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Welcome to the Irish Culture & Customs newsletter which is published every weekend and sent out to more than 2000 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: http://www.yourmailinglistprovider.com/pubarchive.php?Herself
If, for any reason, you wish to unsubscribe, instructions are at the end - but we do hope you'll stay with us.
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Greetings and blessings to all,
We hope this edition finds you and yours in fine fettle and fit as a fiddle. As always, it's lovely to be back and we're especially happy that we are now writing to more than 2000 subscribers; if you just signed up, many thanks for joining us, and please feel free to pass our musings and meanderings along to family and friends.
It's been a very hectic week or so in the Haggerty household. Bridget spent a few days in Scarborough, Maine and returned with fond memories of real clam chowder and lobster, leisurely walks on the beach and lengthy natters with close friends she hasn't seen in a long time. She's finding it very hard to settle back into land-locked Cincinnati. Part of the problem could be the weather; high heat and humidity have returned with a vengeance and while we were hoping to get the newsletter out on Saturday, severe storms forced us to shut down. The web site was also down for a while, but it's back up and running now. We saw on the news that the torrential rains caused a lot of flooding north of us - we hope and pray our Ohio subscribers weren't affected.
Do you think the fascination in Ireland and the Irish is fading? Bridget was talking to two publishers - one in Minnesota and the other in Colorado who seem to be of the opinion that the market for Irish topics has tanked. We're not sure we agree. What's your opinion?
Bridget's rehabilitation continues and while progress is slow, the strength and stamina are coming back; Russ can't wait; he says he had no idea how much time it took to do dishes, laundry, cook,and clean. God bless him! Enough about us, on with the update....
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Did you know that 34 Millionaires were created by the Irish lottery in 2003? You could be next! One of the most trusted lotteries in the world, drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Best of all, you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are tax-free. Do you have the luck of the Irish? Play the Irish lottery and find out! Please click here for full details:
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In news from Ireland:
General
The Government has told fresh water anglers that they will be allowed to keep only one salmon per day in the peak fishing month of September, down from three per day this month. The measure is designed to protect stocks of the fish, which are under threat, while avoiding the introduction of an outright ban on the retention of salmon by rod anglers.
Calling all Choreographers - Big Telly Theatre Company is looking for a choreographer to work on its swimming pool production of The Little Mermaid. Although the actual production is not happening till next year, the company has a development period scheduled in Jordanstown pool, Newtownabbey. This is an opportunity for various designers, actor/athletes,choreographers to dip their toes in the water and find out whether they want to become involved in this mad project. If you're interested please send a CV to mailto:info@big-telly.com
Irish authors Colm Tóibín and Ronan Bennett have made the long list of 22 books announced for this year's Man Booker Prize for Fiction.
Ireland remains one of the top six countries Americans would like to visit, according to a new Harris poll. The internet poll asked a nationwide cross section of 2,242 US adults what country they would choose to visit if cost was not a factor. Australia is the number one holiday choice, followed by Italy Britain, France and Ireland.
Cork: Aer Lingus announced four new European routes from Cork Airport, serving Munich, Nice, Rome and Faro (Portugal), all to commence in summer 2005. These will bring its total offering from the southern airport to 11 routes. The airline will locate three new aircraft at Cork in a move which is seen as a significant advance for the development of the entire Munster region.
Down:
Terrence (Banjo) Bannon from Newry, who last year conquered Mount Everest, is to be a member of the first Irish team to take part in an Amazon jungle charity challenge which includes a two hundred kilometer run and canoeing through piranha-infested waters.
Dublin: An extremely rare brooch has been discovered along with the remains of a 10th century woman, aged between 25 and 35, during an archaeological excavation at a site near Finglas in north Dublin.
Dublin: Clintons visit Ireland. Thousands lined up outside an Irish booksellers in Dublin last Wednesday for a signing with former US president Mr Bill Clinton, who played such a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland peace process. It was his first time in Dublin since his Presidency ended in January, 2001, and there was not a dissenting voice to be heard as he autographed 1,500 copies of his memoirs, 'My Life'.
Galway: Twenty-eight contestants in the Rose of Tralee competition visited the Dartfield Horse Museum at Kilreekill run by the Leahy family, and left a legacy with a number of the new foals born in the past few weeks. Dorothy Leahy and her family will name twenty-eight of the thirty foals sfter the contestants with the most promising foal being named after the winner of the Rose of Tralee 2004 contest, Kilkenny Rose Orla O'Shea. Orla is 20 and a native of Kilkenny City. She completed her Bachelor of Education studies in June 2004 and takes up her first position as a Primary Teacher in Swords (Co. Dublin) in September.
Kilkenny: The Catholic Diocese of Ossory has granted permission for the shooting of a new Irish film at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, located 10 miles from Kilkenny city. It has been chosen by director Neil Jordan for his latest project, Breakfast on Pluto. Shooting will begin on September 6th and is expected to last anumber of weeks. Around 100 people are expected in the town during the shooting of the film. The production company is looking for locals with long hair and sideburns to take part as extras.
Limerick:The foundations of a house dating from the thirteenth or fourteenth century have been uncovered during archaeological investigations prior to a development in Kilmallock. The find was made at the site of a proposed retail and residential development at the junction of Emmet Street and Sarsfield Street.
Mayo: Another post office closes An Post has placed three advertisements over the past few months in an effort to find someone to take over the post office at Bunnacurry on Achill Island. They have now announced that the post office will close at the end of this month and former customers will have to use the post offices in Keel and on Achill Sound.
Meath: New way of transport for Kilmessan
The country's newest jarvey* service has been established in Kilmessan by local man Michael Maguire. Launched at Trim Castle on Monday, the service will take passengers on a tour of Kilmessan, starting at Trim Castle and visiting Echo Gate, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral and Newton.
*jaunting car
Meath: Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mountcharles promises a concert to "knock your eyes out" when Madonna appears at the outdoor venue today.
Westmeath: Literary windfall for Athlone library The new library in the town is to be named the Aidan Heavey Library in recognition of the donation of his collection of Oliver Goldsmith first editions to the facility. The collection, which has been amassed over the past forty years, is regarded as one of the finest private libraries in the country. In addition to the Goldsmith books, it features extensive material relating to Douglas Hyde including a portrait by Leo Whelan, sketchbooks belonging to Jack B. Yeats and early maps and tour guides to Ireland.
Wexford: The British pharmaceutical chain Boots will open its 35th Irish store before the end of this year. The move to Wexford will result in the creation of 15 new jobs, bringing the total employed by Boots in this country to more than 1,150.
News from all over:
Athens: A gold medal was finally draped around an Irish neck in Greece as Cian O'Connor was crowned Olympic showjumping champion. The victory was Ireland's ninth gold medal since independence and it was the country's first Olympic equestrian medal, putting an end in the most emphatic way possible to Team Ireland's medal drought in Athens.
Liverpool: "We're a rare breed," admits Nick Fallon. He's talking about professional Irish dancers from Liverpool and, being one himself, he should know. Fallon is currently dancing one of the star roles in the Irish dance show, Lord of the Dance which returns to the Empire Theatre on September 7. Click here for the full story:
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/tm_objectid=14578299&method=full&siteid=50020&headline=born-to-dance-name_page.html
From the mailbag:
Author appeals for stories for new book. Have you ever had an instance where you felt a deceased loved one was in some way communicating with you, and you felt comforted? Author and Longford News journalist Audrey Healy is currently compiling a book of people's stories with author Don Mullan. The stories revolve around how people have found comfort after the death of a loved one, which have led the individuasl to believe that their deceased loved one is happy and at peace and can still communicate with them. Anyone wishing to share an experience with us can write to the following address:
A Healy
3 Canal Close,
Longford, Co. Longford,
Ireland. Alternatively email to yourstory@eircom.net
Eileen O Duill, the generous Dublin genealogist who has kindly offered to help with your genealogy questions thinks it might be easier if you contact her directly at:
clan@heirsireland.com
She will send us the answers and we'll publish them on the website.
Canadian Humor. Our friend Patricia in England sent us a very funny message. With so many Canadian subscribers, we thought this would be a special treat - we put it at the end.
Helen wrote to let us know that Hartson, our resident Irish recipe collector has been transferred to their local hospital and continues to make good progress. Please keep him in our prayers. We also heard from Aideen, our native Irish speaker that she broke her hip. She's on the mend, but please keep her in your prayers as well.
Links of the week:
Jack & Vivian of the Irish Page sent us a link to their latest offering - Beannacht ar Bainis - Marriage Blessing. The music and lyrics are lovely:
http://www.irishpage.com/songs/wedding.htm
Several readers sent in the following - thank you!
3M Corporation is building the "World's Largest Pink Ribbon" on a billboard in Times Square this October. For every person who clicks on this link and signs up, Post-It will donate $1 to breast cancer research and place a post-It in their name on the billboard. Here's the link:
http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/research/largest_pink_ribbon.jhtml.
National Museums and Galleries Northern Ireland
The National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland (MAGNI) has launched http://www.magni.org.uk, a website that incorporates the previously separate websites of the Ulster Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Armagh County Museum and W5. The MAGNI portal provides links between museum events, exhibitions, programmes and collections in Northern Ireland.
Hillbilly dictionary - just for fun - and without any apologies:
http://www.superlaugh.com/1/medical.htm
Last, but definitely not least - our on-going 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
Enough of the blather- on with the update...
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Come take a look at our wide range of authentic Irish gifts - from great-looking Guinness gear to genuine blackthorn walking sticks. Explore what we have on offer, browse to your heart's content, and remember, when you buy from Lollysmith, you'll always enjoy great prices, quick shipping, and friendly, personalized service.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Quips, quotes, proverbs & toasts
A bit of the wit
Joke of The Week
Riddle
New This Week
The Week Ahead
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QUIPS, QUOTES, PROVERBS & TOASTS
Is fearr bothán biamhar ná caisleán gortach - A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle
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A BIT OF THE WIT
The weather and the cab drivers in Dublin haven't changed much. According to Wakeman's Guide to Ireland (1890), a tourist asked a cab driver what the three statues on the top of the GPO represented. He was told the 12 apostles. When he inquired about the other nine he was informed, "With weather like this they only come out three at a time, takin' their turns regular."
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OUR FAVORITE JOKE OF THE WEEK
Katie and JMoira are old friends. They have both been married to their husbands for a long time.Katie is upset because she thinks her husband doesn't find her attractive anymore. "As I get older he doesn't bother to look at me!" she complains to Moira. "What a pity," says Moira. As I get older my husband says I get more beautiful every day. "All well and good, says Katie, but your husband's an antique dealer!"
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DID YOU KNOW
1. The first traffic lights in Dublin were installed at the junction of Merrion Square and Clare Street, on August 27, 1937 and the first parking meter on Wellington Quay on January 14, 1970?
2.The Union Jack was first flown not in England but over Dublin, on January 1, 1801, to celebrate the Act of Union? The Irish Rugby Football Union were so attached to it that they flew the Union Jack and not the tricolour at all matches until 1932, when the President of the Executive Council, William T Cosgrave, intervened.
3. the bugle blown to launch the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade was sold by McNeill's music shop of Capel Street?
Source: The Little Book of Dublin
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IRISH WRITERS AND BOOKS QUIZ
Who wrote:
1. Pósadh and Bainis: Guide to the Traditional Irish Wedding
2. Forgetting Frolic: Marriage Traditions in Ireland
3. Irish Marriage Customs (Celtic Ireland)
All correct entries will be listed in the next newsletter in the order in which they are received. Hint: All 3 titles can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=irishcultucus-20&path=tg/detail/-/0937702218/qid%3D1093702877/sr%3D1-1
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Help us keep this newsletter free by visiting our good friends at The Irish Lottery. Did you know that 34 Millionaires were created by the Irish lottery in 2003? You could be next! One of the most trusted lotteries in the world, drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Best of all, you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are tax-free. Do you have the luck of the Irish? Play the Irish lottery and find out! Please click here for full details:
http://www.irishlotto.net
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Back in Print!!!!
The Traditional Irish Wedding. Updated, expanded and revised 2nd edition now available:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=irishcultucus-20&path=tg/detail/-/0937702218/qid%3D1093702877/sr%3D1-1
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THIS WEEK'S RIDDLE
First off, the answer to last week's head banger:
Q: A puppy is one, but a dog is not.
A kitten is one, but a cat is not.
A cookie is one, but a cracker is not.
What is it?
A: A word with double letters. Well done, Sandra B of Ontario who was first in. And thanks to all of you who made the effort. Maybe you'll have better luck with this week's skull-skewer:
Q There is a common English word that is nine letters long. Each time you remove a letter from it, it still remains an English word - from nine letters right down to a single letter. What is the original word, and what are the words that it becomes after removing one letter at a time?
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Help us keep this newsletter free by visiting our good friends at The Irish Lottery. Did you know that 34 Millionaires were created by the Irish lottery in 2003? You could be next! One of the most trusted lotteries in the world, drawings are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Best of all, you don't have to live in Ireland to play and all winnings are tax-free. Do you have the luck of the Irish? Play the Irish lottery and find out! Please click here for full details:
http://www.irishlotto.net
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THE WEEK THAT WAS
NEXT WEEK, GOD WILLING:
We're posed to bring you lots of new things to kick off the beginning of fall. Watch for a new Trivia Contest, Culture Corner, Recipe, Novena update and more!
Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event this week? We hope it's a joyous occasion for you and your loved ones! Want to find out what wild and wacky holidays are on tap for August? Check out:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/august.htm
http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august.htm
http://www.holidays.net/dailys.htm
http://www.party411.com/holidays-funky08.html
So that's the long and the short of it until next weekend. 'Til then, "pinch, punch, first day of the month next Tuesday .Also, if you are getting married or were wed in September, the Irish verse is "Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine." Meanwhile, may God keep you and yours from all harm 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
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Are you a loyal reader of our newsletter? Your voluntary donation will help us keep sending it around the world each week. Please give whatever you can to Russ and Bridget, 5670 Meryton Place, Cincinnati, OH, 45224. Donations can also be made via PayPal at
http://www.paypal.com
Our email address there is bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
FREE shamrock seeds for any donation over $25! Many thanks in advance for your kindness.
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Events & Classifieds
To avoid duplication, we list only those events not already mentioned in the Irish Heritage Newsletter - if you'd like to subscribe, just send a note to George at Steeler059@aol.com
And, if you're in Ireland, or lucky enough to be visiting, you can see what's on offer here:
http://www.irishtravelideas.com/Calender2004.asp
25th Cork Folk Festival - August 31-September 5
The Beamish Cork Folk Festival announces a spectacular line up for its 25th birthday celebrations. Mary Black and the Scottish supergroup Capercaillie are the headline acts for this year's event, but the festival will see the return of many of those artists who graced the banks of the Lee over the past 25 years Bert Jansch, Paddy Keenan, Jimmy Crowley, John Spillane, Noel Hill, Jackie Daly and Séamus Creagh are just a few of the folk legends who will return to one of Ireland's longest running folk festivals.
Sunday September 5 - New York Feis and Festival on Staten Island
For more information, please visit the Feis website: http://www.nialloleary.com/fneaos
Houston, Texas
Three of the world's leading female choreographers converge at Houston Ballet for Women @ Art, a fall repertory program unlike any other. Australian born Natalie Weir returns to create her third work for the company. Julia Adam showcases her humorous story telling style. And Lila York pays tribute to her Irish roots with her bold and vigorous Celts premiere on the same program. For dates and details, please visit: http://www.houstonballet.org/gen/PR0405SeasonRelease2Women.asp
Houston, Texas - September 13
The Houston St. Patrick's Parade Commission Presents The 2004 St. Paddy's Irish Open
Monday, September 13, 2004 2pm Shotgun Start
Four Man Scramble and Green Ball Contest at Hearthstone Country Club
http://www.hearthstoneclub.com/membership/map_hearthstone.htm
Houston, Texas - September 18 The third annual 'Tis Great to Be An Irish American Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18th, from 2:00-6:00pm
at the VFW Club in Spring Branch (Long Point and Campbell). Call (281) 492-8780 for more information or e-mail
patpmcmahon@aol.com.
Dublin Fringe Festival - September 20 to October 10
Now in its ninth year, the Fringe is an event of both national and international significance, attracting audiences in excess of 50,000. It is the fastest growing cultural event in Ireland and one of Europe's leading independent arts festivals with over 125 different events and attractions and more than 700 performances. Details here:
http://www.fringefest.com/index.asp
Cincinnati, Ohio September 25 & 26 Coney Island Celtic World Festival Two plays of Irish interest will be performed at this annual two-day event: Last Epitaph of a Wise Man by Denis Regan & Lady Gregory's Ingredients. For details about these and other attractions, please click:
http://www.cincinnatifolklife.com/cwf/cf-whatnew.html
Sligo, Ireland - Early October
The Sligo Heritage and Genealogy centre is hosting a 4 day international conference on Irish genealogy, heritage and culture. Even if you come from another county, this conference will be of interest as experts in various fields of study from all over Ireland will be speaking on a wide range of topics. Preliminary details of the conference are available at:
http://www.sligoroots.com
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These questions about Canada were posted on an international tourism web site:
1. Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.
2. Q: Will I be able to see polar bears in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.
3. Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto. Can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only 4,000 miles. Take lots of water.
4. Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada?
(Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
5. Q: It is imperative that I find the names and addresses of
places to contact for a stuffed beaver. (Italy)
A: We won't even touch this one.
6. Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Canada? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?
7. Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in
Canada? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Ca-na-da is that big country to your north. Oh, forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.
8. Q: Which direction is north in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when
you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
9. Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? (UK)
A: Just use your fingers like we do.
10. Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger- man-y, which is ... oh, forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
11. Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? (Germany)
A: No. We don't stink.
12. Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of
youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Canada? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
13. Q: Can I wear high heels in Canada? (UK)
A: You are an American politician, right?
14. Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.
15. Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? (USA)
A: Only at Thanksgiving.
16. Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk is illegal.
17. Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Canada who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: All Canadian rattlesnakes are perfectly harmless and can be safely handled and make good pets.
18. Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada but I
forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns and it is in the cartoons. (USA)
A: It's called a moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can repel them by spraying yourself with your own urine before you go out walking.
19. Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first. 