Howling at reels McGuire’s and Donald’s jigs Welcome” Scariff/Gortcommer Big Break/Capers Fiddle/Elma’s “Johnny Barton’s in Culbokie.” Their adaptation of Nollaig Casey’s the Fairy Queen),” of (Fort Banriona Na “Lios air slow beautiful. meanwhile, is breathtakingly outstandingly well-crafted “Pink Panther Set”: Donald – plays in the spotlight here are – whose piano chops theme, to the famous Henry Mancini-penned the intro to which Nicholson unfurls a genuine slow-burn into breaks solo, while over them Small rock/blues Jig”; then McGuire the classic trad Irish “Morrison’s and running picks up the melody and the trio is off “Rosemary Crofts’ hitch, segueing into J.S. without a Lane” and Charlie Lennon’s dearly loved “Handsome Maidens.” Young those albums that hits so many buttons beyond the buttons beyond many that hits so those albums what is of of listening to it because pleasure visceral talents, and in the joining of these skills, represented experience. Page 24 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com “If Iamluckythiswinewilldrown mysorrows” tem has averypleasing unhurried,con- pace andtimesignatures, “Landskein” strings onfiddleorviola. guitar, oradditionalplucked orbowed drone from apumporgan oranelectric some oftheothertracksincludeafaint sparse, sensitivepianoaccompaniment; tracks on which James Ross provides It’s literallyasoloeffort, exceptforfour tunes from the Highland fiddle tradition. airs andotherslowormoderate-speed straightforward premise, consistingof Living Mountain.”) also working on a She’s film complement to “The work. their influence and outdoor places, andhow they inspire their connectionswiththemountains, artists, writers,andecologistsabout Mountain Podcast,”conversationswith own voices. mountains anditsdenizenstolendtheir (Continued frompage23) sound aswell, dueinnosmallpart quiet lifeonthefamilyfarminCounty McNamara, who,in1877,leavesher vival. Ittellsthestoryof youngJohanna family sagaofbetrayal,tragedy, andsur Ireland to America afterthefamine. A An actofbetrayalblowsalifeapart While there issomevarianceoftempo, MacColl’s “Landskein” has a simple, (Sturgeon hasrecorded “TheLiving This is a and siblingrelationships Assessing disastrousacts Anne McLoughlin’s‘LivesApart’ plative feelto it–andaspacious tale of emigration from Book Reviews - folk-rock fusionbandShooglenifty –is the contemporary milieuofSaltHouse. in are they as set fiddling, MacColl’s the traditionalroots andstyleswithin album alsohelpsonebetter appreciate and “TheLivingMountain.” The traditions –isofapiecewith “Huam” landscape, memories,storiesand people (likeMacCollinthiscase)with – areference to thelifelinesthatbind than aninstrumentalist. from asinger(RonaLightfoot)rather Chailleach,” whichcametoMacColl unusual cadence in “‘Lal, Ial,’ Ars’ a’ “Air MullachBeinnFhuathais”tothe Witch),” thequiet,intense vibratoof edginess of “Sproileag (An Untidy of Raigmore” tothesupernatural stately,the “Mrs.McIntosh sedate among thetunes is profound, from or faint. And thediversityofcharacter every bowstroke, nomatterhowsoft aural microscope, bringingupclose near LochNess.Thealbumislikean to itbeingrecorded inavillagehall picture. Manyofuswillbestimulated to learnabout.Eachbiographygivesa will haveheard of.Othersweare glad will haveknownpersonally. More we all ofwhomlefttheirmark. A fewwe years, from Tipperary Town anddistrict, mostly from thelastthree hundred Quinn hasselected86menandwomen, elsewhere. Forthisvolume,Martin are rooted inplace,evenwhenliving is itspeople.Irishpeopleparticularly most importantheritageofanyarea State DrMartinMansergh writes,“The In aforeword, FormerMinisterof there orhavingcometo reside here. either havingbeen born and raised 2000s. Theyare allofTipperary heritage, district datingfrom the1100s through the ary Town (Ireland) and thesurrounding torical figures of great note from Tipper of GreatNote’ family. Italsolooksat the experienceof through thelivesofextended disastrous actioncan reverberates sibling relationships and howa and NovaScotia “Lives Apart” explores Set inIreland, Boston,SanFrancisco, will blowherlifeapart. act ofbetrayal with thearrivalofanephew, whose does Johannaknowwhatliesahead help turnhimintoaman. him totheUSAmight isanoptionthat with histroubled son Declan. Sending with herbrother Art struggling todeal family continuesthrough theseasons, Back in Ireland, farminglifeforthe care ofothersbefore herownneeds. in thisnewworld,andshemustputthe tragedy strikes before she finds her feet to makeasuccess of herlife.However, Hugh. Full of hope, she is determined her successful businessman brother Clare andemigratesto America tojoin MacPherson – amemberoffamed Thematically, thetitle“Landskein” The bookcatalogs 86 influential his Flashbacks: 1100sthroughthe2000s Martin Quinn’s‘TipperaryPeople But little - -

of the Crowns,” the problematic unifi recurring lyricisaplayon“theUnion MacPherson composition. The title and the album,isaparticularly fascinating my ground”). their stories/Imustbeboldandstand down/But I’vebelievedsomanyof If I am lucky the world is cooling lucky thiswinewilldrown mysorrows/ taking, ornotaction(“IfIam “If I Am Lucky”considerstherisks of lost whenthewavescomeroaring”); over numbersandnames/Theirliesare and unrest (“Politicians are arguing of finding tranquility in a time of noise “All ShallBeStill”offers reassurance perspective totheSaltHousegestalt: bring more ofanovertsocial-justice gifts as a songwriter are abundant, and of asolorecording. Buton“Huam”his the oddoneouthere, atleastinterms historical event, MacPhersonexplains song doesn’t relate directly tothat to thethrone ofJamesI. Although his that accompaniedthe1603 accession cation of England, Scotland, and Ireland in theUS.Itincludesseveralwhoemi be ofgreat interest toTipperary people would Boston Irish:“Ithinkthatthebook to findoutmore.” Community DevelopmentinIreland. Association forthePromotion of na Tíre, term asNationalPresident ofMuintir community involvementandserveda Martin Quinnhasalonghistoryof tipperary-people-of-great-note/. orderedbe orpenpress.com/books/ is publishedbyOrpenPress andmay and Titanic survivorKateMcCarthy.” Olympic Bronze medalist James Mitchel Gerald ‘Pat’Brown), Joseph Brown, the of theBrown dynasty(grandfatherto Banking, Timothy Fahey, thepatriarch Neil Fitzgerald,thefounderofFahey and broadcaster FrankDelaney, theactor grated to the USA, including the author Amazon –eBookorPaperback. Poolbeg Pressby andisavailablefrom Apart” is herdebutnovel.Itpublished Macamores inCountyWexford. “Lives series of social history bookson the children’s programs andpublisheda stories for on writing.Shehaswritten ten years before retiring toconcentrate took theplungeandwentfreelance for (Ireland’s NationalBroadcaster), she life in television production with RTE Having spentmostofherworking her homeinrural Wexford. County divides her timebetweenthere and was born in Dublin,Ireland and now and thosetheyleftbehind. courage toventure across the Atlantic emigration, bothforthosewhohadthe “TheUnionofCrows,” whichends The authorsendsamessagetothe About the Author: A theAuthor: About ofBansha, native “Tipperary PeopleofGreatNote” McLoughlin About theAuthor:Anne Muintir naTíre, theNational - - [“Huam” isavailableatsalthouse.band to come,andthat’sreason tocheer. Scottish folkmusicfor some time members of Salt House will be enriching of ourgreat unionofcrows” rain from off surrounding hills hands we’ll stopthemurder withjustour golden lightbrightintheireyes perils mount. socioeconomic inequalitiesandother other sources of distraction while who churnoutconsumer goodsor people atthehandsofpowerful, disenfranchisement andalienationof that thephrasesuggestedtohim may befound.] Living Mountain”and“Landskein” camp.com, through to “The whichlinks Collectively orindividually, the We willnotheedthedarkenedwing And asariverslowlygrows, with We’ll stopourlivesfrom passingby, “So whiletheotherstoilon,with - Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 25

- - - Great-grandparents Great-grandparents Reagan: Ronald George H.W. Bush: Great Great (x5) (x5) George W. Bush: Great Barack Obama: His great-great-great grand Joe Biden: His great-great development. He could Antrim and Tipperary. from ancestors, Irish boast at least three Regan from notably Michael most left who in Tipperary Ballyporeen in 1851. When he visited Ireland Ireland as in 1984, following his re-election his ancestral he visited president, they later named the hometown where local bar after him. Down from grandparents (x4) parents were from Mayo and Louth from were parents his maternal line. Pioneering through partners carried out by our research in at the Irish Family History Centre he is descended from 2016 revealed re Finnegan families, and the Blewitt grandfather His great-great spectively. to Patrick Blewitt left Mayo in 1850 and settled become a sailor in the USA in Scranton, Pennsylvania, while his Finnegan, James great-grandfather, born 1840, arrived in Ovid Township, late 1840s. in the York Seneca, New A former senator and vice president, he president, vice and senator former A during US the led He 1989. in office took and oversaw the end the First Gulf War but would economic of the Cold War at home would see him fail problems for a second term. to be re-elected Down from grandparents was he Bush, H.W. George of son The only the second child of a former pres He ident to then become president. a transformative America during led on by the ‘War period dominated in the wake which he declared Terror’ attacks. of the 9/11 grandfather was Fulmuth Kearney of his to Moneygall, He paid a visit Offaly. ancestral home place, in 2011.

- - such Kildare Kildare peaceful and the first Roman Catholic His ancestors were Richard Nixon: His ancestors were (x4) grandparents Gerald Ford: Great (x4) grand Jimmy Carter: Great Lyndon B. Johnson: Great His John Fitzgerald Kennedy: His parents hailed from Antrim. His term hailed from parents was dominated by economic issues. In the Nobel Peace 2002 he was awarded Prize for his work to solutions to international conflicts, find to advance democracy and human rights, economic and social and to promote He grew up in central Texas, not far up in central Texas, He grew which his family City, Johnson from politician, veteran A found. helped was dominated his term as president and his War by the ongoing Vietnam Society” programs. “Great was mother Hannah His Kildare. from the Milhous family, descended from Timahoe, Irish Quakers from while the first Nixon to arrive in the in 1731. US, James, left Ireland Armagh and Down. He came from following assumed the presidency in 1974, the Nixon’s resignation first vice-president to do so in circumstances. erick, Wexford, Cork, Clare, and and Cork, Clare, erick, Wexford, Fermanagh. The most well-known JFK was American president, Irish still while Ireland visit to first the also in office His life was to be elected president. tragically cut short when he became the to be assassinated fourth US president while in office during a trip to Dallas. Galway. (x5) grandfather from hailed from Donegal and Tyrone. Donegal and Tyrone. hailed from He succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt office. in died president then the when the for dropping He was responsible atomic bombs on the Japanese cities and Nagasaki and he of Hiroshima oversaw the beginning of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Lim came from great-grandparents

------A A Garfield. His grand His terms in office. Grover Cleveland: His grandfather Theodore Roosevelt: His ancestors William McKinley: William Benjamin Harrison: His great-grand His Taft: His Howard William grand Woodrow Wilson: His Harry S. Truman: His ancestors before the birth of his son. Arthur the birth of his son. years before following ascended to the presidency President of assassination the Antrim. He is best remem was from from Ballymoney, and arriving in the Ballymoney, from 1743. McKinley led the US US around to victory in the Spanish-American War of Cuba, the Philip and seized control pines, Puerto Rico and Guam. He was assassinated in 1901 while delivering York. New a speech in Buffalo, Antrim. He was the Co. Larne, from youngest ever to take office McKin at 43, he succeeded William when, father was from Antrim. After a career After a career Antrim. father was from in the as a lawyer and brigadier-general he served as a US Senator for Civil War becoming president. six years before Antrim, hailing father was from bered as the only US president to serve as the only US president bered two non-consecutive toward Antrim His grandfather left the end of the 18th century and would go on to become a book publisher in Baltimore. charismatic leader, he expanded the he charismatic leader, and won the powers of the presidency Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation of the Russo-Japanese War. Louth. He ancestors came from was the only person to serve as and Chief Justice of the both President Court. Supreme Tyrone father came from as the president He is best remembered America’s entry into the who oversaw and helped to found War First World the League of Nations in its aftermath. ley following his assassination.

------Presidential History Presidential pro H i s border between border

A Dublin history site, EPIC, The site, EPIC, The Dublin history A Chester A. Arthur: His father was Ulysses S. Grant: His great-grand Andrew Johnson: His grand His parents James Buchanan: His parents James Knox Polk: Knox James He was born in He was born in Andrew Jackson: Irish Emigration Museum, posts posts Museum, Irish Emigration who US Presidents 23 are there that 7th heritage? From have some Irish born only Jackson, Andrew President emigrated parents two years after his Antrim, to No. 46 Joe Biden, who from back to Counties can trace his ancestry fully half of the pres Louth and Mayo, The celebrated Union army general The celebrated John Simpson, was descended from Co. Tyrone a native of Ballygawley, The in 1760. USA who arrived in the to first the also was president US 18th though it was after he visit Ireland, a but hero war noted A office. left had lackluster politician, he had a cabinet that was rife with corruption. Antrim, near Ballymena in from Antrim and left for the United States 14 father hailed from Tyrone. father hailed from is believed to have left Mounthill in An in to have left Mounthill is believed American col trim for Britain’s North 1760. Johnson became onies around following the assassination president April 1865 Abraham Lincoln in of to and led the government’s efforts the following Union the re-establish He also conclusion of the Civil War. president US first the as history made to be impeached, though he was kept in office by the Senate. father was from Antrim and and Antrim father was from arriving in Pennsylvania in 1783, four his birth. He is one of years before who had at least presidents US three – along born in Ireland one parent To Arthur. with Jackson and Chester date, Buchanan is the only president career A a lifelong bachelor. to remain politician and former diplomat, he left office just before the outbreak of the American Civil War. British Canada and the United States British Canada and the United States and fought a war with Mexico to seize and the rest of California, Texas control of the modern-day south-western US. Donegal and Tyrone, came from ponent of the expansionist ‘Manifest ponent of the expansionist ‘Manifest Polk was responsible Destiny’ policy, official the deciding for the Waxhaws region the runs along the along the the runs region the Waxhaws Carolina. of North and South borders of had left the village His parents Antrim only two years in Boneybefore The village is now home to previously. the Andrew Jackson Centre. The first he was known president, Ulster-Scots as ‘Old Hickory’ and was also a slave general, and lawyer. owner, idents can claim some roots in Ireland. roots idents can claim some

great-great-grandfather came from came from great-great-grandfather Ulster Donegal. Descended from Presbyterians, the Polks first arrived century. 17th the late in Maryland in held land and They had previously Coleraine in around owned property A in Donegal. Derry and Lifford The Emerald Isle is rich in US presidential roots presidential in US is rich Isle Emerald The Page 26 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Ocean Edgeoffersafunrespite onCapeCod gether whileenjoyingthecoolCapeair. space out andenjoyqualitytimeto- weekends. Adults andkidsalikecan brews, bites,andlivemusiconthe with lawn intoanopen-airhangout, Edge transforms the five-acre Mansion The Front LawnexperienceatOcean spring seasonidentityasTheFront Lawn. race willbeswitchedovertoadifferent, until mid-April,atwhichpointtheter May 27. discounts on spatreatments through multi-bedroom villasand25percent package offered this season includes with bridal services. A “girls getaway” pedicures, waxings,andfacials,along services like massages,manicures and House Spaopenforguests,including the Frost Bar, theresort hasitsBeach stay.on anovernight Inadditionto will include10-20percent discount throughPackage March 25,which this CapeCodwinter. your tastebudsandkeepyouwarm Edge culinaryteamaimstotantalize butternut squashrisotto,theOcean onion fonduetolobsterpoutineand entrees. From agoudaandcaramelized delicious horsd’oeuvres and seasonal wintry cocktailswithanassortmentof exclusive dining packages thatinclude carte diningoraprivateigloowith the restaurant fortraditionala-la- patrons alikecanbookatableinside looking CapeCodBay, guestsand 90-minute seating. be reserved forupto6guestsa complete withprivateigloosthatcan experience with an artic setting, transformed intoapop-upculinary main building.Theterracehasbeen terrace oftheMansion,complex’s and beveragedestinationsetuponthe The Frost Bar, a new wintertimefood scious innovations. Oneofthem is the season, thanks in part tosafety-con- strong bookingsthroughout theholiday weathered theCovid storm well, with of Brewster, the 337-room resort has fight off thepandemicblues. unique get-awayoptions to helpthem Club— continuestooffer itsguestssome tions— OceanEdgeResort&Golf Inside oneofthe igloosatOceanEdge. The Frost Baractivewillremain open The resort is also offering anIgloo Located behindTheMansionover Nestled along thecoast in the town One of Cape Cod’s best destina Leisure Time - - -

Bar atOceanEdge. One of the signature cocktails at the Frost clam pizza, ands’mores nachos. It will white wings, chicken wood-fired as bites, such an eclecticmenuoflight with oven wood-fired a games, lawn ing green spaceisdeckedoutwith Exclusively for thispop-up,thesprawl- Coming backforspring2021:TheFrontLawnatOceanEdge. remains openthrough mid-April. Ocean EdgeFrost Barandiglooshavebeen ahugehitinthewinterseason. Thevenue A roomwithaviewatOceanEdgeinBrewster,MA. Hog Island. Cod breweries, like Devil’s Purse and local Cape buckets ofbeersfeaturing also feature craftcocktails,wines,and For more information, check out All photoscourtesyOceanEdgeResortandGolfClub. per night. 1-508-896-9000. Ratesstartatjust$119 the website oceanedge.com orcall -Reporter Staff Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Page 27 Photos courtesy Guinness Six Nations Traditional Irish Session Irish Traditional First Sunday Afternoon of Every Month! Sunday First test appearance for Leinster lock Ryan Baird. The annual The Baird. Ryan lock Leinster for appearance test from sides includes competition rugby men’s international from 2020 — France, the reigning champions England— title in 2018. Wales and Scotland. Ireland last won the green were all converted by captain Jonathan Sexton, Jonathan by captain green were all converted who led the squad. The match featured the international debut of 21-year-old Craig Casey of Limerick, in action, debuts above. He and Ryan Baird made their international during Ireland’s 48-10 victory. The win was also the first Funeral Home Funeral www.GormleyFuneral.com Gormley Irish defeat Italy in Guinness Six Nations play – When When – play Nations Six Guinness in Italy defeat Irish Burials in Massachusetts Burials in Massachusetts or Ireland 617-323-8600 2055 Centre Street MA Roxbury, West in Rome. Ireland won a big Round 3 victory on Feb. 27 victory on Feb. 3 big Round a won Rome. Ireland in After Six Nations match-up. against Italy in a Guinness dominated two losses to start the tournament, Ireland tries for the six 48-10 on their home turf. The Italians the Page 28 Boston Irish Spring 2021 Online at BostonIrish.com Because come good things to those who wait. it comes to those legendary 100,000 welcomes, they’re well… reserved for especially you. pub, afire-warmed in friends the poetic silence whenthe chat with And of ancient hills. These the moments are that matter: sunset, castle silhouetted acliff-edge afiery against Kylemore Galway Abbey, County TO SEE YOU CAN’T WAITWE music, explore and beautiful landscapes. wildly you enjoy can pub, the buzz Irish of an dance to traditional when you wrap can yourself up of home. the warmth in When the is right.When time Because there great are times ahead, Find your way home at