The Dying Cuchulainn Oliver Sheppard was a respected Irish sculptor now remembered mostly for his 1911 work, The Dying Cuchulain. Sheppard, of Protestant background, was active in the Celtic Revival movement and sculpted The Dying Cuchulain in 1911, inspired at least in some respect by Lady Gregory’s work. In 1905 he sculpted a statute of a Wexford pikeman, recalling the United Irishmen Rising of 1798. Eamon DeValera chose The Dying Cuchulainn to be placed in the GPO in 1935, in advance of the 20th anniversary of the Rising, describing the work as “a creation of Irish genius, symbolizing … [Read more...] about Cū Chulainn, Yeats and 1916
History
Notre Dame, Nativism and the “Fighting Irish”
The country is again in the midst of a movement aimed at retiring team names and mascots deemed to be offensive. As with prior such movements, the “Fighting Irish” moniker and leprechaun mascot, with his classic “fisticuffs stance”, have entered the discussion. Those objecting to the nickname are presumably well-intentioned. But is “Fighting Irish” a slur? Or does the term have an origin of which the University, its students, alumni and the countless “subway alumni” can rightfully be proud? Long before Notre Dame was established, the Irish soldier had a reputation for military prowess among … [Read more...] about Notre Dame, Nativism and the “Fighting Irish”
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
National History Day (NHD) is an annual program for elementary and secondary school students across the United States and participating international affiliates. Hundreds of thousands of entries in the form of exhibits, websites, essays, slide presentations, video documentaries and performances are created each year by individuals or groups in grades six through twelve. The AOH and LAOH are proud sponsors of NHD and annually present a First and Second Place award to the best entries on a topic related to Irish or Irish American history that fits the annual theme set by NHD each year. The … [Read more...] about NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
IRISH SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
On 4 July 1776, the Philadelphia State House was packed, despite a sweltering heat, as Secretary Charles Thomson of Derry read a Declaration that Adams, Jefferson, Franklin and Livingston had composed and that he, Thomson, had drafted. It was a declaration explaining why their revolutionary action was justified. After a full day of debate, modifying copy and amendments, Secretary Thomson recorded the changes and America's Declaration of Independence was complete! The formal copy would not be ready for signature until August, but the public first heard that document read on 8 July 1776 by Col. … [Read more...] about IRISH SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE