THE BATTLE OF MOYRY PASS

On October 2, 1600 a major confrontation took place in Ireland that revealed to the English that the Irish were no longer to be taken for granted as military opponents. Though Anglo Normans controlled the south of Ireland, the major clans of the north remained unconquered and Elizabeth was determined to resolve that issue. The English captured Enniskillen, Hugh Maguire's fort at the Gap of the North - one of two main entries to Ulster. Hugh O'Donnell, Chieftain of Tyrconnell, answered his call for aid, and the two Hughs swept across Ulster driving the English before them; they broke through … [Read more...] about THE BATTLE OF MOYRY PASS

by Mike McCormack, National Historian One of Ireland’s most enduring songs was first published in 1843 in the Young Irelander newspaper, The Nation, under the title Clan Connaill War Song. Its words tell of a prolonged struggle which started in 1594, and is recognized today as the last stand that Ireland made as a nation under her own laws. Led by Red Hugh O’Donnell, in alliance with the great Ulster Chieftains Hugh O’Neill, and Hugh Maguire, the struggle became the Nine Years War, and their opponent was none other that Queen Elizabeth I. The O’Donnells were clan chieftains of Tyr Connaill … [Read more...] about SAD SEPTEMBER AND A SONG

  The name Napper Tandy is one that rolls easily off the tongue; it has a certain ring to it. It is remembered by many for its use in the song, 'The Wearing Of The Green' where we sing: 'I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand, And he said 'How's poor old Ireland, and how does she stand, 'Tis the most distressful country for it's plainly to be seen, They are hanging men and women for the Wearing of the Green.' I dare say most know nothing further about the man behind this lyrical name.  However, he was one of Ireland’s most dedicated patriots and he died on August 24, 1803, … [Read more...] about NAPPER TANDY

 The name of Charles Thomson is not as familiar today as it was in the early days of America when it was widely known and respected. Born in County Derry, Thomson was one of the most influential men of the entire American Revolution. He served as Secretary of the Continental Congress for over 15 years (the entire life of that body) and was, in fact, the Chief Executive of the American Government several times between 1776 and 1789. During brief illnesses of the Congress Presidents and after John Hancock's resignation from the post in 1786, Thomson served as President, the highest office in the … [Read more...] about CHARLES THOMSON

Sinn Féin won 73 out of the 105 Irish seats in Parliament in the post-war General Election in December, 1918. They refused to sit at Westminster and instead set up their own government called Dail Eireann on 21 January 1919. On that same day the War of Independence began. After almost three years of brutal warfare, with British atrocities on a civilian population that they felt supported the Dail, the British were beaten to the bargaining table and a treaty was signed. The treaty created the Irish Free State, a self-governing Dominion of the Empire; it was approved by the Dáil 64 to 57 on 7 … [Read more...] about CIVIL WAR COMES TO IRELAND IN JUNE

Here are two stories and both are absolutely true – and worth reading!  The first began on 5 September 1893 when a son was born in St. Louis, MO to Irish-American parents Patrick Joseph and Cecilia Malloy O'Hare. Then named him Edward and he grew up to be a successful lawyer. He married Selma Louth who gave him three children: Edward (1914), Patricia (1919) and Marilyn (1924).  In 1927, Edward moved to Chicago in hope of finding a better life. At the time, Al Capone virtually owned the city and was involved in everything from bootleg booze to prostitution. Capone needed a good lawyer and Eddie … [Read more...] about A TALE OF TWO O’HARES