IN THIS ISSUE 

From the Mailbag

Links

Quips, Quotes, Proverbs & Toasts

A Bit of the Wit

Joke of The Week

Did You Know

Know Your Writers

Riddle

The week That Is

FROM THE MAILBAG

Along with contributions, we were delighted to receive some very nice comments - we hope you don’t mind us bragging a bit! 

Elise Williams: 

It is a pleasure to have these wonderful tidbits of news from home. Each month I look forward to the newsletter and relish it and chew on it like a dog would a juicy bone. How delicious! 

Pat Tyrrell-Johnson: 

Hello, I wanted to take a moment to tell you I have enjoyed these newsletters very much. My maiden name is Tyrrell which there has been many telling me we are English and I keep telling them we are very much Irish & I am proud of it. Keep up the good work

Maureen & Dave Harrington: 

Thanks again for a great site and all the work you put into it. 

 LINKS

Congratulations, Daniel Day-Lewis

In recognition of Daniel’s history-making third Oscar, here is a clip from Last of the Mohicans with Clannad singing one of the spectacular songs from the soundtrack. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s well worth renting or buying  - and the soundtrack is a must have!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8cOkz3uNHg 

How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like an Irishman

There were some things we didn’t agree with in this video - as in pinching someone if they’re not wearing  green - but overall, it’s closer to how it used to be on St. Patrick’s in Ireland. 

Fancy nails for March 17th

This is really silly, but one of the attributes about the Irish is the ability to laugh at ourselves. What makes this even funnier is that the young lady is totally serious! So, here you go. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f6dI-IjlV0&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Irish History Podcast -The Great War of Ulster & Munster  Part 1

In 1090 Muirchertach O Briain, grandson of Brian Boru, faced the darkest moment of his rule as King of Munster. Defeated and vanquished by his rival the king of Ulster, Domnal McLochlainn, he faced two options; either accept his fate or try and claw his way back to power. To learn more, please click 

http://irishhistorypodcast.ie/2013/02/28/1090-1101-the-great-war-of-ulster-and-munster-part-i/

The Irish Page - Colors

After a lengthy absence due to computer problems, Jack & Vivian Hennessey are back! This time around, the lesson is all about colors and how to pronounce each one in Irish. Please click

http://www.irishpage.com/talk/Talk(17).htm

Spring Charm

Lovely Celtic music to herald the new season

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGkuJlEZy04

Meadow Miniatures - Daffodils in Co. Sligo

We found the music a wee bit irritating but the video is lovely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpQ7__g87-E

Croí na Teanga: It’s You! 

The Heart of the Language: It’s You! 

This is the official slogan of Seachtain na Gaeilge (“Week of the Irish Language”) which runs from March 4 through March 17 this year (yes, that’s longer than a week). As it happens, when the popularity of the celebration made it necessary to expand it to two weeks, it was decided that the brand Seachtain na Gaeilge was so well-known it would be a mistake to change it Thus, for this one time in the year, we have a two-week week! To learn more, please click Bite Size Irish

http://www.bitesizeirishgaelic.com/blog/seachtain-na-gaeilge/

For our Scottish  readers - Road to the Aisles

Joe  McPartland and his lovely wife Marian have been longtime readers and supporters of IC & C. They are both talented singers and have many songs on YouTube for your listening pleasure. Here, Joe does a rousing version of a popular song from the Hebrides - almost makes Herself want to get up and do the Highland Fling!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGBdkJk-pE8

SPONSOR:  The Irish Lottery:

In operation since 1988, it's one of the oldest online sites in the world. With subscribers in 89 countries it is also among the most reliable. Jackpots are never lower than US $1,500,000 and are frequently worth in excess of US $5,000,000 Here's the best part - you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are Tax Free! It’s always been a fantasy of ours that one of readers would scoop the big prize, but you can’t win it if you’re not in it. Play from the comfort of home here:

http://www.irishlotto.net/

QUIPS, QUOTES, PROVERBS & TOASTS

This quote is in honor of Irish mothers and Mothering Sunday in Ireland on March 10th :

God made a wonderful mother,

A mother who never grows old;

He made her smile of the sunshine,

And He molded her heart of pure gold;

In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,

In her cheeks the fair roses you see;

God made a wonderful mother,

And He gave that dear mother to me.

Attributed to Pat O'Reilly

A BIT OF THE WIT

The only mothers it is safe to forget on Mother's Day are the good ones.

With many thanks to Bill Crotty for sending us this classic:

John Bradford, a Dublin University student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him.   When it  stopped, John who was desperate for shelter  got into the car and closed the door - Only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on. The car started moving again and when  John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of nowhere through the window, and turned the wheel. John was paralyzed with terror, but when  saw the lights of a pub appear  he jumped out of the car and ran to it. Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had.  A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was crying... And wasn't drunk.  Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in. They, like John, were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around, and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other. “ Look Paddy - there's that fookin’ eejit  who got in the  car while we were pushing it! 

DID YOU KNOW

1. Dividing the Meat, Selling the Pig and Catching the Herrings are all traditional games played at an Irish wake?

2. Every spring, more than twenty million eels swim into the River Bann to breed?

3. Donkeys were useful in Ireland because of the way they put down their hooves? They do it in a pattern different from horses which allows them to traverse bogland in a gliding movement.

SPONSOR: The Celtic Attic

BOOK QUIZ

Kate O’Connor

 

To begin with,  the answer to our previous Noggin’ Niggler

Give it food and it will live

Give it  water and it will die

Q. What is it?

A. Fire

As always  our Riddle People were fired up and hot to be first in with the correct answer, but the winner of that distinction goes to Mike H in New Jersey USA. Well done, Mike!  

And now for next  Head Banger:

If you remove the first letter, a bit remains.

If you remove the second, bit still remains.

After much trying, you might be able to remove the third one also, but it remains.

Q. What is it? 

Please send your answers to Bridget at the following email address bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com

ED. NOTE:

It would be helpful if you put Riddle in the subject line. Thanks.

SPONSOR:  Lollysmith

THE WEEK THAT IS

1. Shopping Section: Naturally, we hope you and yours will do all of  your shopping through Irish Culture & Customs and and the advertisers in our newsletter - not just at the holidays - but all year round. For every sale, we make a small commission which goes a long way toward helping us cover the expenses of maintaining the web site and sending the newsletter. Many thanks in advance for your kindness! 

ED. NOTE: Many thanks to all of you who did some or all of your shopping through Irish Culture and Customs throughout the holiday season. Our main shopping page is now featuring gifts for Valentine’s day. Here’s the link:

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Shop/1Shop2.html

2. County News: The bits and bobs that used to come by mail are now on line here on the first Saturday of the month. The next edition will be published on March 2nd.:

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/01News/HomeCounty.html

3. Daily Headlines: We keep two week’s worth of headlines and links here: And we try to keep it all positive:  

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/01News/Home.html

ED. NOTE: In the right-hand margin on this page, you will also find a link to the time and weather in Ireland.

4. Trivia Contest:  All entries for the February Contest must be in by midnight on February 28th  whatever time zone you live in

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.html

January’s  winner was Linda Ellis, USA who chose for her prize the Celtic Warrior pendant generously provided by  the Celtic Attic.

http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?CSC&Affiliate=Bridget 

5. Article:  Aran Isle Sweaters - how a dropped stitch gave rise to a popular myth. 

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AEmblem/Sweaters.html

6. Article: Emblems of Ireland - The Shamrock

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AEmblem/Shamrock.html

7. Article: In My Father’s Time

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AWriters/EamonKelly.html

8. Article: Francis O'Neill - The Man Who Saved Our Music 

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/FrancisONeil.html 

9.  Article: A Visit to St. Patrick’s Well

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPatWell.html

10. Poetry Corner: Thomas Moore

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Poetry/ThomasMoore.html

11.  The Irish Kitchen: Recipes for the Lenten Season

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/index.html  

12. Basic Irish:  St. Patrick’s Day: 

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Lessons7.html#StPatricks

13. Kids’ Ireland:  St. Patrick from Slave to Saint

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/StPatrick.html

14. Music Review: Finbar Furey 

This time around, our resident reviewer William Ramoutar  takes a look at the career of a legendary  Irish piper, singer - and even actor!

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AMusic/Ramoutar/FinbarFurey.html

15. Circle of Prayer

The third Novena in this cycle began on February 25th and continues through March 5th. Since last we wrote we learned that a good internet friend and avid supporter of all things Irish, Jay Dooling, has been diagnosed with stage four cancer; it’s very difficult  for us as well as his family and friends to grasp the gravity of his situation - he has always been so upbeat and full of joy - and amazingly, still is! Whatever your spiritual leanings please keep Jay and his wife Bert in your prayers or meditations as well as those still suffering from the affects of super storm Sandy, the families of all those so cruelly cut down at the school in Connecticut, those who lost their homes during the fires in Australia, Kim D from Canada who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Kevin Donahue, Susan Schupp, Hartson Dowd, his wife Helen and their family, the family and friends of the McTiernans, all those who are struggling with serious health and financial problems, and last , but certainly not least, all the men and women serving in the military all over the world. Please God, keep them safe and bring them home soon. http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html

The Week That Will be

God willing, we will be publishing a new home page on Monday, March 4th.

So there you have it until, we write again around around St. Patrick’s Day.  If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event between now and then, we hope it’s an occasion filled with love, joy and laughter. And if you were married in March  or plan on tying the knot next  month, here is your special verse:

If you wed when March winds blow

Both joy and sorrow you will know.

And don’t forget - Mother’s Day in Ireland is called Mothering Sunday and this year it falls on March 10th. Might we suggest sending flowers through our site or perhaps a gift from one of our sponsors ? And whatever title you use -  Mam, Mum, Ma, Mammy or Mom.  we know your message of love and appreciation will go to the 'Best Mother in the World!

We’ll take our leave with this lovely Irish blessing  

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

 And as they say in Ireland, mind yourself! 

Until next time, pinch punch first day of the month white rabbit.!

Slan agus beannacht 

Bridget & Russ

Get down on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet. 

Téigh ar do ghlúine is bí buíoch le Dia go bhfuil tú fós ar do chosa.

DID SOMEONE FORWARD THIS ISSUE TO YOU? 

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http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Newsletter.html

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

Irish Abroad lists many events taking place all over the world. Check them out here:

http://events.irishabroad.com/List.aspx?public=1&event=1

If we receive a unique event not mentioned there, we will be happy to list it here.

HOLLYWOOD, FLA - UPCOMING EVENTS

Patrick O’Dea, president of the Irish American  Ceili Club  sent us a listing of events on the club’s calendar for March: 

March 1 - Scottish Ceilidh at Maguires Hill 

March 2 Scottish Fest at Snyder Park

March 8 9 10 15 16 17 - Irish Theatre of Florida presents   "Here we are again still” Tix only $15 !

Call 561-491-5719 

March 9 - Ceile at the club with Tommy & Sharon      Call 954-460-5000 for info 

WE ARE MARCHING 2 Parades: FtL 3/9/13

Hollywood 3/10/13

Meet @ 12 noon Dixie & Monroe

wear the colors !

For more details, photos and more, visit the club’s FaceBook page:

IRISH  Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-American-Ceili-Club/148025491923355

 DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 19TH 

Family Day, a national celebration of the diversity of families  will be held at Iveagh Gardens with song, dance, music, magic, arts and crafts workshops, sports, storytelling, face painting, games and festivities for children of all ages. A complementary pampering area for grown-ups provides a relaxation haven, while a food village offers flavours from around the globe. Family Day is presented by One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families, and EBS. For more details, please visit the official site:

http://www.onefamily.ie/

CO. TYRONE, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 25th

'Tis the Gathering of the Great Norther Clans  - the biggest in 400 years! The Ancient Clan O'Neill of Tyrone call on all O'Neills and their fellow Celts to help them celebrate the living re-enactment of the inauguration of Hugh O'Neill which will take place on Saturday 25th of May at 6.pm on the ancient site of Tulach Óg just outside Cookstown in County Tyrone. For more details, please click

http://oneillsofulster.com/content/co-tyrone-gathering-great-northern-clans

Or write to Dan O’Neill: oneillsofulster@yahoo.co.uk

ON-GOING

IRISH HERITAGE CENTER - CINCINNATI. OH

From Bodran Classes to Irish Fiddle sessions and much, much more, there is always something going on to celebrate Ireland & the Irish. For complete details about all events, please click

http://www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com/

FRIENDS OF IRELAND  - LOS ALAMITOS,  CA 

Friends of Ireland of Southern California Monthly Breakfast. Events are held on the 1st Tuesday of the month. Please call in RSVP to one of the contacts below one day in advance so we can accommodate you.

Barbara Walsh (714) 739-4195 Kathy Wisdom (714) 572-8277

Tom Kennedy (562) 425-2636 Jim O'Dea (626) 965-0307

CEILI OF THE VALLEY SOCIETY - Portland OR

First Friday of the month Céilís and ongoing Tuesday night Céilí and Sean Nós dance classes. Our season runs from October through June and next season we may be moving the dances to Saturday rather than Friday nights. For more details, please click

http://www.myspace.com/ceiliofthevalley.

LEAVE ‘EM LAUGHING

The Irish love making puns or plays on words- especially  headline writers. We’ll leave you with a few gems gathered from all over.

Patient At Death's Door - Doctors Pull Him Through

Latin Course To Be Canceled--No Interest Among Students, et al.

Antique Stripper to Display Wares at Store

War Dims Hope For Peace

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last A While

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

Is There a Ring of Debris around Uranus?

Super Caley Go Ballistic, Celtic Are Atrocious 

Child's Stool Great for Use in Garden

Dealers will Hear Car Talk at Noon

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

Enraged Cow Injures Farmer with Ax

Eye Drops Off Shelf

Robber Holds Up Murphy’s  Hosiery

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Shot Off Woman's Leg Helps Nicklaus to 66

Grandmother of Eight Makes Hole in One

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Panda Mating Fails - Veterinarian Takes Over

British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands

And a few word plays: 

The Irish should be rich because their capital is always Dublin.

 I couldn't quite remember how to throw a boomerang, but eventually it came back to me.

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

No pun in ten did.