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Welcome to the Irish Culture & Customs newsletter which is published every
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Lá le Pádraig dhuit/dhaoibh!
For the first time in our brief history, we're sending out a special St.
Patrick's Day missive. Since last June and Bridget's all too close brush
with her Maker, we are even more thankful that we get to enjoy another
holiday with each other, our family, and our friends. And that most
definitely includes you! We hope this 2005 St. Pat's edtion finds you on
the pig's back and ready to celebrate. And we won't keep you long from
your pints - this is really just a thinly veiled excuse to find fun Irish
news, links and other entertainment to share with you and yours. So, as
Bridget's mother would say, "get on with it, why don't ye?"
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IRISHABROAD.COM - CONNECTING THE GLOBAL IRISH COMMUNITY
IrishAbroad.com is the largest online Irish community website with over
180,000 members worldwide Dedicated to all people who have an interest in
anything Irish and Ireland, IrishAbroad.com provides a wealth of content,
including Irish-related news and features from around the world, genealogy,
history, culture, recipes and more. Also an interactive site, it allows
users to get involved in discussions, add their own photo albums, add
events, search for other members in their area, buy gifts, and send e-cards.
IrishAbroad.com wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's day. You should check out
our special St Patrick's Day section to find out everything about Saint
Patrick and St Patrick's Day worldwide - events, e-cards, Irish quiz,
history, and much more.
http://www.irishabroad.com
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News from Ireland:
The weather for St. Patrick's Day: Much milder than average. The south will
be largely dry with bright or sunny periods. Rainy at first in the north,
but mainly dry and bright from late morning on. Moderate to strong
southwesterly wind. Highs 14-18C.
After decades of playing second fiddle to places like New York and Chicago,
Dublin now hosts the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the world -
the St. Patrick's Festival - with a five day street party that runs from
March 16th-March 21st. Close to half a million people are expected to watch
the parade.
Cork - In the European Capital of Culture, the St. Patrick's Day Party will
kick off with the parade and over the following three days and nights Cork
City will be alive with music, storytelling, dance, exhibitions, workshops,
sports events and the big closing party.
Meath - Double celebration for Trim
While every parish in the country will be celebrating St Patrick's Day, the
Cathedral parish in Trim will have two reasons to celebrate. St Patrick's
had been used for the enthronement of Bishops in the diocese but it wasn't
until 1955 when Dr James McCann was Bishop of Meath that it officially
gained cathedral status. To mark the golden jubilee a Festal Eucharist will
take place on the evening of St Patrick's Day, led by The Most Rev. Dr
Richard L. Clarke and with the homily delivered by the Right Rev. David
Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrew's in Scotland.
Monaghan - More than just a parade in Clones
Large crowds are expected to gather at Fermanagh Street in Clones on St
Patrick's Day to witness the town's sixth annual St Patrick's Day parade,
but this will only be the start of the festivities. Following this there
will be an evening of entertainment featuring a wide range of local talent,
including Irish dancers from the McQuaid School of Dancing, local musicians
and a group of children performing in the Irish language. For the children
there will be face painting, a bouncy castle and visits from a number of
characters including the Tweenies, Bob the Builder and Scooby Doo.
From all over:
NYC - New York's 5th Avenue hosts the largest street parade in New York
every St Patrick's Day as thousands of Americans of Irish descent march in
celebration of their ancestry. Even the white line in the centre of 5th Ave
goes green.
Chicago - this year is the 50th anniversary of the Chicago St Patricks Day
parade. It was the first St Patricks Day parade in the world to dye its
river green for the festival and this continues to be a main feature of its
festivities.
London - celebrated with a parade, a festival in Trafalgar Square and, no
doubt, plenty of Guinness, This year it is predicted that the celebrations
will rival those in cities such as New York and Chicago.
Munich - The Munich parade is one of the largest St. Patrick's day parades
in the whole of Europe and one of the largest events in the Munich calendar.
The year 2005 will see the 10th anniversary of the Munich St. Patrick's Day
Parade with almost 8000 participants joining in the events.
Washington D.C. As they have done for 26 years, the John F. Kennedy
Division of the AOH from Prince George's County have placed a wreath near
the eternal flame at the grave of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington
National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. This annual tribute is given to the
only U.S. President who was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Washington D.C. Shamrocks for George Washington's adopted grandson
Fresh shamrocks from the Irish Embassy have been placed at the grave of
President George Washington's adopted grandson, George Washington Parke
Custis. Custis, father in law of Robert E. Lee, was a leading advocate of
Irish freedom in the early part of the 19th century. He was very actively
involved in Irish American affairs in Washington, DC before his death in
1847. Before he died, he wished aloud that someday an Irishman would come
by and place a shamrock on his grave and say, "God bless him." The
Hibernians in the Nation's Capital have been fulfilling his wish ever since.
Washington D. C. Friend of Ireland Award
Traditionally, the Hibernians give this award to an individual who did
something to help Ireland or the Irish American community. This year, they
decided to present the award to Father Patrick Kenny, the Catholic Chaplain
at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Father Kenny is a native of Ireland and was
ordained a priest in Dublin 44 years ago. For the past 15 years he has been
a civilian Chaplain with the Military Archdiocese at Walter Reed. With the
wounded coming back from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Father
Kenney is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week exercising his priestly
ministry.
Links of the day:
Jack and Vivian of the Irish page sent us a special web page in honour of
St. Patrick:
The content was written by Patrick himself and originally in Latin. After
all of Patrick's hard work to spread Christianity among the Irish, the Welsh
chieftain Coroticus invaded the North of Ireland with soldiers mostly
nominal Christians and slaughtered newly baptized Irish and sold others into
slavery. Patrick was so angry that he wrote this letter in reply. It is here
in Irish and English:
http://www.irishpage.com/patsday/corotcus.htm
St. Patrick screensavers, pictures to color and more can be found here:
http://www.ireland-information.com/saintpatricksday.htm
Back by popular demand:
http://www.korenwolf.net/pingu/long-distance.html
Free e-cards from Dublin Tourism:
http://www.visitdublin.com/postcards/
Enough of the blitherin' - on with the rest of our special Irish bull:
IN THIS ISSUE:
Quips, quotes, proverbs & toasts
A bit of the wit
Joke of The Week
Did You Know
What's New
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QUIPS, QUOTES, PROVERBS & TOASTS
A Toast to St. Patrick
Saint Patrick's, the holy and tutelar man;
His beard down his bosom like Aaron's ran.
Some from Scotland, some from Wales,
will declare that's from where he came,
But I care not, now he's risen to fame.
The pride of the world and his enemies scorning,
I will drink to St Patrick, today, in the morning!
Anonymous
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BIT OF THE WIT
We hope you won't mind a bit of a departure from the norm - a special
greeting waits for you here:
http://www.irishcorner.com/epickup.php?card_id=r4239a68c186ba
__________________________________________________________
OUR FAVORITE JOKE OF THE WEEK
With thanks from our good friend Patricia in England (Happy belated
anniversary!)
Following a night out with a few friends, a man brought them back to show
off his new flat. After the grand tour, the visitors were rather perplexed
by the large gong taking pride of place in the lounge. "What's that big
brass gong for?" one of the guests asked."Why, that's my Speaking
Clock" the man replied. "How does it work?" "I'll show you," the man said,
giving the gong an ear-shattering blow with an unpadded
hammer. Suddenly, a voice from the other side of the wall screamed, "For
**** sake, you ******, it's twenty to two in the ****ing morning!!"
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Help us keep our newsletter free - visit our good friends at the Celtic
Attic:
Shop now for your Celtic Wedding - Claddagh Candles, Candle Holders, Wedding
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Gift Card link and fill out the form. This is provided FREE as a Thank You
to our customers. And don't forget to enter our March giveaway - you could
win an Easter basket filled with tea, coffee, a coffee mug and other
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DID YOU KNOW
March 17 is the day when legend has it that St. Patrick was granted three
wishes by an angel of the Lord, in order to bring happiness and hope to the
Irish? The wishes were:
First, that on this day the weather should always be fair and allow the
faithful to attend Mass. Second, that on every Thursday and Saturday twelve
Irish should be freed from the pains of Hell. And third, that no
outlander should ever rule over Ireland.
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Help us keep this newsletter free by visiting our good friends at The Irish
Lottery.
Will this be the year you become a millionaire? There Are 42 Shades
of Green - All you need are 6 to hit the Irish Millions! One of the most
trusted lotteries in the world, drawings are held every Wednesday and
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the Irish? Play the Irish lottery and find out! You can't win it if you're
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Help keep our newsletter free - visit our good friends at Lollysmith:
Did you know they now ship to Canada? Explore what they have on offer,
including great items from Hats of Ireland and Roundstone Bodhrans from
Galway. They also stock authentic Irish whistles from the leading makers
like Fádóg, Clare, Walton, Guinness & Clarke. One of the oldest musical
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remember, when you buy from Lollysmith, you'll always enjoy great prices,
quick shipping, and friendly, personalized service.
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WHAT'S NEW
1. President's Message
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPatSpeech54.html
2. March declared Irish Heritage month
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/March_Proclamation.html
3. Your St. Patrick's Day Party - Irish or Oirish?
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/StPat_Party.html
4. The irish Kitchen - Dublin Coddle
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/1Home.html
Culture Corner - St. Patrick's Centre
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com
Chieftains' Review (coming)
Until next time, did you know that if you pray for St. patrick's
intercession on his feastday, your prayers will be answered? Herewith, a
lovely prayer attributed to the good saint himself and said for God's
Protection and Christ's Presence:
"As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold
me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear
of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect
me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of
God save me. May Christ shield me today...Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ
on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that
sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen."
Be safe, have a wonderful time today 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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IF A LOT OF PEOPLE GIVE A LITTLE, A LITTLE WILL BECOME A LOT
We're still in dire need of your support, especially since our newsletter
host has recently begun charging us for the service. Help us keep our
newsletter and the web site free; please send whatever you can to Bridget or
Russ Haggerty. Our snail mail address is 5670 Meryton Place, Cincinnati OH
45224. Of, you can send a donation via PayPal. The Url is:
http://www.paypal.com
and our email address is this one:
bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
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 or on the Wild Geese website. In fact, the Irish
Heritage email group and the Wild Geese have joined forces to bring you a
massive listing of Irish events all over the world! To subscribe to the
list, send your e-mail address to group moderator George Trainor, at
george@thewildgeese.com. The group's postings go out every other Friday and
Saturday, in five separate e-mails, covering Irish history, myths and
legends, news, jokes, Irish (Gaeilge) lessons, recipes, and more.
Organizations, please alert them about your upcoming events, e-mail
events@thewildgeese.com, fax: 208-978-9998. Deadline: The third Wednesday of
the month for the following month's edition. Also visit The Wild Geese at:
http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/events.html
and the site itself at www.thewildgeese.com.
If you're in Ireland, or lucky enough to be visiting, you can see what's on
offer here:
http://www.irishtravelideas.com/
Macroom, Co. Cork - July 16th & 17th
First ever Fleadh Cheoil, music festival - Macroom town center
For more info, click
http://www.all-ireland.com/misc/contactus.htm
CLASSIFIEDS
HOUSE TO LET ON INISHMORE, ARAN ISLANDS
There are still some periods available up to 9 July, if you would like to
spend your holiday in my cosy house on the beautiful Isle of Inishmore.
Information:
http://www.irish-culture.ch/eng2/about_celtic_spirit.htm
or 0041-1-2520918
VESTMENTS CABINET FOR SALE
Know of a church in need of a vestments cabinet? Russ has totally restored
one he rescued from a Cincinnati church that was being demolished. We've
used it over the years to store posters other art work and flat files. (Ad
agencies and architectural firms could also put it to similar use). If
you're interested in learning more about it and seeing a photo, please send
us an email - bhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING
Long after we wrote the article called Corned Beef, the feeding of a myth, a
subscriber sent us the following ditty. We'll be adding it to the article,
but we couldn't wait until then to share it with you.
GOOD GRIEF - NOT BEEF!
I just want to put something straight
About what should be on your plate,
If it's corned beef you're makin'
You're sadly mistaken,
That isn't what Irishmen ate.
If you ever go over the pond
You'll find it's of bacon they're fond,
All crispy and fried,
With some cabbage beside,
And a big scoop of praties beyond.
Your average Pat was a peasant
Who could not afford beef or pheasant.
On the end of his fork
Was a bit of salt pork,
As a change from potatoes 'twas pleasant.
This custom the Yanks have invented,
Is an error they've never repented,
But bacon's the stuff
That all Irishmen scoff,
With fried cabbage it is supplemented.
So please get it right this St. Paddy's.
Don't feed this old beef to your daddies.
It may be much flasher,
But a simple old rasher,
Is what you should eat with your tatties.
©Frances Shilliday 2004
With many thanks to Frances whose internet page can be found here:
http://notcornedbeef.tripod.com/ 