Steppin’ Out On St. Patrick’s Day! March• 2012 www.ianohio.com

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

O’Neill is New President of Quad County Chapter Knights of Columbus Medina County, OH – The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Brigade Division #1 of Medina County, recently had one of its founding members, Kevin O’Neil, elected as President of the Quad County Chapter for the Knights of Columbus (K of C). The Chapter, which represents 25 K of C Councils and Assemblies in Ashland, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties, was formed primarily for the exchange of information among all councils and assemblies. In 2011, the Chapter coordinated multiple fundraising campaigns to provide an ultrasound machine to a pro-life pregnancy center (the original goal was surpassed: raising $14,000 - double the goal!) and afforded the purchase of two machines, which were subsequently donated and installed in RVs that travel to local county destinations to provide pro-life support services to expectant mothers. O’Neil’s volunteerism is widespread. In addition to the above, he is currently the AOH Medina Division #1 Press & Public-

Kevin O’Neil

ity Chairman, and he previously served as Vice President of the Quad County K of C Chapter. O’Neil is an active member of the St. Martin of Tours Parish (Valley City, OH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is an Irish-Catholic men’s organization that was founded in New York in 1836 and currently has members located throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on the AOH, contact Joe Casey at 330-225-0932. [email protected]

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

… wander o'er green hills through dreamy valleys And find a peace no other land could know I hear birds make music fit for angels And watch the rivers laughing as they flow And then into a humble shack I wander My dear old home I tenderly behold The folks I love around the turf-fire gathered On bended knee the rosary is told But dreams don't last though dreams are not forgotten And soon I'm back to stern reality For though they pave the footpath here with gold dust I still would choose the Isle of Innisfree - W.B. Yeats, “Isle of Innisfree” Call it Catholic guilt, the This time of year, we tend to wax poetic. The nostalgia of Immigrant’s Inspiration (to do better) or the simour past, the heartple crafting of our beat of our songs lives shaped by past and our stories, has struggle; we do not fertile ground all stop going forward. year for a country so America, and the shaped by emigraworld, have been so tion and strife, but it shaped by the Irish has new energy and Diaspora that it has searching around the gatherings and John O’Brien, Jr. become seamless into each’s own history. significance of the St. We have a special section Patrick’s season. We can’t go back, so we bring a little bit of this month, of honorees, each marked by giving, of time, of Ireland here. The longing for love that effort, of themselves, for someechoes thru February gives way thing greater. We are a people to trademark Irish longing for of ritual; we don’t say Thanks connection, roots past and pres- often enough, whether to God ent, that steals our hearts and or man, so the annual honorshapes our journey. We recog- ees forces us to ignore humble nize the nostalgia, give nod to protests and simply take a day the tuggings, but it has never or two to say thanks for all you stopped the Irish from going do. Congratulations to all of the forward, to new lands, higher honorees, and thank you; the ground, and an ever growing legacy of making the world a legacy of refusing to accept to- little better for our having been day as enough. We are a people here had a banner year. Happy St, Patrick’s Day, who firmly and actively believe John in paying it forward.

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Ohio’s Most Prestigious Golf Address

Dublin has been recognized as Ohio’s most prestigious golf address. From rolling links-style courses inspired by the British Isles to more traditional American designed courses, Dublin routinely is home to some of the nation’s best golf. Jack Nicklaus -- Dublin’s golf history began back in 1966, when Jack Nicklaus found a plot of land in Dublin that was the perfect location to build his home course. Construction on the course began in 1972 and Muirfield Village Golf Course was officially dedicated on May 27, 1974. In May of 1976, Dublin and Muirfield Village hosted its first ever stop on the PGA tour, the Memorial Tournament. An annual event played each spring, the Memorial Tournament is one of the marquee stops on the PGA tour and routinely attracts the world’s top golfers. World Class Host -- In 2013 Dublin will become the first city in the world to host each of golf ’s top professional team events by hosting the PGA’s President’s Cup. In 1987, Muirfield Village hosted the PGA’s Ryder Cup which was the first time in history that the European team won on U.S. soil. In 1998, Muirfield hosted the LPGA’s Solheim Cup and set attendance records each day of the event, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Muirfield Village also hosted the 1992 U.S. Amateur Championship which was won by a little known golfer at the time, Justin Leonard. And, in 2013 Dublin will host The Presidents Cup. Besides Muirfield Village, Dublin is also home to many other fine golf courses hosting numerous other events. Tartan Fields hosted the LPGA’s Wendy’s Championship for Children tour event from 2002 – 2006. Wedgewood Country Club annually hosts a U.S. Senior Open qualifier. Dublin courses have also played home to many American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) events.

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Defiance Library Has Storyteller March 17th March 17 – Irish Festival. Music by Foxtree, Storyteller Yvonne Healy, Contests, Homemade Soda Bread and Refreshments. Free Event for all ages. 320 Fort Street, Defiance, OH. Info: www.defiancelibrary. org (419)782-1456.

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

Irish American Hall of Fame Selects 2012 Class of Inductees

March 2012 Vol. 6 Issue 3 Publisher-Cliff Carlson Co-Publisher/Editor John O’Brien Jr. Advertising Sales-John O’Brien, Jr.

Cleveland Advertising Sales: John O’Brien Website-Cathy Curry

Columnists Blowin’ In ... Susan Mangan Behind the Hedge ... John O’Brien, Jr. Crossword Puzzle ... Linda Fulton Burke Illuminations ... J. Michael Finn Inner View … John O’Brien, Jr. Letter From Ireland ... Cathal Liam Off the Shelf … Terry Kenneally On This Day in Irish History … Terry Kenneally Out of the Mailbag … John O’Brien, Jr. Owens Sports ... Mark Owens Real Ireland ...Rachel Gaffney Stories From the Corner Bard ... Sean McCabe Terry From Derry … Terry Boyle Walk Down an Irish Lane ... Terry Reilly IAN Ohio Inc. is published monthly (12 issues a year) on the first day of each month. Subscription is by first class mail. One year $30, two years at $55 3 years $80. To subscribe go online at www.ianohio.com, or Email us at [email protected], or call us at 708445-0700 or mail to address below. IAN Ohio is available for free at over 240 locations throughout Ohio. For information on the locations go to www.ianohio.com and click on the Ohio Distribution button.

Contact: IAN Ohio Inc. PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW PHONE NUMBER: 216.647.1144 e-mail: [email protected] or mail to: IAN OHIO INC 7115 W North Ave #327, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-445-0700 e-mail: [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] On the Internet

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PUBLISHERS STATEMENT The opinions and statements expressed in this newspaper are entirely those of the authors, and do not reflect in any way the opinions of IAN Ohio. Circulation: 7,500-For a list of distribution points, go to www.ianohio.com and click on the word “Distribution.”

The Irish American Hall of Fame (IAHOF) was established in 2010 with the goal to preserve and promote the rich history and stories of the Irish in America and the ongoing links between Ireland and the United States. The Hall of Fame was founded by members of the Chicago-based Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) and operates under the Center’s auspices. The IAHOF is overseen by a separate governing committee and has a national focus, reaching out to Irish Americans all over the world. Thirteen outstanding Irish Americans in seven categories were selected as the 2012 IAHOF honorees. A slate of candidates was presented and winners were voted into the Hall of Fame by a national body of distinguished individuals representing academia, government and Irish-affiliated organizations from across a wide range of disciplines. The Hall of Fame is intended to be national in scope and to tell the story of all of Irish America. “The diverse representation of individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame truly showcases the contributions of Irish Americans to society. Nominations were received from all over the country and the world,” commented Pamela Marshall Taylor, Chair of the Irish American Hall of Fame Committee.

Arts & Humanities George M. Cohan It’s been said that George M. Cohan was America's greatest showman. Born to IrishCatholic parents in Providence, Rhode Island, he was a premier writer, actor, producer, playwright and director. He is the only entertainer to have a statue erected to him on Broadway. Cohan was a pioneer in American musical theater and film. Mr. Cohan is perhaps best known for his popular song Over There, for which he was presented the Congressional Gold Medallion by President Franklin Roosevelt due to its contribution to American morale in World War I. John Ford John Ford (born John Martin Feeney) was a legendary American film maker with a career spanning over 50 years including over 140 films. Mr. Ford was a unique figure in American cinematic history with a career spanning both silent and sound pictures. He is known for developing the practice of shooting on location and the 'long shot' that features the character against a vast background. Some of Ford's most famous films include Stagecoach, The Informer, The Grapes of Wrath, Young Mr. Lincoln, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance ,How Green Was My Valley, and of course, The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and 2011 IAHOF Inductee Maureen O’Hara. He was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 6. His father, John Augustine Feeney, was born in Spiddal County Galway and his mother, Barbara Curran, was born in the Aran Islands, in the town of Kilronan on the island of Inishmore.

Tommy Makem Known as the Bard of Armagh, Mr. Makem was an internationally acclaimed folk singer, musician, poet and storyteller. His distinctive baritone was the backbone of the sound of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem that made folk music history starting in their early Greenwich Village days of the early 1960s and continued for decades through his solo career and partnership with longtime friend, Liam Clancy. Born in Keady, County Armagh, Tommy emigrated to the U.S. in 1955 before settling in Dover, New Hampshire. Tommy Makem was an ambassador of Irish music, storytelling and poetry, bringing his knowledge, love and wit to the world.

Business & Industry Patrick G. Ryan As the founder and retired executive chairman of AON Corp, Mr. Ryan has been a strong donor and supporter of nearly every

March 2012 • ohio irish american news Irish charity in Chicago for several years. With roots in Tipperary, Mr. Ryan has established reinsurance and risk management operations in Dublin’s International Financial Services Center, and made substantial acquisitions of Irish-based companies operating in its sector. The name Aon (Gaelic for one) was chosen to describe the unity of the many organizations that were brought together by Mr. Ryan. In 2010, after retiring from Aon, Mr. Ryan founded Ryan Specialty Group, a global insurance organization consisting of wholesale brokerage, underwriting managers and other specialty insurance services to agents, brokers and insurance carriers. Public Service Senator Robert F. Kennedy Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy was an American politician and Democratic Senator from New York. He was the U.S. Attorney General of the United States from 1961-1964, serving primarily under his brother, President John F. Kennedy, a 2011 IAHOF inductee. With his legacy as a noted civil rights activist and crusader against organized crime, Senator Kennedy helped to shape public policy on social issues in the 1960s that continue to further the national narrative today. His advisory position within his brother’s administration is widely considered as vital in averting conflict with Cuba and the USSR and his later views on the Vietnam War helped to change the opinion of the average American citizen in regards to the conflict. In 1968, Senator Kennedy, in the midst of a run for the Presidency, was tragically killed, in some ways signaling an end to the optimism and idealism of the decade in which he served most prominently. Mayor Richard M. Daley Born in 1942 to Richard J. Daley, a 2011 IAHOF inductee, and Eleanor (Guilfoyle) Daley, Richard M. Daley is the longest serving Mayor of Chicago. With ancestors coming to the United States fleeing from the Irish potato famine, his paternal roots are from County Waterford and maternal roots are from County Cork. He served as an Illinois State Senator from 1972-80, Cook County State's Attorney from 1980-89 and became Mayor of Chicago in 1989 before leaving office in 2011. Considered one of the most powerful mayors in the country during

his tenure, Daley worked to improve Chicago Public Schools, modernize the Chicago Transit Authority, beautify the city, and increase tourism. Mayor Richard M. Daley served the City of Chicago as its executive leader and brought a renaissance of renewed growth in the city's varied neighborhoods. He attracted business back to the city, renewed the city's theater district and preserved its historical movie palaces from certain demolition. By such actions, he elevated the cultural activities and business enterprises within the city. Speaker Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill Thomas Phillip ‘Tip’ O'Neill, Jr. was born to Thomas Phillip O'Neill, Sr., and Rose Ann (Tolan) O'Neill in 1912 near Barry's Corner in the Irish middle-class area of North Cambridge, Massachusetts, known at the time as "Old Dublin." O'Neill was an outspoken and influential member of the U.S. Congress, serving in the House of Representatives for 34 years and serving as the Speaker of the House from 1977 until his retirement in 1987. He was the second longest-serving Speaker in U.S. history after Sam Rayburn, and the longest consecutive serving Speaker. One of O'Neill's greatest accomplishments as Speaker involved Northern Ireland. He worked with fellow Irish-American politicians New York Governor Hugh Carey, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, and Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-New York to craft a peace accord between the warring factions. Beginning with the "St. Patrick's Day declaration" in 1977 denouncing violence in Northern Ireland and culminating with the Irish aid package upon the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985, the "Four Horsemen" as they were called convinced both Presidents Carter and Reagan to press the British government on the subject. The Fighting Sullivan Brothers The five Sullivan brothers, two of whom previously served in the Navy, enlisted in the Navy together on Jan. 3, 1942, less than a month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. They insisted that they serve together on the same ship. It was Navy policy to separate family members, but the Sullivans persisted in their request and the Navy relented. They served aboard the USS Juneau, a light cruiser. On Nov. 13, 1942, during the Battle of Guadal-

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www.ianohio.com canal, the Juneau was struck by a Japanese torpedo and sank. Francis “Frank” Sullivan, Joseph “Joe” Sullivan, Madison “Matt” Sullivan and Albert “Al” Sullivan died. George, the eldest, made it to a raft and survived for five days. The Sullivan brothers were awarded Purple Hearts and became national heroes, and their deaths served as a rallying cry for a nation at war. In response to their deaths, the U.S. War Department developed the Sole Survivor Policy, a set of regulations in the U.S. military that are designed to protect members of a family from the draft or from combat duty if they have already lost family members in military service. The United States Navy has since named two destroyers in honor of the Sullivan brothers. Sports John L. Sullivan One of the few 19th century athletes still revered today, Mr. Sullivan, nicknamed the Boston Strongboy, was the heavyweight boxing champion from 1882 to 1892 and his whole life mirrored the upward trajectory of the Irish-American experience. Considered one of the first sports superstars, he was the last bareknuckle boxing champion and the first American athlete to earn over $1 million. He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts (now a part of Boston) to Irish immigrant parents, Michael Sullivan from Abbeydorney, County Kerry and the former Catherine Kelly from Athlone, County Westmeath/ County Roscommon He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 as a member of the hall's original class. with a record of 35 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws, with 30 wins by knockout. Religion Fr. Edward Flanagan Father Edward Joseph Flanagan, born in Roscommon, was a Catholic priest and the founder of what is arguably the most famous orphanage in the United States, Boys Town. The campus is not just an orphanage, but a center for troubled youth that has been a beacon of light not just in the Omaha, Nebraska community but nationwide since its founding in 1921. Under Father Flanagan's direction, Boys Town grew to be a large community with its own boy-mayor, schools, chapel, post office, cottag-

es, gymnasium, and other facilities where boys between the ages of 10 and 16 could receive an education and learn a trade. A 1938 film starring Spencer Tracy, Boys Town, was based on the life of Father Flanagan, and Tracy won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. Education Loretta Brennan Glucksman A third generation Irish-American, Loretta Brennan Glucksman grew up in an Irish community in Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandparents, McHugh/Murray, emigrated to America from Leitrim in famine

times. Her paternal grandparents were from County Donegal. She is a noted philanthropist and, together with her late husband, Lewis, they have raised millions of dollars for Ireland. She has served as Chairman of the American Ireland Fund since 1995 and spearheaded the Fund’s successful “Hope & History” $100 million campaign. She is co-Chair of Glucksman Ireland House, the Center for Irish Studies at New York University, which she and Lewis established in 1993. Through the American Ireland Fund, Mrs. Glucksman was instrumental in establishing religiously integrated schools for both Catholic and Protestant children in Northern Ireland. Emmet C. Larkin, Ph.D. Emmet Larkin is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Chicago. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1957 and is considered the single most influential historian of Ireland in America. He was one of the co-founders of the American Conference for Irish Studies. The American Conference for Irish Studies is a multidisciplinary scholarly organization with approximately 800 members in the United States, Ireland, Canada, and other countries around the world. Professor Larking has produced, in his role

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as mentor at the University of Chicago, more Ph.D.s in Irish history than any other person in this country. Science Cyrus Hall McCormick Cyrus was an Irish American inventor credited with the the development of the mechanical reaper. This machine made farming easier - and greatly increased the amount of food farmers could reap, made harvesting easier, lowered costs, and revolutionized farming. His invention led to the founding of International Harvester, now Navistar. Mr. McCormick was also a business revolutionary in creating now universal concepts such as franchise dealerships, the product guarantee and deferred payment plans. These business concepts are arguably as important as his engineering contributions to the world of agricultural production on a global scale. His reaper was credited by President Lincoln's Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, as a deciding factor in the North's victory and instrumental in keeping the nation intact by freeing up men to go off to war and in helping to feed its soldiers. About the Hall of Fame and Selection Process The IAHOF announces its annual call for nominations in July. Since its inception, more than 300 nominations had been submitted. The slate of candidates is narrowed down by a screening committee composed of a specially selected, diverse group of individuals representing an extensive array of disciplines, which review and vet each nomination. The winners are selected by a 100+ -member voting body of distinguished individuals representing academia, government, business and Irish-affiliated organizations from around the USA. The IAHOF’s initial emphasis will be to provide information electronically and online, and the inaugural inductees will be commemorated with a display at the IAHC. The vision is for a bricks-and-mortar museum to be founded as the IAHOF grows. Winners will be inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame at the Awards Gala on April 28, 2012 at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. For information on tickets to the Awards Gala at (773) 2827035. More about the IAHOF and inductees, www.iahof.org.

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2012 St.Patrick's Day Honorees Parade Grand Marshal: Walter J. “Mickey” McNally A strong supporter of the Irish Community he has volunteered at many events including the Cleveland Feis, the Irish Summerfest, and The Cleveland Cultural Festival. Mickey is a member of The Irish American Club East Side, The West Side Irish American Club, the Western Reserve Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Padraic Pearse Center,where he was a Trustee and is presently an Associate Member. Mickey is currently a drummer with the Cleveland Memorial Fire Fighters Walter “Mickey” McNally’s Irish Pipes and Drums Band. A hobby he roots come from his paternal great started after retirement. Mickey and Bonnie have lived in grandparents Thomas Nally who was born in Hollymount, County Mayo Highland Hts. 40 years and are memIreland, and Bridget Burke who was bers of St. Paschal Baylon Parish. born in Claremorris, County Mayo Vera Casey Ireland. Mickey was born on June 6, Irish Mother of the Year: 1937 and spent his grade school years Vera Casey was born in Cong, Co. in the Hough East 79th St. neighbor- Mayo to Frank and Florence Holian. hood, before the family moved to When she was thirteen, her mother South Euclid where he graduated died, and she dropped out of school from Brush High School in 1957. to help raise her siblings. Vera was Mickey then joined the Army, the 3rd oldest of nine children. In spending two years in Germany, 1949 she went to London in search and was again recalled to serve in of work. While there, on March 17th, the Army during the Cuban Crises. 1952, she married her childhood In 1964, Mickey met Bonnie Scott. They were married in St. Gregory the Great Church on August 21st of 1965. Bonnie and Mickey became the parents of Beth and Amy. Dr. Beth McNally is now doing research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Amy is married to Tom Gallagher, whom she met at the Irish American Club, East Side, and they have four children. His grandkids lovingly call him “Pop Pop” Mickey was employed by the Xerox Corp., where he retired in 2001, after more than 35 years of service. A charter member of the Irish American sweetheart, Tom Casey of Carrick, Club East Side, he was the first layout Co. Galway. Vera and Tom immigratEditor of the Club’s Newsletter, was ed to Cleveland in 1956. also a member of the first float comVera went to beauty school and mittee in 1979 and remained an ac- ended up owning hair salons in both tive member of both committees for Ireland and the United States. For many years. years Vera and Tom would travel back Mickey and Bonnie were hon- and forth with their 4 children: Mauored as the Members of the Year of reen, Patricia, Tom, and Kathleen. the Irish American Club East Side in When they returned to America in the 2000. Mickey loves sailing and sailed 1970’s, they became members of St. out of both Northeast Yacht Club and Mark’s Parish, where all four children Edgewater Marina. His other hobbies went to school. include painting, playing the piano, Vera opened Casey’s House of and the drums, and gardening. He Beauty and Irish Imports in 1985. is active in the FOPA as a Lifetime She eventually retired from her salon Member. business and opened Casey’s Irish

Imports, Inc., in Rocky River. The most important things in Vera’s life are Family, Faith and Heritage. They have nine grandchildren: and 1 great grandchild. Throughout the years, Vera’s children and grandchildren have been involved in Irish Dancing, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Vera and Tom are members of the West Side Irish American club, The Mayo Society of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Gaelic Society. They are founding members of the Irish Heritage Center and former members of the East Side Irish American Club. Vera is a member of The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and has been involved with the LAOH for over 20 years. She is also a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce and the No. American Celtic Trade Association. Vera and Tom will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on March 17th, 2012. 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade Co-Chairs: Una O’Leary Escolas William G. (Billy) Chambers Una O’Leary Escolas is the second daughter of nine children of Al & Mary Celine O’Leary. She grew up on the West Side of Cleveland, attending St. Vincent DePaul and St. Joseph Academy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College and a Masters in Anesthesia from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Una is married to Dr. John Escolas and are the

proud parents of Patrick, Bridget, and Sean. The Escolas’s live in Westlake and are members of St. Colman Parish. Una was immersed in her Irish Heritage growing up, marching West Side Irish American Club majorettes and Ladies Drill Team. She was a Co-Founder of the Pom-Pom unit,

ohio irish american news • March 2012

Ireland 32. Una has Irish danced since she was a child, not only in competition but also performing many shows with her family. She has passed per on her love of Irish culture to her children. Her children have participated in Irish dancing and her daughter Bridget has competed in the All Ireland Dancing Championship and enjoys playing the harp. All three children are attending Ohio University in Athens Ohio. Una has been a member of the Cleveland Gaelic Society and with the O’Leary Manning School of Irish Dance since she had started Adult dancing at the age of 21. Una is a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and was a founding members of the Emerald Camogie Club. She has been a member of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland for over fifteen years. Una and her family are also members of the West Side Irish American Club and life-time member of the Irish Heritage Center. William G. Chambers was born May 4, 1952 to Thomas and Mary (Meehan) Chambers. He is the eldest of three. Billy was raised on the west side of Cleveland and attended St. Vincent De Paul, St. Ignatius High School, John Marshal High School and graduated from Cuyahoga Community with an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. Billy married Rasa Palunas on June 11, 1977. He worked for the City of Cleveland, Division of Water as a timekeeper and stationery engineer for 31 years, until his retirement in 2004. Billy's singing career started in the late 1960’s when he played in several local rock-n-roll bands. He started singing Irish songs in 1986,

inspired by singing of Andy Irvine, Paul Brady and local singers Doug McIntyre and Tom Barney. He continues today, along with Francis Quinn and Brendan Carr, in the Portersharks.

Billy is a member of St. Patrick Parish (Bridge), the Ancient Order of Hibernians Boland Berry Division, Cleveland Irish Players, the Porter Sharks and the West Side Irish American Club. In 1994, Kevin McGinty asked Billy to join the Cleveland Irish Players in their production of Professor Tim. He has acted with the troupe in every production since. West Side Irish American Club Man of the Year: Bernie McKenna Bernie was born in County Monaghan, Ireland in 1931. He was a middle child in a family of 11. Five of the children came to the states, Priests Peter and Enda and their sister Roseleen, a retired nurse, all live in San Antonio, Texas. Bernie and Roseleen immigrated in 1958 to join their brother John, who returned to Ireland in 1969. Bernie secured a job in the street department of East Ohio Gas Company and eventually worked his way up to supervisor. He retired in 1990 after 32 years employment. His love of dancing led to the meeting of his wife Joan Allen (from

County Killarney) at Aragon Ballroom in 1960. They married the next year at St. Mel’s Church. His brother, Father Peter McKenna officiated, along with Father Thomas Flynn. Joan and Bernie raised seven children and are the proud grandparents of twenty. Bernie and Joan celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in August of 2011. Bernie and Joan return to Ireland on a yearly basis. He loves spending time with his family, traveling, golfing, ballroom dancing and volunteering, which he does at the WSIA and St. Ladislas and he had been involved in Habitat for Humanity for years. His all time favorite pastime is golfing with his wonderful friends from the club.

March 2012 • ohio irish american news West Side Irish American Club Woman of the Year: Patti Hanrahan Patti is the daughter of Jack & Maggie (O'Boyle) Maher. She has two brothers, John (deceased) and Dennis \ Patti grew up in West Park, attending St. Patrick W.P. Elementary School and continued her education at St. Augustine Academy, Miami University, and Cleveland State, graduating with a Bachelor of Psychology degree. Patti has been a social worker and is currently working as a substitute teacher in the North Olmsted School District. Patti and Tim have been married for 26 years. Tim is a member of Boilermakers Local 744. They have three children; all three have been involved in the WSIAC marching units.

In addition to coaching, Patti has also planned children's parties, bartended, worked at the boxty dinners, and she helps to organize the Jr. Marchers Exhibition Dance every February. Patti has been one of the club's two delegates to the United Irish Societies, since 2000. She was a member of the original committee for the Cleveland Irish Festival and recently has returned as a volunteer. The Hanrahans are members of St. Brendan's Parish in North Olmsted. West Side Irish American Club Queen: Deirdre K. Hart Deirdre K. Hart of Avon Lake is the 2012 WSIA Queen. Deirdre is the daughter of Mary (Mulloy) and Pat Hart (deceased). She has two younger brothers, Conor and Patrick, and is the granddaughter of Anne (O' Donnell) and Stephen L. Mulloy (deceased), both from Achill Island, and, Kathleen (Fitzpatrick) and Joseph Hart (both deceased) of Cleveland. Deirdre comes from a family firmly established in the traditions of the West Side Irish American Club. A favorite memory is her Papa Steve singing both national anthems at the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade. After attended St. Brendan School and Magnificat High School before

Doughbeg. He joined his brother Josie and later on his two sisters Kathleen and Mary were born. Martin’s family raised sheep and cattle. Martin was 16 when he went to England where he learned to weld and became an ironworker. In1964, Martin came to Cleveland and shared a house with Kevin McGinty and Sean Burke. Martin met Kathleen (McIntyre) on a blind date;

attending the University of Southern California, in their theatre program. She transferred to Columbia College Chicago. In addition to her WSIA experiences, Deirdre began taking Irish dance at the age of five with the Masterson School of Irish Dance. In 1998 Deirdre joined the Cleveland Irish Players. Deirdre is a member of The Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), and the committee of volunteers for the annual Little Brothers and Sisters of the Eucharist fundraiser for Fr. Jim O'Donnell's ministry in the Central community. Irish American Club East Side Volunteer of the Year – Martin Carey Martin was born on September 30, 1936 in Mulranny, Co Mayo Ireland to Bridget (Campbell) from Ballycroy and Martin Carey, from

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they were married at St. Margaret Mary’s on January 25, 1969. They have five children. Martin and Kathy have long been residents of Euclid and active in their parish St. Robert’s now St. Robert’s/St. Williams’ in Euclid. They are charter members of the Irish American Club East Side, Inc. Hibernian of the Year: Patrick B. Murphy Patrick B. Murphy is the son of Jack and DeSales Murphy. He was the second of five children: Phil, Pat, Karen, Tom and Cheryl, from Lakewood. He attended St. Luke School, St. Edward High School and John Carroll University where he earned a

BSBA in Marketing. Pat is the father of Pat Jr. and Tom; and grandfather of Jon, Ryan, Dan, Bridget and Rachael. Pat joined the Boland/Berry Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the 1970’s and served in Division offices of Treasurer, Vice President and President. On the State level he served three terms as a Director and then went on to serve one term as Deputy National Organizer for the AOH National Board. Pat remains an active member of the Boland/Berry Division, and is a member of the West Side Irish American Club. Pat headed the committee to bring the AOH/LAOH National Convention to Cleveland in 1988. Pat was then named as Chairman of the National Convention. Pat is an Agent with

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Prudential Lucien Real Estate with Murphy Bergin and Associates. He has earned designations as a Historic House Specialist, a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource, and a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. He served 3 years as a Director for the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors.

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

Ireland Photographer Awarded Fellowship Twenty Cuyahoga County artists have received $20,000 awards and additional support services for their outstanding work in the arts. The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) has selected these artists for Creative Workforce Fellowships upon the juried recommendations of a seven-member panel of art experts from five cities outside of Ohio. The CPAC Fellowships are the largest publicly funded arts grants in the United States. One of the artists receiving this recognition is Ireland Photographer and Lakewood Ohio native, Scott MacGregor. The panel presented the award to Scott for his new graphic novel which is inspired by the tales of the Cleveland Lake Erie Tunnelworks and the Irish Angle neighborhoods of Cleveland’s lower west side. The story also draws inspiration from Scott’s great grandfather, Patrick Gatons, from Dungloe, Co. Donegal who was himself a “sandhog” on the Cleveland Waterworks tunnel construction projects of the early 20th century. The graphic novel is titled, “A Simple Ordinary Man” and Scott anticipates it’s completion in the Fall of 2012.

For more information regarding the CPAC Creative Workforce visit their website at: http://www.cpacbiz. org. Scott has contributed several cover photos for IAN Ohio, and Irish American News. Pictured right: Scott MacGregor

How Restaurant Depot Has Changed Foodservice Game 20 years ago, if you owned a bar or restaurant, chances are you followed a certain routine in getting your supplies into your place. You took inventory of what you needed and made a list. Even if you didn’t really need a certain item, it went on the list anyway because, well, you had to make your delivery minimum didn’t you? At that point, you either called your order in to the delivery company or waited until your salesperson dropped by. Either way, you were going to pay extra for the actual items. Between the salesman’s commission and the inflated prices of the delivered goods themselves, it’s no wonder that the success rate for restaurants was so dismal. And let’s not forget some of the actual delivery nightmares: broken cases, damaged goods, missing items and you, the poor Joe, standing at the curb with less than 30 minutes to go before the lunch-hour rush begins. Enter Restaurant Depot: Opening on the theory of offering foodservice operators bulk discounts that were beginning to emerge in the retail club stores at the time, Restaurant Depot paired up with Jetro Cash &Carry and took a chance; would the customers come? Would they rent a van if they had to? Would they take the time to stand in line to save money? The answers were yes, yes and oh, sweet mother of nectar, YES! Now with over 90 locations, Jetro/RD is the premier foodservice wholesaler in the nation.

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

Eamonn McCrystal: The Kids Got a Voice!

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Altan Releases Poison Glen

Legendary Irish supergroup Al- to the world, the musicians of Altan is releasing The Poison Glen, tan present their first album of new When Elizabeth Travis, now his same page with me when it comes the band’s first new studio effort in material in 7 years, a collection that embodies the fiery spirit of Irish lore manager, invited him to the USA he to finding those perfect songs..." and mythology through the smolnever dreamed of the whirlwind of Eamonn McCrystal. dering performances from Ciaran With names such as Walter incredible experiences he had. Afanasieff (Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis) in the mix to produce Eamonn McCrystal’s new project – 2012 will be the year to look out for this young Irish man. “When In Nashville”is available from ITunes, www.eamonn.la

McCrystal hopes to build on the success of his first US release “When In Nashville.” Produced by Grammy award winning producer Kyle Lehning (England Dan & John Ford Coley, Randy Travis), it demonstrates his soaring vocal qualities and his ability to reach the listener on a personal level even when the arrangements take an epic twist. Eamonn is currently preparing for a US tour. After the success of their recent Grand Ole Opry appearance, Eamonn and Brad are planning a show that will feature songs from his latest release plus some new arrangements of classic hits. “ I have found an excellent MD (Brad Ellis) who brings out the best in my performance and is on the

Eamonn McCrystal

seven years on Feb 28th on Compass Records. Last week I sent you an advance copy of the CD and I wanted to see if you had a chance to listen. The cover features individual members of the band on a red/bluish/yellow smoky background. Of course I will send you an actual promo copy when they become available. In their 30 years of bringing the signature music of Donegal, Ireland

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Tourish (fiddle), Dermot Byrne (accordion), Mark Kelly (guitar), Ciarán Curran (bouzouki) and Daithi Sproule (guitar) alternately shining on sets of spritely jigs, driving reels and gorgeous airs, interwoven with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s ethereal vocals to stunning effect.

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ohio irish american news • March 2012 at Kamm’s Corner (in the Sherwin Williams Building). With lots of historic Cleveland Memorabilia inside, Peace Love & Donuts specializes in offering fresh, hot donuts all day long, made right before your eyes. Fun specialties, include the famous MAPLE BACON DONUT! The smell alone will keep you coming back for more. Good Luck to Pat, James, Pat and Pete!

Congratulations to Patrick Campbell (PJ McIntyre’s), James Crawford, Pat Corte and Pete Campbell, owners of the brand new Peace Love & Donuts, opening this month

Welcome Olivia!

Olivia Josephine Hickey, Born 1.13.12 to Marie and Kevin Hickey, Medina County Hibernians

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My name is Melissa Rose, I was born April 11 1971. I was given up for adoption when I was three months old. I am searching for my birth father in the Cleveland area. I have very little information; I know that he is Irish, around 65 years old and 6"2'. He worked at the Statler Hotel in 1970. He was also a UPS driver at this same time. I do not believe he was ever told of my birth. I have been searching for 20 years. Please help me to find him. [email protected] 303-888-6365

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March 2012 • ohio irish american news

If I had thought more about it, I would not have agreed to go and see the Thatcher movie, The Iron Lady. The memory of her time in power (1979-1990) is still fresh in my mind. I remember her inflexible reaction toward the Hunger Strikers, as she removed the benefits of political status, and the uncompromising way she treated the trade unions. I may have gone to the movie without objection, but not without prejudice. Had I have thought longer about it, I would have protested out of principle, since she embodied much of what I thought was typical of an ‘out of touch’ British attitude to the Northern Irish question. The conservatism of her policies not only rankled nationalists in Northern Ireland, but English liberals who saw her as the epitome of Victorianism, the solid ‘family values’ yet another cover for a covert oppression. As you can see, I have a definite perspective, a way of seeing this political figure that makes any sympathy, for what some might deem a former despot, almost impossible. I remember, the death toll of the hunger strikers ticking away as the violence in Northern Ireland escalated, and yet we were being assured that this was justice. It was the Russians who named the British Prime Minister the Iron Lady, and we all responded with a resounding Amen. Her zero tolerance approach, based on her firm convictions, was devoid of empathy. The caricature of a political monster began to surpass her humanity, and she was parodied on the satirical British television programme, Spitting Image, as a tyrant, a bully, someone who did not represent the will of her people. During her time as Prime Minister, she reduced the power of trade unions, privatized public institutions, and took the UK into battle against Argentina over ownership of the Falkland Islands. Her strident, unbending approach found favour with the then President of the United States, Ronald Regan. Thatcher’s hard lined approach

not only affected Nationalists in Northern Ireland, Unionists were also discomforted by her decision to implement the Anglo-Irish agreement in 1985. For the first time since the formation of the Northern Irish state, the majority (Unionists) were no longer the sole determining factor in deciding the future of the state. Now the fate of the six counties would lie with Westminster, Stormont, and the Republic of Ireland. To Unionists, to bring the Republic into the decision making process was a complete betrayal. While the focus of the movie was not is analysis of her political ideology, it does touch on the complexities of the events of the time without any comment. We are instead introduced to an aging woman coming to terms with the loss of her husband. Meryl Streep, of course, brilliantly inhabits the public/private persona of Thatcher perfectly, and brings both a sense of fragility and desperation to a woman on the verge of senility. It takes a very gifted body of artists to humanize someone so vilified and yet, by introducing us to a woman who is both frail and unlike

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www.ianohio.com herself in the glory days, they managed to win our sympathy, despite ourselves. Age has works to counter the severity of her otherwise harsh features, softening the face as to make her worthy of pity. Streep disarms us with her ability to mimic the unsteady movements of an elderly woman who is a mere shadow of the person she once was. The stooped, heavy set lady looks less iron, and more clay. Her humanity outstrips the draconian leader, and the effect is to universalize the pain of dealing with one’s mortality. Outside of public office, away from the world she helped to create, the woman languishes, waiting for death, recounting a history that is both personal and public. Having fought and struggled the lonely battle to prove her worth in parliament, she now finds herself alone. Surrounded by professionals, she finds herself entering into conversations with her dead husband, Denis. As she prepares to clean out his closet, let go of his presence, the sense of loneliness intensifies. It is at this juncture we are invited to travel into her past. Her extraordinary achievements as a pioneer woman in an almost exclusively male domain is beautifully portrayed. The camera shots, exaggerating the old boys’ club mentality of the Conservative party, emphasize her fortitude of character, and sheer strength of will. Her dominancy, in the begin-

ning, is depicted sympathetically. She defies the odds and continues from strength to strength, as her political idealism gains momentum. Ironically, it is this determination that becomes her weakness, as she isolates her party members,

Meryl Streep dismisses them as inferiors, and becomes less willing to listen to common sense. The constant theme of loneliness, whether self-inflicted or not, follows her, much like the spectre of her late husband. The rise to the top, with all of its powerful benefits, ends with a

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loss of confidence, and suddenly she is no longer required. Without a country to run, a husband to tend to, she visited by her daughter, Carol, who seems over awed by the matriarch of the family. When the world no longer needs you, family are all you have. Thatcher has Carol, but wants Mark, her son who lives with his family in South Africa. The woman who had everything finds herself with nothing. Age and death are the great levelers, and they do reduce us to our true greatness. As Job puts it: Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. I am not sure that I am glad that I went to the movie, but I went, and made the best of it. *Terry, originally from Derry, now resides in Chicago and teaches Irish and British Literature at Loyola University, Chicago. [email protected]

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

Why You Might Like to Study at Trinity College Dublin Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s oldest, most prestigious, and consistently topranked university. Rising to prominence in recent decades as a research hub of international consequence, the College remains grounded in the traditions and values of an ancient scholarly community.

Trinity College Dublin - was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, and is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university - is situated in an historic campus at the heart of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland - 17,000 students from 122 countries, with 40% of its staff from outside of Ireland - boasts a library collection of 4.25 million books and electronic access to 30,000 journals - is recognized as an international centre for research - is a world leader in Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Immunology, Mathematics, Psychology, Philosophy, Politics, English and other disciplines - has an outstanding sports complex and a dynamic community of clubs and societies

learning and creativity for hundreds of years. Today, their education system is one of the best in the world, and their higher education institutions are internationally recognised as centres of excellence. The English-speaking, well-educated and young population has drawn global companies like Google, Facebook, Intel and Hewlett Packard, who now collaborate in our research and employ our innovative, highquality graduates. Our universities are the driving force behind our technologically-oriented economy, in which new science and traditional scholarship thrive hand-in-hand. Some quick facts about Ireland: described as the friendliest country in the world by Lonely Planet 2010 rated as the favourite holiday destination in the world by Frommers Guide 2011 rated as one of the safest countries in the world in the Global Peace Index rated as one of the top ten places in the world to do business by the World Bank www.educationireland.ie

- enjoys the hugely successful “Dublin Bikes” bicycle hire scheme across the city and suburbs - is connected by bus and rail to the beautiful Irish coasts and unspoilt countryside www.visitdublin.com

Student Life at Trinity

Marielle (r) and friend on the Irish coast.

- is great for high street shopping, outdoor markets, restaurants and cinemas Dublin City - features hundreds of theatres and music - is a medieval city with famous Georgian venues from small and intimate to very large - is an official UNESCO City of Literature architecture and grand wooded parks Studying in Ireland - hosts festivals for music, theatre, writing, - is the youngest populated city in Europe, film and food throughout the year Ireland has been renowned as a place of with a diverse population of 1.5 million

Trinity's extra-curricular life is in a league of its own - boasting 200 societies, sports clubs and publications – including some of the oldest in the world. Their grand traditions, creative endeavours and intimate sense of community are integral to our student experience. For a full list of Trinity’s societies, see: www.trinitysocieties.ie Trinity has a further 60 sports clubs, open to all students, with teams competing in intervarsity competitions and offering training and instruction at all levels. Using the exceptional on-campus Sports Centre, of which all students are automatically members, as well as the campus playing fields and courts, there are countless options in fitness and sporting challenges. www.ducac. tcdlife.ie www.tcd.ie/sport Irish American News interviewed two students who are currently attending Trinity College. Here is what they had to say.

March 2012 • ohio irish american news Marielle Rocca has been in Ireland just over 2 years. IAN: Before school, had you ever been to Ireland before? MR: No, the first time I came to Ireland was to study abroad. It was my time studying abroad that made me decide to transfer here. I previously studied international business at Villanova University. My second semester there I decided to study abroad at Griffith College in Dublin. During my time at Griffith I fell in love with Dublin and Ireland in general, and decided I wanted to do my full degree here. I applied to Trinity College Dublin while I was studying abroad and when I was accepted I decided to transfer. Because of the difficulty of transferring classes between the two schools I had to start over as a first year student and am currently majoring in business and economics. By the time I finish my studies I will have been here for four and a half years, IAN: What made you aware of the opportunity to go to school in Ireland? MR: When I was initially looking for places to study abroad I just typed study abroad programs into google and looked at all the options that came up. I decided I wanted to study in an English speaking country in Europe so that then limited my options to Ireland and the UK. I was actually leaning towards the UK but when I was talking to family and friends about my two options I was overwhelmingly told that I should go to Ireland because the people are more welcoming and friendly. My dad has distant ancestors in Ireland, had been here before, and he loved it. When I looked up testimonials of people who had studied abroad in Ireland they were all stories saying how much they loved it. I decided to follow everyone's advice since I hadn't been to either country before and chose Ireland. When I was applying to college I never considered attending university outside of the U.S. for my full degree. I'm so lucky that I got the chance to study abroad in my freshman year of college because if I had been any further into my studies I wouldn't have been able to transfer as I would have already done too much at home to start over. I think students in the US aren't told enough about the possibilities of getting your degree from a foreign university. We're all pushed to apply to schools in the US, knowing that we'll study abroad for a semester and that's it. Talking to a lot of my friends after they studied abroad in their third year of college, a lot of them wish they had considered college in Europe or elsewhere as they felt that the semester program left them wanting more. I get to live in a new country, gain independence, make friends from all around the world, and become fully immersed in Irish culture. I think that in today's world, where economies are becoming more interconnected and globalization is making the distance between countries smaller, employers will see it as a benefit that someone has successfully completed their degree in a foreign country. It

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shows that the person can adapt well and get along with people from different backgrounds. I believe that this is an asset for multinational corporations who may need their employees to travel often or interact with people from all different cultures around the world. Trinity College makes it easy for international students. To begin with, the application process is clear and easy. In fact, applying for Trinity was more straightforward than applying for the majority of colleges in the United states. When you are accepted, you receive an orientation packet with everything you need to know about both Dublin and Trinity. In addition they have a section of their website devoted entirely to international students and questions or concerns they may have before arrival.

nitely different than being here for a couple of weeks or even for the initial semester I was studying abroad. You start to do less of the tourist things every day and really become like one of the locals. When you're somewhere for a short period of time, you eat out a lot, visit tourist attractions at least once or twice a week, and tend to spend time with other Americans or people you're traveling with. Now, the majority of my friends are Irish or people from other parts of the EU. I live in a townhouse in a residential neighbourhood in Dublin, cook my food at home and live just like someone who was from Ireland, not like a tourist. I think living in rather than visiting a country gives you a truer impression of what the people and culture are like. IWhen I go back home to California,

Marielle (C) with friends on the Trinity College campus. Before I came to Trinity, I wanted to hear from a student who also went over from the US to see what she thought of it and if she had any advice for me. When I contacted the international office at Trinity they were more than happy to give me the contact information of another student who also was from California. Upon arrival, the international office also set up group trips to register with the gardai and get student visas. This can be a pretty daunting process when you first arrive so to have them there to double check that you had everything you need was really helpful. Even this year, when they changed the rules for medical insurance to get a visa, the international office was able to point me in the right direction of an insurance company that does student insurance for Trinity students. The careers advisory service also hosts special events for international students looking to get a job in Ireland. It's all the small things like that where the international office at Trinity can make your life much easier as an international student. IAN: What's it like being in Ireland for such an extended period? MR: Being in Ireland for four years is defi-

I find myself calling Ireland "home" which I think really shows how comfortable you start to feel when you've been here for so long. IAN: Is there a difference in student etiquette compared to the USA? MR: I don't think students behave much differently here than in the US. There are definitely differences in campus life, with colleges in the States being much more focused on campus activities because the majority of students tend to actually live on a large, central campus. At Trinity I think this is different because with a campus in the city centre of Dublin, there is no way that students from all four years would be able to live on campus. The way to get involved here is to join various societies and clubs whereas at home a lot of students join sororities or fraternities to get involved and meet people. I think students in both countries are the same though, in that both want to have fun and make friends while getting a high quality education. IAN: Do you take advantage of traveling to the rest of Europe in your spare time? MR: Being able to travel to the rest of Europe is one of the best things about studying in

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Ireland in my opinion. Coming from California, it would be impossible to go on a three day trip to somewhere like Paris, given how long the flights are. From Ireland, flights to most places in Europe are under three hours and under 100 euros. You can even get round-trip flights from companies like Ryanair for as little as 30 euros if you travel at off peak times. This means that if you have a three day weekend, a trip to Rome or Barcelona is the perfect way to spend your time and it can fit into your student budget. I have been able to travel to amazing places like London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Berlin, and many others. I think that anyone studying in Europe should take advantage of how easy it is to see so many other cultures. It adds a new dimension to the things you learned about in history class, or to the places you see in movies to actually go to the famous sites and see them for yourself. IAN: What did you find to be the easiest in your transition to a new country? The hardest? MR: I found the whole transition to life in Ireland to be pretty easy. I think this is probably because I had already lived in France for six months so I had gone through the hard part of being so far from home for the first time during that experience. My parents raised me to be very independent and that is something that has helped my with travelling and living so far from home. One of the most important things to transitioning to life abroad is to throw yourself into your new life and make new friends. If you're busy doing things and spending time with other people, you won't even realize how far from home you are or that you miss your family and friends. In addition, I think limiting phone calls with your parents to once or twice a week can be very helpful in allowing you to transition to your new life abroad. By really putting yourself out there, joining societies, and spending time with your roommates or other people you meet, I think that most people could adjust easily to life in Ireland as the people here are so warm and welcoming they try to make you feel as if you're at home from the beginning. IAN: What advice would you offer students in North America about going to school in Ireland? MR: I would 100% recommend Ireland to any students from North America. It is an amazing country and the people here are so friendly. I would say that students should be prepared to be outgoing and put themselves out there to make new friends. If you're coming as a first year, you're in the same situation as everyone else. You're all there hoping you meet people you get along with so don't expect someone else to make the effort to meet you because they're probably just as nervous as you. Getting involved in societies through college, sports clubs or whatever else interests you will help you to meet new people who share your interests. Be prepared that not everyone Continued to next page

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

Study In Ireland Continued from previous page will think the same way you do, but honestly, that's a good think because it would be boring if they did. You might have to change some of the things you do because you're in their country, so be prepared to adapt for them as it's not their job to adapt to you. Going to Ireland will open your eyes to a new culture and lifestyle. As long as you don't expect it to be just like America and you put yourself out there to make new friends, you can fall in love with Ireland just like I have. Another student, Josh Newman, 20, who also works at Trinity College, tells what school in Ireland has been like for him. IAN: How long have you been here. JN: I've been here for one and a half years. I did a year of university in the US in North Carolina. I didn't really like that. it wasn't for me. it's funny how I chose Trinity. I was seeing a college councilor. I said I was thinking of coming back to Europe for university because I have family there. So he gave me a list of options, including some in America as well. One was trinity college in Conneticut. I typed that into google and Trinity Dublin came up first. I assumed that is what he meant. it is a good school and seemed like a good fit. I decided that is where I wanted to go. It has met my expectations. I was uncertain since the economy was starting to waver a bit. It was a bit of a chance. I didn't really know what I was getting into. Now its been very good. IAN: Do you ever go home? JN: I typically just go home for Christmas. but I have family in England. IAN: What classes are you taking at trinity? IAN: I'm taking philsophy, politics, economics and sociology. I'm mainly economics. I have about 19-21 hours a week of class. The amount I study kind of varies. I recently just finished the foundation scholarship exams here. Then I was studyng about 8 hours a day for a few months. But, that was quite the exception. I typically have my 19 hours of class a week. then I will have to do between 1-4 hours a night of work or study time to stay on top. I think that is pretty reasonable. The thing I like about Trinity is that it is not so much hand holding, which I find is a problem with the universities in the US. You are on your own to figure out what you need to do and what not. Like, I know I don't need to go to a math lecture that I have gone too before, Continued from previous page which is great because that gives me a lot of time to do what I want. Outside college, I volunteer with an ambulance unit in Dublin. I also play guitar as well as getting into the traditional music over here. IAN: What's it like being in Dublin? JN:It's a pretty stellar location. All you could really ask for. Its quite impressive to go from

Josh Newman the noise of the city to the barely noticeable quiet of the college itself. It’s almost two different worlds. Which is great because it gives you tons of opportunities. Where I was in the states was a very isolated, and rural area. The nearest city was an hour and a half away. It’s a stark contrast to what I was used to. IAN: Do you hop over to Europe in your spare time? JN: Yes, I do a fair bit. For instance, there are 28 of us doing our degree, and we plan one or two trips a year. Last year we went to Edinburogh and Berlin this year. It’s very cheap so its easy to do. IAN: Has your first term here differed from your first term in North Carolina? JN: The main difference is that you are picking your choice of study here. Whereas in the states in most institutions you have two years to figure out your course of study before you have to be pegged in. That has its advantages and disadvantages. I spent a lot of time in the states taking classes which did not have much of an interest to me so I did not do very well in them. Here, you pick your degree and those first two years are foundation years. You would take on a varied class load within that foundation. Then it would be more specific after that. You also have time to do other things outside college. Last year I did the usual figure yourself out college thing. I did the debating society thing. Here there was the historical society, the largest in the world, where they had weekly debates. They have great speakers at Trinity. Some of the speakers recently have been Gorbachov, President Clinton, Courtney Love, and Dominic West. IAN: What would you recommend to students in the U.S? JN: I definitely recommend they come. It’s a different experience. With tuition continuously rising in the States it's a very good alternative to consider. I have quite a few friends now studying at various institutions, here and in Europe. Whoever comes over to do their year abroad or half term abroad seems to have some desire to do something with it and are filled with regret that they could not stay longer!

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

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World Championship of Irish Dance 3- 31 to 4-8 in Ireland Good luck to all those competing! Ann Marie Profeta is the youngest of three children. Born October 14, 1992 to Kathleen (Carney) and Michael Profeta, Ann Marie is Granddaughter of Bill and Ann Carney. Bill is a first generation Irish-American. Bill’s mother, Delia (Walsh) was born in Co. Mayo and his father Michael Carney born in Co. Galway, Ireland.

the production “Rhythm in the Night”on February 20th, 2012; an Irish Dance Showcase Event at the Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, FL. This is a new production that hopes to tour nationally this year. Annie is a Freshman at John Carroll University, studying Biology and made the Dean’s list the first Semester. She is a 2011 Graduate of Notre Dame Cathedral Latin in Chardon, Ohio where she was on student council and served as Captain of the soccer team. O'Hare School of Irish Dance: 30 years in N.E. Ohio Annie has volunteered at Hillcrest The Tim O’Hare School of Irish ment in the Arts. Tim’s students The O'Hare schools annual Hospital. She enjoys golf, soccer, Dance has been producing Champi- have won Midwest, National, All- Dance Recital will be held in reading, and spending time with on dancers since 1979. The O’Hare Ireland, and World Championships. Copley /Fairlawn HS Theater on her family and friends. school has locations in Michigan, Some have appeared in Riverdance, April 28, 2012. This Dance show and several right here in Lord of the Dance, and also danced will feature the entire Ohio student The Burke School Chicago, North East Ohio. Tim O’Hare – at the White House on St. Patrick’s base of 175 + dancers ranging in age The Burke School is proud T.C.R.G., A.D.C.R.G. started the Day. from 4 yrs to 20yrs include several to send 14 soloists and a Senior school and is currently the Vice Every year the O’Hare school in choreographs from our most acCeili Team to the 42nd World Irish President of the Irish Dance Teach- Ohio puts on a fabulous show simi- complished champions. Ticket for Dancing Championships in Belfast, ers Association of North America lar to that of Riverdance called The this show will be available the last Northern Ireland which takes place and serves on the International Rhythm Of Ireland. This year the week of March. 330-209-5692 from March 31 – April 8, 2012. board of An Coimisiun Le Rinci Rhythm of Ireland will be on March The Burke Dancers will be Gaelacha. Tim O’Hare is an accom- 10th at the Performing Arts theater Teada March 11 featured in Celtic Feet on Erie plished Irish dancer who won 6 Na- located at Firestone HS in Akron, Teada with special guests SeaShores with special guests the tional Championships and 2 World Ohio. Performing with the O’Hare mus Begley and Brian CunningBurning River Ceili Band on Sun- Championships. He has dedicated Championship Dancers The Green ham, in Columbus. The concert day, March 11th at Magnificat himself to the growth and devel- Blossom Special. For Tickets to the will take place Sunday, March 11, High School at 3pm. Tickets are opment of young Irish dancers for Rhythm of Ireland please call 330- 6:30 p.m. at the Abbey Theater, $15 adults/$8 students and can be more than 30 years. His teaching 209-5692 or check out our web site 5600 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio. purchased at Casey Irish Imports success has been recognized by the at www.OHareDanceOhio.com for Tickets are $20. www.brownpapor at www.burkeirishdance.com. National Foundation for Advance- more information. ertickets.com/event/226298

Ann Marie Profeta

Annie was first introduced to Irish Dancing through cultural events at the Irish American Club, East-Side, in Euclid, Ohio. That made a great impression on her and she began Irish dance classes at Murphy’s Irish Arts Center at the age of five. She has competed throughout the years in various competitions and has performed as a volunteer at Nursing Homes, Cultural events and Celebrations. Annie’s accomplishments include qualifying and participating in the Midwest Oireachtas from 2003 through 2011 and in the North American Nationals in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011. Annie was invited to perform in

The Tess Burke School of Dance

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North American County Board Finals Coming to Cleveland The recent announcement that the 2013 North American Gaelic Games will be held in Cleveland has created quite a buzz in the local Irish community in Cleveland. The Finals are the annual championship of Gaelic football, Hurling and Camogie (ladies hurling) and will bring approximately 80 to 100 men’s and women’s teams from around the United States and Canada to the city over Labor Day Weekend next year. It is a huge coup for a city like Cleveland, given that previous year’s Finals have been held in the cities of Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco, cities with more active existing Gaelic games programs. The 2013 event is being hosted on behalf of the Midwest Gaelic Athletic Association by local

club, Cleveland St Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club. The impact of this tournament will have positive impacts on not just the Midwest Division and St Pat’s GFC, but throughout the entire Cleveland area. As Chairman of the initial bid to bring the event here to Cleveland, I enlisted the help of a fantastic organization here in Cleveland, The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission organize and develop national and international events for a living. Their experience in hosting big sporting events throughout the region is helping enhance the overall planning of the event and

the overall experience. “The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is thrilled to support the Midwest Gaelic Athletic Association in hosting a successful tournament and welcome athletes and visitors from all across the United States to Cleveland. I am confident that everyone will have a first-rate experience here,” said David Gilbert, President and

CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. In addition to the competitions, Kamm’s Corners in Cleveland will host several social events

ohio irish american news • March 2012

throughout the weekend. With authentic Irish Pubs and several live music venues, great restaurants and shops, Kamm’s Corners is a fun and vibrant neighborhood with eclectic entertainment options. Keep in mind that there will be close to 100 teams in town for the weekend, and with Kamm’s being the unanimous choice for the after-games celebrations you can expect larger than normal crowds in the area throughout the weekend, with anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 players paying a visit and spending their money in the Westside’s new entertainment hotspot. “We are so happy to see the Gaelic Games are coming to Cleveland in 2013. With our large Irish population in Kamm's Corners and St. Pat’s Gaelic Football Club right around the corner, we look forward to seeing many of the athletes in our neighborhood after the games conclude each day," stated Steve Lorenz, Executive Director of Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation. The great news about the Games coming to the area is that they are expected to bring an estimated $1.2 million into the local region through economic activity. If you look at everything from the approximately 600 hotel rooms needed to house the players, coaches and supporters to the money generated through Cleveland Hopkins Airport for all incoming teams from across the country, cab fares, dining expenses, visiting the local attractions such as the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and whatever else people might spend their money on when they are in town the overall impact such a tournament will have is huge, thus adding to the buzz I mentioned earlier. An added feature of the 2013 Games is something you do not typically see at the Finals, the planned addition of a music stage. We wanted to tie in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame theme and utilize the numerous talented Irish musicians and bands that live in the area to bring a mini-festival type theme to the tournament. This will only enhance what

promises to be a fun filled weekend for not only those visiting for the weekend, but also for the local enthusiasts who might be seeing the Games for the first time. The big event is still seventeen months away, but the work has already begun in putting on what promises to be an event to remember. Last month saw the first ‘Organizing Committee’ meeting for the Games. What is great about the local Irish community is that they always pull together and there are always great people to call upon for help. Having wrote about the Finals coming here in the December edition of IAN Ohio, I have received several emails and phone calls from people looking to join in our efforts and do their part in making this a great event, not only for the Irish community, but for the whole city of Cleveland. Several local companies have already pledged to help financially, in the form of sponsorship. Over the next few months we will have specific announcements regarding sponsors of the event. If you are interested in helping make this an amazing, ememorable event for our city, and region, please shoot me an email at the address below. The legacy that the 2013 Games will leave in the City of Cleveland and beyond will ensure future development of Gaelic Games in the area. along with planned development and improvements to the existing home playing facility of St Pat’s GFC at the West Side Irish American Club in Olmsted Township. It is hoped that with the inevitable success of the event , the volunteers and the community partnership, future events will be hosted once again in the area in years to come, after all, Cleveland Rocks! The next seventeen months will see a meetings, a lot of work and a lot of ups and downs, but ultimately, this will be an event to remember, and one to put on your calendars right now. As we move forward with the planning, and the execution, more help will ultimately be needed in terms of committee members, volunteers and sponsors. Should anyone or an organization like to get more information on getting involved, please email me directly at [email protected].

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

No, it’s not time to get fed UP! Hi to all from sunny Andalucia in southern Spain. From where sit as I write, I am looking out over historic Gibraltar and the northern tip of Morocco in Africa. Little fishing boats are heading out from the local port for their day’s net casting and they will be back again before dark this evening to pass on their catch for distribution to the local restaurants or further afield. Spain has not escaped the recession; indeed it has been hit hard, with over five million out of work. Around

this neck of the woods the employment rate is as high as thirty%. In the economic squeeze, prices are back 40% on where they were five years ago, and the price of property has dropped - and keeps on dropping. There is plenty on Spanish television about the American Presidential campaign, and we are learning more and more about the Republican contenders, but so far, it appears to us Europeans, no one has jumped out of the herd that would inspire any great confidence. The same could be said of governments around Europe:

www.ianohio.com there seems to be no one on the horizon who seems to have the leadership qualities to safely steer into the troubled waters of a worldwide recession. Spending, as we are, more than we are earning, politicians are faced with higher taxation and austerity measures, and in that place they are outside their comfort zone, for cutting back on services does not popular a politician make. But enough of all of that gloomy stuff! Let’s bring up a lighter topic. While having a lovely coffee on the promenade – or, as they call it here, the passeo - overlooking an azure sea, continuing on our easy, laid back narrative trail, let’s end this month’s contribution with a few smiles about getting older. Age has its compensations! So as the wrinkles increase and the limbs grow a bit stiffer after any kind of exercise, fear not: being old has its benefits. Did you know that the older you get kidnappers may be less and less interested in you? And if you are kidnapped, take some comfort out of that likelihood that you are likely to be set free first! No one any longer expects you to run anywhere, but be aware friends may call at 9pm and ask ‘did I wake you?’ Another benefit is that people will no longer consider you a hypochondriac, and you will know that there is nothing left to learn the hard way! One of the best benefits of growing old is that your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either! Until next time, slan www.terry-reilly.com [email protected]

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ohio irish american news • March 2012

Our Irish Literary Heritage

Heinrich Boll and Ireland

by Gisela Holfter; Cambridge Scholars Publishing 2011; ISBN (10) 1-4438-3105-6 200pp This month's Top Shelf selection features a book about a book, Heinrich Boll and Ireland. Heinrich Boll

passed impact on the German image of Ireland. Holfter's book about the Irish Journal is topical today because there has never been a better time to examine what Germans think of the Irish and what the Irish think of the Germans in light of the recent bailout of Ireland by the European Economic Union led by Germany. I think you will find both this book as well as the Irish Journal itself, a TOP SHELF read. **Terrence J. Kenneally is the president of Terrence J. Kenneally & Associates Co. in Fairview Park, Ohio. His practice consists mainly of representing insured's and insurance companies in insurance defense litigation throughout Ohio. He is presently pursuing a Masters Degree in Irish Studies at John Carroll University. He may be reached at [email protected].

Rating Legend: was a German Nobel Prize winning author (Literature 1972), who wrote an influential book titled, in German, Irisches Tagebuch, which translated, means Irish Journal, in 1954. The book is a collection of sketches of when Boll spent three years in Ireland, mostly living on Achill Island, with his wife and children. Heinrich Boll and Ireland, by Gisela Holfter, focuses on Boll's literary impressions of Ireland in the 1950's, an Ireland far different from the present day country in many diverse ways. Boll's descriptions of the Irish are positive. The Irish are portrayed as the only people in Europe who never set out to conquer, instead they traveled to all corners of the world to spread the Holy Gospel. See How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill for a look into this little-known "hinge". During his stay on Achill Island Boll encountered people from all walks of life, young families with children, immigrant workers on a visit home, a waitress, beggar, bank manager, train conductors, priests, acquaintances in a pub, a post office worker, a lost accountant, a talkative policeman, and a doctor and his wife. The book was read by millions of German readers and had an unsur-

Top Shelf

Get it. A good story or recording, entertaining, an authentic setting and/or good educational content.

Middle Shelf

Worth a read or a listen if this particular subject/area/person is of interest to you.

This column has two goals. The first to show readers some of the books that are available. The other is to encourage readers to learn accepted the presence of supernatural more about our literary heritage. beings - ghosts and fairies. Our HalTales of Irish Supernatural loween customs came from Ireland and grew out of this tradition. The popularity of the plays of This book, A Celtic Darkness, boldly explores Irish stories of the Conor McPherson, Martin McDon"other" world and the creatures that agh and Tom Murphy is enduring. Their work is strongly influenced may come into our world. As the author says: "The Irish by stories of the supernatural. What countryside at night inspires a certain do modern audiences find so intensely compelling about their plays? Many people - in the modern day are concerned about spirits and hauntings. Witness the thousands who have gone on "ghost tours." What do they search for? A Celtic Darkness: Supernaturnal Tales of Ireland by Eoghain Hamilton, can be purchased from Amazon. com. Celticdarkness.com.

cago.com). He was a novelist and Hollywood reporter. He was praised by a diversity of people, such as: Charles Laughton, Charlie Chaplin, H.L. Mencken, W.C. Fields, George Jean Nathan, and Damon Runyon. Who was Jim Tully? He was born in 1886 and, after a vigorous and controversial life, passed away in 1947. After an impoverished childhood,

Brilliant and Compassionate Jim Tully: American Writer, Irish Rover, Hollywood Brawler. Documentary film director, Ken Burns says: I love his books, and I loved getting to know him in the pages of this wonderful biography. Authors Paul Bauer and mark and six years in an orphanage, he bewonder, a fascination . . . that can take Dawidziak introduced me to Jim came a wnaderer and lived in hobo over your thoughts." Traditional Irish society always Tully at iBAM! 2011 (www.ibamchi- camps, and box cars. He settled down for a while in Ohio, and became a chain maker, boxer and tree surgeon. In 1912 he left for Hollwyood, where he became a reporter. Being a bluntly honest writer he didn't flatter the studio moguls and was soon despised by them and by some hypocritical film stars. He wrote seven novels about the ills of society. They were based on his own experience. This led to his work being censored and, I believe pushed into obscurity. He had profound compassion for poor people, and wrote affectionately of their plight. This was in the early and middle parts of the 1900's. This quote from the forward describes the brilliance of his writing: "One of the great joys of reading Tully is realizing how fantastically he noticed everything, observing nuances of speech, behavior, and personality. Jim Tully: American writer, Irish Rover, Hollywood Brawler, by Paul Bauer, and Mark Dawidziak. kentstateuniversitypress.com and amazon.com.

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

The 2012 Euro’s It’ll not be long now when we pull out of Ireland footy shirts and scarves and wrap them around our neck shouting ‘come on Ireland’. And no, I’m not talking about St Patrick’s Day – that comes every year. What I am talking about only happens once every four years, if we’re lucky enough, and unfortunately it hasn’t happened since 1988 in Ireland, when we lost to the eventual winners, Holland, by a score of 1-0. Figured it out yet? I’m talking about the European Football Championships, or the Euro’s as they’ve become known. The Republic of Ireland national team has not qualified for the finals of this tournament since it was hosted in Germany 24 years ago, but boys, we are due! Now granted, Ireland did play in a major tournament back in 2002, when they went to the World Cup in Japan/Korea, but even that was some ten years ago. There is nothing quite like cheering on the ‘boys in green’ than when they are in the ‘big one’. It seems to bring the entire country to a standstill, along with all the Irish abroad, be it Cleveland, Cancun or Cairo. What Players Will Make The Cut? There has been a lot of discussion recently regarding what team manager Giovanni Trapattoni will take on the plane to this year’s Championships. The Italian has hinted several times that he will take the team that got them there in that they deserve it. He is quoted recently as

James MacClean

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saying, “I am one thing, but progressing in the compepaying atten- tition will be another. They have arguably tion to others, been drawn in one of the toughest groups but they are with current Euro and World Cup winners for the future, Spain, former World Cup winners Italy and they are for the the tough blue collared men from Croatia. next squad,” Croatia will be first up for Ireland on Sunhe said. “This day June 10th, a game that will be shown squad got us live in PJ McIntyre’s, one of our regular good results, they achieved the qualify- OhIAN sponsors. ing, and I think they deserve to go. They know our system and our attitude”. Derry Men in the Squad Once such player is James McClean, the former League of Ireland player, who moved from my hometown team of Derry City for what now looks a snip at €350,000 in August. The arrival of Martin O’Neill as Sunderland manager has certainly kick started his career. He is contributing goals and assists and his performances are increasing the clamor for his inclusion in the Euro 2012 squad. Although the Irish manager has admitted he has been watching the player, Keane celebrates Ireland qualifying he has also suggested he is a player for the future rather than this upIt’ll be tough for Ireland to actually coming tournament. All the Derry man can win the group outright and qualify for do is to continue to put in dazzling Premier the quarters but there is no reason why League performances and hope that this we can’t finish in second place and line overrides Trap’s conservative nature. Being a potentially mouthwatering clash with that he is from Derry I would love to see our fierce rival, the English. What a him make the team, but I believe that based match that would be – beating England on current form alone, it will be harder now for a spot in the semi-finals, for that for Trapp to leave him out. would probably feel just as good as winning the whole darn thing. The Future is Bright Over the next few months, I will write Either way with how the team panel works out, it is safe to say about the 2012 Euro’s and hopefully give the future of the Irish football you some insight into Ireland’s opponent team looks to be on the up and as we approach June. up. Currently in the English Premier League, arguably the greatest football league in the world, there are just over fifty Irish men registered as full time professionals, with quite a few of them first team players. Aston Villa and Wolves would perhaps have the most Irish first teamers in their squads, Villa currently boasting the like of Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane (on loan from LA Galaxy) in their starting squad. Tough Road Ahead Ireland getting to the Euro’s is

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Johnny Kilbane Article Just a quick follow up to an article I did last month on Johnny Kilbane and the 100th anniversary of winning a world boxing title. The Irish American Archives Society is collaborating with the Cleveland Public Library on a commemorative display about Kilbane's life and boxing achievements. The display will kick-off at the CPL Main Branch (325 Superior Avenue East 44114) on March 15, 2012, at 6:30 pm, with a free program involving reminiscences, music (some courtesy of local Cleveland musician Brian Holleran), and rare film footage from Kilbane's 1912 title fight. The display will subsequently travel to other branches within the Cleveland Public Library system. More information on this and other events to mark the anniversary will be posted at www.johnnykilbane.com. Trivia First last month’s question: Sonia O’Sullivan won silver for Ireland at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia – but in what event? She won it in the 5000m, a major achievement for her personally, having failed to finish due to illness in the final of the same event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. This month’s question: The Republic of Ireland last qualified and played at the European Football Championships in 1988, but when did they make their first appearance in the competition? *Mark Owens is originally from Derry City, Ireland and has resided in the Cleveland area since 2001 where he is employed by State Farm Insurance Companies, having previously spent time studying at John Carroll University. Send questions, comments or suggestions for future articles to Mark at: [email protected].

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Irish This and That! ACROSS 3 RTE, what does the R stand for? 4 Daniel _'____ was known as the Liberator 6 The Crying Game won an Oscar for Best ____. 7 City of the Tribes 9 meat of traditional Irish stew 12 statues of Fidelity, Mercury and Hibernian top this building in Dublin 14 Ha'Penny Bridge crosses this river 15 Harland & Wolff Shipyard built the ______ 16 Saint _____ is said to have discovered America 18 "Dancing at Lughnasa" author Brian ____ 19 Carrick-on-Shannon is the county town of ____ 20 Sharon Shannon's instrument 21 Maeve _____ wrote Tara Road 24 River of Galway City 25 The Tara Brooch is in the National _____ Museum, Dublin 26 Bob _____ received an honorary knighthood 29 Shellfish Theme of Galway festival 31 Emigrants during the famine traveled in ___ ___ 35 Frank _____ wrote Angela's Ashes 36 Maureen O'Hara played Mary Kate _____ 38 Cobh was known as ____ 1849-1920 40 ____ Island off Cork has an observatory of migratory birds 42 The largest park in Dublin 43 Athlone is on Lough ___ 44 the fictional town in Donegal where most of Brian Friel's plays are set 47 1845-1849 were the years of the Irish ____ _____ 48 uische beatha 51 Italian City where Daniel O'Connell died 52 the largest county in Ireland 54 Druminderry Bridge. was the sight of the last fatal ___ 55 city of the Irish soap "Fair City" i 56 Admiral William ____ became the " Father of the Argentinian Navy 57 the river that flows through Belfast 58 an Irish drum 59 The circle on ;the celtic cross stands for the ____ 60 Most northerly county in Ireland DOWN 1 Padraic Pearse wrote the poem "I am ____" 2 Connacht county without a coastline 5 1916 was the year of the ___ ____ 8 Co. Armagh is known for this fruit 10 The king of the birds in Ireland 11 Scandinavians invaded Ireland in the 9th and 10th centuries? 13 Irish town name means "Ford of the Kings" 17 Gaelic _____ Association 22 The Twelve Bens are ______ 23 County where you would find Kate Kearney's Cottage 24 Oliver ____ came to Ireland in the mid 17th century 27 where transatlantic crossings initially were made 28 Balllykissangel was filmed in this county 30 Lir turned his wife, Aoife.nto a _____ 32 Patrick ____ led the Irish forces at the Siege of Limerick 33 The River ____ flows under Dublin Castle 34 movement led by Parnell 37 town of Co. Roscommon iIrish Famine Museum 39 Land of Eternal Youth 41 the county town of Fermanagh 45 the first High King of Ireland 46 Killibegs, in Donegal, main industry 49 islands that give their name to a type of sweater 50 the smallest county in Ireland 51 'lake isle of Innisfree' is on Lough ____, Sligo 52 Quiet Man was filmed here 53 John ____ was known as 'Father of the American Navy

ohio irish american news • March 2012

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

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ianOHIO

White Pencil on Black Paper Art

The work of Jennifer Allen

By John O’Brien, Jr. I walked into the Artist Gallery at iBAM wondering who this year’s artist was? Last year, the Bogside Artists enthralled so many with their work as people saw the creation of the Peace Mural live, as it evolved. Tom Kelly, his brother William, and Kevin Hasson were accessible and seeing their portraits come to life was a highlight of the Irish Books, Arts & Music Showcase. So I was expecting a lot this year. I was not expecting to be left speechless. The white pencil drawings of Limerick artist Jennifer Allen are mesmerizing, poetic and unmistakable. Character and pride, unguarded emotion and the etchings of a life living characterize each of Jennifer’s works. “sshhh”, a woman sleeping; “samuel”, Samuel Becket; “step it out”, of dancing shoes; “well-travelled” of a man who has lived, are a few of my favorite Jennifer Allen works, but every single piece is a story of life, or a moment’s respite from it. I don’t get blown away often. All weekend, I returned again and again to look at her art.Later, Jennifer brought her work up to the author signing room and displayed it there as well. Full of soft laughter, warmth and dancing eyes that maybe have hurt too much, Jennifer is mesmerizing too ~ she is personable and approachable, humble and an incredibly gifted artist. “I am a self-taught, Irish artist and have been drawing for many years,” said Jennifer. “For my current style of black and white draw-

ings, using just white pencil on black paper, I use black paper as the base to create shadow and white pencil to create light and character. The atmospheric nature of the drawings comes about from the contrast between these two. In my black and white character drawings, I hope to pick out little details, from a stray hair here to the odd wrinkle there, to try to capture an expression or emotion. You'll notice I like drawing wrinkly faces a lot! “Have a look at my image gallery (www. jenniferallenart.org). You'll find images which reflect my interests, from portraits of old Irish characters to Irish authors, jazz musicians, musical instruments and others. I find black and white drawings done in this way, creating white pencil drawings on a black background, creates more atmospheric images. I sell both original white pencil drawings and 10x8 inch prints, with free shipping to anywhere in the world.” Jennifer Allen’s work is unique, rich and somehow captures essences more than words ever could. Her work is music, lyric, poetry, lying framed and flat on a wall, but the very vibrancy and shimmer of life that immerses your mind in what was, what is, and how it can be perceived, different for each viewer, and each view. It will linger. Our reproduction of Jennifer’s work on our cover and here in the OhIAN do not do it justice, just offer a taste – please visit her website for clarity, or to purchase Jennifer Allen’s art.

COVER ART: Provided by Jennifer Allen www.jenniferallenart.org

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An Aran Knit

Every St. Patrick’s Day my mother would boil a brisket of corned beef and cabbage. Each year I looked forward to savoring the tender meat and the unique tang of the peppercorn and clove brine. It was not until many years later after I had met my husband that I would learn that boiled ham and cabbage was a more authentic St. Patrick’s

Day offering. Ethnically secular, my family would enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with our corned beef and an annual broadcast of “The Quiet Man” on television. My Italian father liked John Wayne, and I liked my mom’s cooking. To us, St. Patrick’s Day was never more than that. As a young girl, I always wondered what my Irish-American

classmates, those with the freckles and blue eyes, or auburn hair and alabaster skin, did on St. Patrick’s Day. They always seemed to be wearing some green regalia decked with four-leafed clovers that read “My Heart is in County Clare.” Surely, that had to be far away from my small brick Chicago bungalow on Monitor Avenue. One of my very best friends was a first-generation Irish girl who wore her roots quietly. The only child born to a gentle county Kerry woman and handsome Waterford gentleman, my friend was equally lovely in body and spirit. Tall and willowy with copper tresses and hazel eyes, my friend introduced me to black pudding and Irish sausage, caraway scones, and The Clancy Brothers. Together, along with our three other best friends, my friend and I would laugh and cry about the usual dramas that marked girlhood. Comforted by warm scones, hot chocolate chip cookies, and my friend’s mother’s lilting storytelling, we five girls forged our way through the milestones of adolescence. One St. Patrick’s Day, my friend invited me to join her and her mom, and her mother’s friend to brave a frigidly cold afternoon at the annual parade through downtown Chicago. The Chicago River was dyed green and throngs of revelers lined the streets. To help keep me warm, my friend lent me an Irish sweater that her grandmother back in Ireland had given to her. As she had already outgrown the sweater, her graceful wrists peeking out from the creamy woolen cables, my friend told me to keep it as a gift. With my curly dark hair and green eyes, my friend’s mother thought I fit right in with the Irish crowd. The mother’s friend thought I resembled a young Elizabeth Taylor. I wasn’t quite sure what that meant, but I took it as a compliment and tucked further into the warmth the sweater provided. Our little group stood in front of a two-storied, all-glass McDonald’s; this was Chicago, not Grafton Street after all. I still remember how my toes tingled with the cold and how tightly my friend and I linked

ohio irish american news • March 2012

our arms together for comfort. Near the end of the parade, we escaped the crowd and warmed up inside the McDonald’s with hot chocolate followed by minty Shamrock Shakes. We were young and happy, and knew with great certainty that we would always be friends. I still have my friend Michelle and the sweater her Irish grandmother had given her many years ago.

The ubiquitous Irish sweater. On St. Patrick’s Day, it seems as though everyone dons one, whether traditional ivory-colored, hunter-green, or high-necked and fuchsia. The cabled patterns of the Irish fisherman’s sweater are reportedly symbolic. The foundation, the cable, represents the lifeline for the fisherman’s survival. A honeycomb pattern symbolizes the industry of the bee. Various patterns hearken back to the Book of Kells, and ancient Celtic drawings found on megalithic stones and burial sites. A romantic idea exists that each Irish fishing family had its own pattern knitted into the jumper, or sweater, so should Fate turn against the fisherman, his body could be identified when it washed up upon the shore. Historians believe this notion to be purely fabricated for storytelling purposes. In John M. Synge’s “Riders to the Sea,” there is a reference to the knit on the jumper of the drowned fisherman, but a specific family design is not mentioned. Regardless, the traditional cabled fisherman sweater has been worn by sailors in Ireland and the United Kingdom for generations. Crafted with natural, untreated wool, báinín the lanolin from the sheep was retained and provided a waterproof barrier between the wearer and the

harsh elements of nature. As early as the beginning of the twentieth-century, a group of economically industrious women realized the market for the Aran knit among the tourists and artists who began to visit their Aran Islands. Profit could be had for their skillful knitting. Thus, the Irish fisherman’s sweater became known as an Aran knit. The cabled pattern soon became quite popular and was even featured in Vogue fashion magazine in a 1950’s spread. As little children, my own brood would attend St. Patrick’s Day mass at St. Colman’s Church in Cleveland. Each child would tug at the scratchy sweater encircling a tightly fitted turtleneck. The cream of the wool seemed to bring out the innocent pink of their cheeks. I still remember my father-in-law hoisting his first grandchild, my daughter Katie, high upon his shoulder so she could see the marchers from the West-Side Irish-American Club as they processed with reverence down the church’s aisle on St. Patrick’s Day. Dark-haired and bright-eyed, Katie wore a cabled fisherman’s cardigan and woolen green skirt in celebration of the day. That was one of my father-in-law’s last holidays with my children, but the memory of the pride in his eyes as he held her for all of the West-Side to see, still rings true today. My children have since traded their fisherman’s sweaters for green and white West-Side Irish-American Club sweatshirts. They have joined the ranks of the fifers and flag corps, pom-pom girls and drummers, majorettes and proud club members. Each Sunday during marching season, the children and adults from families that are as closely knitted as an Aran fisherman sweater commune to laugh and learn, celebrate and foster, their Irish roots. On St. Patrick’s Day, I will wear my friend’s Aran knit and salute the comradeship and tenacity of a wonderful group of people, the Irish. *Internet source consulted: Wikipedia –Aran Knit Susan holds a Master’s Degree in English from John Carroll University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Baldwin-Wallace College. She may be contacted at [email protected].

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

Ireland Before Patrick We all know that St. Patrick, whose feast day we honor this month, arrived in Ireland roughly around 433 AD. We also know with some certainty that Christianity was already present in Ireland before the arrival of Patrick. What was Ireland like before Patrick’s arrival? Prior to Patrick there were Christians in Ireland. They were, of course, a small minority among the island’s predominately Pagan population. Little is known regarding where these people originated. How they became established is also not known. Early church archives identify a man known as Palladius as the Bishop of Ireland. We know little about Palladius other than that. Historians speculate that some of the stories and legends credited to Patrick may have originated as stories about Palladius. If we look outside the island of Ireland we find Christian inscriptions and writings in Irish beginning about the middle of the fifth century. Of these remote Irish inscriptions Wales has a hundred and thirty-five, Devon and Cornwall thirty-three, and there are others found in the Isle of Man. They show that Christian teaching must have been accepted in Ireland, if it had found its way among the early Irish immigrants into Britain. The discovery of these Irish-Christian inscriptions supports the ancient and persistent tradition that the south-eastern portions of Ireland had received Christian teaching at a very early date. It is within this district that the names of the pre-Patrician saints are connected, and we find episodes in the lives of these saints which show a constant communication and interaction with Britain and the surrounding isles. Notable among the saints identified with pre-Patrician Ireland are St. Alibe of Emly in County Tipperary; St. Ibar of Bec in Wexford; St. Abban of Moyarney, and St. Declan of Ardmore both from Wexford.

The exact dates of all these early saints are uncertain. It should be noted that that there was a close bond between these early saints. Declan, Ibar, and Ailbe were friends, and Ibar was Abban's maternal uncle as well as his teacher. One interesting story concerns St. Ibar. He is said to have crossed from his own monastery of Bec or Beckery, in Wexford to the west of Britain, where he landed among the pagans and built a church at a place which he also named Bec. This location is the present site of Glastonbury, which was a monastery founded by Irish hermits. Both Britain and Ireland are said to have been largely pagan in the time of Ibar, and in Wexford few would listen to his teaching. Yet pilgrims, anchorites, and monks passed in large numbers both to and from Ireland. It is written that three thousand followers accompanied Ibar to Britain. Reports of the existence of this growing Irish-Christian community were carried to Rome, and in the year 431 Palladius was sent by Pope Celestine to preach to the Irish “believing in Christ.” The most famous of the early saints appearing in the Irish annals is St. Ciarán of Saighir (Seir) in County Offaly. He is often referred to as Ciarán the Elder to distinguish him from the later St. Ciarán of Clonmacnoise. His feast day is March 5. He has been given the title “First-born of the Saints of Ireland” since he is credited with being the first saint canonized in Ireland. He is also listed among the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland.” The medieval Irish genealogies identify Ciarán's father as Lugna (also Laighne), a nobleman of the Osraige, and his mother as Liadán, of the Corcu Loígde. Cape Clear Island south west of County Cork is regarded as his birthplace and it is said that a church was built by him on the Island. Ciarán's biography is full of

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www.ianohio.com obscurities. It is commonly said, however, that he left Ireland before the arrival of St. Patrick. Already a Christian, and of royal blood, he had determined to study for the Church. He received his religious education at the monastery of Tours and in Rome. He is said to have met Patrick in Italy and made allegiance to him at that time. When St. Patrick arrived in Ireland, Ciarán gave him assistance. Some writers say that Ciarán was then already a bishop, having been ordained while on the continent. It seems more likely, however, that he was one of the twelve men that Patrick, on his arrival, consecrated as helpers. He became the first Bishop of Ossory. St Patrick told him exactly where to found his first monastic settlement, giving him a bell which would only ring when he found the place. This place turned out to be Saighir Chiaráin, about four miles south-east of Birr in County Offaly (the area is now the townland known as Serkieran). Like John the Baptist, Ciarán is a wilderness figure, dressed in the skins of wild animals. It is said that the wild animals helped him build his hermitage and became his first monks. Another story is that he blessed a well so that “it had the taste of wine or honey for everyone who drank it were drunk as well as filled.”

It is believed that Ciarán died at the age of 90 approximately in 465 AD. The saint's death is described in the ancient Irish documents and includes the follow prediction made on his deathbed: “And then raising his eyes to heaven, he prophetically said: “For a time will come when

evils shall prevail, and the churches shall be demolished, and the monasteries be reduced to a wilderness, and sacred truth shall be corrupted into falsehood, and holy Baptism be tinged with corruption, and each one will seek not what is his own, but what does not belong to him.” His remains were wrapped in precious linen, and for seven days hymns and canticles were chanted in thanksgiving to God for the mercy shown to him.”

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It was written about St. Ciarán that he was a faithful practitioner of virtuous acts of humility, prudence, bounty, chastity, faith, hope and charity. He lived in poverty, during his term of life, but he was rich in grace. He is called, a balance of the law, an ark of justice, a doctor of youth, the guide of old persons, and the incomparable tower of all. In the language of an ancient Irish writer, he was a true priest, “whose heart was chaste and shining, and his mind like the foam of the wave, or the color of the swan in the sunshine; that is, without any particle of sin, great or small, resting in his heart.” As we commemorate the feast of St. Patrick we would do well to also remember St. Ciarán and all of the saints of Ireland who established Christianity in Ireland and then spread that knowledge throughout the world. *J. Michael Finn is the Ohio State Historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Division Historian for the Patrick Pearse Division in Columbus, Ohio. He is also Chairman of the Catholic Record Society for the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. He writes on Irish and Irish-American history; Ohio history and Ohio Catholic history. You may contact him at [email protected].

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www.ianohio.com ianOHIO

PADDY’S DAY 2012 It is hard not to feel proud to be Irish on St Patrick’s Day when the US turns green. There is almost no excuse not to have a beer or two, unless of course, one is a teetotaler. And of course there is no excuse for not having a gig, if one is a musician. Every band plays on Paddy’s Day; even bands that stow their equipment away year round find their phones ringing up in early March with the offer of a gig for the seventeenth! I think Paddy’s Day 2012 will be my twentieth year in a row playing our national celebration. It’s the time of year when Irish pubs make most of their money. Although tradition has it that the bartenders in general don’t see a large increase in tips despite the long hours they put in. But we mustn’t forget the deeper side of what it is to be Irish, and sometimes it feels to me that we are losing sight of our real identity, in the face of this surface celebration of Irishness. It has become all about the pub and drinking; I’m no

stranger to raising a glass on Paddy’s Day myself. I sometimes fear that we have turned into a pub culture, and that all the Irish race represents is going to pubs and having a good time. Now you will find a new Irish pub on nearly every main street in every city in the country; most of them million dollar joints, beautifully and quaintly furnished and offering a warm welcome and lots of ‘Irish’ hospitality to the visitor; Irish pub chains have taken over and they all seem to be run from corporate offices in the heart of big cities by folks with MBA’s who know only numbers and figures, and never grew up in a pub like the pub owners of yore did, and knew just about every customer who walked into their place. It is like that once fiery Irish spirit has been tamed. No more rebellion from the Irish! We’re part of the mainstream now. It makes me wonder, though, as I always do around this time of year, what is it that makes us Irish, and that ‘us’ includes, I would say, Irish born on the old sod and born over

here. We’re all Celts, aren’t we? Or thereabouts? Even the Anglo Normans, who invaded Ireland in the twelfth century, had Celtic roots, it has been argued. I think it is important to look deeper than the Irish pub scene in order to find out what we are. It was Yeats himself who said: ‘Ireland is the home of an ancient idealism’. He got something right there, despite the fact that he himself was an Anglo Irish Protestant, from a class regarded by many as the real oppressors of the Irish for many centuries, since it was they who took the land! What did he mean by that? Yeats was fond of mythology, as anyone who knows his poetry can attest to, and perhaps he was referring to the legendary figures of mythology like Cuchulain and Finn McCool, our versions of such ancient Greek heroes as Ulysses or Agamemnon. His poetry is full of romantic depictions of Irish mythological heroes, and it shows he had a deep reverence and respect for our Celtic heritage, whether imagined or real. This idealism can also be traced back to St Patrick’s time and can be found in the Round Tower of Kells. When I was a young lad, my family used to drive the odd Sunday from Meath to Cavan to visit my father’s relations. We always drove past the Round Tower; it looms over a hill as you turn a bend and shocks us into a reminder of our mystical origins. The Round Towers were built by monks as part of the Christianization of Ireland. But it’s not to say that paganism was completely extinguished; Celtic Christianity took on the forms of paganism; for example, Ostara, the coming of spring, was a time of celebration in old Ireland. This roughly coincides with Paddy’s Day. Offerings were presented by the pagan Celts as a thanks to their gods for having survived another winter. So these Round Towers represent a confluence of the old and the new; the light of Christianity supersedes the darkness of the pagan times. This was explained to me a long time ago by a man who stopped to give me a lift when I was hitchhiking from Navan to Cavan, on my own way one day to visit relations. Sometimes you remember casual conversations with strangers that

ohio irish american news • March 2012

you meet by chance. Such meetings used to happen a lot twenty years ago, when in the short space of a half an hour the history of a nation could be revealed to you. And it stays in the mind. I never met the fellow again. Hitchhiking is less common these days. The Europe funded motorways have taken over, and on such big and busy roads it’s hard for a driver to find space to stop for someone thumbing a lift!

Ah well I better stop here! My tears for the past will go into the can of beer I just bought at the local supermarket. I can only afford to drink in pubs when I’m playin’ in em. Have a great Paddy’s Day wherever you are! And please drink one to our ancient, shared idealism. *Sean McCabe’s novels and songs can be read and heard on his website: www.mccabesband. com

Cleveland Parade Pins Fundraiser The Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade Pins are now on sale. The Shamrock Pins are an Annual tradition since 1980, and a symbol of unity, support and pride in Cleveland's Irish Community. The pins visibly demonstrate the communities support, both financially and in spirit, for Cleveland's largest annual event - the St. Patrick's Day Parade. 2012 will be the 145th Parade, the nations 5th oldest. Contact John Tougher at 440.331.7849, Casey's Irish Imports or any United Societies Committee member for your 2012 pin.

January Crossword Puzzle Answers On This Date in January

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

Mum’s Irish Soda Bread When St Patricks Day approaches, the stores begin to stock their shelves with loaves of white soda bread speckled with raisins and caraway seeds. This is known as 'Irish Soda Bread' in the United States of America. This well known bread simply isn't traditional Irish soda bread. It is indeed a delicious treat and like all other foods, this too evolved over time. Consider it's origins. We were a poor nation. This was an easy to make allin-one mixture that was made with buttermilk. Buttermilk is a by product of butter. Wholemeal flour was more widely available. Baking Soda was added as a leavining agent. The average Irish home in the 1800's did not have an oven so thay baked the bread in a pot known as a 'Bastible'. This pot was suspended over an open fire and baked. Raisins were not added until much later as these were an imported luxury item. There are various myths/reasons behind the sign of the cross. Some think it was done to "let the devil out". Others say it made it easier to divide and was a symbol for "Breaking Bread". Being a catholic country, I'm pretty sure it did indeed have religious implications, however the baker in me also says it had a lot to do with the chemistry of baking, distribution of heat. When Irish people refer to brown bread , we are indeed making reference to traditional Irish soda bread. The ingredients and the method are quite simple really. This brown bread is served with soups and salmon, sliced and slathered with Irish butter and home made jams and marmalades. The

crumbs from this bread are used to make the delicious brown bread ice cream, a recipe I will share at

a later date. The bread made with white flour and fruits is more commonly known as 'speckled dog' and is more of a tea bread or a cake. This too is a delicious treat. Many families have their own recipes handed down to them from generation to generation. The most important thing is the love associated with them and the sheer pleasure from eating them.

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www.ianohio.com RACHEL GAFFNEY’S MUM’S IRISH SODA BREAD 3 1/3 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons wheat germ 3 teaspoons rolled oats 2 cups of buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons canola/sunflower oil Preheat oven to 375 degrees You can use a floured pizza stone or lightly grease a 1lb loaf pan. In a large bowl, put in all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Add the oil. Now mix well and you may add more buttermilk if you wish. It should not be too dry. You can either add to your loaf pan or make a round on a pizza stone/baking sheet. If you make a round, using the ‘TIP of a SHARP knife’ make a cross in the bread Sprinkle with some more oats if you wish for a rustic look. Then bake 45 minutes. When you tap the bread, it should sound hollow. Cool on a wire tray. w w w. R a c h e l g a f f n e y. blogspot.com. http://www. facebook.com/pages/RACHEL-GAFFNEYS-REAL-IRELAND/112638525439124 You can catch this video of Rachel doing her thing at http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=NnNZS_ UGMUA

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QVC St. Patrick’s Day Offering According to the census, more than 11 percent of the U.S. population claims Irish heritage. Of course, as the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! To help viewers “go green” this St. Patrick’s Day, QVC® will, once again, host its Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, which is scheduled to kick off at 1 AM (ET) on March 17. As one of the largest U.S. retailers for Irish goods, QVC will offer distinctive Irish products from Irelandbased artisans and craftsmen through 11 hours of dedicated programming. The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration not only provides consumers with a chance to shop, but an opportunity to celebrate the holiday with a closer look at the people and traditions of Ireland. Many of the products featured during QVC’s special St. Patrick’s

Day broadcast were created especially for the multimedia retailer. In addition to Aran Crafts, QVC is offering a wide variety of Irish products from Kilronan, Connemara Marble, Belleek Pottery and Fragrances of Ireland. Killarney Crystal, JMH Jewellery and Solvar will offer an extensive range of Irish and contemporary jewelry. These products and more will be available through QVC throughout the day as well as online at QVC.com. Additionally, world-renowned singing groups Celtic Thunder and Celtic Woman are scheduled to perform during the broadcast. The entire collection of Irish goods included in the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be available beginning at 1 AM (ET) on March 17 through QVC, QVC. com or 800.345.1515, while supplies last.

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ianOHIO www.ianohio.com Avon Lake

Ahern Banquet Center is booking weddings and special events. Call Tony Ahern / Lucy Balser @ 440-933-9500. 726 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake 44012. www.aherncatering.com Irish Heritage Club 5th - Gen. Meeting, 17th - St. Pat’s Day Celebration, Music, Dancers, Pipers, Food, Drink Specials. Doors open @4pm. Pot Luck Mondays / Taco Tuesdays / Friday Happy Hour. 726 Avon Belden Rd. (440) 933-3413.

Cincinnati Irish Heritage Center 17th - Starting after the parade, An exciting variety of Irish Entertainment; Traditional Irish Music, Sing Songs, Irish Dancers, Singers, Harpists, Fiddlers, Story Tellers, Visits from Annie Moore, Molly Malone, St Patrick, Food, Irish Art Exhibit, Irish Museum Exhibition, Irish Thatched Cottage. Library by appointment/ Genealogy for members. Tea Room by reservation. Irish Language Classes, Tuesdays 7:00 / Irish History Classes, Thursdays 6:30 P.M./ Saturday Art Classes / Children's Saturday, Adult Tuesday Irish Dance Classes. Irish Heritage Center 3905 Eastern Avenue 513.533.0100, www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com.

Cleveland Rocky River Celtic Feet on Erie Shores 11th Burke School of Irish Dance an Afternoon of dance, music and song: 3pm. Magnificat High School, 20770 Hilliard Blvd. Rocky River 44116 www.burkeirishdance.com Flanagan’s Wake is Back! For over 100 years, the Hilarious, interactive comedy, Flanagan’s Wake, has taken you to the legendary town of Grapplin to help celebrate the life and times of the most influential Irishman since the Lucky Charms Leprechaun, the man himself, Flanagan. Hoist a few with us as we sing (badly), dance (even worse), and blunder our way (this part we’re good at) through a night of fun like no other. Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 8p.m. Kennedy’s Down Under at Playhouse Square. 216.241.6000 www.playhousesquare.org.

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Cleveland (cont’d)

The Harp 2nd – 1st Friday Irish Sessiún, 3rd - Porter Sharks, 7th - Lonesome Stars, 9th - Walking Cane, 10th - Porter Sharks, 14th - Chris & Tom, 17th - Boys from Co Hell, 21st - Lonesome Stars, 23rd - Kristine Jackson, 24th - Fior Gael, 28th - Chris & Tom, 30th - Chris Allen, 31st - James Wailani. 4408 Detroit Road, 44113 www.the-harp.com Stone Mad 4th - Traditional Irish Session, 11th - Mary's Lane, 16th - Johnny Kilbane Way dedication party w The Boys From County Hell Happy Hour Show, 17th - Holleran Traditional Irish Session, Fior Gael, 18th - The Professionals Party w The Boys From County Hell, 25th Chris Allen. Live music entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Traditional Irish Session 1st Sunday of ea/month, Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4 to 7. 1306 W 65th St. Cleveland 44102 216-281-6500 Flat Iron Café 2nd - Donegal Doggs 8-11:30pm, 9th - Mary's Lane 8pm-12am, 16th Diane Chittester 8-11pm, 23rd - Bald Paul's Irish Blues Band 8-11pm, 30th - Acoustix 8pm-12am. 1114 Center Street, Cleveland 44113-2406 216. 696.6968. www.flatironcafe.com Treehouse 4th - Walkin’ Cane, 11th - Chris Allen, 16th - Loch Erie @9pm, March 17th - Craic Brothers @4pm Fior Gael @8pm, 18th - Hair of the Dog Party w Marys Lane, 25th - Rossi, Romano & Dickman. 820 College Avenue, Cleveland, 44113 www.treehousecleveland.com

ohio irish american news • March 2012

Cleveland (cont’d)

30th- & DJ Ice Cold 10pm, 31st – Trciky Dick & the Coverups 10pm. Thursday - Ladies Night w/ DJ Destro! Wednesday -Station Karaoke Challenge! Sunday - Magic Man Paul Gallagher from 6-8pm and Every Sunday MINUTE TO WIN IT Cleveland (cont’d) 9pm 17015 Lorain Avenue Cleveland PJ McIntyre’s 1st - WMMS Poetry Contest win Eire 44111 www.westparkstation.com. trip! 8-10pm, 2nd Marys Lane, 3rd (216) 476-2000. - POUT, 7th - Pub Quiz w Mike D Euclid 7pm, 8th - Kelly Wright & Friends, 9th - Carlos Jones, 10th - That 80's Band, Irish American Club East Side St.Pat's Weekend: 15th - Craic Bros, 2nd - Kevin McCarthy, 3rd - Guin16th – Craic, 17th - Open 7am, First ness & Harp Night I w Craic $10, 4th 100 get t-shirt. Really Big Show 9am- - New Barleycorn, 9th - Loch Erie, 1pm. Marys Lane - all day & night! 10th - Guinness & Harp II w The Boys Irish Breakfast, Pipers, Dancers. 18th - from Co. Hell, 11th - Mossy Moran, Hair of the Dog w/ Mossy Moran, 23rd 16th - Irish Coffee Night w Whiskey - Skys The Limit, 24th - Velvetshake, Island Ramblers, 17th -Whiskey 29th -30th – Fast Eddie McAteer, 31st Island Ramblers, 23rd- Wally Franz, – Kreellers. 17119 Lorain Ave, 44111 30th-Craic Brothers. pub 7:30 – www.pjmcintyres.com 10:30. IACES 22770 Lake Shore Blvd.44123. 216.731.4003 www. Claddagh Irish Pub 4th -Rogues of Rafferty 5pm, 11th irishamericanclubeastside.org Paddy’s Pour House - Forsythe Special 5pm, 16th - The 17th – St. Patrick’s Day Party and Richard Brentar Band 9pm, 17th Irish Mike 9:30-2pm Richard Brentar Paddy’s! Corned Beef Sandwiches Band 2:30-5:30, Forsythe Special and fun ALL day. 922 East 222nd 6pm-9pm Velvet Shake at 9:30-1am, St, Euclid, 44123 216.289.2569 18th - Forsythe Special 2pm, 25th Akron Ceili Band 5pm. 25389 Cedar Lakewood Road, Lyndhurst, 44122 (216) 691Beck Center 0534 www.claddaghirishpubs.com. for the Arts Rocky River 1st- 4th - Reckless, 2nd- 4th – Rockliff Restaurant Spring Awakening, 8th – Hear & 16th – The New Barleycorn, 8 p.m. 2589 Wooster Road 44116- Touch the Music (Bagpipes), 10th – Super Saturdays @ Beck (free hands2961 (440) 333-2600 on arts activities for kids 10 & under), West Park Station 1st - Jim & Eroc HH, 2nd – Pop 15th – Early Childhood ABC, 23rdRocks 10pm, 3rd – Drunk Betty 31st – The Velocity of Autumn. 17801 10pm, 9th - Jim & Quinn-HH,10th Detroit Ave Lakewood 44107 (216) - DJ 10pm, 15th - 6 Pack Challenge 521-2540 www.beckcenter.org Awards Party, 16th - Porter Sharks- Sullivan’s HH, 17th - St. Paddy’s Day Open Irish Restaurant & Pub New Barleycorn. 13368 Madison @7am, 23rd – My Sister Sarah 10pm, 24th – Hey Monea 10pm, Ave. Lakewood, 44107 www.sullivan29th- Austin Walkin’ Cane- HH, sirishpub.net (216) 529-8969

Kreellers @ Sully’s Irish Pub March 30th & PJ McIntyre’s March 31st.

Findlay

Logan’s Irish Pub 15th – Traditional Session, 16th - The Drowsy Lads, 17th - Rusty Musket, 17th - The Athen Ry, 24th – Dulahan. 2414 South Main Street, Findlay 45840 419.420.3602 www. logansirishpubfindlay.com

Medina Sully’s 2nd - Pat Kane, 3rd - The New Barleycorn, 9th - Westside Steve, 10th - The Craic Brothers, 16th Marys Lane, 17th - Open @7am w/ full Irish Breakfast. O’Hare School of Irish Dance, Pipe Bands, Scully, 23rd - Mossy Moran, 24th - The Other Brothers, 30th - The Kreellers, 31st - Fast Eddy. Every Tuesday 6 - 8pm Magician Paul Gallagher performs tableside. 117 West Liberty Medina, 44256 www.sullysmedina.com

Mentor Hooley House 2nd - Redneck Inc 9:30, 9th - Collage Band 9:30, 16th - St Patrick’s Eve Party with Brigid’s Cross 9:30, 17th - St Patrick’s Day Open @6 am Live Entertainment all day, 30th - Itex 9:30. Tuesdays Open Mic w Nick Zuber, Wednesdays - Trivia Night. 7861 Reynolds Rd Mentor www.1funpub. com (440) 942-6611.

Olmsted Township West Side Irish American Club Fish Frys Every Friday, followed by great live music. 3rd – Sr. Marching Units Exhibition w/ Marie McVicker Showband, 10th Claddagh Ball, 17th – 10:30 Mass @ St. Coleman’s, Food & Entertainment at the club, 24th Traditional Irish Cabaret & Concert w/ Noel Ginnity. WSIA Club 8559 Jennings Rd. 44138 www.wsia-club.org. 440-235-5868.

Donegal Doggs are at Flat Iron Café March 2nd, and Mullarkeys March 16th & 24th

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

Willoughby

Identifying the Leprechaun By Yvonne Healy

Mullarkey’s 3rd – Kevin McCarthy, 9th – Eric Butler, 10th – One More Pint, 16th – Donegal Doggs, 17th – One More Pint 11-4, Dan McCoy 5-close. 23rd – Brendan Burt Band, 24th – Donegal Doggs, 30th – Pat Shepherd, 31st – The Terriers. Karaoke Wednesdays. Thursday Ladies Night w/ D.J. 4110 Erie Street www.mullarkeys.com Croagh Patrick’s 1st -Locherie, 2nd - The Portersharks, 3rd -DJ McSkolny, 4th -Don DiSantis, 5th –I rish T-Shirt Night, 6th -Irish Brogue Contest, 7th -Lucky #7 Night, 8th -Mossy Moran, 9th -Harp & Guinness night w/Gabe McSeveney, 10th -Irish Bachelor Night, 11th -Danny Boy Contest, 12th -Plaid Sabbath, 13th -Biggest Irish Session, 14th -One More Pint, 15th -Michael Crawley, 16th -Scully, 17th -Kegs-n-Eggs @8am. 4857 Robinhood Drive Willoughby, 44094 (440) 946-8250. www.croaghpatrickspub.webs.com

What’s more Irish than a leprechaun? Do you see him as a little man dressed in spring’s color with a matching green top hat, jacket and shoes with big buckles? He charms us with his sprightly laugh and dancing step. But The leprechaun is a different creature entirely. Stories show him as cute in the sense of clever and shrewd, rather than dainty or pretty. Leprechaun is the Anglicization of the Old Irish word luchorpán which means “small body.” Another theory is that it’s how the English heard leith bhrogan meaning “maker of one shoe.” Some people believe that it comes from luch chromatin meaning “little bent Lugh.” Lugh was the Celtic sun god. Given the millennial age of Irish oral literature, the origin is lost in Time. Literature tells us the leprechaun is a solitary fairy, one who prefers his own company. He’s a bit nasty and enjoys tricking any-

one who violates his privacy. More sociable fairies, called trooping fairies, prefer the company of others. The leprechaun makes shoes for the trooping fairies who dance holes in their shoes in a single night. He also guards pots of fairy gold, ancient treasure and Viking plunder.

A Cluricain The first written mention of the

Columbus Shamrock Club Events 2nd - Fish Fry, 3rd - Ladies of Longford, 4th - Mass - Gen. Meeting, 9th - Proclamation Day - Fish Fry - Mossy Moran, 11th - Mass - Gen. Meeting, 12th - Irishman of the Year Party @Byrnes Pub, 13th - Guest Bartending @Fado, 17th Mass - Parade - Family Reunion - 9 Castle Close @club, 23rd - YMCA Dart Benefit, 24th - Quiz Night, 30th - Fish Fry. Happy Hour every Friday from 5-7pm! 60 W. Castle Rd. CoLadies Of Longford appearing at Columbus Shamrock Club March 3 lumbus 43207 614-491-4449 www. shamrockclubofcolumbus.com

Youngstown Youngstown/Boardman/Warren Area Live Music w Co Mayo Band 3rd - 2nd Annual Irish Comalya, a fundraiser for Catholic Charities, 6:30-10PM Hippodrome, High Street, Warren; 9th - The Lemon Grove, West Federal St, Youngstown, 7-10 pm; 11th - The Youngstown Parade Committee’s Post Parade Party, McClurg Rd, Boardman, 1-4; 16th - Kravitz’ Deli, Belmont Ave, Youngstown, 7-10; 17th - Lanigan’s Pub, Washington St, New Castle, PA.12-3:30; 17th - Quinlan’s Irish Pub, Youngstown Rd, Niles, 5:00 till close. North Country Brewing Slippery Rock, PA , March 19, 7-10

Ongoing Traditional Irish Sessiúns Bring your instruments and play along!

Akron Hibernian's Ceili Band Sessions, Wednesdays 7:30 pm. The Akron AOH Mark Heffernan Div 2 Hall 2000 Brown St , Akron , Ohio 330-724-2083. Beginner to intermediate Croagh Patrick’s - 2nd Tuesday of every month from 8 to 10pm Bardic Circle at The Shamrock Club of Columbus Beginner-friendly, intermediate-level Irish session meeting every other Thursdays from 8:00 pm -11:00 pm Claddagh Irish Pub, Legacy Village, Lyndhurst 6 – 9 pm Wooster Street Center, 1124

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E. Wooster St., Bowling Green, OH -2nd & 4th Monday, 7:00 to 8:00 Blarney Pub* – Toledo, 1st Saturday of the month 5-8 pm.

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leprechaun occurs in Irish in an 8th century Irish transcription of oral literature. Small differences in clothing are found in the collected stories. The leprechaun wears rough homespun clothes often including a shoemaker’s apron. His cap or jacket is usually red. Red hats grant invisibility, the ability to shift shape or to travel great distances in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Humans who misguidedly borrow such a red cap experience uncomfortable adventures. The cluricain is the leprechaun’s cousin. Despite the family resemblance, they are different creatures. The cluricain wears the clothing of a 17th century dandy with a top hat, green suit, and shoes with shiny buckles. The cluricain is more outgoing and frequently interacts with humans. He particularly likes to play tricks. In 1963, the Mad Men of advertising picked the dapper cluricain over the frumpier leprechaun as mascot for a new cereal. They named the mascot Lucky the Leprechaun thereby muddying popular understanding of Irish folklore. Keep your wits about you if a cluricain approaches. While a leprechaun prefers solitude, the cluricain loves entangling humans in his shenanigans. He’s more likely to hand out fairy money than deliver a pot of gold. He carries several coin purses in his jacket – one for copper, one for silver, and one for gold. Occasionally he carries a fourth purse that can never be emptied. If he gives you some of his fairy money, spend it immediately. At the next sunrise, the coins turn to dry leaves, feathers, or other scrap. Is this true? Irish writer and bon vivant Oscar Wilde, said, “The truth is never pure and rarely simple.” We Irish have a flexible relationship with truth and story. Who knows? Perhaps the grumpy leprechaun occasionally dresses up in fancy clothes and goes out for a spree on the town. The next morning he shrugs and blames the row and the ruction on his cousin. *Yvonne Healy literally learned to tell stories on the knee of a 3rd generation storyteller and tradition-bearer for Ireland’s Gaelic League. She can be contacted at www.IrishStoryTeller.US., or [email protected]

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On This Day in Irish History Irish Trivia March 2012 March 3, 1924 - The world premiere of Sean O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock takes place at the Abbey Theatre. March 8 - Feast day of St. Senan, after whom it is said the river Shannon is named. He is buried on Scattery Island and is believed to be the site of miraculous cures. March 10, 1888 - Birth of Oscar-winning Irish stage actor Barry Fitzgerald in Dublin. He starred in such movies as, The Quiet Man, Going My Way, and How Green Was My Valley. March 13, 1939 - F l a n n O’Brien’s novel, At SwimTwo- Birds, is published in London. March 15, 1895 - Burning of Brigid Cleary by her husband, who believed she was a “changling” (fairy) when her flu-like symptoms caused him suspicion. March 17 - Feast day of St. Patrick. Historians believe St. Patrick’s real name was Maewyn Succat. March 20, 1964 - Death of Brendan Behan, poet, short story writer, novelist, playwright, and committed Irish Republican. March 25, 1920 - The first “Black and Tans”, nonIrish personnel enlisted into Royal Irish Constabulary, officially arrive in Ireland. March 30, 1603 - H u g h O’Neill, the Earl of Tyrone, submits to Lord Mountjoy at Mellifont, effectively ending the Nine Years War.

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St. Patrick’s Cincinnati Cleveland Cincinnati is really stepping up its St. PatRock’s Green In the rick's Day festivities this year. The 3CDC is combining efforts with the parade folks and pro- Home of Rock-n-Roll viding a day of festivities on Fountain Square. Music starts at 10am, the parade is at noon, and then music continues into the night, featuring a stellar combination of Celtic trad, folk, and celtic rock. There will also be food, drink, and merchandise vendors. 8:30 - 10pm - Voodoo Loons (w/special guest Mark Daly) 7:00 - 8:00 - Blarnacles 5:40 - 6:40 - Silver Arm 4:20 - 5:20 - Roger Drawdy & Firestarters 3:00 - 4:00 - Homeland 2:00 - 2:30 - Emerald Society Pipes- Drums noon - 2:00- (parade) 10:30-12:00- Unlucky Charms Voodoo Loons are an American/Irish band based in both Donegal and Cincinnati, OH, where they are currently recording their next record. You can hear several of their songs regularly on Larry Kirwan's Celtic Crush program on SiriusXM. Their song "Emerald" was voted #56 on SiriusXM's Top 100 Celtic Songs list.

The New Barleycorn:

2nd-LaCentre: (Fundraiser/silent auction for St. Augustine) 25777 Detroit Rd, Westlake 3rd–Sully’s: 117 West Liberty, Medina 8.30pm 4th - East Side Irish American Club: 6.00pm 8th -Mavis Winkles: 5005 Rockside Road, Independence 7.00pm 9th – Sullivan’s: 13368 Madison Avenue Lakewood 44107 9.30 pm 15th - Hellreigel’s: 1840 Mentor Avenue Painesville 44077 7.00PM 16th - Rocky River Senior Center: 21014 Hilliard Boulevard Cleveland 44116 1.00pm 16th - The Rockcliff: 2589 Wooster Road Cleveland, 44116 8.00 pm 17th - Nighttown 12387 Cedar Road Cleveland 44106 (2 shows, call 4 Res) 18th - Public House SURVIVORS PARTY! Kamm’s Corner 22nd – Mavis Winkles: 8870 Darrow Road Cincinnati Heritage #F107 Twinsburg 7.00 pm Center March 17 24th – Flannery’s: 4th & Prospect, Cleveland For a St Patrick's Day full of Music, Dance, 8.30PM Art, Culture and Fun choose the Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati. The St Pat's program at the IHC is designed to ensure fun for everyone, Brigid’s Cross at every age. www.brigidscross.com Featuring fantastic entertainment; Irish Dancers, Musical Groups, Sing-a-longs, Children's Arts and Crafts, Children's indoor Parade-at 5:00 P.M.- be sure to bring the kids in their favorite Irish Attire. Irish Fiddlers, Harpists, Whistle, Bodhran (Irish Drum), Storytelling, Irish Art Exhibits, photos and paintings featuring local and Irish Artists. Irish Food including the favorite Shepherd's Pie, Soda Bread, Irish Tea, Kids meals, Treats. See the Tea Room, Theater, Dance Room, Music Room, Library, Museum and the latest 4th - The CopperTop/Valley City 3pm -- the Thatched Cottage! 9th - Pug Mahones/Lakewood,6pm In the authentic Irish Pub enjoy your choice 10th - UAW Hall/Parma 7pm of the "perfectly pulled" Irish Pint. 15th - The Unicorn/Grafton 8pm Meet characters from Irish History - Annie 16th -Hooley House/Mentor 9:30pm St. PatMoore, Molly Malone, St Patrick and more! rick’s Eve Party The Irish Heritage Center 3905 Eastern Ave. 17th - Hooley House/Mentor Throughout the Plenty of parking 513-533-0100 for more visit- day starting 11am www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com 22nd - Mavis Winkle’s/Independence7pm

ohio irish american news • March 2012

The Dogs of Ireland - Irish Water Spaniel by Ray Cavanaugh

The Irish Water Spaniel has a highly distinctive set of locks, almost resembling those of a female step-dancer; and its curly coat has a color quite unlike that of any other breed. As if such features were not striking enough, the Irish Water Spaniel has a seemingly ratlike tail jutting out its posterior. The American Kennel Club describes the Irish Water Spaniel as the “clown of the spaniel family.” Its colorful personality can turn a naughty direction if not given proper companionship. This is especially the case in a confined area. These spaniels need to roam

and engage in exercise of body and mind. Despite its strong thirst for activity, this breed tends to function well with both children and other household pets. They can be very intelligent and are rather easy to train. Though Irish Water Spaniels have been used as guard dogs, quite a few are simply not aggressive enough to succeed in such a role. That being said, this breed has a very powerful bark that itself might serve as a half-decent burglar deterrent. One venue where this breed is sure to excel is the water. These dogs cannot get enough of the water, from where they have been known to retrieve quite a collection of animal-life. Regarding the breed’s heredity, varying conjectures have been made. Certain names that arise are the Barbet, the Poodle, and the Portuguese Water Dog, among others. There is mention in the 12th century of a certain dog bearing the distinctive rat-like tail found on current-day Irish Water Spaniels. The modern version of this spaniel surfaced in the early 19th century. A Dubliner named Justin McCarthy is credited with developing this modern version. However, McCarthy was a rather cryptic man, who left us scant trace of his endeavor.

March 2012 • ohio irish american news

A big month and our special day stretches out before us… be proud, celebrate, count your blessings and thanks be to God we’re Irish. Keep the flag flying, at least in your heart, and don’t forget those who came before us. Their determination to survive and overcome the obstacles placed before them is our inheritance… treat it with honour

ited with helping save Britain during the Battle of Dunkirk, the bombardment of London and the horrors of Nazism. Yet it was this man who embraced the long-standing policies of his former governments who did their damndest to dominate Ireland’s people, rewrite its history and obliterate its storied civilisation.

Iveagh Gardens and respect. While recently walking along a busy street in Santa Fe, New Mexico I noticed an inscription on the wall of a building. Upon closer examination, I was gobsmacked. There, in neat lettering, were the words, “A nation that forgets its past has no future.” To my amazement, Winston Churchill penned those words. Upon further contemplation, I speculated it was the work of some local Native-American organisation, wishing to inspire its membership. Of course, my mind immediately placed it in a different context…an Irish one. How ironic, I thought, that Churchill, who possessed little liking or respect for the Irish, was able to arouse his English brethren with such words. Sure this clever political wordsmith motivated England and its Allied partners to endure the savagery of Germany’s onslaught during the Second War. He’s cred-

So during this ‘Month of the Irish’, crack a book, attend a lecture or access the Internet and learn something new about Ireland and the Irish. For in the words of that Greek philosopher Cicero, “Not to know what happened before you were born is to remain forever a child.” Now, I’ll put away my soapbox for the moment, and reflecting upon last month’s letter, I thought I’d expand our little walking tour of south Dublin a wee bit. Many of you will be off for a visit soon or are hopefully contemplating one, so let this help wet your appetite. Sure, with your map and an extra hour or so, you can extend my February-sightseeing adventure without much difficulty. After enjoying Bewley’s and a cheese tasting in Sheridan’s, walk up to the top of Grafton Street. There just to the right of the ceremonial Fusilier’s [“Traitor’s”] Arch you’ll catch the Luas [Green Line],

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www.ianohio.com Dublin’s sleek, light-rail tram system that begins/ends right there at the top of St. Stephen’s Green across from the Royal College of Surgeons. Don’t worry about taking a seat; you’re only going a short distance. Hop off at the next stop, Harcourt Street station. If you’re curious, the old pillared train station, closed in the late 1950’s, has reopened. Today it is home to some trendy bars and cafes. Nip in for a look around. Again on the street, walk back up toward Stephen’s Green and turn right on Hatch St. Upper. Stroll partway down the block until you spy the entrance of Iveagh Gardens on the left. Created in 1865, this little-known and under-appreciated park is a blend of French formal and English landscape design. A great spot for a stroll or a picnic, spend a few minutes enjoying the flora, cascade, fountain, grotto, maze and its flowery gardens. Leave via Clonmel St. [left-hand side]. Make your way down to Camden Place and over to Camden St. Lower. Tucked in between Camden St. and Pleasants Place is an interesting, ecologically-green building, the Daintree. Completed in 2005, it’s a multi-use building with apartments, offices and retail establishments. If energy-efficient buildings are your interest, this award-winning structure should intrigue you. If not and the hunger possesses you, drop into The Cake Café, #62 Pleasants Place. Its courtyard is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. Sit down. Enjoy a piece of cake or a tart with a coffee or glass of wine. Read a newspaper, peruse your tour book or strike-up a conversation with café owner Michelle Darmody. As I mentioned last month, head back toward the city centre via South Great Georges St. Just past Stephen St., on your right, is a fine old arcade/market. Even if you pass up the ‘savage’ sausage rolls at Lolly & Cooks, spend a few minutes ogling all the bits and pieces in this 1881 shopping arcade. The stalls and their contents will amaze you. Heading east through the op-

posite entrance, you’ll arrive into Castlemarket St. Walking toward the large house one block before you, Powerscourt Town Centre, you’ll come upon #15, La Maison, a truly fine but unpretentious French eatery. In this intimate dining emporium devoted to fine food, you’ll be treated to some of Olivier Ouenet’s great cuisine. Sadly, the wonderful French bakery, La Maison des Gourmets, that I’ve written about in the past is gone from the ground floor, but Olivier’s restaurant is a worthy replacement. Now, if you are on a tight budget, just scan the outdoor menu and keep on moving. Left on William St. South, walk the block to Wicklow St. Take the short stretch down St. Andrews St. and step into O’Neill’s bar and restaurant on the corner, fifty yards from the River Liffey. This roomy old 18th-century pub, serves a famous [inexpensive] carvery luncheon, a wide selection of sand-

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wiches plus an extensive list of a la carte items. Sit back, dine and watch the busy lunch-time Dubliners come and go. Revel in the fact you are only a short walk or taxi ride from your hotel or B&B. Look forward to taking off your shoes and having a wee nap before you head off on some other evening adventure. In closing, I wish you all a grand St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to enjoy the company of friends as you partake of some good food, music and a pint or two. During the day, do stop in for Mass, say a prayer for the homeland and light a candle for all who’ve fought for Irish freedom. We owe them much. Lá Fhéile Pádraig, Cathal *Cathal is a freelance writer and the author of Consumed in Freedom’s Flame, Forever Green, and Blood on the Shamrock. His new book, Fear Not the Storm, was released in March. www.cathalliam.com