Shane Clifford from Annacotty, County Limerick, was on the first United Airlines flight that departed from Shannon 20 years ago to the U.S. As a huge coincidence he was on the a flight recently from Newark that marked the anniversary of the first to go to Newark. He didn’t realize it until his pilot announced…
Ryan Air to increase service to Spain to year around
Ryan Air has announced year round service to Alicante, Spain, which is a very popular vacation spot for the Irish. Many Irish have vacation homes in the popular tourism area located on the Costa Blanca. Shannon Airport announced that the passenger numbers were up by 5% in the first quarter of the year and they…
Irish yarn shop is bringing goods to the Minnesota Irish Fair
At Yarn Vibes they are delighted to be able to showcase 100% Irish wool. Their yarn is authentically Irish, made from 100% mixed mountain fleece, locally sourced from Irish sheep. All of the yarn in this collection is hand-dyed. As this Irish wool is dyed by hand, each hank is unique. Just like the sheep…
Blackwater Distillery – shortlisted as International Gin Producer of the Year
Blackwater Distillery, based in West Waterford, was one of just five companies worldwide short-listed for the International Gin Producer of the Year Award at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), held in London recently. The annual IWSC awards are judged by industry professionals and Blackwater is the first Irish distillery to rate so highly…
Tones that are tender
Could I find again the woodland Where I loved to lie and dream, While Dragon flies were dancing To the rippling of the stream. (“Retrospection” by Percy French) In the 1960s when my contemporaries were listening to Radio Luxemburg and singing (and talking about) “a Whiter Shade of Pale,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and…
Merlins Rest pub provides award-winning food and drink
On the corner of East Lake St. and 36th Ave. sits the Celtic pub, Merlins Rest, in the charming Longfellow neighborhood. It is about a mile west of the Mississippi River and only 10 minutes from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington. Merlins is known for their unique and delicious menu items and a large selection…
Extra, Extra: The newsies stop the world
Grab your newsboy hat and get yourself to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to see Disney’s Newsies. Their main stage can barely hold all the dancing, singing and excitement of this play, not to forget the romance and comedy and family friendly to boot. Also, you may learn something as this remarkable play is all the…
Trivia
OK, so you think your Irish and you think you know a thing or two about being Irish. Now let’s see what you know by answering these trivia questions about the Irish in America. 1. According to the 1980 U.S. census, how many Americans claim Irish ancestry, either 100% or just part? a. Over 10…
Inheritance Tax has forced straight Irishman to marry
Two straight Irishmen have announced their intention to marry in an effort to avoid Ireland’s large inheritance tax. Eighty-five-year-old Matt Murphy and his best friend and care giver, Michael O’- Sullivan, have gotten married even though they are not gay. The reason is because of the high inheritance tax on a single person. They have…
Sr. Rosanne Fox comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable
Downtown parishes, like the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul and St. Olaf in Minneapolis have a special ministry as those who need the basics; food, clothing and shelter, surround them. To their credit these churches respond commendably. Sr. Rosanne Fox, CSJ, was the designated hitter for this important ministry at St. Olaf and…