Give Walmart Your "Input" as Regards Merchandise Defaming Irish Americans

In June the world celebrates Bloomsday, a day in the life of James Joyce’s fictional character - Leopold Bloom, as he walks the back streets of Dublin. Some seem to know why, but most do it for the craic (merriment) - an exercise in self indulgence. Incredible as it may seem, in 1856, a man was born into those very same dirty Dublin streets who deserves more to be honored and revered than all the characters in Joyce’s book; more than even Joyce himself. His name was Matthew Talbot. One of 12 children he was reared in absolute poverty in north central Dublin at a time when there were no social … [Read more...] about From Dublin Drunk to Servant of God

A thousand years ago, April 23 was an important date – it was Good Friday, a date significant to Christians everywhere.  However, in Ireland it had another significance.  It was the day that the forces of High King Brian Boru met the Vikings on the field of Clontarf and broke Viking power in Ireland forever – the only country ever to do so. It really all began about the year 941, when Brian was born to Kennedy MacLorcain,  Chieftain of the Dalcassian clan in County Clare.  He was born near present day Killaloe on the River Shannon.  As the youngest son, he was destined to become a monk as his … [Read more...] about Brian Boru

Many don’t know that the national symbol of Ireland is the harp, not the shamrock!  Ancient Irish harpers were professionals of the highest order.  Because their status was one of great honor, their training was long and rigorous.  It generally began before the age of 10, and the student had to become the absolute master of three forms of Irish music, the history of the instrument, its maintenance, and all of the scales and arpeggios related to it.  It’s no wonder then, that the excellence of Irish harpers was recognized world wide.  Dante praised them with rare admiration, as did Francis … [Read more...] about Irish Harpers

The month was February in 1861 and the place was Fort Buchanan – a military installation near Apache Pass in the southeastern Arizona territory.  At the time, tension was high between the American military and the Chokonen band of Chiricahua Apaches led by a young chief named Cochise.  An unrelated Coyotero Apache raiding party had stolen cattle and kidnapped the 12-year old son of a local rancher named John Ward.  Ward blamed Cochise and demanded action by the local U.S. Army at nearby Fort Buchanan.  Lt. Col. Morrison ordered an inexperienced young Second Lt George N. Bascom, 7th U.S. … [Read more...] about The Fighting Doctor

January 12, 1885 saw the birth of Thomas Ashe, a most beloved poet, piper and patriot in Ireland’s cause of independence.   He was born in Lispole, Co. Kerry and educated in the nearby town of Dingle where he attended Ardamore National School.  After completing his education there, he began a five year term as assistant teacher in Ardamore.   His deep interest in the Irish language and culture led him to become an active member of the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Gaelic League, an organization devoted to the revival of all things Gaelic.  He entered De La Salle Training College in … [Read more...] about Thomas Patrick Ashe

December is a memorable month for the Irish for it marks the celebration of the birth of Christ.  Yet, there are other dates in December that are also significant.  For example, it was on December 24, 1601, that the most significant battle in Irish history was joined.  It was the Battle of Kinsale.  It put an end to Ireland's hopes for independence at the time and destroyed Gaelic aristocracy forever.  And it was all due to a tactical blunder. The conflict known as the Nine Years War was waged for a variety of reasons. The Irish wanted independence from English rule, the English wished to … [Read more...] about December in Irish History