Historical Happenings

Before 1831, Canada-bound vessels carried immigrants directly to Quebec, where they were visited on board by a doctor to see if they were well.  Inspection was cursory and healthy passengers were allowed to land while sick  patients were taken to hospital.  Before 1823, Catholic organizations cared for those arriving in distress, but in that year an increase in numbers necessitated government provision.  In 1830 a hospital was opened at Point Levé across the St. Lawrence river from Quebec city.  In 1831, an outbreak of cholera in Europe necessitated the opening of  a quarantine hospital on … [Read more...] about Grosse Ile and the Irish

Independence Day, July 4, is America's biggest holiday.  Its her birthday; but it doesn't mark the day she won her independence, it marks the day when it was declared.  And the Irish were there.  We've often heard of the Irish in America's Patriot Army, but lets look at the non-military -  those who were unable to suffer the hardship of a colonial soldier, but contributed in other ways.  The military won the war, but who led the march toward the battlefield?  It was the settlers, merchants, and community leaders who were the real shapers of our destiny, for they were the ones who dreamt the … [Read more...] about Independence Day, July 4th

Kelly is second only to Murphy as the most populous Irish name, and it is therefore logical to find it often in Ireland's songs. According to Father Woulfe's Irish Names and Surnames, Kelly derives from Ceallac meaning Warlike, and it seems that Kelly's have lived up to that meaning not only in Ireland, but wherever they went.  In the wars of the United States, the name Kelly appears frequently among those decorated for bravery.  The first American hero of WWI was Colin Kelly who received the Congressional Medal of Honor; and Joseph Clarke wrote a famous poem about a trio of Irish Heros in the … [Read more...] about Kelly, the Boy from Killane

It was on the first of May in 1854 that a boy was born at Cloonyquinn, Co Roscommon to Christopher French and his wife, the former Miss Percy. The second of two sons, he was named William Percy French and in his lifetime he became one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers and gifted songwriters. His father, believing that Percy was mathematically inclined, sent him to Trinity College to study Civil engineering. Percy however, had different ideas. Instead of devoting himself to his studies, he spent most of his time developing his remarkable talent for song writing, dramatics, playing banjo … [Read more...] about William Percy French