Important historical figures are frequently shadowed by the myths and legends attributed to them over the course of centuries, and St. Patrick is no exception. He is believed to have been born in the late fourth century, and is often confused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431 to be…
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English…
By Mattie Lennon Saint Patrick was a gentleman, he came from decent people, In Dublin town he built a church and on it put a steeple His father was a Callahan, his mother was a Grady, His aunt was an O’Shaughnessy and uncle he was Brady. So says Christy Moore. At this time of year…
by Dan Ganley Image Oil-on-canvas painting of Connemara Patch by Wilbur Hausenur, ca. 1935. Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: The poor Irishman, the wheelbarrow is his country. [I love this statement] This phrase might have been on Archbishop John Ireland’s mind back in the 1870s when he began efforts to…
Image courtesy of www.rte.ie Irelands Longest Running Show “The Late Late Show” to go Global for St.Patrick’s Day On March 17, The Late Late Show on RTE will broadcast on a Wednesday night for the first time in its 59-year history. Members of the Irish diaspora from all across the world have been invited to become part of the virtual audience…
Map image courtesy of https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov So you think you know about your Irish heritage. Take this quiz and see how much you do know.. 1. What common weed is referred to as “the Irish daisy? 2. What is the most common surname in the Irish Republic? 3. What city is called “Ireland’s Canterbury? 4. What…
As the traditional music capital of Ireland, the seaside village of Doolin has a multitude of beautiful sights to be discovered. Here is everything you need to know about Doolin.Situated on the west coast of Ireland in the Burren region of County Clare, Doolin is a vibrant and bustling coastal village with lots to see and do. As it is the home of traditional Irish music,…
by Sean Farrell Image courtesy of news.cgtn.com. Advice and a Reality Check! Don’t make any plans for 2021. “Normality” is at least another year away, the Covid Virus so embedded and pernicious that ridding humanity of it will require a major global effort. I write in late January as the Corona Virus saga continues but…
By Dick Byrne Image courtesy of “Panoramic Ireland” website. The last time I wrote my column, the dreaded Covid had just taken hold over here in the old country and we were complaining somewhat about the lockdown at the start of the Summer season. I was hoping then that it would be a short emergency…
By Sean Farrell (Editors Note: This was written at end of November for a December issue of The Irish Gazette, which never reached the press because of the virus. Image courtesy of KFGO.com website.) I write as someone from Ireland with deep affection and admiration for the USA and its people. I have lived and…