http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/index.html
Greetings & Blessings to all
Welcome to our March newsletter.
Those of you who have been with me long enough know that my sweet Bridget passed away in June of 2017. Her last wishes were that I take her ashes to Ireland and pour them on her grandmother’s grave in Galway. Well, the date of my departure is coming closer, it’s March 28th. I also have a booking for a B&B in Galway city. A wonderful ‘bluebird’ happened; a very nice man named Frank Kelly found the gravesite. I’ll meet him in Ireland for breakfast or, at least coffee, on Sunday. I’m not looking forward to the trip. I love Ireland but I saw it as a tourist with Bridget back in 1996. I took her there as a birthday present. I don’t want to see any sights by myself. It would just remind me of when I saw them with her. So, I’m coming back on the following Monday. It will hurt to leave her behind. Then I have to get on with my life. I just don’t know what that will be (except writing to all of you, of course). I promise I will tell you all what happened when I get back. I will be back with tears in my eyes or a big smile. I hope it’s the smile.
Again my thanks for the contributions. Please keep them coming. I would like appropriate news or other links more than anything.
We’re all in this together let’s make it as good as we can. Stay with me everybody.
Enough of the blather...
Is this your first edition? Many thanks for joining us and if you like our musings and meanderings please feel free to share them with your family and friends. And do encourage them to sign up. The more of us, the merrier! And for all of our readers, we hope this issue finds you in good health, good spirits and good company.
On with the update...
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Weather
Up to the minute forecasts provided by Ireland's official source for all weather-related news. Please click Met Eireann.
http://www.met.ie/forecasts/
Basic Irish
Links
Quips, Quotes, Proverbs & Toasts
A Bit of the Wit
Joke of The Month
Did You Know
The week That Is
Leave 'em Laughing
Last Words
Basic Irish
Phrase: St Patrick's Day
Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig or Lá 'le Pádraig
Pronunciation: law ay-leh paw-rig or law leh paw-rig
Note: The first is used in writing, the second in conversation, literally 'Patrick's Festival Day'.
LINKS
1. How St. Patrick’s Day Was Made in America
St. Patrick may be the patron saint of Ireland, but many St. Patrick’s Day traditions were born in the United States.
Every March 17, the United States becomes an emerald country for a day. Americans wear green clothes and quaff green beer. Green milkshakes, bagels and grits appear on menus. In a leprechaun-worthy shenanigan, Chicago even dyes its river green.
https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-origins-america
I think this is all too true —Russ
2.Ten Irish people who have made the world a better place
‘What have the Irish ever done for us?’ author highlights Irish heroes from history
As we celebrate Ireland and all things Irish this St Patrick’s Day there is no better time to also reflect on the Irish contribution to the wider world. With the second edition of my book What have the Irish ever done for us? I do exactly that. The Currach Books title features wonderful illustrations by Alba Esteban and details the achievements and contributions of numerous Irish people all around the world. Here are just a few of those included.
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/ten-irish-people-who-have-made-the-world-a-better-place-1.3823100?localLinksEnabled=false&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=May+s+Brexit+deal+rejected+by+House+of+Commons+for+a+second+time&utm_campaign=morning_briefing_digest
We already knew this I think but it’s nice to read about it —Russ
3.Bliss or blight? The bungalow designs that changed the face of Ireland
First published in 1971, Jack Fitzsimons’s book Bungalow Bliss changed the face of Ireland, with its 20 easily-understood plans for affordable bungalows. Hundreds of thousands of people followed his lead.
In a new book called Bungalow Bliss Bias, posthumously published by his son Kennas, Fitzsimons defends the designs in his first book.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/bliss-or-blight-the-bungalow-designs-that-changed-the-face-of-ireland-1.3823371?localLinksEnabled=false&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=May+s+Brexit+deal+rejected+by+House+of+Commons+for+a+second+time&utm_campaign=morning_briefing_digest
Well, we all have to make up our own mind—Russ
4. Thousands of students opt not to sit Leaving Cert Irish exam each year
New data shows thousands of pupils without exemptions are choosing not to sit the Leaving Cert Irish exam every year, latest official figures show. The study of Irish is mandatory at second level, and schools are required to teach the subject in order to be eligible for State funding. There is, however, no obligation on students to sit the actual subject in the Leaving Cert exam.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/thousands-of-students-opt-not-to-sit-leaving-cert-irish-exam-each-year-1.3820983?localLinksEnabled=false&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Ethiopian+Airlines+crash%3A+Shock+at+Clare+man+s+death&utm_campaign=morning_briefing_digest
This is a shame; we’re loosing the Irish language—Russ
5. Ireland set to run out a worthy winner at the Cheltenham Festival again
Ireland, whose jump racing industry is roughly the half the size of Britain’s, has had more winners at the past six Festivals and boasts Willie Mullins as the most successful trainer
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/mar/09/ireland-horses-winners-cheltenham-festival-willie-mullins
The Irish are famous for their skill with horses—Russ
6. Prince Charles Makes a Post-Brexit Pledge to Visit All of Ireland's 32 Counties
The future king pledged to shore up the UK's close relationship with Ireland during an event with Kenneth Branagh, Fiona Shaw, and more notable Irish figures.
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a26764187/prince-charles-ireland-visit-all-counties-maintain-uk-relationship-post-brexit/
Charles has to keep busy until his mother is gone, it’s a good choice—Russ
7. The disappearance of the Protestant accent from Ireland
Southern Irish Protestantism remained vibrant and combative even as it lost its accent
A mischievous memoir by Malachi O’Doherty is titled I Was a Teenage Catholic. Those of us who were teenage Protestants in the 1960s must feel a similar sense of an era being dead and gone. Growing up as a Protestant in Waterford city, which was something of a time warp in itself, I was struck by the remnants of what had once clearly been a purposeful Protestant world.
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/the-disappearance-of-the-protestant-accent-from-ireland-1.3816489
It’s still distinctive in the north—Russ
QUOTES, TOASTS , CURSES AND BLESSINGS
The Irish Church of St. Patrick
I found in each great church moreo'er,
Whether on island or on shore,
Piety, learning, fond affection;
Holy welcome and kind protection.
I found the good lay monks and brothers
Ever beseeching help for others,
And in their keeping the holy word
Pure as it came from Jesus the Lord.
Written by Aldfred, king of the Northumbrian Saxons, who was educated in an Irish monastery. These lines were in reference to the Irish Church founded by St. Patrick.
A BIT OF THE WIT
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 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.
Parody attributed to William Maginn
JOKE OF THE MONTH
An Englishman, a Scotsman and an Irishman go into a pub. They all order Guinness. After the pints are on the bar three flies come down and dive into the Guinness; one for each pint.
The Englishman pushes his back and orders another one.
The Scotsman reaches in and picks out the fly, throws it on the floor and drinks normally.
The Irishman reaches in, picks out the fly, holds it up and says,
“Spit it out you bastard.”
This is another one that is old but one of my favorites—Russ
DID YOU KNOW
1. Ireland's largest church is St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin?
Well, that figures —Russ
2.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.
Damn considerate of St. Patrick to bring back the horse too—Russ
3. The jawbone of St.Patrick was preserved in a silver shrine and was often requested in times of childbirth, epileptic fits and as a preservative against the evil eye?
I doubt they take it out of the reliquary these days–Russ
Sponsor
I’m my own Sponsor again this month.
Announcing the Irish Culture and Customs Book of Jokes
This is the collection of our Jokes. It was built up over many years and, now, is gathered here for your enjoyment. With this in your hand, whenever the day is dull or dreary you can open it up and have a good laugh, you'll feel better.
Available on Amazon. Use this Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Culture-Customs-Book-Jokes/dp/1986506800/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524578623&sr=8-1&keywords=irish+culture+and+customs+book+of+jokes&dpID=31oLHT0zknL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
THE WEEK THAT IS
1.Article:"I, Patrick, the sinner..."
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ASaints/Patrick.html
2.Article: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Old Ireland
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPatsDay.html
3. Article: Your St. Patrick's Day Party - Irish or Oirish?
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPat_Party.html
4. Article: St Patrick gets the party, but there are many saints to honour in Ireland
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPatGetsParty.html
5. Article: A Visit to St. Patrick’s Well
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/StPatWell.html
6. Article: Constance Georgina de Markievicz
Suffragette, Socialist, Soldier
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AWomen/ConstanceMarvicz.html
7. The Irish Kitchen: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With A Real Irish Feast!
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/aStPatFeast.html
13. Basic Irish: Saint Patrick's Day
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Lessons7.html#StPatricks
14. Kids’ Ireland: St. Patrick: From Slave to Saint
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/StPatrick.html
So there you have it until we write again - sometime in April.
If you are planning on getting married between now and then or tied the knot in the month of March, here is your special verse:
If you wed when March winds blow,
Joy and sorrow both you’ll know.
And, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event between now and our next edition, we hope it's an occasion filled with joy and happiness.
We’ll take our leave with this blessing:
St. Patrick's Blessing
As he brought new faith to Ireland
So may he bring out in you
A touch of Irish kindness
in everything you do.
And through the good St. Patrick
May your home and life be blessed
with all the special favours
That make you happiest.
Adapted from a blessing by the Norbertine Fathers
All the best & God Bless,
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.
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The Book
Potion, pope and perfidy
The second and final version is complete and available on Amazon.
Don’t order through ‘Marketplace’ or you’ll get the first version which is incomplete. Use this link: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Potion-Pope-Perfidy-ebook/dp/B07BBVST69/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531576170&sr=1-2&keywords=russell+haggerty&dpID=61BzUIHyd2L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
If any of you bought and read the first version, I don’t want you to pay the higher price for the second. So, send me an E-Mail at the address below and I’ll buy one for you at my author’s price and mail it to you (and, yes, I’ll sign it). Even with the postage it will save you a bit of money.
Bless you all,
Russ Haggerty
LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING
Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together.
One night the 96-year-old draws a bath.
She puts her foot in and pauses.
She yells to the other sisters, 'Was I getting in or out
of the bath?'
The 94-year-old yells back, 'I don't know. I'll come up and see'
She starts up the stairs and pauses 'Was I going up the
stairs or down? The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea
listening to her sisters,
she shakes her head and says, 'I sure hope I never get
that forgetful, knock on wood...'
She then yells, 'I'll come up and help both of you
as soon as I see who's at the door'
Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf
one fine March day.
One remarked to the other, 'Windy, isn't it?'
'No,' the second man replied, 'it's Thursday'
And the third man chimed in, 'So am I. Let's have a
beer.'
I’m getting closer to this point everyday—Russ
Last Words
If you or anyone you know can benefit from advertising in my newsletter or the Irish Culture and Customs web site please contact me. My E-Mail address is: rhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
Thank you in advance
For all of you who have supported Irish Culture and Customs all these years – thank you.
When you start to buy anything on the internet don’t forget to go through the web Site. If you use Amazon, click on ‘Shopping’ at the top of the Irish Culture and Customs Homepage and the next page you see will have Amazon at the top. Anything you buy from Amazon through our site pays a (very small) commission. It beats a blank and it doesn’t effect your price. Thank you again.
—Russ
