Welcome to the Irish Culture & Customs newsletter which is published every fortnight or so and sent out to going on 4700 readers all over the world. You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up for it - God Bless you! If you'd like to read past issues, they are archived at:
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Greetings & Blessings to all,
We hope this edition finds you in good health, good spirits and good company. And if it's your first issue, many thanks for joining us. We hope you enjoy our musings and meanderings, and if so, please feel free to share them with your family and friends.
No, it's not your imagination. We're back after just a week because we wanted to get one more newsletter in before the end of February and the beginning of Irish Heritage Month. There's also another reason. In our last newsletter and the one before that, we gave you an erroneous email address for our PayPal account. But not to worry - all has been straightened out and we are receiving your donations. Even in these tough economic times, many of you have sent what you can to help us out and we truly appreciate even the smallest gift. And whether you send a dime, a dollar or something more, you'll also be in with a chance to win one of ten copies of a new novel - Galway Bay - by Mary Pat Kelly. PLUS, Anita Daly, the NYC publicist for so many Irish groups, is offering 2 copies of Druid and 2 copies of An Irish Dream featuring featuring Anuna soloist Emma Kate Tobias! And, as always, any one sending a donation of $5.00 or more will receive a lucky Irish blessing coin. There's also a side benefit for us we didn't anticipate : many of you have written to tell us that carrying it around has helped you feel better - and that's really nice to know.
So, if you'd like to lend a helping hand, donations can be made safely and securely via PayPal at:
http://www.paypal.com
and to this account:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
or by snail mail to:
Bridget & Russ Haggerty
5814 Blue Spruce Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45224.
Go raibh maith agat in advance for your kindness. All winners will be listed in the newsletter after St. Patrick's Day. And, many of you will be relieved to know that this is our final fund-raising appeal until next year.
Onwards...
We spent a lovely Mardi Gras evening at our daughter's house where, in addition to the lively company and delicious New orleans style meal, she had arranged a very special surprise for her dad. Russ has been taking trumpet lessons for several years and is a fan of Dizzy Gillespie. One of our daughter's friends is a roadie with the Wynton Marsalis Band. He just happened to mention to our daughter that he owned a Dizzy Gillespie trumpet ...well. seeing as he just happened to be in town last Tuesday night, didn't our daughter have to persuade him to pay a surprise visit? It was a load of fun watching Russ pick up the horn and play a few notes and just the idea that it had been played by a jazz legend had all of us a wee bit awe-struck. We hope your Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day or whatever you call it was as much fun as ours!
The daffodils are up! Balmy temperatures the past week have encouraged us to resume our daily walks and we noticed that the bulbs we planted last fall have begun to emerge. We can only imagine what the carpet of showdrops must look like behind Toad Hall; every year it was always a thrill to see them almost cascading in a white frothy stream down the hillside. We miss that - but there's something to look forward to here at Tadpole Cottage the old place doesn't have - a huge forsythia bush at the end of the driveway. We might still get snow yet, but we think it's safe to say the back of old man winter has been broken. Now, watch us get a blizzard! But speaking of daffodils...
Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus! Or happy Saint David's day on March 1st to our Celtic cousins in Wales.
Enough of the blitherin'...on with the update:
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SPONSOR: Please help us keep our newsletter coming - visit our friends at the Celtic Attic:
They have just added a slew of new items for Saint Patrick's Day! And now through March 12th receive a $5.00 gift card with every order and a FREE GIFT with every order. Shop for St. Patrick's Day or stock up for next Christmas. All of their Christmas items are 5% off and that discount will be taken off After your order is placed.
Order on line or by phone - and tell them Bridget & Russ said hello!
Order by phone: Tel: 360-765-0186
Order on line:
http://celticcallings.com/shopping/merchant.mvc?CSC&Affiliate=Bridget
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IN THIS ISSUE:
News
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
Events
Leave 'em Laughing
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NEWS
What follows are news clips from around the counties and elsewhere. Links for more news stories can be found on our web site where we post the latest headlines from Ireland every morning and we keep two week's of previous news: http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/01News/Home.html
And more county news can be found here:
http://www.emigrant.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69095&Itemid=23
GENERAL:
Six Nations: Ireland one step closer
Ireland are one step closer to an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam after overcoming England by the minimum in an amazingly tense and physical battle at Croke Park. The final score was 14-13!
FROM AROUND THE COUNTIES:
Antrim: Larne man in champion army team
One of the contestants at the British Army Alpine Ski Championships in the French Alps recently was a young Larne man. Jonny Marsden, a member of the Royal Logistic Corps based in Germany, helped his team to win every team title and to take the overall title of British Army Team Alpine Champions 2009.
Armagh: Rapid rise for Blackwatertown man
Sean Brannigan from Blackwatertown has become the second youngest person to be appointed a Queen's Counsel in Britain. The thirty-seven-year-old barrister will officially 'take silk' next month. Sean was educated at St Patrick's Grammar School in Armagh before attending Oxford University. He practises in London, where he specialises in construction law.
Cavan: St Patrick's to have new campus
St Patrick's College in Cavan town is among those schools listed by the Department of Education for development and a new college campus is to be built within the grounds of the present college. In addition to providing new accommodation for the more than six hundred students, the construction will also provide local employment.
Cork: Millstreet calves to help church
Calves donated by farmers from Millstreet and the surrounding area are to be offered for sale in order to raise funds for the restoration of the local church. The sale, organised by John Twomey, Dan O'Riordan, Jerry O'Riordan and Jerry Doody, is to take place in mid-March in Macroom Mart.
Dublin: Swords girl wins naming competition
When Dublin Zoo asked the general public to help in naming a female giraffe calf born at the zoo, a teacher in Swords set her class the task of coming up with a name. And six-year-old Lucy Blacker from Brackenstown thought up the winner, helped by her parents and by searching the internet. Lucy's choice was 'Neema', a Swahili word meaning "born into prosperity".
Galway: Ballinasloe to honour 'Slumdog' director
Pat O'Sullivan, Mayor of Ballinasloe, is to host a civic reception to honour Danny Boyle, director of the multi-Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire", who has roots in the town. Danny's mother was the late Annie Mernehan, a native of Ballinasloe who always kept in touch with her Headd and Ogle relatives. Tommy Headd still lives on the farm at Loughbown which his cousin Danny used to visit as a child.
Kerry: Cross-generational literary output in Ballyferriter
Three generations of one family in Ballyferriter have recently launched books. Niamb Ní Bhaoill has launched a bilingual work on the traditional music of the area, entitled "Duibhneach - Music and Musicians of West Kerry". Meanwhile her father, Brian Ó Baoill, has been writing books for children for the last thirty years and decided it would be an interesting exercise to collaborate on a book with his grandson Oisín. With the thirteen-year-old devising the plot, the pair wrote alternate chapters and the result, "Ionsaí", won first prize in last year's Fiction for Young People Oireachtas awards.
Laois: Relocation project brings major haul
A relocation project carried out in the Grand Canal near Vicarstown has produced a haul of fish which has amazed the Central Fisheries Board research officer. Paul McLoone said he had never seen such quantity and quality of fish in many years of such projects; one three hundred and fifty metre stretch of the canal yielded more than twenty-five thousand fish. Most of these were roach but also caught were roach/bream hybrids, perch and one carp. The fish were removed by electro-fishing techniques in order to allow dredging work to be carried out.
Leitrim: IFTA award for Manorhamilton producer
Noeleen Leddy from Manorhamilton, who produced the "Bertie" documentary series for RTE featuring former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, was among the award winners at last week's Irish Film and Television Awards. The series was voted the Best Documentary Series at the ceremony in Dublin's Burlington Hotel. Noeleen, who is now freelance, formerly worked with Shannonside Radio and Today FM and her next project, with Animo Productions, will be another documentary with economist George Lee examining the current state of the Irish economy.
Longford: Local group calls for bridge protection
The newly formed Save Newcastle Bridge Committee in Ballymahon has called for the banning of heavy lorries from the ancient structure. The bridge has been closed for restoration work for the past year and a half after a crack was noticed running down the side. But the committee members believe that any work carried out will be wasted if a weight restriction is not imposed. The bridge was constructed in 1750.
Louth: Locally-made film to be distributed worldwide
A film made in Drogheda in 2006 by a group of local priests, with the held of lay people, is to be released worldwide by the Catholic satellite station Eternal Work Television Network. "A Journey to Sainthood" tells the story of St Oliver Plunkett and the script for the film was written by Monsignor John Hanley, Postulator for the canonisation of the saint.
Mayo: Achill couple have go-ahead for house
Cormac and Elaine Conaghan from Tonragee have received permission to build a house at Keel West, Dooagh, albeit with twenty conditions attached, including retaining the trees at the front boundary of their site, finishing the walls in nap plaster and all stone used must be from the local area.
Meath: Launch of new map in Kells
The Kells Town Map, a joint initiative by Kells Heritage Centre and Kells Chamber of Commerce, was officially launched at the Heritage Centre recently. The map highlights a number of tourist attractions and amenities including Causey Farm, Meath Triathlon, Kells Farmers' Market and the local swimming pool.
Monaghan: Castleblayney to host Bog Snorkelling
The First Irish National Bog Snorkelling Championships are to take place in Castleblayney in September. Contestants, who must wear snorkels and flippers, will have to complete two lengths of a sixty-yard water-filled trench through the peat bog without using any of the conventional swimming strokes.
Tyrone: Service of thanks marks end of acute service in Omagh
A torchlit service will take place in front of Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh this weekend to mark the end of more than a century of acute services in the town.
Wexford: Easter opening date for Mayglass Church
Work on Ballymore Church is due to be completed in time for Easter, according to parish priest Father Murty Byrne. The total cost of the restoration work on the one hundred and sixty year old church, which includes a new ceiling, is €300,000.
Wicklow: Enniskerry introduces "graveyard trail"
To mark the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its three parish churches, the town of Enniskerry has published a yearbook and has also instituted a "graveyard trail" of the cemeteries' more famous names. Among them is William Shaw, whose story has a familiar and topical ring. In the 1880s following a run on the Munster Bank, of which he was chairman, it emerged that he had received a loan of £80,000, and he and his fellow-directors had received extremely generous dividends. Other famous names buried locally include Northern artist Paul Henry and Sir Arthur Purves Phayre, the first commissioner of Burma under British rule.
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
NYC: A new generation of Irish American leaders is recognised
At the annual presentation of the Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Awards, high-profile honorees included Matt Flannery, founder of microfinance company Kiva.org which gives loans to “low income entrepreneurs” in the developing world, Rep. Michael Cusick, who heads up the Irish American legislators forum in the New York legislature, Irish America’s top female boxer (and social worker) Ruth O’Sullivan and Iraq veteran Sean Michael Flynn who wrote a book about his exploits with the Fighting 69th.
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SPONSOR: Please help us keep your newsletter coming - visit our good friends at Lollysmith:
'Tis that time of year again when our thoughts turn to - what to wear to all the St. Patrick's Day Parades and Parties! No fear - everything you'll need is here, from genuine Blackthorn Walking sticks, to authentic Hanna Hats and much, much more . We're told a brand new shipment of walking sticks is due in any day; they're all different and what makes the Lollysmith site even more enjoyable is the name and description they give each stick!
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?lollysmith+waspish+teandgrgi.html
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FROM THE MAILBAG
Jean Kaniecki wrote and told us about a line of offensive St. Patrick's gifts being sold by Spencer's Gifts (stores throughout US). At this time of year, we often see totally tasteless merchandise perpetuating negative Irish stereotypes and we deplore it. But apparently, Spencer's has really crossed the line. Jean goes on to tell us that they have successfully gotten these products off the shelves in Allegheny county through calls from the AOH and other insulted parties. Spencer's phone number is: 609-645-3300 Ext 6 and believe it or not, you should ask for Kevin Mahoney!
Last time we wrote, we mentioned in our news that Harrigan's Pub in Co Kildare offers shaves and haircuts along with the pints. In response Patrick writes: Keltic Man Barbers here in Fort Lauderdale gives a free draft beer to all clients, too.
Cheryl writes:
I have a very dear friend of Irish descent who is retiring from the state agency that she has worked at for 30 years. We are planning a farewell party for her and would like to know if there any customs or traditions that you celebrate when an Irish person retires?
ED. NOTE: We didn't know of any. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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LINKS
Hail Glorious St. Patrick - The Irish Tenors
When Bridget was growing up in England, this was always sung at school assembly on St. Patrick's Day and at Mass on the Sunday closest to March 17tht.Hearing it brings back many memories:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTn8PWwB5TM
Give Up Yer Aul Sins - Story of Saint Patrick
Imagine for a moment that a teacher in Dublin has asked one of her students to tell the story of St. Patrick in her own words. The narration is accompanied by an animation that also appears to be done by a child. This is an RTÉ short produced by Brown Bag Films and it is captivating:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0q-_gWOYjY
Jon Kenny & Rattle the Boards "St Patrick was a Gentleman"
A lively rendition of an old classic. Sure to make you want to get up on the floor!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqTWQW_2LpY
The Irish Page
This time around, Jack & Vivian offer a story especially for animal lovers. As they so correctly observe, our pets are often as dear to us as our children.
http://www.irishpage.com/jokes/puppydog.htm
Roch Valley Hospital radio is now back on the internet
Presenter Sean Page from Heywood in greater Manchester UK wrote to let us know that he has recorded a St. Patrick's Special including a plug for Irish Culture & Customs, God love him. He wasn't sure exactly when the show would air, but take a look at the following link and it may be listed:
http://www.rochvalleyradio.org.uk/html/sean.html
Jim Crotty Slide Show - Spring Celebration
Jim is one of our favourite photographers and also a generous sponsor of our Trivia Contest. The prize he offers is the gorgeous shamrock print. In this slide show accompanied by lovely music,Jim treats us to images taken in spring last year. May be we're biased, but it's magical how Jim captures the beauty of the region just north of where we live. Enjoy!
http://neophotog.blogspot.com/2009/02/spring-celebration.html
Free Mammograms
Do you know of a woman who can't afford a mammogram? Here's how you can help. Go to the Breast Cancer site and click on their free mammogram link; if they get enough clicks , they'll be able to donate at least one free mammogram a day to underprivileged women. It takes just a minute and there's no cost involved:
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
ED. NOTE: Maria Eryaatz advises that free mammograms are also available in all states via the VNA (visiting nurses association).
http://www.vnaa.org/
Click on 'Find A VNA' for the your nearest location.
Free Pet Food!
Last but certainly not least - our ongoing gift to AG in California and all friends to animals, please click this link today and everyday. It only takes a second to feed an animal. Thanks!
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites.woa
Free People Food!
It only takes a second to feed hungry people, too:
http://www.thehungersite.com
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SPONSOR: Please help us keep your newsletter coming - visit our good
friends at 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 our fantasy that one of our readers will scoop the jackpot; but, as they say in Ireland, you can't win it if you're not in it. To play on line, please click
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QUIPS, QUOTES, PROVERBS & TOASTS
Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
here’s a drink to his health!
But not too many drinks,
lest we lose ourselves and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick,
and see those snakes again!
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A BIT OF THE WIT
This comes from the pen of the Cork writer William Maginn (1794‑1842):
You've heard of St. Denis of France, he never had much for to brag on.
You've heard of St. George and his lance
Who killed d'old heathenish dragon.
The Saints of the Welshmen and Scot
Are a couple of pitiful pipers
And might just as well go to pot
When compared to the patron of vipers:
St. Patrick of Ireland, my dear.
ED. NOTE: This is just the first stanza. If you'd like, you can read the rest of it here:
http://www.stpatricksday.de/folklore_en.html
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JOKE OF THE WEEK
A writer died, and due to a bureaucratic snafu in the hereafter, she was to be allowed to choose her own fate: heaven or hell for all eternity.
Being very shrewd for a dead person, she asked St. Peter for a tour of both.
The first stop was hell, where she saw rows and rows of writers sitting chained to desks, in a room as hot as a thousand suns. Fire licked the writers' fingers as they tried to work; demons whipped their backs with chains. Your typical hell scene. "This is awful," said the writer, appalled , "Let's see some heaven."
In a moment, they were whisked to heaven and the writer saw rows and rows of writers chained to desks, in a room as hot as a thousand suns. Fire licked the writers' fingers as they tried to work; demons whipped their backs with chains. It looked and smelled even worse than hell.
"What gives, Pete?" the writer asked. "This is worse than hell!" "Yes," St. Peter replied, "but here your work gets published."
ED. NOTE: Bridget found this one particularly amusing!
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DID YOU KNOW
1. Ireland's largest church is St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin?
2. The Popularity of Patrick as a Christian name in Ireland is due to the great 17th century general, Patrick Sarsfield, not our patron saint?
3. St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh stands on a bit of land called the ridge of the willow tree? According to legend, this land was given to St. Patrick by Irish chief Daire, after St Patrick brought him and his horse back to life.
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KNOW YOUR IRISH WRITERS
First off, the answers to our last quiz:
1. Secret Scripture - Sebastian Barry
2. Angels in My Hair - Lorna Fitzgerald Byrne
3. Irish Farmers Market Cookbook - Clodagh McKenna
A tip of the hat and a pat on the back to the following irish bibliophiles:
Mary Ruggiero
Please visit my site and sign my guestbook - I love hearing from new friends!
http://members.tripod.com/ladyirish317-ivil/
Helen Dowd
The ONE, the ONLY -- Irish site is:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com
ED. NOTE: And in all fairness, the ONE, the ONLY Christian site is:
http://www.occupytillicome.com
Hartson Dowd
An Interesting Irish web site is Ireland - Irish Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association
http://www.issaireland.org/
John Laney
For a site to help enjoy the year as well as dul chun drabhlais:
http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com
Tammy Donahue-McGing
ED. NOTE: This is actually a correction from our last issue where we said Michael - and not Tammy! Tammy wrote to let us know and mentioned that while she isn't related to the McGing Dancers, she thinks they're as grand as we do.
http://www.mcgingdancers.com/home.htm
Want to see your name and favorite web site in our next newsletter? Who wrote:
1. Wild Plants of the Burren & Aran Islands
2. Ireland's High Places
3. Ireland's Ocean a Natural History
Please send your answers to Bridget:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
Don't forget to nominate a favorite Irish site and it would be helpful if you put "Know Your Writers" in the subject line of your email. Thanks!
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RIDDLE
To start off, the answer to our previous Mind Mangler
Q. Soldiers line up spaced with pride,
Two long rows lined side by side.
One sole unit can decide
If the rows will unite or divide.
Tell me, tell me, scream it out.
What's the thing I talk about?
A. Zipper.
As always, our Riddle People were in top form, but first in was Judy Skapik. Well done, Judy! And now for our next cranium cruncher: (This is a classic we think worth repeating)
As a whole, I am both safe and secure.
Behead me, and I become a place of eating.
Behead me again, and I am the partner of ready.
Restore me, and I become the domain of beasts.
What am I?
Please send your answers to:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
It would be helpful if you put riddle answer in the subject line.
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THE WEEK THAT IS - It's about to change, so if you haven't had a chance to check out this week's articles, we encourage you to do so as soon as you can.
SHOPPING SECTION: St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Celebrate your Irish heritage with an appropriately unique gift from one of the best Irish and Celtic shops on the internet or anywhere else:
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Shop/1Shop2.html
ED. NOTE: Every purchase through our shop links, helps support our efforts. Many thanks in advance
1. Article: Shrovetide - the Marrying Season!
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/Shrovetide.html
2. Article: Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/ShroveTues.html
3. Article: Ash Wednesday & The Lenten Season in Old Ireland
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/AshWed.html
4. Article: What if you were still single by Ash Wednesday?
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/SinglebyAshWed.html
5. Article: Marry in May & Rue the Day
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/MarryMay.html
6. Article: Emblems of Ireland - The Shamrock
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AEmblem/Shamrock.html
7. Basic Irish: Words & Phrases related to Lent & Easter
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Lessons8.html#Gael33
8. The Irish Kitchen - Recipes for Shrove Tuesday
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Lessons8.html#Gael33
9. Kids' Ireland - St. Patrick, from slave to saint
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/StPatrick.html
10. Music Review: Celtic Lovers - Máire Breatnach's third solo album takes us on a journey through Irish mythology, with great romances as its central theme.
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Libr/zCelticLovers.html
11. February Trivia Contest. All entries must be in by midnight February 28 no matter what time zone you live in.
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/TriviaContest.html
12. Circle of Prayer: The third Novena in this cycle ends on March 1 and the fourth one begins on March 2. All over the globe, people are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. Thus, our specific request this time around is that we keep in our prayers and meditations all those who are suffering as a direct result. We also ask that guidance be given to our world leaders in their efforts to bring about a speedy end to the crisis. In addition, please keep the following in your prayers and meditations: Bill Smith's friend Karl; Irish Mary; Hartson; Mickey; the Mulvihills; the Dowd's missionary friends in India; Christy Banik, Joe Colum, Patricia's daughter Heather, the family and friends of the McTiernans, the prayer circle of Sassycat, Pauline Dewberry, our daughter Catherine, Cyndi, Laureena Blankenship, Sierra Mitchell, Michelle Lester, Katie Lacinak and so many others including all military personnel serving their countries all over the world. Dear Heavenly Father, please keep them safe and bring them home soon.
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Blessings/CirclePrayer.html
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So that's the long and the short of it until we write again just before St. Patrick's Day. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion between now and then, we hope it's an occasion filled with joy and happiness.
Meanwhile, pinch, punch, first day of the month for the first day of March and if you were married or plan to tie the knot within the next 31 days or so, here is your special verse:
If you marry when March winds blow
Joy and sorrow both you'll know.
With that, we'll take our leave with this lovely old Irish prayer said to have been written by St. Patrick himself:
This day, and always,
May God's strength direct you,
May His power sustain you,
May His wisdom guide you,
And His vision light you.
His ear to your hearing,
His word to your speaking,
His hand to uphold you,
His pathway before you,
His shield to protect you,
And his legions to save you.
And, as they say in Ireland, mind yourself.
Slan agus beannacht,
Bridget & Russ
Get down on your knees and thank God you're still on your feet!
Celtic Blessing - sung by the St. Coca's Choir, from Kilcock, Co. Kildare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrS3kYW6du4
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Please check with the Wild Geese - they have a huge listing of events and we don't want to duplicate their efforts:
http://www.thewildgeese.com/
If we receive a unique event not mentioned there, we will be happy to list it here.
Dublin Ireland - Fringefest 2009
The 15th Dublin Fringe Festival invites submissions for its annually anticipated, culture jamming line-up of contemporary arts this September. As in previous years, the call for applications has been heard around the world, as the Fringe continues its search for new, exciting and challenging work through all arts communities. Closing Deadline for applications is: Friday 3 April. For more details, please click
http://culturebot.org/2009/02/05/dublin-fringe-festival-wants-you-–-applications-2009/
Florence, KY - March 7
Irish Day at the Races - Turfway Park Race Course, organized by the Fenians of Northern KY. In addition to the excitement of watching the races, also enjoy Irish musicians and dancers, irish food and drink, and many other irish activities and attractions including a wide variety of vendors displaying fine irish goods. For more details, please click
http://www.irishdayattheraces.com/events.htm
Cincinnati OH - February 26-March 12
AOH IRISH FILM FESTIVAL
OUR LADY OF KNOCK HALL 8070-1 READING ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH
Donation: $8.00 includes soft drinks and pretzels/chips
For complete details, please contact Jim McGee
jmagee@fuse.net
Philadelphia, PA - March 14th
St. Malachys College Belfast St. Patricks Tour. The group consists of 14 boys - a string quartet and 10 traditional folk musicians. The whole group can then also function as a choral ensemble and the folk group have an extensive repertoire. On Saturday evening March 14th, they will perform in a formal school concert at Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill at 7p.m. admission is FREE. On Sunday,March 15, they will march in the Philadelphia St. Patricks Parade. If youlive in the area and would like more information and/or and can help with expenses, please contact Dan Harrell:
palestradan@yahoo.com
Glendale, California - March 14
Mark your calendar now for the Irish Center's St Patrick's Day Dinner Dance at the Glendale Hilton. For complete details, please click
http://www.irishcenter.org/calendar.html
Zürich, Switzerland - March 20 - 22
15 Years Setdancing in Zürich with Séamus O Méaloid (advanced) and
Tony Ryan (beginners) and the Fodhla Céiliband from Dublin. On Friday night we will celebrate with music, dance, food, drink and fun. It is worth coming to Zürich for this big Event. The flights are cheap if you book early and I will help with accommodation. Our dancers from Zürich
or around Zürich will offer free beds but I can also offer advice on Hotels. Interested? I can send you more information. Elizabeth Zollinger:
irish-culture@yahoogroups.com
Dublin Ireland - March 29 & April 5
DANCE THEATRE OF IRELAND present High School Musical Workshops with the cast of
Disney’s High School Musical 6-7 pm. at Dance Theatre of Ireland Centre for Dance, Bloomfields, Lower Georges St.
Dun Laoghaire
Experience all the moves from High School Musical with one of the cast!
For more details, please visit:
http://www.dancetheatreireland.com
Zürich, Switzerland - April 4-5
Sean nós Workshop with Treasa Ní Mhiolláin of Inishmore, Aran Isl. In this workshop you can learn some of the old gaelic and some songs In English in the traditional way from the very fine sean-nós singer Treasa who is specially coming to Zürich for this workshop. For more details, please contact Elizabeth Zollinger:
irish-culture@yahoogroups.com
Los Alamitos, California -1st Tuesday of every month
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
Portland, oregon - 1st Friday of the month
Ceili of the Valley Society - First Friday of the month Céilís and on-going 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.
Inishmore, Aran Isles - 2009
House to rent. Because of my “time out” I won’t spend so much time in my house this year. So there are more dates available for renting, also in the summer. Available weeks in March, May and from end of July 09 on. Rent: 280-430 Euro/week. More Information on my website: www.irish-culture.ch/
Or ph.: 0041 (0)44 2520918
Or email:
irish-culture@yahoogroups.com
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LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING
Or may be crying! This was sent to us by Mattie Lennon host of "Mattie Lennon's Ballad Hour" on Radio Dublin 100FM every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. He has contributed articles to our web site and from time to time writes humourous pieces like the following effort which appears to sum up his frustrations with the Taoiseach. If you'd like to send him a comment, his email address is:
lennonaspect@iol.ie
PRAYER FOR BRIAN
COWEN IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WORK.
HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL FACTORIES.
HE RESTORETH MY FAITH IN THE FINE GAEL.
HE GUIDETH ME TO THE PATH OF UNEMPLOYMENT.
YEA, THOUGH I WAIT FOR MY DOLE,
I OWN THE BANK THAT REFUSES ME.
COWEN HAS ANOINTED MY INCOME WITH TAXES,
MY EXPENSES RUNNETH OVER MY INCOME,
SURELY, POVERTY AND HARD LIVING WILL FOLLOW ME ALL THE
DAYS OF HIS TERM.
FROM HENCE FORTH WE WILL LIVE ALL THE DAYS
OF OUR LIVES IN A RENTED HOME WITH AN OVERSEAS LANDLORD.
I AM GLAD I AM IRISH,
I AM GLAD THAT I AM FREE.
BUT I WISH I WAS A DOG
AND COWEN WAS A TREE.
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