April • 2006 Inside - Irish American News

2 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006

4 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006(ISSN #1085-4053)(USPS #013454)April 2006 Vol. XXX # 4PERIODICALFounderBob BurnsPublisherCliff CarlsonArt DirectorWalt KennedyEditorial AssistantsElizabeth KellySarah NarvaContributing EditorSusan VictoriaAdvertising SalesElizabeth KellyColumns and ReviewsBooks - Frank WestTheatre - Sean CallanTrad Music - Bill MargesonTinker’s Dam Fr. Kevin ShanleyHealy Law - Martin HealyMick - Mike MorleyGaelic News - Pat HennessyA Word With Fr. Michael BolandIrish Musings Fr. Michael LeonardHooliganism: Mike HoulihanFor The Republic - Chris FogartySports - Sean O’CeallachainSharing A Pint - Scott PowersCareers - James Fitzgerald, CPARaised On Songs & StoriesShay ClarkeFull Irish BreakfastMaureen CallahanBoyle The Kettle - Tom BoyleInvestments - Art NoonanHoroscopes by TheresaCONTRIBUTORSLarry Kirwan,Joan Moody,McKenna Byrne,Katie HamiltonIrish News, Inc. is published monthlyfor $20 one year, $35 for two yearsand $45 for 3 years in U.S.A. $75abroad, $35 in Canada by Irish NewsInc., 7115 W. North Ave. #327, OakPark IL 60302.(Periodicals Postage Paid at Palatine,IL and additional mailing offices.)POSTMASTER:Send address changes toIrish News, Inc.7115 W NORTH AVE #327OAK PARK, IL 60302708-445-0700 fax 708-445-2003e-mail to:editor@irishamericannews.comPUBLISHERS STATEMENTThe opinions and statementsexpressed in this newspaper areentirely those of the authors, and donot reflect in any way the opinionsof Irish American News.Distribution25,000Ahern requests public inquiry into Finucane murderThe following is a statement madeby the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr.Dermot Ahern, T.D., on an All PartyDail motion, Wednesday, March 8,2006, supporting a full public inquiryinto the murder of Pat Finucane.“I welcome the opportunity to introduceto the House this all party motioncalling for an independent publicinquiry into the murder of BelfastSolicitor Patrick Finucane. On behalfof the Government, I would like towarmly welcome Mrs. GeraldineFinucane and her son, Michael, whoare in the public gallery this eveningto listen to our debate.“The House is aware of the consistentand very strong support which theGovernment has given to the Finucanefamily in their quest for an independentinquiry into this murder. TheGovernment continues to regularlymeet with the family; the Taoiseachmet Mrs. Finucane most recently on27 February and will meet her againnext week in Washington.“The Finucane family has beencampaigning for over seventeenyears to obtain the full truth behindthe brutal murder which took placein their home. Many of the facts surroundingthe murder are well known,in particular through the three investigationsundertaken by the former headof the Metropolitan Police, Lord JohnStevens. He was asked by the BritishGovernment to look at allegations offrom Irish to High VarietyTheDOOLEYBROTHERSParties • Festivals • WeddingsIrish & high varietyApril 29 SaturdayMolly Malone’s 9:30pm7652 W. MadisonForest Park(708) 366-8073Our brand new designedT-Shirtshave arrived and are availableat all performancesRoad to Lisdoonvarna CDis available at Irish Import storesthroughout ChicagolandComplete listing on our Website:DOOLEYBROTHERS.COMLog on today for a “Dooleyized”musical experience! Vintagephotos - Venue schedule - Music708-366-9458dooleyinfo@dooleybrothers.comcollusion on three separate occasions,and his reports have led to one prosecution,that of Ken Barrett, and over20 recommendations that are beingconsidered by the Public ProsecutionService of Northern Ireland.“The Government has consistentlysupported the Finucane family in theirefforts to ascertain the full extent ofthe collusion behind Pat Finucane’smurder; in other words, to learn whowas behind the perpetrators, and toreveal the involvement of the Britishsecurity forces in this case.“The Honorable Judge Peter Corywas appointed by both Governmentsfollowing intensive negotiations atWeston Park in the summer of 2001to examine six cases where collusionwas suspected. Although heavilyredacted, the Cory Collusion InquiryReport on the Pat Finucane case waspublished by the British Governmenton 1 April 2004. I would like toremind the House of Judge Cory’sconcluding paragraph:“Some of the acts summarizedabove are, in and of themselves, capableof constituting acts of collusion.Further the documents and statementsI have referred to in the review havea cumulative effect. Consideredtogether, they clearly indicate to methat there is strong evidence thatcollusive acts were committed bythe Army (Force Research Unit), theRUC Special Branch and the SecurityIrish Newspaper Archives LaunchService. I am satisfied that there is aneed for a public inquiry.”“Judge Cory, therefore, categoricallyfound sufficient evidence ofcollusion to warrant a public inquiryinto Pat Finucane’s murder. He furtherrecommended that a public inquiryshould take place without delay. Andvery importantly, he also set outclearly the type of public inquiry required– that provided for in the 1921Tribunal of Inquiries Act.“Regrettably the British Governmenthas failed to set up the typeof public inquiry recommended byJudge Cory. Instead the UK InquiresAct 2005 was passed by the BritishParliament last April. The BritishGovernment insists that the Finucaneinquiry will be held under this Act– and this Act alone – and are preparingarrangements accordingly.“This is not acceptable to thefamily, to this Government, to theCommittee of Ministers in Strasbourg,nor to the many internationalhuman rights groups who supportthe Finucane case. Rarely has a casereceived such widespread domesticand international support. Mrs. Finucanewill appear again next weekbefore US Congressional hearings inWashington, and my Department isprivileged to be able to assist her inarranging meetings on Capitol Hill.“As the Taoiseach has made veryclear, the Inquiries Act does not meetIrish Newspaper Archives haslaunched the most ambitious digitalarchive project ever undertaken inthis country. It involves the completedigitisation of Ireland’s newspaperheritage. Titles such as the Irish Independent(1905 – current), SundayIndependent, The Freeman’s Journal(1763 – 1924), the Nation and manymore of Ireland’s leading regionalnewspapers will be rendered fullyword searchable.The information will be storedand viewed in the exact formatof the original newspaper - everypage, article, word and picture asit was originally published. Researcherswill now be able to viewhistory as it happened in an instant,from the Wolf Tone Rebellion of1798 as reported in the “Freeman’sJournal” and more recent seminalmoments in Irish history as reportedin the “Irish Independent”.Professional researchers, studentsand amateur historians, alike arenow able to examine Irelands localpast through the regional papersand how national and internationalhistorical events were perceivedin the established national papersof the day.This database will be an invaluableresource for all organisationsSHIPPING TO AND FROM IRELAND!!!the standard set by Judge Cory, northe understanding reached at WestonPark. There are many difficulties withthe new legislation. An inquiry heldunder it will simply not be regarded assufficiently independent, nor transparent,given the potential use of RestrictionNotices and the potential degreeof Ministerial control. Judge Coryhimself repeated these concerns twoweeks ago in Belfast. I would like toremind the House that, in the sole casein this jurisdiction where Judge Coryrecommended a public inquiry, it isbeing held under the 1921 Act, namelythe Breen & Buchanan Inquiry chairedby Justice Peter Smithwick.“The Government has made clearour opposition to the British proposals,both bilaterally and through internationalfora. We will continue to do so,in London, in Washington, in Belfastand elsewhere. I have consistentlyraised this case with the Secretary ofState for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain,who met with the Finucane family lastmonth. I regret to say that, in his recentreply to the family, the Secretaryof State again failed to address thefamily’s fundamental concerns.“The position of the Governmentremains firm and emphatic – we wishthe British Government to establish afull, independent and public judicialinquiry into the murder of PatrickFinucane, and nothing less.I commend this motion to theHouse.”with an interest in Irish studies andAnglo-Irish relations. It will alsohave great significance for thosewith an interest in the history ofjournalism, as it will illustrate thedevelopment of Irelands newspaperheritage from the 1760’s up to thepresent. The archive consists ofover 2 million pages of Ireland’snewspaper heritage, with additionalcontent and titles will be added overthe next few months.For further details pleasecontact Andrew Martin at IrishNewspaper Archives andrew.martin@irishnewspaperarchives.com, (353) 294-2173, http://www.irishnewspaperarchives.comOr Anywhere! - Air or Sea - Domestic or International(Can Ship From Any U.S. Zip Code)From Minimum Shipments to 20 & 40 Foot Containers & AutomobilesWeekly service to Dublin • Factory Converted Appliances AvailableRELOCATION SPECIALISTS BACK TO IRELAND • FLAT RATES • FREE ESTIMATESwww.euroshippers.comCan Assist in Clearing Irish Customs Call:708-233-6780 Fax 708-233-1988EURO-SHIPPERS 7667 W. 95th St, Suite 308 , Hickory Hills, IL 60457

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 5Tinker’sDamby Fr. Kevin O’Neill ShanleyHow the Irish foughtbigotry in AmericaA little over a century and threequartersago, the great “Irish Liberator”Daniel O’Connell won freedomfor his fellow Irish in Ireland with theCatholic Emancipation Bill of 1829in the British Parliament. Up to thattime his fellow Irish Catholics hadlived under the dreaded Penal Lawswhich denied them almost all politicaland religious rights. Not only theright to worship as they wished, butalso to own property, vote, or even toeducate their chi1dren.Through what he dubbed as the“Catholic Association,” O’Connellnot only won rights for his fellowIrish but also taught them the artof politics, which stood them ingood stead not long afterwards inAmerica and the other nations towhich they emigrated.O’Connell was personally devastatedby the injustices of thePenal Laws and their expressionof prejudice against his people. Hefought such prejudice most of hislife, not only for the Irish but alsofor other minority groups.“Bigotry,” he said, “has no headand cannot think, no heart and cannotfeel. When she moves it is in wrath;when she pauses it is amid ruin.Her prayers are curses, her god is ademon, her communion is death, hervengeance is eternity, her decalogueis written in the blood of her victims,and if she stops for a moment in herinfernal flights, it is upon a kindredrock to whet her vulture fang formore sanguinary desolation.”And noted Harvard University historianArthur Schesinger, Sr., once notedthat the prejudice against the Irish andother Catholics is “the deepest heldbias in the history of the Americanpeople.” Both friends and foes of theIrish in America and elsewhere aremore than liable to agree, even thoughsome thought that the election of thelate President John F. Kennedy wasa death knell of such prejudice. Theannouncement of its demise, however,was quite premature.Irish in AmericaEarly Irish settlers in America,both Scots Irish and Catholic Irish,often bore a heavy burden of suspicionand prejudice in employment,politics, education, religion andordinary life. The original Scots Irish,who left Ulster because they werediscriminated against by the BritishGovernment, were resented by thePuritans of Boston and New Englandand moved to Pennsylvania and theSouthern colonies.The Irish, along with many Germanimmigrants bore the great brunt ofthis bigotry when they fled their nativelands to find freedom in America.However, they soon discovered, forexample, that the school system wasactually a Protestant system. Theirchildren were sometimes physicallypunished for refusing to attend Protestantprayer services or Bible readings.And when they sent their childrento parochial schools, they were stillforced to pay for the public system.Over the decades since then, theIrish and other immigrant groupsattempted to enter the mainstream ofAmerican culture through a processof assimilation while still retainingtheir cultural and religious differences.Especially after World War IIand the benefits of the G.I. Bill in theU.S. Congress, literally hundreds ofthousands of returning veterans wereable to obtain a college education andenter fields of new opportunity thatwere previously denied to them.Acceptance of OthersThe Irish also helped Catholic philosophyand theology to become moreaccepted in America as witnessed bythe greatly popular TV series “Lifeis Worth Living” by the late BishopFulton J. Sheen one of the most wellknownIrish Americans. The Irish alsoentered politics and the professions inever increasing numbers and pavedthe way for others, too. Their abilityto “share the political pie” with othersgave hope to many.The efforts of the Irish did sustaina set—back in 1928 when IrishmanGov. Al Smith of New York ran forthe presidency on the Democraticticket and raised much anti—Irishand anti—Catholic bigotry. However,it turned out to be a blessingin disguise when the Stock Market“crash” the following year ushered inthe Great Depression of the 1930s,which was then blamed on RepublicanHerbert Hoover.Following the election, Al Smithsaid, “In this spirit I join with fellowAmericans of all creeds in a ferventprayer that never again in this landwill any public servant be challengedbecause of the faith in which he hastried to walk humbly with God.”President Franklin Rooseveltdubbed Al Smith “The Happy Warrior”but it was not until the electionof President John F. Kennedy that theIrish could truly feel as though theywere finally accepted in America.They also felt, to a large extent,that they wanted to participate inthe Civil Rights Movement to obtainwhat they considered the rights ofall Americans to share in the manybenefits available in our land.The struggle continues to this daybut the lessons taught to the Irish somany years ago by Daniel O’Connellstill aid in the struggle for equality.Below: The Irish Heritage Singers performed for the Irish Festivalheld at the Meridian Banquet Hall in Rolling Meadows on March 19,2006. The event is a benefit for Avenue to Independence, an agency thatprovides for 267 adult handicapped people.

6 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Trinity Irish Dancers Compete in World Championshipsby Katie HamiltonNineteen dancers from theTrinity Academy of Irish Dancewill be traveling to Belfast,Ireland, in April to compete inthe 2006 Oireachtas Rince naCruinne, the World Championshipsof Irish Dance. TrinityAcademy, which was foundedmore than 25 years ago by DirectorMark Howard, boasts anunprecedented 24 world titlesand remains the only Americanschool to ever win team goldmedals at the Worlds.More than 39 dancers placedwithin the top 11 in their respectiveage groups at the MidwestRegional Championships in November.Maggie Doyle receivedher fifth Midwest RegionalChampionship and MackenzieHolland won first place in the10 and under competition forthe second year in a row. The19 dancers heading overseas in afew short weeks are between theages of 10 and 20 years old andinclude: Erin Aquino, Barrington;Megan Condon, Clarendon Hills;Kathleen Marie Darling, ArlingtonHeights; Maggie Doyle andMairi Doyle, Elmhurst; Jake4701 WEST 63RD STREET CHICAGO773.767.43537959 WEST 159TH STREET TINLEY PARK708.633.7500MADE FRESH DAILY:IRISH SAUSAGEBLACK PUDDINGWHITE PUDDINGSODA BREADBACONCORN BEEFSMOKE BUTTSFarrell, Richton Park; KendallGaspari and Sydney Wippman,Palatine; Kelly Langtim andNatalie Tommey, Elgin; DanaeLuetkeham, LaGrange; KellyMcNulty, Oakbrook Terrace;Jillian Oury, Downers Grove;Sinead Cross, Billy Donahue,Mackenzie Holland, Alicia Sbertoli,Brandon Segovia and KellyO’Neill, Chicago.Sixteen-year old Jillian Ouryhas danced for ten years and iscurrently ranked second in theworld.“I just hope to do the best I can,”Oury said. “I’ve always dreamedabout winning the Worlds, butI won’t be disappointed if Idon’t.”Oury said she has class threeto four times a week at the IrishAmerican Heritage Center inChicago. The days she doesn’thave class, Oury practices on herown for two hours.“There’s always pressure,” shesaid. “But it’s mostly from myself.My teacher and parentsare good about not putting anypressure on me. But it’s a goodmotivator.”Oury is not just a talentedWinstonsFULL LINE OFIMPORTED FOODS*****************Product Availableat Fine Irish ShopsAll Over ChicagolandWE SHIP UPSanywhere in the U.S.MAKING FINE IRISH SAUSAGE FOR OVER 40 YEARS!dancer. She has played the fiddlefor 11 years and is enrolled inhonors classes at Downers GroveSouth High School. She hopesto be a high school math teachersomeday.“Competition has its fun points,”Oury said. “It’s time to get downand focus. This is what you’vebeen practicing for so long.”The Trinity Academy haslocations in Chicago, ArlingtonHeights, Western Springs,Evanston, Downers Grove andNorthfield. For more informationcall 773.774.5961 or visit theirwebsite at www.trinityirishdancers.com.Gaelic Park DVDfor saleThe DVD Chicago GaelicPark – Celebrating 25 years1980-2005 is available in theGaelic Park office for $15.00.The DVD begins simply, showingthe bare land prior to anywork and continues on to showthe various stages of construction.You will be amazed at thedifferent people in this film (andsee faces of some who havepassed away over the years).The DVD also shows the manywomen who were there to feedthe men and help everyonealong the way. It continuesthrough the years as the buildingswere changed, showing theDedication celebration and variousother events held at GaelicPark. Manager Marian Ryancompiled all of the information,film and pictures that she obtainedfrom Kathleen Twomey,Mickey Rahilly, Margaret Conway,Mary O’Connor, EamonMalone, Tom Boylem, NeilGallagher and others. ChicagoGaelic Park, 6119 West 147thSt, Oak Forest, (708) 687-9323www.cgp-chicago.org.Fun on the dance floorThe ceili workshop at the Universityof Chicago Folk Festivalin February was held in the beautifulsocial hall upstairs in NoyesHall. Everyone had a great timedancing to the Murphy RocheIrish Music Club. The danceswere led by Ed Heffernan fromthe Francis O’Neill Club. OtherFrancis O’Neill Club dancersWin a copy of IrishJam$19.99; PG-13Raise a glass, or a pint, toVisual Entertainment’s DVDrelease of Irish Jam, an urbancomedy featuring Eddie Griffin(Deuce Bigalow: MaleGigolo, Undercover Brother)and Mo’Nique (Domino,Oxygen’s Mo’Nique’s FatChance). In Irish Jam, Jimmy“The Jam” McDevitt is a LosAngeles conman getting intoall sorts of trouble. He is onthe run from his ex-fiancéwho he stood up at the altarand is dodging his landlordbecause he can’t pay his rent.included Walt Bauman, CherylArvio, Lee & Stephi Williams,Marie Scatena, Judy Kenning,Janice Heffernan.Both clubs warmly welcomenew members. For more information,please call Ed Heffernan(Francis O’Neill Club) at (847)682-0166 or Kell Chole (MurphyRoche Club) at 630-662-8611.Jimmy enters a poetry contestsponsored by a town in Irelandwith the hopes of escaping histroubles. Two worlds instantaneouslycollide as Jimmylands in Ireland to take over apub he won. What follows isa hilarious fish-out-of-waterFOR THE FINEST IN DINING TRYASHFORD HOUSERESTAURANTFOR THE VERY BEST IN IRISH CUISINESTEAKS • CHOPS • PASTA7959 WEST 159TH STREET TINLEY PARK708.633.7600WWW.WINSTONSMARKET.COMcomedy with romance, adventureand a great messageabout acceptance. Irish Jam isa broad based film perfect forfamilies and urbanites. DVDbonus materials include aninterview with Eddie Griffin.To win a free copy of IrishJam go to www.irishamericannews.com.The winner will bedrawn April 15th.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 7Profiling BoxerJohn DuddyBy John Mooney“Ireland’s” John Duddy,already rated No.15 by theWorld Boxing Association,is one of the fastest risingstars in pro boxing. Thecombination of his exciting,classic Irish blood-and-gutsstyle of fighting and matineeidol looks have helped theunbeaten Irish Middleweightsensation capture the heartsand minds of boxing fans inhis native Ireland and UnitedStates, particularly on the John DuddyEast Coast.John was born to box. Following in hisfather Mickey’s footsteps, Duddy startedtraining in his Derry hometown at the ageof 5, boxing in his first amateur matchat 7. Mickey was a former club fighterwho was 3-4 as a pro and sparred withseveral world champions such as Barry“The Clones Cyclone” McGuigan andKen Buchanan, as well as ex-Europeantitle-holder Charlie Nash.John won his first National title at 15 asa light middleweight in the Junior Division,later adding the Irish title as an Intermediateand Senior. He posted an amateur recordof 100-30 and on the advice of his amateurcoaches, Mickey and Nash in Ireland, as wellas Neil Ferrara in New York City, he turnedpro in 2003 and relocated to NYC.His pro debut was Sept9 2003 in the Bronx against(1-0) Tarek Rached, whoJohn knocked out in thefirst round. Duddy followedthat effort with 2more first-round knockoutsin 2003 against (1-1)Jesse Gomez and (3-5) LeoLaudat. John visited thecanvas for the first time asa pro against Laudet, sufferinga “flash” knockdown inthe first round that Duddyended moments after he gotback up.In his most significant fight (Mar 18) todate, Duddy stopped previously unbeatenLeonord Pierre (16-0,11 KOs), rated No19by the World Boxing Council, at 1:23 of theopening round on ESPN2. He became aninstant ESPN favourite.Duddy followed (Jun 11) with an 8thround decision against Patrick Thompson (9-4-1) in historic Madison Square Garden. Bygoing the full 8 rounds, John doubled thetotal amount of rounds he had fought as apro going into a bout, and won all 8 roundson all 3 of the judges’ scorecards (80-72).On Jul 22, John stopped veteran PatrickColeman (29-11) with a perfect one-twocombination in the 8 round of their fightoutside of Chicago on ESPN2 Friday NightFights. Duddy followed with a 1st roundstoppage (1:01) of Joseph Brady (13-4-1)last Sept 17 in Mansfield, Massachusetts.Back in NYC, John beat Canadianmiddleweight Bryon Mackie (25-11) by 4thround TKO in their Nov 4 main event. Inhis last fight, Wilmer Mejia (15-4-2) madeit to the 4th round before being stopped ona PPV show in Dec 15 in Florida.In his last fight, John went 10 roundsfor the first time, nearly pitching a shutoutagainst veteran Julio Jean (7-6-1) in Boston,winning by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. Through his first 15 fights, Duddy’sopponents had an aggregate record of 144-56-6/70% winning percentage, when theyentered the ring against him.John now lives with his girlfriend Grainne,in Queens. He is promoted by Irish Ropes,managed by McLaughlin Brothers, andtrained by Harry Keitt.Come play soccerChicago Celtic soccer club is lookingfor experienced players for their Under30 and Over 30’s Saturday teams. Theyalso need reliable, players for their MajorDivision Sunday morning team. Theclubs season runs from April to November.For more info go to the website www.Chicagocelticsoccerclub.com or callJohn O’Sullivan 773 736-5391.Boxing on the Southside of Chicagofeatured Terry McEldowney singing“God Bless America” at the Leo HighSchool Boxing Night, March 15that 115 Bourbon Street Restaurantand Bar.Terry is the fellow that penned thefamous “South Side Irish” song.• 36 Challenging Holes• Driving Range• Putting & Chipping Green• Golf Outing Packages• Outings and leagues welcome• Weekend permanent tee times• Prime dates available for golf outings• Lessons available by PGA Pro Ken BussHOME OF ILLINOISSPECIAL OLYMPICSCELEBRITY GOLF OUTINGGOLF YEAR ROUND!Restaurant Open Year RoundVisit OurGOLF DOME!Indoor Driving RangeTwo Levels - 45 Tee SlotsMon - Fri 7am - 9pm$9.00 per 1/2 hour unlimited golf ballsSat 8am - 7pm Sun 8am - 8pm$10.00 per 1/2 hour unlimited golf ballsJunior Rates Mon - Fri 3-6pm$8.00 per 1/2 hour unlimited golf ballsSenior Rates Mon - Fri 7-11am$8.00 per 1/2 hour unlimited golf ballsDome is also availableevenings for Football,Softball and Soccer!Call Tim for an Appointment815-469-3350“A Great Place To DineAn Even Greater Place To Golf”9511 W. Manhattan • Monee Road • Frankfort •815-469-3350 www.greengardencc.com

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 9British security forces still are busy underminingnationalists by using the IMC to findnew and creative ways to criminalize Sinn Feinand the voters they represent.The approach in Dublin is the same, butthe motivation is fear of Sinn Fein’s growingpolitical power: do little to challenge theBritish and continually suggest, in a way thatonly an Ian Paisley could love, that Sinn Feinis not “fit” to serve in government anywherein Ireland. Dublin did little to support thehunger strikers in 1981 and felt threatened bythe election to the Dail of Paddy Agnew andKieran Doherty. Disgustingly, the same holdstrue twenty-five years later.So what is the legacy of the hunger strikeon Irish politics? Whatever the continuingefforts made by the British or Dublin governmentsto criminalize Irish Republicanswho resist the occupation of their country– either through military or political means– they will be doomed to failure so long asthe Irish nationalist community remainsunited, rejects these efforts, and makesSetanta sports April Line-upHere are the top international football andrugby games for April that will be shown onSetanta Sports. The network is available onDIRECTV (Channel 615) as a premium channeland with GlobeCast WorldTV DTH. Checkwww.setanta.com/usa for updated schedules.Additionally, Setanta is available PPV in manypubs and clubs nationwide.Football (soccer)Scottish Premiere League (Special Pub Eventonly - LIVE) (Same day coverage on SetantaSports - check setanta.com/usa for schedule.)The Scottish Premier League (SPL) is the topdivision in Scottish Soccer. Glasgow Celtic andGlasgow Rangers collectively known as “TheOld Firm” are the usual contenders for the SPLtitle, but both Hearts (Heart of Midlothian), andHibs (Hibernian) have been making claims tothe title of their own this year. With Celtic lookingto be in an unbeatable position at the summitof the SPL, the contest now is between Rangers,Hibs, Hearts and Kilmarnock for second placeand the final automatic Champion’s Leagueplace. Can either of the Edinburgh sides beat thesoon to be dethroned Rangers to the lucrativerunners-up spot?April 8 at 10:00am - Rangers v MotherwellRangers are desperate to continue their challengefor second place and the automatic U.E.F.A ChampionsLeague qualifying place while Motherwellare lingering in mid-table obscurity with little tofight for expect for former Rangers captain and nowMotherwell manager Terry Butcher’s pride.April 9 at 9:00am - Kilmarnock v CelticChampions League hopefuls Kilmarnock,host SPL champions elect Celtic at Fir Park. Willformer Rangers captain and now Motherwellmanager attempt to scupper early championshipscelebrations for the Bhoys?The U.E.F.A. Champions League (LIVE) isthe primary club cup competition in Europe. It isopen only to professional Soccer Clubs throughoutEurope who have earned their position throughqualifying by winning their domestic leagues orfinishing highly enough to qualify within theirrespective leagues. Here we will see the crèmetheir voices heard just as they did when theyelected Bobby Sands.Hunger Strike Commemorations in the U.S.and IrelandThe following are only some of the manyhunger strike commemorations planned inthe U.S. and in Ireland.ChicagoMay 7 – from 1PM-4PM, Commemorationof Bobby Sands death, Six Penny Pub, 5800W. Montrose, Sponsored by Chicago IrishNorthern Aid. All proceeds going to Coistena n-Iarchimí, the ex-Republican prisonersupport organization in Belfast.October 1 - from 2-8PM, at a locationto be determined, Citywide Hunger StrikeCommemoration, Sponsored by multipleIrish-American groups and activists; plannedspeakers include members of the Finucanefamily and Mary Nellis from Derry.New YorkApril 29 - Irish Northern Aid and Clan naGael will be having a commemorative dinnerat the Astoria Manorde la crème of The Premiership, Serie A, Ligue 1,The Bundesliga and La Liga amongst others pittingtheir wits against each other for the ultimatetrophy in European club soccer. We are now finalizingthe quarter-final stage. Among the remainingteams in this year’s competition are Internazionale,Juventus, Barcelona, AC Milan, Villarreal, Benfica,Lyon and Arsenal. March features the semi final1st and 2nd legs of the competition.Semi final match-ups:Arsenal/Juventus V Internazionale/VillarrealLyon/Milan V Benfica/BarcelonaApril 5 - Teams TBD 2:30pm (kick off 2:45pm)(Quarter Finals, 2nd leg)April 19 - Teams TBD - 2:30pm (kick off 2:45pm)(Semi Finals, 1st leg)April 26 -Teams TBD - 2:30pm (kick off 2:45pm)(Semi Finals, 2nd leg)RugbyThe Heineken Cup (LIVE) started in 1995 asa stepping stone between domestic rugby and theinternational stage. The Heineken Cup involvesclub rugby teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland,England, France and Italy. The format is as follows:The six Pool winners and two best placedrunners-up will qualify for the Quarter-Finals andwill be decided by the following criteria: Fourpoints for a win, two points for a draw (matchpoints). A bonus point will be earned by a teamscoring four or more tries and by a team losingby seven or less points. The Pool winner will bethe Club with the highest number of match pointsearned in each Pool. The runners up will be thetwo second placed Clubs from all six Pools withthe next highest number of points. For the Quarter-Finalround, the Pool winners will be ranked1 - 6 in terms of the number of points earned. Therunners-up will be ranked 7 and 8.The reigningchampions are Toulouse, who are incidentally theonly 3 time winners of this competition.April 2 at 12:30pm - Biarritz v SaleSharks (Quarter Finals)April 22 at 11:30am - Teams TBD (Semi-Final 1)April 23 at 9:00am - Teams TBD (Semi-Final 2)Under 19 World Cup 2006 (LIVE) - The youngMay 6 - Memorial demonstration at theBritish ConsulateIrelandHundreds of anniversary vigils, lecturesand social, theatrical and sporting eventsare being planned by the National 1981Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee(http://www.hungerstrike81.com/) whichwill take place across the north over thecoming months. Here are just a few:April 11 - Third annual James ConnollyMemorial Lecture on theme of the hungerstrike, Wynn’s Hotel, DublinApril 30 - Commemoration at Ford’s Crosshunger strike memorial, south ArmaghMay 5 - Candelit vigil to mark death ofBobby Sands – vigils will also be held onanniversary of every hunger striker’s deathin various areasMay 5 - Bobby Sands lecture with internationalguest speaker at Devenish complex,west Belfast. Also parade in Kilcoo, CoDown and unveiling of mural and vigil atMarket Square, Castlebarguns of world rugby pit their mental and physicalwhits against one another in a battle for not onlynational pride but also mini-world dominance.Tune in to find out who will become the nexthousehold names in world rugby.April 5 at 10:00am - South Africa vs. FranceMay 11 - Unveiling of mural to commemoratedeath of hunger striker Sean McGaugheyat Brompton Park, north BelfastMay 18-20 - Camlough, south Armagh,weekend of events in memory of hungerstrikeJune 10-11 - Weekend of events to markelection of Kieran Doherty as TDJuly 7 - Launch of commemorative blanketdesigned by Eilish Reilly, sister of JoeO’Donnell and the Tar Annall 50+ groupJuly 29 - Launch of Kevin Lynch book byauthor Aidan Hegarty at St Canice’s GAAclub, Dungiven, Co DerryAugust 9 - Launch of North Belfast HungerStrike DVDAugust 13 - The centerpiece will be anational commemoration rally featuringsinger Frances Black at Dunville Park inwest Belfast.October 3 - Vigil at Long Kesh. Formerhunger strikers will read concluding statementof 1981 strike. Torchlit processions tomark end of strike at Bellaghy and DerryApril 5 at Noon - Ireland vs. EnglandApril 9 at Noon - Scotland vs. WalesApril 13 at Noon - South Africa vs. EnglandApril 21 at 10:00am - Teams TBD (3rd/4th placeplay-off)April 21 at Noon - Teams TBD (FINAL)

10 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006B eyondthe AbbeyBY SEAN CALLANWhistle in the Darkat SeanachaiTheatreIn the pub, we drank the sub,We drank it with good cheer.Now we’re on the road again –God damn and F*** the beer.Irish navvy ditty 1950s.As readers who are familiarwith Tom Murphy’s masterpiece AWhistle in the Dark know, there isnot much cheer to accompany thedrinking in this piece of realistictheater. Now nearly 50 years old,this extraordinary play-noire stillhits in the gut with the force ofa steam shovel. It is a pile driverthat never stops pounding for itsentire duration. Without any let up,there is a continuous feeling thatviolent fist fights may erupt at anytime. Those who like tension lovethe play because it keeps them onthe edge of their seats. Those whodesire comic-relief find little tolaugh about in its bleak portrayalof Post-World War II life for theIrish in England.A revival of A Whistle in the Darkis currently underway. It is beingstaged by the Seanachai Theatre atVictory Gardens, 2257 N. LincolnAve as this year’s annual production.Directed by Jeff Christian, the playwill run on Thursdays through Sundaysuntil May 14.“We thought about doing this forseveral years and finally are. There’sa very fine cast including three ofour own ensemble” said JacquelynFlaherty, Seanachai’s artistic director.“At its core the play is about thebonds of family. The question is, isthere ever a time when these bondsshould be broken?” she asked.A Whistle in the Dark is an intensedrama about a rough and tumbleexpatriate Irish community in Coventry,England in the 1950s. Theseare economic emigrants. In thosedays, Ireland could not support itscitizenry and many, like the fourCarney brothers in the play, had toCarney Brothersin “Whistle in the Dark.”go abroad. They are living in thehome of the eldest Michael andall are experiencing problems. Thethree younger brothers’ difficultiesare not with their jobs or even livingin England as might be expected.Instead, they are having trouble withanother Irish family, the Mulryans.The Carneys and Mulryans are competingfor common turf and thingshave come to a head.Michael’s problems, as thingsturn out, are not with the rivalMulryans. Instead, they are withinhis own family. Michael has marriedBetty a young English girl andtried to distance himself from thebrutish activities of his brothers. Apacifist and intellectual, he has littlestomach for a pending showdownhis brothers are planning with theMulryans. He barely stands upfor his wife whom his brothersterrorize. But, as Michael learns,remaining aloof and remote fromfamily is not easy.Into this bubbling cauldron comethe brothers’ father and anotherbrother from Ireland. They arrive inpreparation for the fight. As a result,Michael is forced to face his fears,family, frustrations and sense of morality.Following the set-to with theMulryans, the Carneys then turn onthemselves like rabid wolves tearingeach other apart.“Ultimately, the play is moreabout hope than despair. Unlikemost people, the Carneys are clear inwhat they want. They find their hopein fighting for their family name atany cost” said Flaherty.Playwright Tom Murphy wasborn in Tuam, Co. Galway in 1935.He has written more than twodozen produced plays includingThe Gigli Concert, Bailegangaire,Famine and The Sanctuary Lamp.The overriding theme of his playsparallels the work of philosopherViktor Frankl as “man’s search forsoul in a soulless world” and “asearch for redemption.” Murphyhas been compared with BrianFriel, Ireland’s other major livingplaywright. Many concludethat if Friel speaks for Ireland’sheart, Murphy speaks for its soul.Murphy’s protagonists often mustresolve moral dilemmasA Whistle in the Dark is widelyviewed at the archetype for HaroldPinter’s play The Homecomingwhich appeared on the scene threeyear’s later. Pinter’s play, thoughDiscover Ireland the Irish WayApplications are now beingaccepted for this summer’s studyabroad program offered by theIrish Way, a nationally renownedprogram of the Irish AmericanCultural Institute that has educatedover 3,000 American high schoolstudents since 1975. Each summerthe IACI sends approximately 100American students to Ireland for aunique cultural and educational experience.The five-week program isdivided into three parts: Education,Home Stay, and Touring. This yearthe program will take place June28- July 27, 2006.not nearly as violent, resemblesthe Murphy work. A Whistle inthe Dark is Tom Murphy’s earliestproduced play. It was written whenhe was only 25 and he submittedit to The Abbey Theatre in Dublin.The Abbey promptly turned itsnose up at the work “for all thewrong reasons.” The play thenpremiered at the Theatre Royal,Stratford East, London. There, itwas widely acclaimed also “forthe wrong reasons.” The Irish-ashooliganswas a popular theme inEngland at that time. Since then,Murphy’s work has been staged atThe Abbey which produced a festivalof his work a decade ago. Henow works closely with Ireland’sNational Theatre. Information andTickets for the Seanachai Theatre’sproduction may be obtained bycalling 773 871 3000.The IACI founded the programon the belief that fostering an appreciationof other cultures is animportant part of an individual’sdevelopment. Students will growto understand the rich heritageand tradition of Ireland, whilealso experiencing the country’sdistinct culture face-to-face. TheIrish Way is a personal discoveryand an experience of a lifetime.It’s a lesson in international citizenship.For detailed information aboutprogram dates, prices, and itineraries,please visit www.iaci-usa.org.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 11

At the heart of every issue of Irish American News are our advertisers. Our advertisers andsubscribers make it possible for us to produce the best paper we can. Each month in thesepages we are going to try and bring you closer to their unique and interesting stories.Frankfort Welcomes The Galway TribesBy Elizabeth KellyIn early 2005, Niall and his wife, DorothyO’Neill Freyne, purchased a piece ofland and oversaw the design and developmentof what is now known as The GalwayTribes Restaurant and Pub in Frankfort,Illinois. Their big dream was realizedquickly as The Galway Tribes opened itsdoors to the surrounding community inNovember 2005.The restaurant is named after thefourteen tribes of Galway, Ireland. In thelate 12th century, these tribes, of Anglo-Norman descent, swept into Galway andmanaged the merchant trade and eventuallygained full control of the city for wellover 200 years. (Visit your local libraryfor more details on this story.)Niall was born in Ireland but raised inNew Jersey. Originally, Niall and Dorothymoved here from the East for career opportunities.Now, Chicagoland is home tothe Freyne’s, and their small piece of thepie has the aura of harmony, community,and family tradition woven into its dayto-dayfabric.The Freyne’s pondered long and hard beforetaking the leap into owning a businesswhere they could follow their gut instinctsrather than a corporate guidebook.Tell us about yourself?I was born in Salthill, County Galway,just a couple of kilometers west of GalwayCity. I moved to the States with my familywhen I was quite young, between sevenand eight years of age. I consider the U.S.to be home, but I travel back to Irelandnow and then. Dorothy and I went thereon our honeymoon.Tell us about your parents?My parents are Kieran and TeresaFreyne. They have been married for thepast 45 years. My father is from Ballyhaunis,County Mayo and my mother is fromLouisburgh, County Mayo.I must admit, I don’t know all of thefine-tuned facts, but I understand that myparents met at some type of social function,a dance. They started dating right awayand on a steady basis for almost three tofour years. They married in County Mayothen moved to County Galway shortlythereafter, as Dad was accepted into medicalschool there. I was born in Salthill, justoutside the City of Galway.What brought your family to the U.S.?Well, Dad was in the process of finishingmedical school at National Universityof Ireland, Galway. He applied to varioushospitals to complete his residency,including an U.S. hospital, St. VincentCatholic Medical Center in New YorkCity. His application was accepted, so wemoved to the U.S.While working to complete his residencyin radiology, Dad also eked out a livingworking as a deckhand for the Circle LineFerry. When he completed his residency, wemoved to New Jersey. This is where I spentthe majority of my childhood.Do you have siblings?Yes. I am the oldest. My sister, Siobhra(pronounced She-fra), which is Gaelicfor princess, was also born in Ireland.My brother Ronan, who is the youngest,was born in New York. Today, Siobhralives in New Jersey and Ronan lives inWashington D.C.Where are your parents now?My father is now a retired physician,which makes it doable for he and mymother to reside part of the year in NewJersey and the other part in Oranmore,County Galway.Growing up, our parents were quitestrict with us and they always hoped Iwould become a physician like Dad, but Ijust didn’t feel called to that type of workand somehow I ended up in the food andbeverage industry!How did you and your wife Dorothy meet?Well, after college I moved to WashingtonD.C. for a job with Meristar/InterstateHotels & Resorts, as Corporate Director ofFood & Beverage Operations. After relocatingthere, I went out with a group of friendsand acquaintances, the day before NewYear’s Eve. It just so happened that Dorothywas in that group. We met and spokeexclusively with one another throughout themajority of the evening. We formally starteddating a week later. We became engagedabout a year later.Ironically enough, we became engagedon St. Patrick’s Day, here in Chicago.Dorothy was in Chicago on business andI flew in to be with her. We decided tohave dinner at the Everest in downtownChicago and became engaged. It just happened.It was a mutual marriage proposal.Later that evening, we spent our timecalling family and friends to relate thebig news, rather than partaking in the St.Patrick’s Day holiday festivities. All thishappened about five years ago.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 13Tell us more about your business partnerand wife?Dorothy is originally from the East Coast.Her parents and siblings still reside there.Presently, she is a corporate tax specialistfor Ernest & Young and has been withthem for nearly 12 years. Amazingly, shemanages a part-time position with them aswell as all of the accounting and payroll forthe restaurant.Dorothy is American born; yet she has adeep love for all things Irish, all things ofher Irish heritage. She is well versed in themusic, song and culture of Ireland.What inspired you to start the restaurant,Galway Tribes?From a businessperspective,growth in the marketplacecoupledwith the absenceof a great Irishrestaurant in theimmediate area,led us to purchaseland and buildGalway Tribes inFrankfort.From a morepersonal viewpoint,when Dorothyand I firstmoved to the LincolnWay community a few years ago, wewere working with a relocation specialist,to find a home that was a reasonablecommute to downtown Chicago as wellas to Northwest Indiana. That’s how wefirst came to discover and make our homewithin Chicago’s southern region. Then onthe day of our house closing, which wascoincidentally on St. Patrick’s Day, we wereimpacted by the amazing influence of Irishculture and pride of heritage, everywhere.Eventually we started to seriously thinkabout how great it would be to open anelegant Irish restaurant & pub, one in ourown community.Well, a couple of years later, here weare.I could not have done this project withoutDorothy. Her confidence, support, guidanceand never ending patience guided my owninspiration to make this happen.What unique elements does GalwayTribes have to offer the Irish Americancommunity?We pride ourselves on having a restaurantthat is not a stereotypical Irish pub.While the design is uniquely Irish, wewanted to stay away from the “Disneyland”designs that seem to have become prevalentover the last few years. We feel thatthe Tribes has a warm welcoming atmosphere,which caters to a mature clientele,who take pride in their heritage, a clientelewho enjoys Irish music, great food andsome of the finest Guinness served inthe south suburbs. We offer a full circlehospitable atmosphere of dinner, drinksand musical entertainment, as we lookto accommodate all gatherings of people,I appreciate being incharge of my owndestiny and making myown decisions rather thansending an inquiry for adecision up the corporateflagpole. It really issuccess or flames.including: families, elders, the lunch hourbusiness folk, as well as the happy hourand late night weekend crowds.I imagine that you lead by example with thisphilosophy amongst your staff?Yes. Frankly, we went through a lot ofapplications during the initial hiring process,looking for people with a friendly mannerabout them. I believe you can always traina skill but not a smile or personality.What I wish to make a solid traditionhere, is our manner of “opening the door”for guests when they arrive and depart.In the home environment, it is typical forthe host to open the door to greet his/herguest, as a formof warm hospitality.So, whynot extend thisform of welcomein a restaurantatmosphere? Ibelieve it to begood Irish hospitality.The staffhere understandsthe necessity ofthis treatment,which I believeis important tothe success ofGalway Tribes.On that note,my employees are the most importantpeople I have. I take a special interest inwho they are. I believe myself to be a toughboss, but I joke as well.They all are the heart and soul of therestaurant and I appreciate what they do. Itake the time to partake in the tasks that I askof staff, including tending bar and workingin the kitchen a few days a week.How did you come to choose your careerfield?I was simply drawn to it. I enjoy thechallenge of maintaining constant balance.I love all elements of this work. Now, runningmy own business, I appreciate beingin charge of my own destiny and makingmy own decisions rather than sending aninquiry for a decision up the corporateflagpole. It really is success or flames.Hospitality is what I know. I enjoy thefine craic of being in a restaurant. I enjoythe meeting and servicing of the customers,checking-in to make sure the are having agood time. If the customer leaves happy,they will be inclined to return. If I can accomplishthis and make a living at the sametime, what could be better?What do you most enjoy doing, in terms ofleisure?I most enjoy spending time with my family,my wife, and my two children.James is the oldest; he is two and a halfyears old. Mary Katherine is one and a halfyears old. Any time spent with them, nomatter the activity, is truly great.As far as leisure activities are concerned,I enjoy billiards and golf; I’ve been playingthem since I was a young boy. I reallyenjoy golf because it brings on the leisure– Niall Freyneof laughing out inthe fresh air and Iget some exerciseto boot. Yes, golfmakes me laugh.I’m really not thatproficient, so I trynot to take it tooseriously and justhave fun with it.What leisure Irishactivities do youmost enjoy?My wife Dorothyand I are veryinto Irish musicand dance. Presentlythough, we truly don’t have the timeto go out and see a performance or show,but all in good time.What is your favorite Irish dish?In terms of the “staples” on Irish menus,I suppose my favorite would be shepherd’spie and fish-n-chips. However, at the Tribes,I enjoy the menu selections that are morein keeping with traditional Irish cookinglike the Salthill Sautee, which consists ofsalmon, cod, shrimp, and scallop, preparedin a cider crème sauce and served with aside of breaded potato cake.How divine that sounds.What do you find remarkable about theIrish culture?I appreciate the love the Irish have fortheir music and song. Of course music andsong are a significant part of any culture.Interior view of Galway Tribes.With regards to Irish music, I do enjoythe flair of Celtic rock, yet for the mostpart I’m a traditionalist. I enjoy hearingthe box accordion and the bodhran drum.Personally, I play the piano a little bit, butI don’t play often.Based on my own experiences, I viewIrish music and song as the peaceful powerfulforce, which brings everyone together.Someone, who might not be in the moodto smile or laugh, suddenly desires to. Irishmusic and song are the common bond, nomatter where in Ireland or in America youmight be from. Irish music and song naturallybring us together under the umbrellaof our common Celtic heritage.Galway Tribes is located at 9680Lincolnway Lane, Frankfort, IL. Phone:815.464.9881.

14 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006H MikeooliganismHoulihanI met Mary Margaret was funny watching Al flirt withMcArdell Carney the day beforeI married her daughter. me it was a good sign for theher. Al had a few pops and toldMaybe I figured it would be too future bride when the motherlate at that point for her to talk is still looking hot.my bride out of the wedding. Margaret was widowed at theI imagined her mom pulling age of 43 when her husband, Dr.my Mary aside at the rehearsal Ted Carney, died and left herdinner and saying, “Are you with nine kids to raise. The oldestgirl Bridget was just out ofinsane?”Well maybe just a little bit. high school, just ahead of Kathy,Lots of folks would opine that Mary, Patrick, Roberta, Aileen,the woman who married me Erin, seven year old Sean andmust’ve had something wrong baby Teddy who was three.with her noodle. But her mother Margaret Carney carried on.was as solid as the Rock of She was a nurse and got right toGibraltar.work teaching those kids rightMy dad’s pal Al Bayer asked from wrong and sending themher to dance at the wedding. out into the world. They grewShe was a classy woman in her up, got diplomas and jobs andfifties at the time. We thought it started their own families. Theywere the Carneys from Ilion, alittle town in the foothills of theMohawk valley in upstate NewYork. Most of them still livethere and visiting them is likepaying a visit to the fictionalcity of Grover’s Corners, NewHampshire in the classic play,“Our Town.”I spent years of summerJeff Ollnau, his daughters Jenna and Gillian, and his niece LeahPetrakovitz enjoy part of St. Patrick’s Day listening to Velvet Green atHackney’s downtown Chicago location.vacations visiting Margaretand the rest of the Carney clanwith my wife and then my kids.She warmed up to me over theyears and so did the rest of theCarneys eventually. My sonscalled her Grandma but I justcalled her Margaret.She never asked me if I had ajob, which I especially liked becausemost of the time I didn’t.Margaret came to New YorkCity and stayed with us fora couple weeks to help outwhen my twins were born. Shecooked and cleaned and oneday I came home and foundher scrubbing the grout in thetile of the bathroom floor withan old toothbrush. I asked herif she would put on her nurse’suniform so I could invite peopleover and they would think I hada maid. She laughed and keptright on scrubbin’.When I moved my familyfrom New York it meant takingher daughter and grandsonsaway to the windy city. We knewthe distance would be tough butshe never beefed about it, justencouraged me to go wherethe work was. I felt bad aboutputting so many miles betweenthem even though we continuedto visit every summer. We wereleaving for the airport one Augustand the kids and Mary saidteary goodbyes while Grandmaand I were stoic. For the firsttime I hugged her and said Ilove you Margaret.She blushed and looked at meas if to say, “Of course” and said,“I love you.”I never forgot that moment,like finding a new mother withunconditional love. Margaretshattered all the clichés aboutmother in laws. Over the yearsI marveled at her indomitablespirit as she continued to carryon through life’s ups anddowns.Every Christmas a huge boxwould be delivered to our housewith all of grandma’s presentsfor the kids and hand madeornaments for our tree.She became an old lady andlost her oldest son to cancer butnever missed mass or her rosaryor her nightly wine. She stillsent us a check for 75 bucks everyChristmas. I’m embarrassedto say I cashed ‘em.Margaret broke her hip afew months ago and joined herhusband Ted in heaven on thenight before St. Patrick’s Day.They must’ve had a date.All her kids were around heras she died. It wasn’t easy forany of them. My sons drove toupstate New York with me inthe Caddy, non-stop to Syracuse,road trip. Once again we wereheaded to Grandma Carney’s. Atthe wake were dozens of firemenin uniform, friends of Margaret’sson Sean, Deputy Chief of theIlion Fire Department. The ladiesof the Court of St. Bridget,the local chapter of the CatholicDaughters, also came to praywith the family. Friends broughtbushels of food to Aunt Aileen’shouse that night and we toastedMargaret and her memory.After the funeral luncheon wehad to get back on the road sowe said our goodbyes. Mary’sbrothers and sisters felt likemine now, closer than we’d everbeen before. I guess we haveMargaret to thank for that too.This wonderful woman left alegacy of spirit for all of us, anexample of how the Carneyscarry on.Irish Repertory ofChicago receivessupportFred and Kay Krehbiel havemade a sizeable donation insupport of the efforts of IrishRepertory of Chicago. Thanksall around to the Krehbiels andto the efforts of Julie Shea andthe fundraising committee. Thegift is the largest individual contributionthe Irish Rep has everbeen given.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 15Boylethe KettleBy Tom BoyleWe’ll Have A Sup Of Teaemail: boylekettle@yahoo.comSex Abuse102 Dublin priests are “suspected”!350 victims? Round andround she goes. Where she stopsnobody knows.Irish Government SmearA secret Irish government reportsmeared victims of sex abuse atCatholic Church–run orphanages,by branding them dysfunctional andpotential pedophiles. The reportwas submitted in April 1999 tothen Minister of Education MichaelMartin, Tánaiste Mary Harney, andan adviser to the Attorney General.The report was generated in responseto the demand from victims for fullpublic inquiry into their treatmentin various institutions. So now, wevictimize the victims.Cardinal GeorgeThe Cardinal spoke out againstthe immigration bill written byJames Sensenbrenner (Republican,Wisconsin). He directed his remarksto Senator Richard Durbin. This tookplace at Old St. Patrick’s Churchduring the Mass on March 11, the150th St. Patrick’s Day Mass sincethe church was dedicated on ChristmasDay, 1856. Catherine O’Connellwas sorely missed, no pun intended.Thank God! Catherine is recoveringand was able to perform at SymphonyHall on March 17. Her performanceas usual was stellar. CathyCowan did a great job singing at OldSt. Patrick’s Church in Catherine’sabsence. Our Queen Kelly Green andher court, the Parade Committee, andthe Shannon Rovers Bagpipe Bandadded to the high spirits and pageantry.Father Jack Wall delivered aninspirational homily. The traditionalbreakfast followed.The ParadeThe Irish converged on ColumbusDrive at Balboa. The marching unitsand floats were positioned to step outat the signal. It’s an election year, sowe had more politicians than usual, afew extra Republicans in the mix. Theweather cooperated; 65 degrees withbright sunshine. It must have beena record crowd. Wall to wall people,everywhere you looked.I was fortunate enough to ride ina new Lincoln Zephyr with our ownOlympic Champion, Annette RodgersKelly, who won the Olympic Gold in1932 and 1936.IAHCFollowing the parade, it was off tothe Irish American Heritage Centerto greet some special visitors fromCounty Kerry, Ireland. The Mayor ofKerry, Theresa Ferris, the daughterof Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein T.D. fromNorth Kerry , Patrick Lynch , JohnFlynn and his wife Marguerite fromCastlegregory where my cousin Patriciaand her husband Noel Fitzgeraldlive . The Kerrymans Associationinvited them to Chicago .Ambassador SheridanI recently learned that our formerconsul general, Frank Sheridan, isnow Ambassador to Mozambique, inEast Africa. Frank and his wife, Rita,were very popular during their stay inChicago. Dan Casey and Dolores Connollyrecently visited the Sheridans inMozambique.90th Anniversary 1916.The Rising in 1916 touched the livesof everybody in Ireland. As told to me,the story was that my father, only 17years old, carried ammunition fromDriscoll’s Farm to the caves at Clashmealconnear the mouth of the ShannonRiver, where the IRA men werefighting for their very lives against theFree State Army. He made it in and outunder the cover of darkness. The menin the caves were ultimately capturedand executed. A monument standstoday in the middle of a pasture wherealmost nobody will ever see it.In that same era, my father’s cousin,Captain Jack Lawlor, of the Ballyheigueunit, IRA, was executed bythe Free-Staters in Ballyheigue. Thestory was that he was stopped on hisway home from the village late atnight by a Free-State soldier who wasvery drunk.Jack took the rifle away from theFree-Stater and knocked him unconscious.The next morning Jack wasarrested and executed in the old graveyard,his body thrown into the road infront of the church and left there. Youcan find this story, although it is toldsomewhat differently, in a book calledThe Tragedies of Kerry. My uncle, TerenceBoyle--a small, quiet man--wasawarded a 1921 Survivors Medal.They used to dig trenches acrossthe roads to stop the armored carsand trucks from getting throughand traveled through the fields atnight to harass the Free-Staters. Myuncle, Patrick Boyle, gave me UncleTerry’s medal after he passed away onChristmas Day, 1974. I had the medalengraved with his name, and I stillhave it to this day.1981 Hunger StrikeI was in Ireland in 1981, I arrivedon August 21 and departed September7. One of my old friends, Dan Grace,who was living with his family in Waterloo,Belguim, met me in Ireland thatyear. I picked Dan up at the ferry inDun Laoghaire and we set out to visitmany of my relatives. Bobby Sandshad died on May 5 in the Maze Prison.Frances Hughes on May 12, PatsyO’Hara on May 21, Ray McCreeshalso on May 21,Joe McDonnell on July 8, MartinHurson on July 13, Kevin Lynch onAugust 1, Keiran Doherty on August2, Thomas McElwee on August 8, andMickey Devine on August 20, the daybefore I arrived. Trouble in the Northhad reached an impasse. The HungerStrikers would change things forever;they would focus the world’s attentionon Northern Ireland.While I was in Waterford Citythere were Republicans handing outliterature. That was the first time Isaw the poster showing MargaretThatcher with vampire fangs. Howappropriate!On Sunday nights at Dick Keane’sPublic House in Causeway, Co. Kerry,a Republican would come in to sellAn Phoblact, the Republican News. Ihave copies from August 22, August29, and September 5, 1981. I was toldthe paper was illegal and you could bearrested just for having it. I realized forthe first time that there was no freedomof the press, and the Brits controlledthe media. Nobody openly discussedtheir politics then, but North Kerrywas and still is a hotbed of IRA men.Let’s hope by remembering thesebrave men, we can again focus theworld’s attention on the Good FridayAgreement and the right of the Irishpeople to self-determination.Update - Catherine O’ConnellCatherine has suffered a setback,and by the time you read this she willhave had serious neck surgery. At thiswriting she is in traction. Surgery isscheduled for Tuesday, March 28th.Say a prayer for full recovery.The Glengarry Bhoys drew big crowds to T.J. Maloney’s at the Radisson Hotel in Merrilville, Indianaon St. Patrick’s Day weekend.AppearancesCutsColorPermsFoil HighlightsWaxingGifts/Jewelry229 N Northwest Highway, Park RidgeCall Mary Today!847-825-7615Cook County Treasurer MariaPappas (center) presents award forexcellence to Bridget Looney (left),host of the Mike O’Connor radioshow, and Siobhainn O’Connor,producer of the Irish-audienceshow. The award was made ata celebration of InternationalWomen’s Day in Treasurer Pappas’downtown Chicago office. Pappaspraised Looney and O’Connor fortheir work in strengthening theIrish community over the radio.

Irish16 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Booksin ReviewBY FRANK WESTHour of the Catby Peter Quinn. The OverlookPress/212-673-2526, www.overlookpress.com;Woodstock,N.Y.,2005,448 pages, $25.95.What a pleasure to read this book,its use of language is thrilling. Wordsare used for their beauty and power.Do you like an engrossing mystery?Are you intrigued by modernAmerican and European history? Thenyou’ll love reading Hour of the Cat byPeter Quinn.The book focuses on the yearsof the Depression in America – the1930s – and the period of World WarII. A fascinating mystery takes placein New York City, and it is stronglyinfluenced by events taking place inNazi Germany.The detective is Fintan Dunne. He isa veteran of World War I and a formerdetective with the NYPD. Dunne is anIrish American who, in my imagination,looks like Jimmy Cagney. Dunne is ahighly ethical man who, as a detective,earned a reputation for honesty. Thisis the main reason he resigned fromthe police force. He wouldn’t adjusthis values to the politics of the policeforce or of the city. He resigned, andbecame a private investigator. As aprivate investigator, Dunne’s personalbravery, honesty, curiosity, assertivenessand street smarts earn him success.This is during the extremely difficultyears of the Depression. The detectiveis an honest man working in a politicaland social system that is not alwayshonest.When thinking of the Irish Americandetective, think Sam Spade inThe Maltese Falcon. Only instead ofHumphrey Bogart, Jimmy Cagney isplaying the part. I talk about he fictionalcharacters in Hour of the Cat as if theyare real persons. The authors skill as aIN MY DREAMS2nd Edition Expected Fall 2004www.in-my-dreams.comJames T. Durkin, AuthorHardcover ISBN: 140335636XPaperback ISBN: 0759646066Sequel To Be Titled: A Call Of AngelsP.O. Box 6136Woodridge, IL 60517jamesdurkin@hotmail.comAuthor Housewww.authorhouse.com(800) 839-8640writer makes that possible. Even FrankMcCourt recognizes that superb qualitywhen, on the cover, he praises Hour ofthe Cat: “It’s a magic carpet of a book...where you meet a cast of characters sovividly drawn you’ll never forget them...settings and characters are so crisplydrawn, so detailed, you are drawn insidethe book...Peter Quinn’s writing [is]spare but passionate, wry but loving.This is a thriller on the highest level...settle back, in a page or two you’ll beon the magic carpet.”An example of that vivid writingoccurs when Dunne meets a characterfor the first time. He is keenly aware ofher hard beauty. He is intrigued by her,but observant and wary. Behind her onthe wall of her apartment: “Above herhead, an elaborately framed painting ofa beach at night, silver moon penetratingthe clouds, shining across sand andangry sea, a pathway of light, lookedlike a candidate for the wall of somemuseum or movie lobby, except therewas something foreboding about it,threatening, as though a body were tobob to the surface.”There are many historical personsthat interact with the fictional charactersin Peter Quinn’s book: WilliamDonovan, Thomas Dewey, John FosterDulles, Franklin Roosevelt, AdolphHitler, Reinhard Heydrich, AdmiralCanaris, Albert Speer and HeinrickHimmler. Peter Quinn makes this interactionseamless and quite plausible.This is some biographical informationabout Peter Quinn, the author ofHour of the Cat. He is 58 years oldand a third generation Irish American.He is the author of the superb, awardwinningBanished Children of Eve(1994), about the Irish famine. Hewas a speech writer for two New Yorkgovernors and is editorial director forTime Warner. He lives in Hastings,New York, with his wife and teenageson and daughter. His articles havebeen published in many newspapers,including The New York Times, TheLos Angeles Times and The PhiladelphiaInquirer. He has appeared inmany TV documentaries.He must have been raised in thesame Irish tradition I was. Words werewhat was important at family gatherings.When the adults told stories, theyused vibrant words to show charactersor to describe an event. Words wereused with arrow-like accuracy. Thisbook is so rich in detail that there areseveral approaches that could be usedfor a book review. I chose the approachof words and powerful language todevelop characters and scenes.Hour of the Cat is about life. Lifein all its forms, complexity and beauty.The Nazis said there were forms oflife that were unworthy to exist. PeterQuinn uses the detective to express hisview of life. As he walked on a streetin New York City: “He kept lookingat the faces...a typical mix-deliveryboy, mechanic heading home, swarthysailor with a plump blonde on hisarm, Jew at his newsstand, traffic copwith the red, scoured face, a womanwith shapely gams – they passed inanonymous pursuit of ordinary ambitions,sex, food, sleep, fun, the needto bake a buck.“Life in the ceaseless hustle of a NewYork evening.“Busy. Noisy. Horny. Unequal. Unfair.Unfinished.“Life worthy of life.”These are examples of Quinn’s useof memorable language. The quotes inthis review are from Hour of the Catbut this powerful quote from his BanishedChildren of Eve about Lincoln’sCivil War crusade to end slavery, hasstayed in my mind all these years:“though the Yankees wept and rantedover the sin of slavery, what tears hadthey shed over Ireland’s oppression,the exodus and mass starvation ofher children, the destitute women andchildren left to die in ditches...?” Whatabolitionist had offered them a singlecrust of bread? What true friend ofhumanity had extended them a hand?Or had anything in his heart for themsave derision, ridicule, distain? Letnobody lecture him about the negroor the war.”Quinn describes the despair anddismay of the stock market crash andthe depression that followed. “Thetemporary cloud became a permanentgloom. Week after week, it invaded theflickering illusions of the movie house.Amid newsreels of starlets and athletes,statesmen and royalty...the mountingpresence of the unemployed andhomeless spun into an epic of disasters.It was as though nature and the stockmarket were controlled by the samehand. [Newsreels showed people’s]...bewilderment in a shrug of shoulders,a pathetic smile, eyes water-filled,...the illusion of security washed away...One way or another... the ruin spread,biblical style, across the country.”The carefully observant detective inHour of the Cat describes a suspiciouscharacter: [She] “...appeared fashionablyattractive, the way half-a-hundredwomen on the street did; in the flesh,she was striking. Her face was older...and there was nothing virginal orinnocent about it. But her slate-blueeyes were bright, clear, wide. Shehad soft waves running through herauburn hair which, though perhapstinted or dyed, was thick and lustrous.Hers was a hard beauty, polished, likemarble or jade.”Peter Quinn’s Hour of the Cat, ishopeful and optimistic. The bookshows us that in life there is beauty toobserve. And it clearly shows us that itshould be lived fully and beautifully.Upcoming Irishtheater eventsChicago’s Irish Americans willenjoy choosing from the many eventsto be presented in the next few weeks.Here are ten events, and there areprobably more.A Whistle in the Dark by Tom Murphy.Seanachai Theatre Company willpresent “...this overlooked masterpieceby one of Ireland’s greatest livingplaywrights.” I have seen severalplays performed by Seanachai, and Ialso saw this play in Dublin. I stronglyrecommend it. March 25 to May 14at Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 NLincoln Ave, 773-871-3000.The Devil’s Disciple by George BernardShaw. Shaw Chicago presents thisfrom March 25 to May 14 at the RuthPage Center for the Performing Arts,1016 N Dearborn, 312-409-5605.The Clearing by Helen Edmundson.An outstanding review of this playwas printed in the March issue of IAN.It was written by fellow columnistSean Callan. It is presented at theGift Theatre, 4802 N Milwaukee Ave,773-283-7071.Love in the Title by Hugh Leonard.Irish Repertory will present this play.“The natural balance between mothersand daughters is turned topsy-turvy...and Hugh Leonard exploits [this] to itsfull comedic potential.” Irish Repertorypresents this from May 24 to July2 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 NLincoln Ave, 773-871-3000.A Wake in the West by Michael JoeGinnelly. The play will be presentedby St. Patrick’s Drama Group fromCo. Mayo. “For the laugh of yourlife...don’t miss this hilarious smashhit comedy.” April 7 & 8 at the IrishAmerican Heritage Center, 4626 NKnox, 773-282-7035 x30.Celebrate the centenary of SamuelBeckett’s birth. Krapp’s Last Tapeby Samuel Beckett will be presentedby Shapeshifters Theatre Ensemble.This will be on April 14 and 15 at theIrish American Heritage Center, 772-383-7035x30.Another part of this interesting celebrationis Lunch with Gogot. Whileeating lunch, enjoy a reading ofWaiting for Godot. The location isthe same but the time is 12:00 pm,773-282-7035x30.On Friday, June 16 “...the life andworks of James Joyce” will be celebratedwith a Bloomsday Dinnercalled “Rattlin’ of the Joists.” Thiswill be at the Irish American HeritageCenter, 4626 N Knox.At the same location, but on Saturday,June 17 at 8:00pm The movieBloom by Sean Walsh will beshown. The movie stars AngelineBall and Steven Rea, and will befollowed by a discussion.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 17An Immigrant’sMusingsFr. Michael LeonardVisit us at ....On the first of March the Citycouncil of Chicago backed aresolution proposed by AldermanPatrick J. O’Connor andco-sponsored by Aldermen Ed.Burke, Billy Ocasio and GeorgeCardenas. The resolution waspassed by a vote of 48 to 0. Thiswas an historic occasion. Chicagohas sent an important message tothe rest of the nation and for theirleadership on this important issuethe Mayor and the Council membersare to be congratulated.The Chicago Celts for ImmigrationReform led by Chairperson,Billy Lawless worked togetherwith Alderman O’Connor tohave this strongly worded motionbrought before the City Council.The Irish community is indeedvery grateful for their efforts onbehalf of the undocumented inthis great City.Following is the text of theresolution passed by the CityCouncil of Chicago on March1st 2006.ResolutionWhereas, Historically, Chicagohas attracted immigrants from allover the world, making Chicagoon of the most ethnically, raciallyand religiously diverse cities inthe world; andWhereas, Undocumented immigrantscontribute to the vitalityof the City by filling key rolesin its economy, paying taxes,and contributing to its schools,neighborhoods, churches andcommunities; andWhereas, On December 16,2005, the United States House ofRepresentatives passed “The BorderProtection, Antiterrorism, andIllegal Immigration Control Act of2005” (H.R 4437). Introduced byRepresentative F. James Sensenbrenner,H.R. 4438 is a harshanti-immigration law that wouldhave drastic consequences for immigrantsto this country; andWhereas, H.R. 4437 requiresmandatory detention of all immigrantswithout status; makes“unlawful presence” a crime andan aggravated felony for immigrationpurposes; denies basicdue process protection to legalimmigrants, refugees and asylumseekers;and imposes a burdensomebureaucratic procedurefor employment verification onemployers; andWhereas, In contrast, UnitedStates Senators Edward Kennedyand John McCain and UnitedStates Representatives Jim Kolbeand Luis Gutierrez introduced “The Secure America and OrderlyImmigration Act of 2005” (S1033and HR2330) which establishes amore humane and comprehensiveplan for immigration reform;andWhereas, While providing forbetter security at the U.S borderand realistic law enforcementpolicies, the Kennedy-McCainbill also creates opportunitiesfor immigrants currently livingand working in the United Statesto gain legal status, and permits400,000 guest workers in low-skilljobs; andWhereas, The passage of theKennedy-McCain bill would modernizethe national immigrationsystem with a realistic plan forimmigration, while still protectingour borders; now, therefore,Be it resolved, That we, theMayor and Members of the CityCouncil of the City of Chicago,assembled this 1st day of March,2006, do hereby urge the UnitedStates Senate to defeat The BorderSHAMROCK IMPORTSMaureen O’Looney,Serving You For Over35 Years Now!3150 N. Laramie, Chicago 773-286-6866Protection, Antiterrorism, and IllegalImmigration Control Act of2005(H.R 4437) when that bodyconsiders the legislation laterthis year, and do hereby urge thePresident of the United States toveto such Legislation if it is in factapproved by the Senate; andBe it further resolved, That we,the Mayor and Members of theCity Council of the City of Chicagodo hereby urge the President ofthe United States and the UnitedStates Congress to pass and signinto law The Secure America andOrderly Immigration Act of 2005,sponsored by Senators Kennedyand McCain and RepresentativesKolbe and Gutierrez; andBe it further resolved, Thatcopies of this resolution be deliveredto the President of theUnited States, the President protempore of the United StatesSenate, the Speaker of the UnitedStates House of Representativesand each member of the Illinoiscongressional delegation.Patrick J.O’Connor, Alderman,40th WardMarchesThe weekend of March 10th-12th could prove to have beenone of the most memorable andinfluential in the whole immigrationdebate to date. Friday sawthe largest rally since the anti-Vietnam marches in the 1970’s.Over 100,000 people marchedpeacefully from Ashland/Divisionto the Daly plaza. It was awonderful show of support forthe undocumented with Irish,Hispanics, Polish and other ethnicgroups walking shoulder toshoulder in a common cause. Themarchers carried placards callingpeople to support the McCain/Kennedy bill and asking themto voice their opposition to theSensenbrenner bill. It was greatto have the support of top electedrepresentatives such as GovernorBlagojevich, Mayor Daly, SenatorDurbin and CongressmanGutierrez. Lets hope that othercities and indeed the nation asa whole will follow Chicago’sexample and in particular thatour elected representatives onCapitol Hill will listen and takepositive action to deal with thisissue which is not going away.The St.Patrick’s day paradesdown town and on the southside saw floats sponsored by theChicago Celts For ImmigrationReform. They had a lively crowdof supporters on both days andthey are to be applauded fortheir efforts in support of theundocumented.Just a thoughtA lecturer, when explainingstress management to an audience,raised a glass of water and asked,“How heavy is this glass of water?”Answers called out ranged from20g to 500g. The lecturer replied,“The absolute weight doesn’t matter.It depends on how long you tryto hold it. If I hold it for a minute,that’s not a problem if I hold itfor an hour, I’ll have an ache inmy right arm. If I hold it for a day,you’ll have to call an ambulance.In each case, it’s the same weight,but the longer I hold it, the heavierit becomes.” He continued, “Andthat’s the way it is with stress management.If we carry our burdensall the time, sooner or later, asthe burden becomes increasinglyheavy, we won’t be able to carryon “As with the glass of water youhave to put it down for a while andrest before holding it again. Whenwe’re refreshed, we can carry onwith the burden.” “So, beforeyou return home tonight, put theBROYLES LAW OFFICEIMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW3435 North Sheffield Avenue, Suite 206Chicago, IL 60657tel 773.348.3101 Fax 773.348.3181beth@broyleslawoffice.comwww.broyleslawoffice.comExperienced attorney providingquality representation at competitive pricesburden of work down. Don’t carryit home. You can pick it up tomorrow.Whatever burdens you’recarrying now, let them down fora moment if you can.”So, my friend, why not take awhile to just simply RELAX.Put down anything that may bea burden to you right now. Don’tpick it up again until after you’verested a while. Life is short. Enjoyit!Here are some great ways ofdealing with the burdens of life:* Always keep your words softand sweet, just in case you haveto eat them.* It may be that your sole purposein life is simply to be kindto others.* Never put both feet in yourmouth at the same time, becausethen you won’t have a leg tostand on.As always should you have anyquestions, suggestions or comments,please feel free to contactme at: 312-337-8445 or Cell. 773-677-5341 orE-mail: siochan@catholic.org

18 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Come to Failte DerbyOwner & Patron Appreciation DayCome out and join us at the exclusive TurfClub at Hawthorne Race Course on SundayApril 30th for the Failte Derby.Great food, plenty to drink and wonderfulentertainment. Tickets are priced at $50.00each and includes admission, program, buffetlunch and three hour open bar.Hot tips from our resident handicapper forall the races. First race at 1:10p.m. Last raceis at approximately 4:30p.m.Music By the Lakeconcerts and workshopsOn April 28th and 29th, the Celtic Music Club,UWM’s Center for Celtic Studies, UWM’s StudentAssociation, and the Irish Fest Foundation willbe co-sponsoring Ceol Cois Locha (Music Bythe Lake), a weekend of Irish traditional musicconcerts and workshops at the University ofWisconsin-Milwaukee. The weekend will featurefour internationally acclaimed musicians, twofrom Ireland and two from Chicago.Ceol Cois Locha will commence with a concertin Curtin Hall 175 on Friday, April 28th by fea-Your patrons will have a great time andyou will have the opportunity of enjoying arelaxing day in their company.It is going to be a great day so make yourreservation now 708 780 3770 and be therefor all the fun and excitement a day of thoroughbredracing at Hawthorne has to offer.Reservations must be made by April 12th.We accept Mastercard and Visa.For more information contact Ann Bourke,The Turf Club at Hawthorne Race Course, 708780 3770. turfclub@hawthorneracecourse.com.tured performers Emer Mayock and Donal Siggins.Irish music workshops will be held throughout theday on Saturday, April 29th in the UWM Union.Scheduled to appear and teach: Emer Mayock– Flute, Liz Knowles – Fiddle, Donal Siggins- Guitar/Mandola, Jackie Moran – Bodhrán.Admission for the concert is $10 and the workshopswill cost $35. A package deal of $50 willcover admission to the concert, workshops, anda boxed lunch on Saturday. Contact Jeff Ksiazekof the Celtic Music Club for further details: jksiazek@uwm.edu.www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg/celticmusicclub/ceolcoislocha.htmlOld St Pat Church Lenten& Easter ReflectionThe Lenten season offers us time to focus onhow we are practicing our faith each year. As a season,Lent will take you from the last days of winterto the lengthening sunlight of spring. As a sacredtime, Lent will take you from Ash Wednesday tosundown on Holy Thursday. And as a spiritualtool, Lent wants to take you deeper. Throughoutthis Lenten season, we encourage everyone to digdeeper and ask, “Where is Lent taking me?” Pleasejoin us for the celebrations listed below.Palm Sunday on April 9 will include a processionand blessing of palms and liturgy of the Passion.Liturgies are at 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:15a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. Liturgies in the churchhall: 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. All Masses include achoir and instrumentalists, except the 7 a.m.Lenten Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, April11 at 12:40 p.m. (following the 12:10 p.m. Mass).Holy Thursday on April 13 will include a 7 p.m.Mass in the church with presider, Rev. ThomasJ. Hurley. Advanced reservations are required toattend all Holy Thursday Masses and communitydinners. Holy Thursday 7 p.m. Mass locations areas follows: Church Hall, 700 W. Adams, Presider:Rev. John C. Cusick; Frances Xavier Warde SchoolLuka Bloom at ICHCCome to the Hallamor Spring ConcertSeries #3 and hear Luka Bloom on Saturday,April 15th, at the Irish Cultural and HeritageCenter of Wisconsin. Luka Bloom is a soloperformer, a skilled guitarist and youngerbrother of the legendary Christy Moore. Hewas born in County Kildare and has beentouring since the age of 14. He has appearedGymnasium, 120 S. Des Plaines, Presider: Rev.John J. Wall; Frances Xavier Warde School Cafeteria,120 S. Des Plaines, Presider: Rev. Paul E.Novak; Liturgies in the church hall and the FrancesXavier Warde School gymnasium and cafeteriainclude a community dinner and require reservations.The cost for dinner is $35/person. Pleasecontact Old St. Patrick’s Church at 312.648.1021for a Reservation Form and return it with paymentto the church offices.Good Friday April 14 includes Sacrament ofReconciliation from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Liturgyof the Passion and Death of our Lord from 12 p.m.and 7 p.m., presider: Rev. John C. Cusick; Stationsof the Cross, featuring selections from Pergolesi’sStabat Mater at 3 p.m.; presider: Rev. John J. Wall.Holy Saturday, April 15: Easter Vigil Liturgy at8 p.m., presider Rev. Thomas J. Hurley.Easter Sunday, April 16: Liturgies in the church:7, 8:15, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Liturgiesin the church hall: 8:30, 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Liturgiesin the Frances Xavier Warde School cafeteria:9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. There will not be a 5 p.m.Mass on Easter Sunday. All Masses include a choir,cantors and instrumentalists.Nursery Service is available in the FrancesXavier Warde School building during the 9:30a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses.with groups such as the Pogues, the HothouseFlowers and the Violent Femmes.Tickets are $19 in advance or $21 theday of concert. The doors will open at6:45pm for the opening act at 7:00pm.The show will begin at 8pm. ICHC, 2133W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, (414) 345-8800 www.ichc.net.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 19Larry Kirwan and Black 47 still going strongby Janna LeydeLarry Kirwan,lead singer andguitarist of Black47, arrived in theUnited States inthe early 70’s, withsome Irish buddieson education visas.However, schoolwas the last thingon his mind: heslept on hotel floorsand trailed behindIrish punk rockers.Over the next decadehe fell in lovewith New York Cityand lead a Rentlikelife in the EastVillage, filled with drugs, sex,music and poverty—all of whichare chronicled in his memoir,“Green Suede Shoes.”He went on to form bands ofhis own, Turner and Kirwan ofWexford and The Major Thinkers,and mingled with the likes ofrock critic Lester Bangs and RicOcasek from The Cars. In 1989,after a boozy night in an Irishpub, Black 47 was born, and now,just in time for St. Patrick’s Day,what some fans regard as “NewYork’s house band,” is out with anew release.“Bittersweet Sixteen,” is journeyback through Black 47’s last16 years, guided by the band’sunique blend of Celtic folk musicand rock n’ roll, laced with hintsof reggae, rap and jazz mixedwith Kirwan’s politically infusedlyrics.Though the band is fueled onpints of Guinness and pub parties,Black 47 extends beyond theIrish ethos. Kirwan’s controversiallyrics send a message aboutFirefighter/EMTexam this springThe City of Chicago has announceda written entrance examfor the position of Firefighter/EMT this spring, on Thursday,May 25, and Friday, May 26,2006. Starting salary is $44,838per year. For applications onlinego to www.cityofchicago.org/humanresources. Paper applicationsare available throughApril 10th at all Chicago PublicLibrary branches. Completedapplications must be submittedby April 11th.Applicants must have reachedtheir 19th birthday by May 31,2006 and must not be above thehuman rights andpolitical-socialjustice.“Some peopleare inherently politicaland I’m oneof those,” said Kirwan.“I got intopolitics, not forthe fashion of thetime, but becauseI really wanted tounderstandpeoplelike James Connellyand BobbySands.”As a result, Kirwan,now sans theritual black eyelinerand leatherof the 80’s, could care less aboutlanding a spot on MTV. Accordingto Kirwan, Black 47’s role is“to spice things up and get peoplethinking,” to make the billboardcharts. Despite his own achievementswith the band, his memoir,his upcoming novel, “Rockingthe Bronx,” and his successfulplays, such as “The Poetry ofStone,” Kirwan has never beenmuch for fame.“I told the band, we’re notgetting 15 minutes of fame,” hesaid, recalling his reaction toBlack 47’s first hit “Funky Ceili”in the early 90’s. “There will betwo to three years of it. We rodeit and then it was over and it wasnice. We didn’t have to answerthe phone anymore.”In fact, Kirwan rather dislikesthe idea of celebrity, and the holdit now has on his native countryand the American mainstreammedia. A recent trip to Irelandto promote “Green Suede Shoes”found him in a pub with friends,turning down interviews withage of 35. Applicants must bringa driver’s license, have a minimumof a high school diploma(or GED) and be residents inthe City of Chicago. There is a$20 application fee. Call (312)744-4976 to find out about a feewaiver. Applicants who wishto apply for Veteran’s Preferencemust submit a completedrequest form to the Departmentof Human Resources by June2, 2006. Applicants notified forfurther processing must pass abackground investigation, medicalexamination, drug screen,physical abilities test and otherpre-employment procedures.the Irish media, who were apparentlyonly interested in gossipabout his A-list music friends inAmerica.Today, Kirwan has the weatheredlook left over from the punkscene of the 80’s East Village era.He still wears a now fading, Irishred mop and round spectacles,but looks more like a writer thana rock n’ roll legacy in his blackjeans and t-shirt.Today he is also an Americanfamily man as well as expatriaterocker, writing songs aboutterrorism and the war in Iraq.As a business strategy, theband now has fewer New Yorkperformances, and devotes150 nights a year to touringup and down the Eastern Seaboard.But, on select Saturdaynights Kirwan takes the stageat Connelly’s in Times Squareand belts out his controversiallyrics. No matter what stage,Kirwan’s lyrics taunt the Bushadministration. He openly callsthem “a crowd of losers” andchallenges its actions in Black47 songs, such as “Down TownBaghdad Blues.”I wish I was in the land of Giuliani- Instead of takin’ heat fromAyatollah Sistani - Don’t knowwhat I’m doin’, but one thing isclear - Twenty years old, I can killbut I can’t buy a beerThough Kirwan does not agreewith sending troops to Iraq, hestill has his own way of showingsupport: Black 47’s websiteencourages anyone to send theband’s pirated CDs over to themany fans among the soldiers infighting in Iraq.The Gift Theatre Company presents The ClearingMadeleine (Lindsay Schmidt) and Robert (Benjamin Montague)The Gift Theatre Company presentsThe Clearing by Helen Edmundsonand directed by Brendan Donaldson.The cast includes ensemble membersDaniel J. Ahlfeld, Alexandra Main,Kenny Mihlfried, Benjamin Montagueand John Kelly Connolly and featuresLindsay Schmidt, Maria Stevens, andFredric Stone.The Clearing is a powerful romanceset against the harsh backdrop ofOliver Cromwell’s forced relocationand ethnic cleansing of the Irish. AnEnglish aristocrat must decide betweenbetraying his English friends“We have a strong followingand the message we send is thatwe all have to look out for oneanother,” said Kirwan. “You areonly as good as the next persondown. There will always bepeople on the bottom to help up,so there will always be a gig forBlack 47.”He’s proud of Black 47 andproud of every song they haveperformed. The band never repeatsa set, whether at Connelly’sor on tour in Ireland, so eachshow is a new version of thelast. Kirwan and the band haveno plans to stop entertaining,inspiring and educating thecrowds that gather, and they doplan to be home for the Irishholiday—St. Patrick’s Day inNew York City, where fans cancatch two live performances atthe Knitting Factory.and protecting his family or supportinghis country and losing his Irishwife and child--forever.The new Gift Theatre is locatedat the corner of Lawrence and Milwaukee.The production opened onMarch 23 and runs through April 30,2006. Show times are Thursdays,Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pmand Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $20on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundaysand $25 on Saturdays.Call The Gift Theatre Box Officeat (773) 283-7071, or go to www.thegifttheatre.org.

20 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Maine man organizes major conferenceon Northern Ireland Civil RightsBen Cote, a young Americanman from Scarborough, Maine,recently brought together some ofthe greatest figures of NorthernIreland’s Civil Rights Movementat a major conference in Derry, Ireland,entitled “We Shall Overcome:Civil Rights - Past, Present &Future”. Ben is a Mitchell scholarand MA candidate in Peace andConflict Studies at the University ofUlster. While studying in NorthernIreland Ben secured a place in theLeadership Office of Mark Durkanof the Nationalist SDLP.Blair commentprovokes UnionistoutrageBritish prime minister Tony Blairhas provoked unionist fury by comparingIslamist extremists with Protestantkillers in Northern Ireland during aspeech on global terrorism and religiousintolerance. In an impassioneddefense of his foreign policy, he insistedBritain’s involvement in Iraq andAfghanistan was a clash about civilizationrather than between civilizations.The comparison outraged Ian PaisleyJr, a Democratic Unionist memberof the Northern Ireland Assembly whoclaimed Mr. Blair had ignored decadesof republican violence as he focused onone side of Northern Ireland’s religiousdivide. “The Prime Minister’s commentssingling out Protestantism as aroot cause of terrorism is so unbalancedthat it not only reveals the true nature ofthe Prime Minister but also identifies aweakness in his judgments, his characterand his understanding,” he said.JOHN W. KEARNS& ASSOCIATESATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAWall immigration mattersVisasConsulateAsylumbusinessBusiness RegistrationReal EstateContracts/LeasesBuilding and ZoningTax Mattersgeneral practiceTraffic Tickets/License ProblemsDivorces and Children IssuesBankruptcy/CreditCriminal/DUI/ShopliftingAccidents/InsuranceNobel Peace Prize LaureateJohn Hume, who brought peace toNorthern Ireland, was the keynotespeaker. At the special event Mr.Hume highlighted how he wasinspired by Martin Luther Kingand the American Civil RightsMovement.SDLP Leader Mark Durkanalso addressed the packed audience,made up mostly of schoolstudents from across the Derry area.Mr Durkan said, “What is mostencouraging is the quality of discussionand debate we have heardthis morning. Clearly the passionfor civil and human rights amongDerry’s young people is alive andwell…It is important that youngCall for appointment 312-738-2LAW (2529)1105 W Chicago Ave #203 Chicago, IL 60622corner of Milwaukee/Elston/Chicago - Blue Line Stop!Gaelic Park Players perform The Able Dealer(L-R) Northern Ireland’s Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume; William Godwin,the student activist who opened the conference. He is an ordained minister and is20 years old; current Leader of the Nationalist SDLP Mark Durkan.people today get the opportunityto hear about the civil rights movementin Northern Ireland in the late60s - the reasons why a civil rightsmovement was needed and ananalysis of its achievements.”The Gaelic ParkPlayers will presentThe Able Dealer by JMacCarthy, directedby Christina Garrivan.Opening onFriday April 21st, itwill run Friday, Saturdayand Sunday ofthe following threeweeks. Tickets for theplay are $10. Dinnerand theatre tickets areavailable for Sundaysonly ($20) and prior reservations are required.The Able Dealer is a heart warming comedy, witha cast of fun and colorful characters. Simon Daley isdown on his luck, tired and weary. He is returninghome from a spell in the hospital, and is looking forwardto the kind generosityof his niece and nephew tosee him through the endof his days. To his shockand dismay, Simon discovershis niece and nephewhave other plans in mind,but when a whisper that afortune may be followingSimon Daley, everyonesuddenly changes theirtune! Join us for a night offun and laughs for all.The Able Dealer will beperformed in the Celtic Room at Gaelic Park, 6119 West147th St., Oak Forest. Performance Dates: Fridays - Nov4th, 11th and 18th; Saturdays - Nov 5th, 12th and 19th;Sundays - Nov 6th, 13th and 20th. For reservations andtickets please call Gaelic Park at 708-687-9323.Aer Lingusannounced 2005resultsAer Lingus, the National Airlineof Ireland announced an operatingprofit of €72.4 million for 2005with a total cost increases of €10.8million despite fuel cost increasesof €33.1 million. Passenger numberswere up 15.6% to 8.0 million,16 new routes were in operation(with another six announced for2006), and 10 new A320 aircraftwere delivered in 2005.Dermot Mannion, Chief Executiveof Aer Lingus commented,“The year under review is one inwhich the customer has benefited,from significant fare reductionsand increased enhancement ofour route network. It is tellingthat these improvements have resultedin an increase of 1 millionpassengers across our network.”Smell like the countrywith Green Irish TweedRoyal perfumer Creed has sentbottles of Creed’s renowned GreenIrish Tweed fragrance for men togrand marshals of St. Patrick’s Dayparades in Chicago, New York, Boston,Atlanta and Houston to wearon the special day. They also sentit to Chicago’s grand marshal DanO’Brien, general chairman of theparade committee James T. Sullivanand parade queen Kelly Green.Inspired by the style of countrysquires on the emerald isle, GreenIrish Tweed was beloved by Cary Grant-- and today’s stars of stage, screen,state, sport and commerce. The scentcontains sandalwood, ambergris, violetleaves, verbena and iris.Founded in 1760 and passed fromfather to son since then, Creed hasserved more than 10 royal houses andthe discerning public for 245 years.Additional supportand assistance foremigrantsFine Gael and Labour havepublished a joint policy document,“Reaching Out: Caringfor the Irish Abroad”, whichcommits the alternative governmentto the implementationof a series of proposals toprovide additional support andassistance for Irish emigrantsabroad.Among the key proposals inthe document are:• The establishment of an Agencyfor the Irish Abroad, alongthe lines recommended by theTask Force on Policy RegardingEmigrants;• Support for the principle ofemigrant representation in SeanadEireann for Irish communities;• The expansion of the remit ofRTE to allow it to broadcast to theUnited Kingdom;• Early provision of the €34min official government funding foremigrant services, as recommendedby the Task Force;• The extension to emigrantrepresentative groups of the rightto apply for funding from theDormant Accounts DisbursementBoard;• A negotiated work visa programbetween Ireland and the U.S., whichwould be open to undocumentedIrish living and working in theUnited States;• A political initiative to conveyto the U.S. political community andbusiness interests the importance ofthe Kennedy-McCain ImmigrationReform Legislation;• The provision to all Irish bornemigrant pensioners of a right tofree travel on public transport inthis country;• Entitlement for returning Irishborn emigrant pensioners to fullsocial welfare benefits.The Labour Party Chief Whip,Emmet Stagg TD said, “Thereare a number of imaginative andinnovative proposals in this documentbut in many respects the keyissue is funding. When the TaskForce reported in 2002 it recommendedthe provision of €34min official government fundingfor emigrant services by 2005.In 2006, year after this deadlinehas passed, the government hasallocated just 12m, slightly morethan one third of the amount proposed.With sustained economicgrowth and with tax revenuescontinuing to exceed expectations,there is no reason why thisfigure cannot be met.”

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 21Hizzoner chronicles the life of Richard J. DaleyIn celebration of its 25th anniversary,Prop Thtr proudlypresents the World Premiereproduction of Hizzoner, openingMarch 2 at 3502-4 N. Elston.Penned by founding member NeilGiuntoli, Hizzoner is a personallook at Richard J. Daley - authoritarianpolitician, family man anddynasty builder, whose life wasinextricably bound to Chicago.The show concentrates on theman himself and how he viewedChicago as his city; how he sawhis associates and the populationwho depended on his leadership.Hizzoner offers up personalitieswho worked with Daley andsome - like Jesse Jackson - withwhom he had a crucial crossingof paths. There is also a glimpseinto how “Da Mare” may haveTravel “off thebeaten path” instyleOften times traveling off thebeaten track conjures up imagesof spending your vacation inrustic and uncomfortable surroundings.But on the ShannonPrincess II it couldn’t be furtherfrom the truth. Our luxury bargeprovides a relaxing and personalway to experience Ireland.The Shannon Princess II offerstravelers the combined experienceof Irish “country housestyle” accommodations (accompaniedby award winningcuisine) with slowing down andexperiencing the tranquil atmosphereand unhurried pace ofriver barging. On the river, travelersfeel both pampered and athome while on board their luxury10-passenger vessel. Ruairi andOlivia Gibbons are the perfecthosts and leave their passengerswanting for nothing.The Shannon Princess offerscruises from April 22 throughOctober 7. Price per person(double occupancy) is $3500 oran entire boat charter is $33,000.Cruises begin on Sunday and endthe following Saturday. Includedin the cost is accommodationwith private bathroom, all meals,wine, open bar on board, guidedsightseeing tours, and transfersto and from meeting point inDublin.For additional informationon bookings, contact Taylor &O’Neill at 800-653-8808 or visitthe Shannon Princess online atwww.shannonprincess.com.seen himself.Prop Thtr Group was established in1981 by Co-Artistic Director Scott Vehill,Co-Artistic Director Stefan Brun andother Chicago artists, making it the oldestsurviving off-loop, non-equity theater inChicago. Prop Thtr has produced over 100productions in its history, over 60 of thembeing world premieres. The theater’s focusis on original or newly adapted workstaken from literature.Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturdayat 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Ticketsare $25 with student and senior discountsavailable. For tickets call 773-539-7838 orvisit www.propthtr.org, www.hizzonertheplay.comor www.ticketweb.com.Hizzoner, l - r: Gordon Gillespie and NeilGiuntoli. photo: Johnny Knight

22 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Tradition In ReviewWell, it is time for another CDSlam. Lots for your consideration.Sometimes we go in depthon an album, turn it inside outand have a real listen. Not thistime. We are sitting next to a pileof CDs as we write this. We’redoin’ ‘em all!!1.) The Essential Chieftains—RCA Victor—This is availableeverywhere, and you’ve probablyseen the TV ads. It is their bestcompendium, or retrospectivealbum, by far. Two CDs for themoney. The second CD featuressome of the guest artists over theyears---the first is pretty much allChieftains. The Chieftains arethe alpha and omega in the worldof Irish trad. Together 40 years,and more. The loss of Derek Bell,and, before him, Martin Fay, isimpossible to overcome. Thisalbum is all “from the day”. It isBy Bill Margesona treasure, and you should have it.These guys are it. Period. Rating:Four Harps2.) Raven---John Williams—Compass—We saw John recentlyat a Chicago-area pub whilepreparing a major article on himfor Irish Music Magazine. Thisnew album is with his musicalpartner, guitarist Dean Magraw.John is on concertina, button box,low whistles, wooden flute---youname it. The album is not all trad.It is all instrumental, and the tradtracks are standouts---with acouple of the other tunes left up toyour taste. John is a brilliant musician---doingthe best work of hiscareer after getting out of Solas.A superior musician of taste andstyle. Rating: 3&1/2 Harps3.) The Old Simplicity---NiamhParsons---Green Linnet--- We’vebeen fans of Niamh’s singing foryears. A great voice. This albumhas a VERY trad feel. It should.Most of it is! Arrangements veryspare, as is the instrumentation. Alot of this is very similar in tempoand ambience. The Niamh fanswon’t care a bit. It is all aboutthe voice. There are about eightwomen in Celtic music who causea buzz with the very fact of a newalbum, and Niamh is one of them.Really good stuff here. Rating:3&1/2 Harps4.) Tobar an Duchais—BridO’Donohue—Copperplate—Thiswoman is one of the truly greattin whistle players in the world.From Clare, she is a wonder. Thisalbum is for the purists among us.All whistle. All solo. Lovely. Thealbum has been out for a while.Never mind. If you are a studentof the instrument, this would be a“must have”. Best to get it throughAlan O’Leary at Copperplate Musicout of London. Copperplate isthe gold standard for the type ofcompany that cares about the music,and getting it into your hands.A terrific and reliable distributor.Rating: Four Harps5.) Slide ie—Harmonic Motion—Indie--Here is why we doAlan Lomax: two new releasesthese slams, and it is truth time.As the regular reader knows, weget about 500 CDs a year frompeople wanting us to review them.Impossible of course. DaireBracken, the fab fiddler from TheDavid Munnelly Band, handedus a copy of this treasure. Healso plays with this group. Thisalbum is a stunner, and it, too,has been out a while---all inIreland as far as we know. It isan overpowering piece of work,and is immediately a candidatefor Vocal/Instrumental Albumof the Year for 2006. VERY, verypowerful trad music by superioryoung musicians. Wow! Justtype “Slide Harmonic Motion”or “ Slide ie “ into Google, andprepare for a discovery. A quartet,we have all the trad instrumentsyou could want on the album,and all the lads lend a hand onthe vocals. We found this in thebottom of a neglected drawer, andwe have no idea how it got there.Criminal. No matter. We found it,and---now---so have you. This isa brilliant album. Their second.Just get to their web site and getbusy! Rating: Four Harps6.) Inspired—GiveWay---Green Trax--This quartet of veryyoung women is a wonder. Thisleans a little to the “rocker” endof the trad scale. We don’t care.These four are amazing musiciansof substance. Out of Scotland. Goto www.greentrax.com. The restwill be easy. As the regular readerknows, we figure Greentrax is thebest label in Scotland, and certainlythe biggest. Well, now theyhave a smashing quartet of greattalents crankin’ ‘em out withthese four players. If there is aGod, this group should be HUGE!The whole package, led by realmusicianship. We also hear theyare fab in concert. Wow!! What afind!!! Rating: Four Harps7.) The Unseen Hours—Malinky---Greentrax—Malinkyisa VERY talented quintet out ofScotland. Another Greentrax winner.These are Scottish tunes andsongs at their best. Very dramatic.Great harmonies---instrumentallyand vocally. We love this album.Great mix of tempos, ambiencesand instrumental blends. Terrificstuff. Scottish music is really wellserved here. Lovely. Big Time.Rating 3&1/2 Harps ( in this case,McEwans? )The Alan Lomax Archives isproud to announce the releaseof two morecollectionstaken from theworld famousfolklorists extensivetroveof field recordingsaround theworld. www.alan-lomax.comThe 1951 EdinburghPeople’sFestival CeilidhRounder Records ROUN1786www.rounder.comThe Edinburgh People’s FestivalCeilidh was an event thatheralded, generated, and vitalizedthe Scottish Folk Revival of the1960s. It featured some of theleading lights of the traditionalmusic scene, with the legendarypoet, folklorist, and radicalHamish Henderson as masterof ceremonies. In August 1951,Alan Lomax was luckily on handto document this lively and movingconcert of Gaelic love songs,piping tunes, and the ballads ofScotland’s farmhands and Travelercommunity.The jovial, sensual, wicked,romantic lands of Chaucer,Shakespeare, Fielding, Burns,Keats, andSynge sing tous in the AlanLomax Collection’sFolkSongs of England,Ireland,Scotland, andWales — classicfield recordingsmadefrom 1939 to1968. Here areballads, seashanties, worksongs, lovesongs, dancetunes, children’ssongs,and airs fromthe fightingborderlandsthat sent somany settlersto the backwoodsAmericanSouth.Alan LomaxCollection: Gaelic Songs ofScotland: Women at Work in theWestern Isles, Rounder RecordsROUN1785. www.rounder.comWork in the Highlands andIslands of Scotland was traditionallygender-based. Women didmost of the child-caring, virtuallyall domestic chores, dairytasks, carding, spinning and dyeingwool, and waulking (fulling)the cloth after it had been woven.Whatever the chore, it was madelighter by singing. This albumillustrates the rich variety of thissong, performed with breathtakingbeauty and tenderness bywomen at work.On a visit to Gaelic Scotlandin 1951 Alan Lomax recordedover 250 songs within a fewdays. Struck by the stark contrastbetweenthe Gaels’material povertyand culturalrichness,he wrote: “Inall my travels,I have nevermet such genteel,winning,and genuinelycultured peopleas theseHebrideans— nor have I heard anywherefolk songs of such fine quality...”His remarkable collectionnow documents a way of lifeentirely lost in twenty-first centuryScotland.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 23Raised On Songsand StoriesBy Shay ClarkeWell, the mad month of March isover and as usual it was full of parades,corned beef and some amazing Irishfestivities. March also marked thebeginning of the 2006 Irish festivalseason for me and I worked festivalsin Dallas, West Palm Beach and at ourown Irish American Heritage Center.It’s now late March and I am backin Florida for Spring Break with Traciand the kids. Yes, it’s good to feelthe sun again. I am scribbling by thepool, late for my deadline as usualand looking forward to the Irish festivalseason that lies ahead……lotsmore music to come.It used to be, that because of St.Patrick’s Day (which is now a season)everybody was Irish’d out tillat least Memorial Day Weekend, butnot anymore. The Irish jiggernautrolls on with some great events andconcerts during April and May.North Texas Irish FestivalDallas March 3-5The Dallas Irish Festival has beenpresented each year by the SouthwestCeltic Music Association andnext year is their 25th anniversary.It is a large festival held at the FairPark right beside the Cotton Bowland has both indoor and outdoorentertainment. Seven stages runan amazing array of Celtic bands,national, international, and regional.Headliners this year included EileenIvers, The Makem Brothers, AoifeClancy, Robbie O’Connell, Bohola,Brother and John Williams, alongwith dozens of talented traditionalfolk and Celtic bands from theSouthwest. Bands like Jiggernaut,The Killdares, Beyond the Pale andAmberhawk were all in top form.Beth Patterson who is an amazingbouzouki player blew me away, butmy big discovery at this festivalwas Sara Dinan. Sara Dinan hasthe most amazing voice that I haveheard in years and I will review hernew album in next months column.I will be playing it on Blarney on theAir……Monday nights from 7 – 9 onWDCB, 90.0 FM. If you are outsidethe Chicagoland listening area youcan get it live online at WDCB.orgAnyway, I digress. Somebodymust bring Sara Dinan’s band to Chicagoand Barleyjuice, you rememberI told you last year about this amazingIrish band from Philadelphia…….they must also play at some MidwestIrish events. You promoters and festivalorganizers, take note. These greatbands will make their mark. PerhapsI should bring them in myself.The North Texas Irish Festival inDallas is a great way to spend thefirst weekend in March and is a creditto the Southwest Celtic Music Association.Great venue, great music andgrand people…..C’mon y’all to their25th anniversary next year. For moreinformation www.scmatx.orgWest Palm Beach Irish FestivalMarch 11-12I have been returning to the WestPalm Beach Irish Festival for nearly15 years and even though it is a relativelysmall festival, main stage andpub tent, it is one of the most beautifulfestival settings in the USA.It is held at the Meyer Amphitheateron Flagler in the new downtownWest Palm Beach. The park is perfectfor this event with palm trees andhuge colorful flowerbeds all surroundingthe main stage.Over the years I have seen manyof my favorite Irish bands on themain stage and this year was no exception.The Dublin City Ramblershave been around for years, the lineup has changed many times but thesongs remain the same, they are stilltrue – blues and rank up there amongmy favorite all time bands.Noel Kingston, always entertainingalso doubled as Master ofCeremonies and Dublin comicShaun Connors cracked everybodyup with his wit. The Prodigals wereawesome and Chicago’s U2 tributeband Elevation were also there. Inever saw their whole show beforeand I was surprised that I enjoyedthem so much. I could close my eyesand pretend I was back in Slane or inCroke Park at the real thing. I havenever been a fan of tribute bands butthese guys are brilliant.The tragic and sudden death ofDerek Warfield’s wife the previousweek meant that we had no WolfeTones and we send our condolencesto Derek and his family. The hugecrowd at Sundays Gaelic Mass prayedfor her and for the speedy recovery ofHal Roche who took ill in Chicago onSaturday night and could not travel tothe West Palm Beach festival.Black 47 were there and again Ialways enjoy their performance andmy chats with their leader and frontman Larry Kirwan, he’s a great guy,gifted and brilliant and I will also bereviewing their new album in nextmonths column. I am sure we willbe seeing them soon at Chicago’sGaelic Park Festival and at manyother events this summer.Other bands starring were Westof Galway, Potato Famine, Celt andTipsy Laird. I enjoyed myself at theWest Palm Beach Irish festival andeven though the numbers were downa bit and it has seen better days I amsure it will rise again.Irish American Heritage CenterMarch 11 - March 17While I was working West PalmBeach, Traci, the missus and Conorwere at the Heritage Center, and IBittersweet Sixteen by Black 47www.amazon.comwas there myself on St. Patrick’s Day.It was great to be back on home turfand I was delighted to see our manyfriends at the Center. It was my firsttime at the Center since the new libraryopened last Fall and I was amazed byit…..it is nothing short of…….wordsfail me. You must see it for yourselfand all credit goes to the hard workingvolunteers fundraising organizers andthe determined leadership of this fineorganization which brings me nicely toJohn Daly, the newly appointed executivedirector of the Center. We wishJohn great success in his new position.John is a smart and savvy Cork man,whose vision and direction shouldmake a real difference to the futureof the Center. “Yer man on the otherpage” Bill Margeson tells me that Johnis also a very talented fiddle player…..and of course, he should know.Coming up SoonLuka Bloom will be in Chicago’sGunther Murphy’s on April 14 tosupport his new album Innocent.Show starts 8pm tickets $30Later in the month the SouthernIllinois Irish Music Festival takesplace in Carbondale, Illinois.Bittersweet Sixteen is a 16track retrospective of Black47’s recording career fromearly 1990 to the present.Black 47 is recognized as thepremier Irish-American rockgroup who paved the way forthe current Irish punk/rootsexplosion. This CD is full offan and live favorites previouslyunavailable includingunreleased tracks from theirfirst recording session andtwo new recordings, andthe centerpiece features aVietnam/Iraq War trilogythat demonstrates Black 47’s ongoing political commitment.The CD is capped bysix songs from the band’sno-longer-available majorlabel albums that wereculled from a fabled, longlost live studio recording ofK-Rock’s Vin Scelsa Showmuch bootlegged over theyears, but now re-masteredand restored to pristine condition.Bittersweet Sixteenis an excellent introductionfor the newcomer but also amust-have for the avid Black47 fan who has appreciatedthe band’s distinct originalityand uncompromisingpolitical stance down through the last sixteen years.

24 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Chicago Stockyard Kilty Band marks 85th anniversaryAfter the green dye fades from the Chicago River and southWestern Ave has recovered, the Stockyard Kilty Band (S.Y.K.B.)will have just begun to kick off their 2006 celebrations as they preparefor the 85th anniversary of the band’s founding this month.On Saturday, April 8th, 2006, the band’s 85th anniversary partywill be at the popular entertainment complex 115 Bourbon Street,3511 N ClarkChicago773.935.6669Open 11 am to 2 amSat 11 am to 3 amLunch/DinnerIrish Brkfst all day!Voted BEST Irish Bar 2004 citisearch.comWINNER! Best Comfort Food AwardAOL City Guide 2005WINNER! Silver Platter Award 2004/2005presented by Food Industry NewsZagot Guide Recommended 2004/2005PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLEWith or Without Great Buffet!Six Penny Bit5800 W Montrose AveLive Music every Friday and Saturday!Joe McShaneEvery Sunday NightCall forEntertainmentScheduleCatch the GAA Football & Hurling Gamesat Six Penny Every Saturday and Sunday773-545-2033located at 3359 West 115th St in Merrionette Park, IL, from 5pmto 9pm. Performances include the Ploughboys, the Dennehy IrishDancers and the Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers. Admissionis $20 and $5 for those under the age of 13.The band was formed in 1921 by brothers Robert and JamesSim, natives and veterans of World War I. After arriving in Chicagothe brothers decided to organize “the British Legion Pipe Band”.The band’s performance the following year at the Decoration DayParade down Michigan Ave was literally the first step of a longmarch that continues today.When newly chartered Chicago Stock Yard American LegionPost was seeking a band unit, the Sims’ outfit became affiliatedin 1926, under the new name of the Chicago StockyardKilty Band.Eventually, the band made its home in the Stock Yard Innwhere it was given a dedicated practice hall. Playing there andat the International Amphitheater, historic performances alsoincluded the Century of Progress World’s Fair in 1933, the1956 Democratic National Convention, the Chicago Bears vs.Green Bay Packers during the 1958 season, and marching downMichigan Ave to welcome Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philipof the Great Britain in 1959.The proceeds of the 85th anniversary party will benefit theband’s upcoming travels to Scotland in August this year. Theband boasts over fifty members with a dozen students takingmusic lessons. Contact Matt McKee, Pipe Major at (708) 229-1253 or pipemajor@sykb.com and visit the band’s websitewww.sykb.com.Traditional Irish Pub & RestaurantFULL MENU-IRISH BREAKFAST ALL DAY-EVERYDAY!LUNCH 11- 4PM • DINNER 4-11PMLATENIGHT CHIPPER MENU 11PM-1AMPLENTY OF PARKING IN OUR LOT!3374 N Clark St Chicago(Clark & Roscoe) 773-248-3600www.johnnyohagans.comDaily 11am-2 am Saturday 9 am-3amSunday 9 am- 2 am•Call ForMUSIC SCHEDULE• Murphy’s Snug Bar downstairsavailable for Private PartiesRESTAURANT/PUBOWNERS:FERDYNAND & ANNA HEBALInvite you to enjoyThe RedApple Buffet!Czerwone JabtuszkoRESTAURANT & DELI’S3121-23 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.PH 773-588-5781FAX 773-588-39756474 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.PH 773-763-3407 FAX 773-763-3406Gaelic Park DVD for saleThe DVD Chicago Gaelic Park – Celebrating 25 years 1980-2005 is available in the Gaelic Park office for $15.00. The DVDbegins simply, showing the bare land prior to any work and continueson to show the various stages of construction. You will beamazed at the different people in this film (and see faces of somewho have passed away over the years). The DVD also shows themany women who were there to feed the men and help everyonealong the way. It continues through the years as the buildingswere changed, showing the Dedication celebration and variousother events held at Gaelic Park. Manager Marian Ryan compiledall of the information, film and pictures that she obtained fromKathleen Twomey, Mickey Rahilly, Margaret Conway, MaryO’Connor, Eamon Malone, Tom Boylem, Neil Gallagher andothers. Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 West 147th St, Oak Forest,(708) 687-9323 www.cgp-chicago.org.Candlelight bowling dinner partyCome join the Chicago Celtic Youth Gaelic Football Clubfor a fun night at their 2nd Annual Candlelight Bowl & Dinner,Saturday, April 22, 2006, at Mont Clare Lanes, 2957 NHarlem Ave, Elmwood Park, IL. Check-in is at 6:30pm, thefull sit-down dinner at 7:00pm, three games of bowling (shoesincluded), dancing to a DJ until 1:00am, a silent auction, rafflesand more! You must be 18 years or older.Tickets are $37.50 each. For more information or to get yourtickets, please call the Candlelight Bowl & Dinner Co-Chairs SheilaBaker (847) 825-1864 or Norb Kosinski (847) 823-8726. The ticketorder form is also available on www.chicagocelticyouth.com.OFFICE FURNITURE• SALES• DESIGN• USED(Sold & Purchased)Authorized Dealer of:HON ® Allsteel ® Gunlocke ®Chicago Office Interiors(773) 254-4877 (fax) 254-8746www.chicagoofficeint.com

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 25IAHC to host Irish Drama Group’sA Wake In The WestThe Irish American Heritage Center is proud tohost The St. Patrick’s Drama Group from Westport,Co. Mayo, for a two-night run of its highly acclaimedproduction of A Wake in the West. The comedy takesplace at a wake in a cottage on the shores of ClewBay, Co. Mayo, in the early 1960s. But this wakeis like no other with hilarious comedy created bythose in attendance; even the “corpse” gets in onthe comedy act with a “performance” that has to beseen to be believed.Written in 1990 by Mayo playwright, Michael JoeGinnelly of Mulranny, A Wake In The West has beendescribed as “.....the best laughter-filled two hoursyou are ever likely to enjoy.”The St. Patrick’s Drama Group is excited abouttheir forthcoming week-long visit to Chicago becauseall 25 of the cast and crew have family relativesor friends in the Chicagoland area.A Wake In The West runs Friday and Saturday, April7 and 8 at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 for general admissionand $10 for IAHC members and seniors. To purchasetickets, call the IAHC at 773-282-7035, ext. 13.The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 NorthKnox, fosters the practice, study, and celebration ofIrish, Celtic, and Irish-American cultural traditions.Membership in the Center is open to anyone with an interestin these traditions. The IAHC houses a 650-seattheatre/concert hall, auditorium, a library, an authenticIrish pub, a Social Center, a museum, dance/musicstudios and meeting rooms. www.irishamhc.com.Samuel Beckett CentenaryCelebrationSignal Ensemble Theatre’sversion of Waiting forGodot, which will beperformed during IAHC’sBeckett festival.Shapeshifters Theatre atthe Irish American HeritageCenter is proud to hosta series of performanceshonoring the 100th anniversaryof Samuel Beckett’sbirth. Samuel Beckett(1906-1989) was an Irishplaywright, novelist andpoet who won the NobelPrize for Literature in 1969and is considered one ofthe twentieth century’smost original and importantwriters.On Saturday, April 15at noon, Signal Ensemble Theater will performa staged reading of its Jeff Recommended andChicago Reader Recommended performance ofWaiting for Godot. Widely acclaimed as a seminalmasterwork of the 20th century, Waiting for Godotis a farce that creates a unique blend of comedy,high wit and sadness in a funny yet heartbreakingimage of man’s fate. The reading will take place inthe Fifth Province Pub and includes lunch. Ticketsare $15 for the general public and $10 for Centermembers and seniors and includes lunch and onebeverage.On Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15, both at8pm, Beckett’s most autobiographical work, Krapp’sLast Tape will be performed by actor Michael Martinand directed by Beau O’Reilly. Award-winning directorO’Reilly is the co-founder of the Curious TheaterBranch. As a special treat, there will also be a rareperformance of one of Beckett’s mimes, Act WithoutWords II. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10for IAHC members and seniors. 773-282-7035, or visitwww.irishamhc.com.Breakfast 10-1pmOutdoor SeatingLunch & DinnerENTERTAINMENT - AprilFriday 4-8 McRoversSaturday 4-9 FairlanesFriday 4-15 Selective RecallSaturday 4-16 Cirrus FalconFriday 4-22 Jammers DJFriday 4-29 Napper TandySaturday 4-30 TBAFriday 5-6 One WorldSaturday 5-7 TBA8 N. Vail, Arlington Heights847-577-7733www.peggykinnanes.comHOLIDAY & CORPORATE PARTIESCast of A Wake in the West hosted by IAHC

26 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006S wimmingUpstreamBy Charles BradyI have to admit, there’s no better way to start the daythan by hearing that Bertie Ahern, High King of Ireland,has given us a warning, if you don’t mind, that in theMcNamara’sFood & Drinks4328 W Irving Park Rd • ChicagoFull Service Dining,Outdoor Garden Area,and the only Wood Burning Grill inChicagoland!Available for Private PartiesIRISHBREAKFASTSAT & SUNtil 2pmLUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS DAILY!AUTHENTIC IRISH PUBServing Domestics and Importsand Guinness of Course!MON - SAT 11 AM TO 2 AMSUNDAY 10 AM TO 2 AM(773) 725-1800 BAR(773) 736-1690 FAX“Chicago’s Best Kept Secret!”wake of President Bush’s visit to Shannon Airport, wemay now consider ourselves a target for Bin Laden andhis mates.Ireland has changed so much. As actor John Hurtrecently pointed out, he has left the country that hasbeen his home for the last twenty years because, whereit was once a land in which he could drop into a bar todiscuss theatre, cinema, the arts or whatever you’re havingyourself, we now have discussions about propertyand which country our second home will be in.But back to those words of wisdom from our veneratedhead of Government:Dear Bertie, did it never dawn on you that it wasn’t agreat idea to let American Servicemen, God love them,use our country as a stop- over point on the way to Hell?Didn’t you ever consider that it just might be inviting retributionfrom a certain group of lunatics? And the funnything is, if you had only asked us we would probablyhave said yes. Certainly, if it’s a toss of the coin betweena friendly bunch of young Americans (as those I havetalked to at Shannon are) wishing you “a nice day” or ahumourless crowd of guys with towels wrapped aroundtheir heads, I’ll always go with the Americans. If thereare people in this world who want to kill you becauseIAHC to host mezzo sopranoJennifer LennonThe Irish American Heritage Center, alongwith the University of Illinois at Chicago, isproud to present afree spring recital,Les Printemps, byMezzo Sopranoand Celtic vocalist,Jennifer Lennonon Saturday,April 15 at 4pm atthe Irish AmericanHeritage Center.The Irish AmericanHeritage Centeris located at4626 North KnoxAvenue, Chicago.Jennifer Lennon,23, is a Vocal Performancemajor atUIC. She lives in Jefferson Park.The free recital will feature traditional Irish airs,works by Bach, Mozart, Tosti, Bizet and more.you have drawn a few cartoons while they are permittedto denigrate us as the Great Satan, then we should belaughing at the guys with the towels--- long and hard.But for Heaven’s sake, isn’t Ireland supposed to be aneutral country?Still, can any country now claim to be neutral? Weare involved in an undeclared war, the parameters forwhich were set down by the opposing side many yearsago. With all due respect to Muslims and the Koran, ifyou don’t like our decadent Western ways, that’s too bad.Clear off and live the life of Islam somewhere else. Afterall, we can’t take a bible into most Muslim countries,so perhaps you shouldn’t have the gall to tell us howyou intend to behave in our country. I am not pickingspecifically on any group. In my opinion very few oneither side of the fence have emerged with any dignityfrom the ongoing horror of full- scale war being foughtin the opening years of the 21st Century.It would make me a very happy little person if someonewould take Bush, Chaney, Rumsfeld, Blair (and hisawful wife) and drop them from an extremely high heightinto the deepest crater in Iraq. I think that it would be veryinstructive to see what this rag- tag bunch of dangerousclowns, who have never been to war, make of that.Special guests include Pléráca, Sydelle Bautistaand accompanist, Irena Kadukova. For more informationon Les Printemps, call the IAHC at773-282-7035, ext. 10.IAHC to host new children’s choirThe Irish American Heritage Center is proud toannounce the Legacy of Erin Children’s Choir.Boys and girls ages 8-13 (3-8 grade) can join thegroup, learn and perform Irish music throughoutChicago and make new friends. Rehearsals will takeplace at the Irish American Heritage Center at 4626North Knox Avenue. Tuition is $75 per quarter (12weeks) for year-long program and includes instruction,performances and a tee shirt.Parents wishing to sign children up for the choirshould call Director Chuck Kessell, who is also Directorof the Irish Heritage Singers at 773-858-5325or e-mail: perc55@juno.com or e-mail AssistantDirector, Mary Grimes at mgk_88@hotmail.com.For more information about IAHC, call 773-282-7035, or visit www.irishamhc.com.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 27Oh Danny Boy: A Molly Murphy Mysteryby Rhys Bowen St. Martin’s Minotaur; $23.95; ISBN 0-312-32817-6 www.amazon.comAnybody Out There?by Marian Keyes HarperCollinsPublishers; ISBN0060731303 www.amazon.comRhys Bowen bringsturn-of-the-century NewYork City to life as Molly,desperately trying tomake ends meet as a privateinvestigator, tries tofree her ex-love-interestfrom felonious charges.While he rots in theTombs, Molly also findsherself drawn into a caseof a serial killer who’smurdering prostitutes.Ryhs Bowen’s wonderfulcharacters reflect thedifferent ethnicities andsocial whirlpool of NewYork City in the early 1900s.Born in England, Rhys Bowen now lives in San Francisco.The Dead Yardby Adrian McKinty, Scribner; $25.00; ISBN 0-7432-6643-9www.amazon.comMichael Forsythe,McKinty’s most (in)famouscharacter, is tougher, smarter,and more charismatic thanever. Set in Spain, Forsythefinds himself in the middleof huge riots betweenDublin’s Shamrock Roversand London’s Millwall, ispicked up by undercovercops and thrown intojail. In exchange for hisfreedom Forsythe agreesto infiltrate an IRA sleepercell in the United States.Full of sex, alcohol, guns,beautiful scenery andcringe-inducing murdersm, Adrian McKinty has yet again crafteda gorgeously written novel about not-so-gorgeous things.Adrian McKinty grew up in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, whenterrorism in Ulster was at its height. Educated at Oxford University,he then immigrated to New York City. Since then he has played semiprofessionalrugby in Jerusalem and coached the Jerusalem Lions, andcurrently teaches English and Civics at a high school in Denver.Embracing the harshreality of loss and thehopeful possibility ofa spiritual world, AnnaWalsh finds her selfphysically and emotionallyscarred by thecar accident that tookher husband’s life. Fardeeper than the averagenovella, Anybody OutThere? explores the mostintense of human emotionsthroughout a cast offull-bodied characters. Itis a heart-rending tale ofgrief, anger, life and lovewritten with the samedark sensitivity and wit for which Marian is best known.Marian Keyes began writing in 1993 and is the authorof seven international bestselling novels and two essay andshort story collections. A household name in the UK, herbooks are published in 35 countries, translated into over 30languages and are bestsellers in every country published.Having lived in London for ten years, Keyes returned to hernative Ireland where she lives with her husband.This is the way to visit Ireland. Join our 8-day tour,Jan–Feb $749 +tax; Mar $799 +tax; Apr–May $969 +taxper person (double occupancy). Tours leave every week;year-round from Chicago. (Enjoy great local charactersat the bar, exceptional golf, and day tours from ourcenturies old Manor House.www.irishinns&tours.com

28 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006In Night’s Cityby Dorothy NelsonDalkey Archive Press; $11.95;ISBN 1-56478-418-5 www.centerforbookculture.org/dalkeyBeautifully written and remarkablypowerful, In Night’s City extendsthe tradition of the lyrical,impressionistic Irish novel, turningit to the hard-edged story of twowomen’s attempt to escape a terrifyingpast. On the night of a father’sdeath, two women look back at hisoverwhelming cruelty and ahead totheir freedom from him. Will theyaccept new possibilities or conformto old values?Irish Literature in theEighteenth Century;An AnnotatedAnthologyEdited by A. Norman Jeffares andPeter Van de KampIrish Academic Press, paperback$37.50, ISBN 0-7165-2804-5http://www.irishacademicusa.com/acatalog/Irish_Literature.htmlIreland in the 20thCenturyby Tim Pat CooganTrade Paperback; $24.95; ISBN 1-4039-6842-X www.amazon.comAn Irish Historyof Civilization:Volumes 1 & 2By Don Akenson McGill-Queen’sUniversity Press; $34.95 each; 0-7735-2890-3 & 0-7735-2891-1www.amazon.comKevin Murphy Takeson the Father of Liesby M.J. Smith$10.95; ISBN 09765066-0-2Available through Irish Books andMedia, Baker & Taylor Books,Amazon.com, BarnsandNoble.com,and local bookstores nationwide.Dorothy Nelson was born in Bray,Co. Wicklow, and now lives in DunLaoghaire. In Night’s City won theRooney Prize and was awarded anIrish Arts Council Bursary.Irish Literature in the EighteenthCentury is the onlypublication in print that providesexamples of work fromthe leading literary figures ofthe eighteenth century. It isa thorough yet accessible anthologythat will be essentialreading for all students of Irishliterature.Though small in size compared toother countries, Ireland has providedthe world with one of the most intriguingand complex historical narratives ofour time. And for Ireland, the twentiethcentury was a time of both its greatesttriumphs and some of its greatest tragedies.The country began the centurystill ravaged by memories of the famineand was hurled into a period racked byrevolution, partition and civil conflict.As it struggled for independence fromthe British crown, Ireland was witnessto such towering figures as MichaelCollins and Eamon de Valera, a wellas events like the Easter Rising of 1916,Collins’ assassination, and the growthof the IRA. Through all its troubles andtriumphs in the twentieth century, Irelandcontinues to fascinate and inspireand no one is better equipped to writeabout it than Tim Pat Coogan. He is oneof the best known journalists and historiansin Ireland. He lives in Dublin.In a daring genre-breaking work,Akenson fuses history and fiction inan iconoclastic chronicle of civilizationthrough Irish eyes. An Irish Historyof Civilization is about the Irishat home and abroad, the great and thesmall, the noble and depraved, thewise and the foolish. Akenson followshis people on their odyssey aroundthe globe in a story like no other, thelines between history and fiction lostin the mists of Irish time.Don Akenson is considered theworld’s foremost scholar of the Irishdiaspora. He is a past recipient ofthe Grawemeyer Award and the GuggenheimFellowship. Akenson teacheshistory at Queen’s University in Ontario,Canada and is Honorary Professorof Irish and Scottish Studies at theUniversity of Aberdeen. He currentlylives in Kingston, Ontario.Kevin Murphy, an adventurousteenage Irish-American lad, set out toexplore his family history, but foundhis life turned topsy-turvy upon hisill-fated encounter with the terrifyingleader of the Shadow World, the Fatherof Lies. Thus begins the coming of agejourney for Kevin Murphy, the fictionallead character in a new fantasy seriesauthored by M.J. Smith, himself anIrish-American who was raised on Irishfolklore and legend.As a young boy, Smith was broughtup on fanciful Irish tales told by hismother and grandmother, and the intrigueof those stories stayed with himthrough his life, as did the storytellingitself. The fantasy and adventure arepure entertainment, but what separatesthe Kevin Murphy books from therest of the pack are the real legends,geography and characters in each of thecountries Kevin Murphy visits.How to marketyour bookThe next meeting of the AuthorsMarketing Group will be on ThursdayApril 6th at 7:00pm at the WoodridgePublic Library. Networking timebegins at 6:45pm. Sharon Weberand Marcia Mackenbrock, two localauthors, will discuss how to marketa non-fiction picture book. Anyonecontemplating writing a book, interestedin learning about the aspectsof marketing a published book orthe difficulties encountered once thebook is published can attend.All the group’s meetings and parkingare free to the general public. Thelibrary is located north of 75th Streetin Woodridge in the Town Centre,near the U.S. Post Office, policestation, and village hall. More informationis available at http://www.authorsmarketinggroup.org.

diy IrelandaplanningandresourcesguidefortheperfectIrishvacationdo it yourself – make it your own style and save!This month The American-IrishMedia Group is introducing a brandnew feature to its pages, “Do itYourself Ireland.” it is designed tobe a friendly resource for our manyreaders who travel toIreland for vacationsand for business. Itcontains listings ofBed and Breakfast accommodations,smalland large hotels and homes that can be rented. Alsoincluded are other useful tidbits, car rentals, websites,travel agents and more. We are very excited about“Do It Yourself Ireland”.Over the next 12 months the sectionwill expand considerably addingto its value as a resource to you, ourreaders. “Do It Yourself” Irelandwill also be published in all six ofour sister papers inthe Irish AmericanMedia Group. Theyare The Irish Herald(Southern Californiaedition), The ChicagoIrish AmericanNews, The Boston Irish Emigrant, The New YorkIrish Emigrant, The Philadelphia Irish Editionand The Minnesota Irish Gazette. Conservatively,the group has a combined month-lyreadership well in excess of 300,000.So for the first time ever, businessesinvolved in looking after Americanvisitors to Ireland can showcase theirofferings from coast to coast to theentire Irish American Community - awinning situation for everyone.As we move forward, we will alsobe supporting these pages with informativeand interesting tourism articles. The whole package shouldenable people to plan their whole tripor part of their trip from the comfortof their own living room. Ireland is afantastic place to vacation, offeringsomething for everybody. If you wantto wander off the beaten path and seesome of the beauty not normally onview to tourists, here’s the place to planit. You may want to center your vacationaround one of the many festivalsthat take place year round, from thehills of Kerry to the streets of Derryas the song says, again “Do It YourselfIreland” will have the answers.Here’s a tip for the first month. Ifyou are a foodie, a connoisseur ofthe finer things in life, you may wantto check out www.routiersireland.com. This traditional French brandwas established in Ireland a coupleof years ago. It aims to ferret out andmarket the quality end of the hospitalityindustry. So if you are looking fora topnotchhaute cuisine dinner or a specialplace to spend a romantic weekend,this site is definitely worth a visit.As we said, “Do It Yourself Ireland”will get bigger and better as the monthsprogress. Maybe you have a place inIreland you want to market to IrishAmerica, or maybe you know someoneelse who does. If you want furtherinformation about how to become apart of this unique feature please callone of the following numbers: Forbusinesses based in Munsteror Ulster call (415) 665-6653,for businesses based in Leinsteror Connaught call (708)445-0700.Until May’s edition, “Maythe Road Rise to Meet You.”TRAVEL SERVICE274 Rouse Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060Phone: 847-566-3301www.sullivanstravels.comLET US HELP YOU EXPERIENCE IRELANDSELF-DRIVEN, COACHOR CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN

diy IrelandaplanningandresourcesguidefortheperfectIrishvacationdo it yourself – make it your own style and save!CLARELuxurious new 3,000 sqft vacation home in DoolinBreathtaking views of GalwayBay and Aran Islands. Hosts11people comfortably. Avail now.www.cliffhouse-doolin.comemail: sawgrass@candw.kyPhone : 1 (345) 947 0892CORKHERON’S COVERestaurant and B&BFresh Fish and Wine on theHarbor. West Cork near MizenHead. Comfortable Rooms andGood Food. Contact Sue atinfo@heroncove.ie www.heronscove.comwww.heroncove.ieMIZEN HEAD SIGNAL STATIONIreland’s must experience mostsouth westerly point! Excitingwild Atlantic Ocean visit. Buy ourDVD. Contact Stephen:info@mizenhead.ie www.mizenhead.ie www.mizenhead.netRent house - ocean viewSeveral to choose from. Weeklyrentals on the Beara Peninsulanear Glengarriff & Bantry Bay. Selfcatering,Built by an American forAmerican tastes.Carey’s OceanfrontRentals:www.aaairishvacations.com or 011-353-127-60116.DONEGALCulandoon House, Donegal.Brand new luxury 3 bed 2 bathhome overlooking Glen Lough.Spectacular views. Sleeps 6.www.culandoon.com(856) 858 7170DUBLINDUBLINIrelandVacations.ComGALWAY‘Ciúnas gan Uaigneas’www.aranislandshotel.comPhone:011-353-99-61104Experience The Beauty ofConnemara The Rock Glen4*Country House HotelGolf,Walking,Cycling,Horse Riding,Fishing etcwww.rockglenhotel.com e-mailenquiry@rockglenhotel.com.reservation 011353 9521035KERRYMuckross Riding Stables &Bed & Breakfast. 3.5 milessouth of Killarney. Beautifulsetting surrounded by KillarneyNational Park & Lakes011353 64 32238www.muckross-stables.comDarby O’Gills Country HouseHotel - KillarneyClose to many fine golf coursesand the Ring of KerryTel: 011353 64 34168Fax: 011353 64 36794Email: darbyogill@eircom.netwww.darbyogillskillarney.comGLENCAR HOUSE HOTELCirca “1670”. The Best OfThe Past, With All Of TheHidden Present.“Hauntingly Beautiful”www.glencarhouse.com011-353-66-976-0102PS. It’s For SaleIrelandVacations.ComKERRYFOLEY’S TOWNHOUSE est 1949An award-winning 4-Star boutiquestyle hotel & restaurant.Quiet place in beautiful Killarney.www.foleystownhouse.cominfo@foleystownhouse.comphone: 011353 64-31217fax: 011353 64-34683The Acres B ‘n’ B on the DinglePeninsula, Spectacular viewsof the Ring of Kerry & MinardCastle. 5 mins drive fromDingle & Fungi the dolphin.www.theacres.co.ukenquiries@theacres.co.uk011353 669157520LAUREL TREE COTTAGECottage for rent, sleeps 6.15 miles South of Killarney.Walking distance from CaraghLakeExcellent salmon & trout fishingwww.gortnagown.com011353 66 9760122Beautiful OceanfrontCottage in Dingle for rentFurnished. 4 bedroom, 4 bathcottage with a fabulous view of theocean at the mouth of Dingle harbor.Short walk to beach and onlytwo miles from Dingle town. Sleeps8-10. Call Colleen 312-399-8793KERRYShamínír, Quality bed andbreakfast situated on thefamous Ring of Kerry overlookingKenmare Bay, close tosome of the world’s finest golfcourses, inc. Ballbunion &Waterville. www.shaminir.com011353-64-42678ALL IRELANDIRELAND ESCORTEDThe ultimate tour of Ireland.Private escorted tour with yourown driver/escort. Customizeditinerary for maximum comfort,style, & enjoyment. Visit us @www.irelandescorted.comLES ROUTIERS IN IRELANDThe Road to Good Food.From a castle to a B ‘n’ B,a restaurant, pub, café orfoodshop. Les Routiersselects the best. Book online atwww.routiersireland.comTERRY FLYNN TOURSTailormade vacation specialistto Ireland. Self or chauffer driveFamily & friendship groups.Toll free 1 800 678 7848Fax 651 - 436 5781.info@terryflynntours.comwww.aerlingus.comIRELAND 2006see Athlone & DistrictTourist Guide. log on towww.acis.ieALL IRELANDALL IRELANDCottage Mary RoseOver 300,000 readers monthlyStay in a historic white-washed,thatchedcottage.Updatedwithallof the comforts of today. Set in anidyllic pastoral setting, in the heartof the southwest. Sleeps 6. CallWilliam Harty 630-790-9902Website: cottagemaryrose.comDo you own a vacation rental property in Ireland?Reach Irish-American Tourists in Seven Irish-American papers coast-to-coastNew York: Irish Emigrant. Circulation 9,500Boston: Irish Emigrant. Circulation 12,500Philadelphia: Irish Edition Circulation 12,500Minneapolis: Irish Gazette Circulation 12,500Chicago: Irish American News Circulation 25,000Los Angeles: Irish Herald Circulation 8,000San Francisco: Irish Herald Circulation 12,000Ulster or Munstercall 415-665-6653Leinster or Connaughtcall 708-445-0700www.americanirishmedia.com

32 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Dublin, Easter Monday 1916:1,700 take on the British Empireby Joseph E. Gannon / TheWildGeese.comAND I say to my people’s masters: Beware,Beware of the thing that is coming,Beware of the risen people,Who shall take what ye would not give.Did ye think to conquer the people,Or that Law is stronger than lifeand than men’s desire to be free?We will try it out with you,ye that have harried and held,Ye that have bullied and bribed ...tyrants, hypocrites, liars!– From “The Rebel” by Patrick PearsePerhaps on Nov. 10, 1879, at 27Great Brunswick St., Dublin, asthe mother and father gazed downat their newborn son, they had avision of what his future held. Thatmay explain why they named himPatrick Henry Pearse. Their sonwould grow to be the very embodimentof the words of the Americanpatriot Patrick Henry, whose namehe bore, who uttered in the VirginiaConvention on March 23, 1775: “Iknow not what course others mighttake, but as for me, give me libertyor give me death!” Indeed, thesewords would have formed a veryproper epitaph on the gravestoneof Pearse, the leader of the EasterRising of 1916.Like many other uncompromisingIrish rebels, Pearse was not ofpure Irish blood; he was the productof a mixed English-Irish marriage.His father was a monumentalsculptor and an Englishman,his mother was a native of CountyMeath. Pearse began his life-longstudy of the Irish language at age11; perhaps his strident nationalismwas a byproduct of his studyof the language that the Britishhad tried so hard to destroy overthe centuries.After graduation from RoyalUniversity of Ireland he was calledto the Bar, but he never practiced.He joined the Gaelic League in1895. In 1908, along with friendsThomas MacDonagh, Con Colbert,and his brother William, Pearsefounded an Irish language schoolcalled St. Enda’s at CullenwoodHouse in Rathmines, outsideDublin. Their school prospered,and in 1910 they moved it to TheHermitage, Rathfarnham, whereRobert Emmet had courted SarahCurran. The school operated until1935, run eventually by Pearse’smother and sister, but none of thefour founders of the school wouldsee that day - all four would beexecuted within five days of eachother in May 1916.Through these years, Pearsewas writing a great deal of proseand poetry, some in Irish andsome in English, much of whichwas published after his death, andcontributing articles to ArthurGriffith’s newspaper, The UnitedIrishman. He was becoming moreand more radical in his outlook onIrish nationalism, evolving froma supporter of Home Rule to arepublican. In 1913, he was one ofthe founders of the Irish Volunteers,The GPO todaya native Irish militia that wouldevolve into the Irish RepublicanArmy. Later the same year Pearsejoined the secretive Irish RepublicanBrotherhood.In February 1914, Pearse traveledto the United States seekingmoney from the Irish-Americancommunity for his school andfor the Irish Volunteers. He madecontact with Joseph McGarrityand former Fenian John Devoy,who helped him on both counts.In July 1914, in the famous Howthgun-running incident, the IrishVolunteers obtained weapons andammunition. The organizationnow had the weapons and financialsupport it needed to considerthe military action that many ofthem, including Pearse, believednecessary to end British rule inIreland. “There are many thingsmore horrible than bloodshed,”Pearse had once written, “andslavery is one of them.” In themilitants’ view, the circumstanceswere now rife for action, with therepublicans possessing organizationand weapons. Pearse feltready to strike for his dream.In the summer of 1915 the bodyof Fenian Jeremiah O’DonovanRossa was brought home from NewYork for burial. At Dublin’s Glasnevincemetery, Pearse deliveredone of the most famous gravesideorations in the long history of theIrish revolutionary movement. Hisspeech stirred the Irish nation.“But I hold it a Christian thing,as O’Donovan Rossa held it, tohate evil, to hate oppression, andhating them, to strive to overthrowthem,” said Pearse. “... Life springsfrom death; and from the gravesof patriot men and women springliving nations.” Pearse’s clarioncall to armed revolt reverberatedthrough the length and breadth ofIreland. On April 24, 1916, wordsbecame action.The RisingThrough the history of Britain’sdomination of Ireland, Ireland’srevolutionary movements havelived by a basic tenet: England’sagony is Ireland’s opportunity.The Irish Volunteer leadershipwas split - with many of those inthe IRB ready to strike, believingthe timing would never be better.England was deep into the mostsavage war the world had everseen. Millions had died already,millions more would die yet, manyof them Irishmen fighting for Britain.Meanwhile, the British werethreatening conscription in Ireland,which was absolutely opposed bythe vast majority of the country.But many other IRB membersbelieved that the country was notready for a rising, especially withso many Irish boys fighting in thetrenches of France.Chief among the Volunteerswho opposed the rising was itschief of staff, Eoin MacNeil. Inthe end, Pearse and the others inthe Irish Republican Brotherhood,along with James Connolly andhis Citizen Army, planned a risingfor April 23, Easter Sunday,using the Volunteers’ scheduledmaneuvers in Dublin as a cover.These plans were made withoutMacNeil’s knowledge. MacNeilfound out on Thursday and atfirst, after being told of the shipmentof German arms that RogerCasement was bringing to the

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 33southwest, he agreed to support it.However, when MacNeil found outthat Casement had been capturedand the weapons lost, he canceledthe maneuvers and got word to thecountryside that the rising was off.In military terms, there was nothingfor Pearse and his cohorts to do butcall off the rising, but Pearse wasnot a military man, he was a visionary.He saw a destiny for himselfand his country. Six years earlier1916 Easter Rising: Sackville Street in Dublinhe had written in a poem: “I haveturned my face to the road beforeme, to the deed that I see and thedeath I shall die.” With that deed,that near certain death, now staringhim in the face, he didn’t waver.MacNeil tried his best to stopthe rising, but on Easter Mondaya force of less than 1,700 rose inDublin, with smaller forces takingthe field in Wexford, Galway, andin north County Dublin, whereThomas Ashe’s Volunteers capturedfour police barracks. In Dublin, therebels quickly captured several keypoints, including the General PostOffice (GPO). There on the steps,Pearse proclaimed the Irish Republic.Pearse and six others has signedthe document the day previous. Theman given the honor of signing theproclamation first was 59-year-oldTom Clarke. He signed with tearsin his eyes, no doubt rememberingthe 15 years he spent in a Britishprison under the harsh conditionsthe English reserved for Irishrevolutionaries. Given the situationregarding MacNeil and the rest ofthe Volunteers around the island,each signer must have realized, ashand and pen moved across theproclamation, that they were verylikely signing away their lives.By early afternoon the tricolorof the Irish Republic and a greenflag with a gold harp in the center,the ancient symbol of Ireland thathad been carried in so many differentforms by Irish military unitsaround the world, flew defiantlyabove the GPO. Across Dublinthe rebels occupied numerousstrategic portions, and were awaitingthe British response. Amongthese men and women were namesthat every Irishman would come toknow in the years ahead, includingMichael Collins, Eamon de Valera,Cathal Brugha, and ConstanceMarkievicz, who commandeda group of Volunteers who occupiedthe College of Surgeonsat St. Stephen’s Green. But in thenext few days, as fighting spreadacross the city, the predictions ofthose opposed to the rising provedtrue. The city and the country werenot ready to rise up, and the rebelswere isolated and surrounded by20,000 British troops.Still, the rebels fought on, andfought well. At Mount StreetBridge on Wednesday, 17 of deValera’s men held off two battalionsof British troops for 9 hours.On Thursday, the British beganan artillery bombardment of theGPO, fire began to spread aroundthe building, and a cordon wasthrown around the city center. Theend neared. Finally, on Saturday,having been blasted out of the GPOand forced to take up positions inother buildings on nearby MooreStreet, the leadership had to facethe futility of further bloodshed.Pearse watched the city he lovedblazing around him and the peopleof that city being killed, somebefore his eyes. He fully expectedto die in this rising and certainlywould have preferred dying inbattle to the execution he believedawaited him if he surrendered. Heturned to Clarke and told him, “Forthe sake of our fellow citizens andour comrades across the city whoare likely to be shot or burned todeath, I propose ... we surrender.”Clarke, who had struggled for decadesto bring about a rising, couldnot speak - he turned his face to thewall and wept. Pearse surrenderedand sent an order to other outpoststo surrender also. On Sunday all organizedresistance ended. At 5 p.m.April 30, the tricolor was pulledfrom the top of the remains of theGPO, the dream of the republicseemingly pulled down with it.The ExecutionsAs the rebels weremarched off to jail,they were shocked bythe reaction of bystanders.People screamedinvective at them andeven threw objects atthem. The people ofDublin had been unableto work for a week, ofcourse, and were goinghungry; others had lostfamily members or hadtheir homes destroyedand many had sons orbrothers fighting inFrance and consideredthe rising a betrayal ofthose men. Perhaps thisoutpouring of angertoward the rebels gavethe British a false sense of the underlyingfeeling of Irish people. Perhapsthey were even foolish enough tothink that it constituted some sort ofendorsement of British rule over theisland. Many of the people in thoseangry crowds, in fact, agreed completelywith the aims of the rising- freedom from English domination.It was only the means and the timingof it they resented.The British commander, GeneralJohn Maxwell, court-martialed therebel leaders. Within days, the leadersfaced closed trials before courtsmade up of three British officersin which the defendants had nolawyers and were allowed to callno witnesses. The British officersfound every defendant guilty andcondemned them to death.During the few minutes that hiscourt-martial lasted, Pearse toldthe court: “You cannot conquerIreland. You cannot extinguishthe Irish passion for freedom. Ifour deed has not been sufficientto win freedom, then our childrenwill win it by a better deed.” Pearsewanted to be remembered with themartyred heroes Robert Emmetand Wolfe Tone. Later at a dinnerparty, General C.J. Blackader, whowas in charge of the trials, told afriend, “I have just performed oneof the hardest tasks I ever had todo. Condemned to death one ofthe finest characters I ever cameacross. A man named Pearse. Mustbe something very wrong in the compound, where Pearse stood, thestate of things, must there not, that order rang out, “Aim.” When onemakes a man like that a rebel.” of the soldiers allowed his rifle toWhen the sentences of death dip, the officer in charge ordered,were later relayed to the men in “As you were.” Pearse must havetheir cells, Clarke breathed a sigh anguished as those words, in placeof relieve, not because he dreamed of the expected “FIRE,” were heard.of martyrdom, but because he Now the officer ordered, “Aim,”feared more time in an English prisonmuch more than death. When the gates of the jail, where Willieagain and then finally, “FIRE!” AtPearse heard the sentence, there in was being led in, he heard the soundhis cell in Kilmainham jail, where and a warder turned to his guardsNapper Tandy, O’Donovan Rossa and said, “Too late.” They turnedand especially Emmet had also him around and took him back tobeen held, he must have realized his Richmond Barracks - no one tolddestiny had come to pass just as he him he had just heard the sound ofhad envisioned it. His spirit would his brother being killed. Willie’shave sunk though, had he known turn would come the next day.that his brother William, who was In all, 97 participants in the risingwere condemned to death; mostnot one of the leaders of the rising,was also condemned to death. had those sentences reduced whenIn a last letter home to his the British learned how counterproductivethe executions were. If onemother May 3rd, Pearse wrote, “Iwill call you in my heart at the last counts Casement, executed in August,16 were actually killed. Thesemoment.” Father Aloysius, whowas attending the men, asked to executions by the British would turnstay with them to the end. He was a large portion of the Irish from criticsof the Rising to supporters andrefused. He gave Pearse a 10-inchcrucifix of brass to carry with him. emblazon those slain into the pantheonof Irish revolutionary heroes.As he walked to his execution,Pearse heard two volleys - Clarke Had the British simply jailed thoseand his old friend MacDonagh had involved, the ripples from their risingmay never have grown into thepreceded him in death. With a soldieron each side and blindfold alreadyin place, Pearse was hustled rule in Ireland, virtually ending itwaves that ultimately rocked Britishto a corner of the prison walls, past in 26 of 32 counties by 1922. Withthe pooled blood of Clarke and decades more strife in store forMacDonagh. At that moment, his Ireland, Pearse’s last words at thebrother Willie was being led to the graveside of O’Donovan Rossa injail. A British officer had decided 1915 proved prophetic:to allow them a moment to speak But the fools, the fools, the fools!before Patrick died, but he didn’t They have left us our Fenian dead,inform Willie where he was being and while Ireland holds thesetaken, or why, and Willie was sure graves,it was to his own death.Ireland unfree will never be atIn the northwest corner of the peace!

34 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Healy LawBy Senior Martin Partner J. Healy, Jr.This is the next of a series of columns on how the law can impactyour life. Each month we will focus on various aspects of the lawrelating to personal injuries, those that happen both on-the-job andotherwise, including mishaps which occur in driving vehicles, usingproducts and receiving medical care. The column will also respondto legal questions relating to personal injury that are sent to us.The Healy Law Firm is comprised of nine trial attorneys, two ofwhom are from Ireland. We are located downtown at 111 West WashingtonStreet, Suite 1425, Chicago, Illinois 60602 (800-922-4500 or312-977-0100). www.HealyLawFirm.com. The firm concentrates inthe representation of injured victims of all types of accidents.When a Dog Isn’t Man’s BestFriendNew figures just releasedfrom the 2005-2006 National PetOwners Survey show pet ownershipis currently at its highestlevel. According to the survey,Americans own approximately73 million dogs. A Center forDisease Control survey estimatesthat there are 800,000 dogbites every year. Lately we haveseen increasing news coverageof brutal dog-on-human attacks.Dog bites are not as infrequentas you might expect. It begs thequestion: what are a victim’sand a dog owner’s rights andresponsibilities?Previous LawThe law in Illinois used to presumethat domestic animals areinherently harmless. In the past,in order for a person injured bya dog to recover from the owner,he had to prove that the dog hada mischievous propensity tocommit such injuries and thatthe owner had knowledge of thepropensity. Courts referred tothis as the “one free bite” rulebecause the owner could alwaysFrom Small Groups To Over 350Hold YourWEDDINGS & BANQUETS Here ALL YEAR!claim, at least for the first bite,that he was unaware of his dog’spropensity.Current LawThe law in Illinois has changed.The Illinois legislature enactedthe Animal Control Act (510ILCS 5/1) to encourage tightcontrol of animals in order toprotect the public from harm.The Act broadened the liabilityof owners and keepers of dogs.It states that “if a dog or otheranimal, without provocation, attacksor injures any person who ispeaceably conducting himself inany place where he may lawfullybe, the owner of such dog or otheranimal is liable in damages tosuch person for the full amount ofthe injury sustained” (510 ILCS5/16). This Act changed the standard.The initial inquiry no longerlooks at the owner’s awareness ofhis dog’s dangerous propensity(an owner’s awareness can be afact difficult to prove). We nowfirst look at the victim’s act andthe dog’s response to see if thedog was provoked. However, if itis found that the owner was awareof his dog’s mischievous propensityprior to a bite then the ownermay be held strictly liable.What is “provocation?” It isany act of the injured person, intentionalor unintentional, whichGleneagles is newly available for all types of special events.From Birthday Parties to Communions, Reunions and Weddings,Gleneagles specializes in making your Event special.Please call 630.257.5466www.golfgleneagles.comto request our menus and check available dates.Golf Outing information and menus are available by contactingGleneagles at 630-257-5466 ext 413070 McCarthy Road * Lemont, IL 60439would likely cause a normalanimal to react the way that it did.The reasonableness of the dog’sresponse determines whetherprovocation exists. For example,one court found that the act ofsomeone stepping off an elevatorand walking toward the apartmentdoor where the dog awaited wasnot provocation. Another courtfound that a child’s unintentionalstepping on a dog’s tail, and thedog then scratching the child’seye, was provocation. That courtreasoned that the dog’s reactionwas not out of proportion to theunintentional act involved. On theother hand, a court found a child’sscreaming at the excited barkingof a dog was not sufficient provocationfor the violent attack thatfollowed. Another court foundthat it was not provocation fora mailman to spray “Halt” at aten pound dog advancing towardhim.Who is an “owner?” An owneris defined as one who owns, keepsor harbors a dog, or takes thedog in his care, or even one whoknowingly allows a dog to remainon his property. For example, adog walker could be liable as a“keeper” if that dog bites anotherwhile under the dog walker’s care.However, one who agreed toboard and care for a friend’sdog could not recover when thedog bit her because she herselfwas considered the “keeper” ofthe dog. An absentee landlordwho merely allowed a tenant tokeep a dog was not considereda “harborer,” and therefore wasnot liable.An “attack” is not limited toan aggressive, violent act by thedog. For example, a court founda dog owner liable when thedog chased a bicyclist and thatbicyclist fell causing injury. Anothercourt found an owner liablewhen his dog excitedly greeted avisitor, knocking the visitor downand causing her injury. However,when a dog is passive, it cannot besaid the dog is the cause of an injury.For example, a court deniedliability when a person trippedover a dog as it lay on porch steps.A court denied liability when aguest spilled boiling water onherself as she stepped over a dogwhich had been following heraround the kitchen.Recent Trends in Legislationand Insurance PracticeCurrently, there are bills inthe Illinois legislature beingconsidered that would ban orseverely restrict specific breeds ofdogs, including the “pit bull” andRottweilers. One bill would automaticallydeem certain breedsas vicious, require those ownersto muzzle and leash the dogswhenever outside, and requirethe owners to maintain liabilityinsurance.Homeowner’s insurance commonlycovers dog liability. Someinsurance companies are nowinquiring what breed the insuredkeeps at home. If the breed is considereddangerous, some insurersare raising the premium for theadded risk or altogether denyinginsurance for that dog.Some commentators suggestthat “breed specific legislation”will do little to address the rootcause of dangerous dog problems--irresponsibleowners. Theyquestion whether the act of labelingcertain breeds dangerous isfair. For example, a few poorlytrained Rottweilers should nottaint the entire breed. They insistthat strongly enforced leash lawsand increased public educationefforts that promote responsibledog ownership are more reasonableways to protect communitiesfrom future dog attacks.ConclusionThis general discussion ofrights and responsibilities relatingto dog bite liability shouldnot be considered a substitute forindividual legal advice from anattorney based on the facts of aparticular case.The law has attempted to strikea reasonable balance between avictim’s rights and a dog owner’sresponsibility. However, as discussed,each case’s outcomedepends on its own unique facts.The hope is that both dog ownerand visitor/passerby becomemore educated on dog-humaninteraction. Let’s not change theold proverb: Dog is Man’s BestFriend.by: Matthew Healy, The HealyLaw FirmMatthew is a new associate attorneywith The Healy Law Firm.He lives in Lakeview with hisbrother and their dog.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 35AWord WithFather BolandThe Voice of Catholic Charities of the Archdioceseof Chicago Administrator, CatholicCharities of the Archdiocese of ChicagoDuring the last seven monthswe have heard much about thedevastating results of HurricanesKatrina and Rita: the tragic loss oflives, homes, churches and way oflife for almost two million people.But recently, I was privileged to hearthe whole story—from those wholived through it and deal with the rebuildingprocess every day—of thetremendous response of the CatholicChurch in the United States to thisunprecedented natural disaster.From March 3-6, just days afterthe six-month anniversary of HurricaneKatrina, I traveled through NewOrleans with Catholic Charities ofthe Archdiocese of Chicago Boardmember Ronald Laurent and theBoard of Trustees of Catholic CharitiesUSA (CCUSA), the nationalnetwork of 1,400 Catholic Charitiessocial service agencies.“We have suffered a truly enormoushuman catastrophe.” Withthese words, the Most Rev. AlfredC. Hughes, Archbishop of NewOrleans, summed up the tragiclosses inflicted by Katrina. Hereported that by last Novemberclose to 1.5 million people hadbeen evacuated from MetropolitanNew Orleans. There were 1,300confirmed deaths and hundredsmore whose bodies may neverbe found. It was estimated thatanywhere from 50,000 to 200,000people lost homes and jobs. Damagewas sustained by more than1,000 archdiocesan facilities. Only25 percent of the residences for religiouswere inhabitable. Fourteenreligious congregations lost theirmotherhouses.Even the Ursuline Sisters ofNew Orleans, who laid the groundworkfor the tradition of Catholichealth care, the Catholic Schoolsystem, and the Church’s responseto the poor in the New World,were forced to evacuate after 279uninterrupted years of service, andonly recently returned.Yet, in the midst of this incrediblehuman suffering, the CatholicChurch in the United States respondedimmediately and generouslyto alleviate the suffering ofthe Gulf Coast hurricane victimswho lost everything. Thousandsof parishes in dioceses throughoutthe United States contributed $152million, the largest collection in thehistory of the country, which wasforwarded by the U.S. Bishops toCatholic Charities USA for distributionto the dioceses hit directly bythe hurricanes.So far, more than 300,000 victimsof Hurricanes Katrina andRita – including 87,000 childrenand 10,000 seniors—have receivedassistance from the Catholic Charitiesnetwork.Prior to Katrina, Catholic Charitiesof New Orleans was a thrivingsystem of social services to 150,000poor, hungry and vulnerable families,children, and needy personsannually. Yet, when staff themselveswere victims of the hurricane, theCatholic Charities national networkwas able to respond immediately tothousands of evacuees across thecountry, providing them with food,clothing and shelter.How is this possible? Becausewhen New Orleans was overwhelmedwith disaster, the CatholicChurch in the United Statesresponded as it always has. Ouruniversal unity, connectedness andcommunication enabled parishesand Catholic Charities agencies indioceses throughout the country toimmediately swing into action sothat services would be provided tothe destitute evacuees.Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago,Catholic Charities, with thehelp of scores of volunteers, welcomed,fed, clothed, and temporarilyor permanently housed 500homeless people; 285 families andindividuals. Today, 100 families arestill with us – without resourcesand unable or undecided whether toreturn. We continue to provide themwith temporary shelter, assist themto obtain their benefits and offercomprehensive social services untilthey are settled.The Archdiocese of New Orleansitself distributed 20 million poundsof food in the first two months tothose unable to leave, and now delivers10 million pounds each month.The Archdiocese has established10 community centers, distributing$200,000 a week in aid to the needy.Two hundred counselors link needypeople to available services, andover 3,000 volunteers clean and guthomes of the elderly and the poor,trying to make them habitable.Remarkably, no startup groupsor new organizations had to beformed for this massive rescue andresettlement effort. The Church’sdiocesan network; faith in CatholicCharities’ history of helping peoplewith competence and efficiency, locallyand nationally; and our fiscalability to devote 92 cents of everydollar to serve the poor and needy,inspired support.For generations prior to Katrina’slandfall, Catholics and non-Catholicsalike in the counties of theArchdiocese of New Orleans werevery familiar with the CatholicChurch’s abundant works of educationand charity. Catholic schoolshad educated half the children inthe city of New Orleans—half ofwhom were not Catholic. The Catholichealthcare system, foundedtwo centuries ago by the Ursulines,continued to care for all peopleregardless of color or ability to pay;and the work of Catholic Charitiesfor poor or troubled families andchildren, regardless of faith, waswell-known.Today, thanks to the tremendousgenerosity of American Catholicsand their faith in Catholic Charities’efficient national network ofthousands of staff and generousvolunteers, hope is alive.With heroic effort and courage,the Archdiocese of New Orleanshas now opened more than 75percent of its parishes and 80percent of its Catholic schools. InChicago and all across the country,evacuees are still being housed, fed,clothed, and are receiving casemanagement services, counselingand financial assistance.I sincerely thank the generouspeople of Cook and Lake countiesfor their generosity to CatholicCharities and to their courageousGulf Coast brothers and sisters.Your Gospel commitment to servingthe poor and suffering hasresulted in the enlivened faith anddetermination of the Church andthe communities devastated byHurricanes Katrina and Rita torecover, renew and rebuild theirlives, parishes, and communities.May God bless you all!Judy Barr-Topinka, winner of the Republican Primary for Governor of thestate of Illinois, and Kelly Green, 2006 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen.

36 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Full IrishBreakfastby Maureen CallahanTie One On at The Celtic Knot in Evanston“I never serve a pint of GuinnessI wouldn’t drink myself,” ownerPatrick Breslin will look you inthe eye and tell you quite sincerely.The Guinness is definitely the verybest in Evanston, if not the northernsuburbs. Test it for yourself at TheCeltic Knot in Evanston and you’resure to agree. The Celtic Knotopened in January 2005, bringing aclassy Irish Public House to an areadefinitely in need of one.After meeting owner Patrick Breslin,truly the Star of the County Down,you’ll understand commitment anddedication to providing an enjoyableexperience. Breslin and his wife, Liz,along with their partners, Jamie andDebbie Evans have really put theirhearts into transforming a site occupiedby several other restaurantsover the years, into a charming Irishpub. All Evanston locals, Patrickhails originally from County Down.With over 50 years of restaurant experiencebetween them, it’s easy to seewhy this pub is so successful. In anage in which many Irish pubs are nolonger Irish owned, the authenticityhere is more than evident.For starters, take a chance onsome favorites from more out-of-thewayCeltic destinations, such as theCanadian Maritime Provinces. Thefish cakes with roasted red peppersauce are as tasty as any you’d find inNova Scotia. The half-pound PrinceEdward Island Mussels in white winewith tomato basil sauce and garlicbread are an excellent alternative.The apps. menu also features thetypical-chicken wings, chips, calamari,etc, for those searching for thesimple but reliable.The Guinness beef pastry-tenderloinand mushrooms cooked inGuinness and wrapped in a puffpastry, is a good choice for Erin’straditional fare. If not, try on thefish ‘n’ chips or bangers ‘n’ mash forsize. Or check out the John PowersWhiskey Steak or Boston CornedBeef. Both are very lean. TheNorth Atlantic salmon in teriyakisauce served atop of basmati rice isanother excellent pick. If the choiceis too difficult, The Celtic Collectionoffers a bit of everything-lamb stew,fish ‘n’ chips, and corned beef andcabbage. There is a rather worldlywine selection available to complimentany taste.Chef/owner Debbie Evans hascreated a delectable fusion of Irishfavorites with a slightly differenttwist. There aren’t many pubs inthe greater Chicago area that offerScotch Eggs-hardboiled eggswrapped in sausage meat and servedon a salad. Try them, for somethingdifferent. The Fried Goat Cheese andLobster Salad with bacon, walnutsand raisins is a delicious choice.In addition to several other saladchoices, the Irish Breakfast Salad isa collection of Irish breakfast itemseggand chopped bacon served atopspinach. The Full Monty Irish breakfast-amore traditional version of theold favorite-eggs, bangers, black andwhite pudding and mushrooms is alsoavailable. The delectable selection ofsandwiches and burgers will appealto the lighter appetite.For a memorable ending, Gail’sSticky Toffee Pudding in custardcream sauce or Debbie’s HomemadeChocolate Cake are amazing.Invite your mum or your friendsfor a tea party on Wednesday or Saturdayduring Moira’s Afternoon Teafrom 2-4 p.m. For $14.95 honor atrue Irish/English tradition completewith finger sandwiches, pastries,scones and a selection of fine teas ata fraction of the price of afternoontea anywhere else in the area.Even if you are just in the neighborhoodfor a pint, this is the place togo to meet friendly locals and enjoygreat music. It’s not strictly Irish atthe Knot, but rather a wide variety ofentertainment on the menu. Mondaynights are bluegrass bands (8-12), andTuesday nights are traditional Celticmusic seisiuns (7-10). On weekends,DJ Corey Osborne plays his laid backSan Francisco beat. Stop by on aSunday afternoon for Storytelling inthe Snug and you might hear from anationally recognized author.Find the Celtic Knot at 626Church St., Evanston, IL, directlyacross from the Evanston PublicLibrary, just 2 blocks from thepurple line. For more informationon music schedules or Storytellingin the Snug, contact the pubdirectly at 847.864.1679 or www.celticknotpub.com.“We’ve been really lucky,” ownerLiz Breslin says. So are the peoplewho have been fortunate enough tofind this great place.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 37Get Your Irish Up…North !By James McClureFrom the Sand to the SnowAlaska is known for many things atthis time of year, chief among them theIditarod dogsled race that pits teamsracing across the ice and snow.Yet not far from the starting line ofthat race in Anchorage are a uniquegroup of men who spent last year atthis time heading into a race of theirown—a running battle with insurgentsin the heat and sands of Iraq. “It’s a lotlike waking up and walking into a blowtorchin your face every morning,” saysMarine Sgt. Richard Murphy, who isone of a group of Alaska Marines whowere activated from weekend reserveduty to spend six months in Iraq.I first met Murphy at Ted StevensAnchorage International Airport as hearrived home with one of three flightsof returning Marines.Murphy was the senior enlistedman present when one of the marinesin his squad was killed last year. “Youjust try to go on and do your dutyand remember him as best you can,”said Murphy as he cleared his throat,visibly moved.He wasn’t the only one. A fewminutes earlier, Alaska Governor FrankMurkowski pointed out to me how themother of the fallen marine was there toaccept his remains and how the grouphad left as a team and came back thatway as well. As tears welled up in hiseyes Murkowski said, “You see thoseboys over there? They may have goneover as boys but they came back as men.And they did it together.”And quietly. None of us in the newsmedia knew it at the time but five ofthe Alaska Marines were returning asrecipients of the Purple Heart…recognitionfor injuries received in battle. Icame to know most of the Purple HeartMarines in following months, trackingtheir progress and recovery, as well astheir training to fight again, if calledupon. All had been injured by shrapneland concussion, by IEDs, the ImprovisedExplosive Devices, which haveclaimed so many American lives.“Somebody was looking out to hurtus and somebody was looking out forus at the same time,” says Murphy as helooks over the small boats and vehicleshis company trains with in the snows ofAlaska. “It is pretty weird having beenover there and then being back here inthe snow and cold traveling over blackice when it’s dark much of the winter.”They got back in time for the annualToys for Tots Campaign, whichthe Marine Corps Reserve conducts tobring Christmas toys to needy children.In Alaska, that means ferrying sacksby snowmobile (locals prefer the termsnow machine) up along frozen riversinto the Yukon and the bush country.No strangers to danger on activeduty, the reconnaissance marines ofEcho Company have to prepare for thepossibility of falling into and under theice on their volunteer reserve work.The training consists of jumpinginto a hole carved into a 14-inch thickpatch of frozen lake near ElmendorfAir Force Base. The air temperaturewas about 5 degrees as the arctic warriorsjumped in wearing a full backpackand then had to pull themselves out,somehow maintaining the presenceof mind to state their name and socialsecurity number before being allowedto exit. “It’s not that bad,” said a smilingcompany commander, Capt. DavidMcElliott, who was one of the morelucid and agile men to emerge from thewater. “It’s not worse than anything elseyou’ll do in the Marine Corps.”I caught up with Corporal MartyRhett at the Marine Corps ReserveCenter just as he was heading homeon Christmas leave. “We have to trainthe next generation and be ready, justin case we have to be back next year atthis time,” noted the quiet and reflectivemarine.Mass with parents and family wason the next day’s agenda along withbaking Christmas cookies. It was goodto see some of the kid re-emerging inthis reflective young man who plans tomake a career in the Corps.The Alaska Marines, quiet andsecretive by nature, achieved a degreeof national and international notorietywhen their stories aired in a series oftelevision stories I reported for thePentagon Channel, which airs on cablesystems across America and on militaryinstallations around the world.But they have gotten their best recognitionat home in Alaska. The night of theMarine Corps Birthday Ball I was drivingSgt. Murphy around town, the leastI could do to honor warriors who did somuch for us. On a downtown Anchoragestreet corner, Loren Lehman, Alaska’sLt. Governor, spotted Murphy and spenttime thanking him…a quiet tribute thatno one will ever see or know about.As we drove off I thought that theRichard Murphys and Dave McElliottsand Marty Rhetts are all aroundus. We may not know their names orwhat they’ve been through, but we arestronger because of their strength, and abetter people with their safe return.James McClure is a televisionreporter and freelance journalist inAnchorage, Alaska. He grew up inNorthbrook, Illinois and can be reachedat JimMcClure71@aol.comApril events at Gaelic ParkGaelic Park, located at 6119West 147th Street, in Oak Forest,will host many spring eventsthis April.The Carraig Pub at Gaelic Parkoffers an entertaining atmosphereeveryday. Tuesday nights come toparticipate in Carraig’s Pub Quizbeginning at 8pm. Enter a teamfor a minimal entry fee. There aredaily food and drink specials at theCarraig including mouth-wateringBBQ ribs on Wednesdays. OnThursday nights at 7:30pm bringin the whole family to hear thetraditional music session given bythe Irish Music School instructorsSean Cleland and Pat Finnegan,their students, friends and families.All ages are welcome. And everyFriday and Saturday enjoy free music.This month hear The Katie SullivanBand, Gerard Haughey, AfterSchool Special and many more.Enjoy good food and greatdancing music at Chicago GaelicPark, at the popular Celtic Suppersbeginning at 4pm and going untilthe music stops at 9pm. This monthmusical guests include VelvetGreen, Gerard Haughey and SeanO’Donnell. The Celtic Suppers arethe perfect meeting place for largegroups, and for only $15, a buffetis served. Children are welcomeand for those under 12 years oldadmission is $8.Please note that there will bea special Celtic Supper on EasterSunday, April 16th with musicprovided by Gerry Gleason and aspecial appearance by the EasterBunny bringing along treats forthe kids. A holiday buffet will beserved from 4pm until 7pm. All ofthis fun, entertainment and deliciousfood is included in the $20ticket price, $10 for children 12 andunder. Reservations are required forall Celtic Suppers.Gaelic Park will host anotherpopular Musical Luncheon onWednesday, April 5th, beginningat noon for the modest cost of$12. Lunch will be served at 1pmwith dancing music provided byVelvet Green until 4pm. Reservationsare required.The Monthly Mass and Breakfastis on Sunday, April 9, 2006beginning at 10 a.m. A deliciousIrish breakfast will be served immediatelyafter Mass for $6.Remember to listen every Sundaynight from 7pm to 9pm to alive broadcast from Gaelic Park byHarry Costelloe, Mary Hackett, andMary Riordan on WCEV 1450am.Hear all the week’s Irish news andsports direct from Ireland, and allthe latest events and goings onat Gaelic Park. Call the station at(708) 687-9330 to request a song ordedication or for advertising.www.chicagogaelicpark.org(708) 687-9323Bagpipe lessons availableStarting in AprilCall for more info and to sign up.VISIT US AT 47 South Villa AvenueVilla Park, IL 60181630-834-8108Walsh & Company, P.C.Certified Public Accountants• FINANCIAL STATEMENTS• BUSINESS VALUATIIONS• FRAUD AUDITS• CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTING• S CORPORATIONS• LLC’S• PARTNERSHIPS• INDIVIDUAL TAXES• BUSINESS TAXES•FIDUCIARY TAXES25 years experience7804 College Dr. - Suite 1SE • Palos Heights, IL 60463Ph. (708) 671-0644 Fax (708) 671-0655www.walshcocpas.com

38 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006“Bloody Mary” goesglobal:I’m taking the opportunitythis month to tidy up some oldbusiness, as Morley and son willbe gombin’ around Ireland whilethis issue is inked. We will bethere for the feast of its patron,Patrick: who is renowned inlegend for causing a reptile dysfunctionall over the island.If you’ve been reading thisspace you will recall that the lastcouple columns dealt with SumnerRedstone’s media giant- Viacom,it’s subsidiary Comedy Central,and the show “South Park”. Wereported Comedy Central ran itsseason finale episode of SouthPark on 12/7/05, the eve of the ImmaculateConception. Its highlightis a statue of the Blessed Virginthe show describes as “bleedingouta it’s a__.” Pope Benedict arrivesto see the phenomenon and isdrenched full in the face by a long(and loud) emission of blood fromthe statue’s rear end.Melbourne’s Archbishop DenisHart asked Australia’s SBSnetwork not to air the episode,scheduled for March 6. He wastold by programming directorMatt Campbell, to “Mind yourown business”. But later, afterthe worldwide dust-up over theDanish Muslim cartoons, SBSdecided to “defer” airing the offensiveepisode, saying it wouldhave to give “some more thought”to its scheduling, followingworldwide protest over DanishMICKcartoons depictingthe ProphetMuhammad.But in NewZealand, anotherconstitutionalBy Mike Morley monarchy withHerself, QEII, theofficial head ofstate, it was a different story. SouthPark airs there on TV channelsowned by Canwest, a Canadianmedia giant that recently scoopedup a large part of Lord Black’sformer empire. Religious groupsincluding the Catholic Bishops’Conference, and the Council ofChristians and Muslims urgedCanWest not to air the “BloodyMary” episode, But Canwest, saidit met “all its internal standards oftaste and decency.”Issuing what sounds like a hightoneversion of the Al Capone defense,Canwest TV Works COORick Friesen said: “We don’tbelieve that any group should bedictating the programs we run.Our viewers have a specific ideaof what they want to watch. Weresearch that, and if we didn’trun it we think we’d be offendingthose viewers.” (In his bestBrooklyn accent, Big Al wouldhave been more straightforward:“We gives da people what theywant. We’re a public soivice.”)Catholic bishops called for aparishioner boycott of Canwest’sTV3 and its advertisers. Friesen retortedthat if Catholics felt they’dbe upset by South Park, then theyshould simply not watch it. Hesaw no similarity to the debateover the Muhammad cartoons.The Federation of Islamic Associationsof New Zealand alsoprotested the episode, saying itwas deeply offensive. Javed Kahn,President of the group, wrote toFriesen: “Like Catholics and thewider Christian family, MuslimNew Zealanders will be shockedand deeply offended by the portrayalof Mary, mother of Jesus(peace be upon them both) in sucha tasteless manner… We considerMary (peace be upon her) to be anexample of a perfect human being,so this cartoon demeans not just herperson and the beliefs of those whorevere her but also humanity itself,”he added. Khan earlier had won anapology from TV Works and otherNew Zealand media for displayingimages of the Danish cartoons.Says Friesen: “We absolutelyexpect there are segments of societythat would be offended by theprogram,” “We believe the realityis a lot less than the perception…All this is, is a depiction of astatue of the Virgin Mary, commonlyseen in churches”. (Nomention that it was “bleedingouta it’s a__” into the face of PopeBenedict.) Friesen then moved upthe air date from May to February,acknowledging that most of thepublic feedback was negative andthere was “no benefit” in allowingprotests over the broadcast togo on. “We felt it best to end thething quickly rather than drag itout for three months.”During the broadcast more than350 people protested outside TVWorks’ headquarters in Auckland.But Friesen was gratified whennews of the controversy led morethan six times the normal audienceto tune in and watch PopeBenedict being “anointed”.Kahn said the decision to airthe episode meant New Zealand’sMuslims were “in grave doubtabout the sincerity of ... TV Works’commitment” to “the importanceof freedom of the media and thatthis freedom comes with responsibilities,including sensitivityto diverse cultures and beliefs.”Bishop Denis Browne, Presidentof the New Zealand’s RomanCatholic Bishops Conference, saidthe church was “bitterly disappointed”and promised to mount“a campaign” against Canwest TVWorks and its youth channel, C4.Last summer, New Zealand’sCatholic Church had called for aboycott of C4 for airing anothercartoon series: the BBC-produced“Popetown”, a “satire” on life inthe Vatican. One of the episodesreportedly depicts a priest beingaroused by animal pornography.Another has the pope painting aportrait with his own feces. Canwestis broadcasting the series,despite the fact that Britain’s BBC,which developed the program, decidedit was too offensive even forits far-out BBC3 channel.Canwest is run by The Asperfamily of Winnipeg, who recentlyacquired most of the assets ofLord Black’s Hollinger Corp,giving them a vertical controlof media properties similar toViacom’s: CanWest’s Globaltelevision network is now linkedwith a new powerhouse of newspapersand internet properties.Heading up the company isLeonard Asper, son of Israel,(Izzy) Asper, the controversialCanadian tax lawyer and mediabaron who knew how to handletough cookies like Black. Afterbuying into New Zealand’s TV3,Izzy called 200 employees to thecafeteria. He called on a journalist:“You. What business do youthink you’re in?” The newsmanreplied that “the business we’re inis to make sure our audience getsthe most carefully researchednews and information possible.”Asper asked the same questionof the drama and entertainmentdepartments, with similar results.“You’re all wrong,” he told them.“You’re in the business of sellingsoap.” Another Izzy quote:“Never forget the system isbased on greed.”CanWest Global in 2001 announcedplans to insert a corporateeditorial, written at companyheadquarters, into all its dailynewspapers once a week. Localeditorials could not contradictviews expressed by the nationalones. Press Campaign reports thatReuters (ironically) is complainingCanWest Global “routinelyand inappropriately” inserts theword “terrorist” into newswirecopy, changing the meaning ofstories. (No one complainedthat Reuters routinely does thesame when “reporting” on SinnFein or the IRA.) The globalmanaging editor for Reuters,David Schlesinger, told the CanadianBroadcasting Corp that suchchanges are unacceptable and thatCanWest had crossed the linefrom editing for style, to slantingthe news from the Middle East.Muslims, roused to anger overa simple print cartoon depictingMohammed wearing a bomb-liketurban, are granted instant respectfrom Anglo-Christian nations.But Catholic leaders and interestgroups (as opposed to a laid-backlaity) protesting a half-hour networkanimated display mockingCatholic beliefs and devotions,are dismissed as annoying morons:“Mind your own business”.There has always been a deepamount of anti-Catholicism just underthe surface of American society.It rears itself up periodically fromthe liberal secular muck, clothedin mock righteousness, and fueledby media lords who find there arehuge profits in mooning thosewhom, their own deep prejudicesassure them, are less enlightenedmortals. They ridicule folks whodare to protest “comedy” that defilesicons of the Catholic religionon national TV. But they rise in indignantoutrage when its rumoredthat an unseen, unnamed Americansoldier in an obscure POW camp inCuba may or may not have defiled apage of the Holy Koran by flushingit down a toilet there.The MockersThey play to a large group ofunsettled Americans in the 18 to34 year-old age group, many ofwhom who are just fledging theirwings, leaving home, entering thejob market, and feathering theirnests with new-found income.This audience, newly unshackledfrom parental control, and ripe forexploitation, enjoys the illusionof freedom derived from floutingconvention. Mockery is chic, andhugely profitable. But the “culture”is narrow and urban. Mount theaverage mocker on a horse, and hewill surely look the horse’s ass.Take Howard Stern (please). Inhis latest feature for Esquire, hedidn’t have five short sentenceswritten before he was compelled

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 39tell us about his wee-wee (little).He is also thrilled about hissatellite radio debut, worth halfa billion dollars (big). Sez he:“I’m finally going to get to dowhat I want to do. I don’t need adaddy supervising me. I’ve gotmy own boundaries. I’ve got myown rules.” The man’s 52 yearsold and still rhapsodizing abouthaving his own apartment. Buthe knows his audience. Theymay be Mensa material, but theyhaven’t graduated from the thrilling“freedom” of wagging theirwee-wees out the window whenmamma’s not home. It hasn’tyet dawned in their enlightenedbrains that the Menses would hitthe fan in an Islamic state.On the other side of the worldis yet another swelling mass of 18to 34 year-olds ripe for harvesting.They don’t have the shekels,but they do have the sack. Andthe mullahs sponsoring themare raking in the moolah. Butthe dream prizes advertised arejust that - dreams. No need tolay out a yard of cash to sponsora music festival. And what’s thatcompared to a tentful of eagervirgins to lads willing to trade aboring, hardscrabble existencefor paradise. I wonder if the volunteermartyrs ever stop to thinkthat the virgins in the sky may bea bit shopworn at this point; or ifthey’ve considered why their ownmullahs fail to take advantage ofsuch a marvelous opportunity.A la carte TVThis addresses a long-timegripe I’ve had with subscriptiontelevision. With a la cartepricing, subscribers could selectindividual channels to include intheir TV service, instead of beingforced to buy the packagesof channels chosen for them bycable providers.Currently, providers offer“packages” of programs scaledfrom “Basic” (about $30 permonth) up to “Everything” (closeto $100/m). If you choose towatch, say, Movie Classics, BBCor the Independent Film Channel,you have to pay about $10more per month for the package,along with channels you maynever watch- say, more sportschannels, game shows, cartoons,and a slew of background music.If you want to watch Biography,Discovery Times or HistoryInternational, you will pay evenmore and get VH1 music videos,“love” channels and SoapNet besides. Of course, if youhappen to be a soap opera fan,you’ll be paying for news and“educational” programming youmay not give a hoot about.When addressing this issue of“choice” for their customers, networkspokespeople switch from“corporate” to “public servant”mode. The National Cable andTelecommunications Association,a front for Comcast, Time WarnerCable and other providers, saysa la carte would lead to evenhigher prices and less “diversity”.They claim their packages “caterto underserved audiences”. Iguess that means if you are an“underserved” type who can’t dowithout soaps or game shows,the public-spirited carriers arecatering to your needs by offeringthose channels- but in higherpricedpackages. Meanwhile,these public servants providesubscribers with all the shoppingchannels in every package.In November, the FederalCommunications Commissionchanged its mind about “pay perchannel” or “a la carte” pricing.FCC Chairman Kevin Martin,testifying before the Senate CommerceCommittee, said it mightbe in the best interest of consumers.Charles Dolan, CEO ofCablevision, supported the FCC,saying: “Like Chairman Martin,we do not believe in the longterm that selling programminga la carte will be detrimental toeither programmers or cable operators.”Dolan said it would offercustomers cheaper service withadded programming options. Itis estimated that a la carte choicewould mean reductions of up to13% in subscriber fees.–––––––––––––––––––If you got down this far, you’reeligible for a prize! Just figureout who is the handsome ladpictured on the column head, ande-mail your answer to editor@irishamericannews.com, with aCC to Irisht@ameritech.netCorrect answers will be enteredin a drawing for a $50 giftcertificate for dinner at MollyMalone’s in Forest Park, andsecond and third prizes of a fineIrish CD.Watch Irish TV JournalChicago- All cable systems:Channel 19: Monday 7PM, Tuesday2PMComcast- (Elmhurst billing)41West suburbs – Channel 19:Tuesday 7:30 PMComcast- (Skokie billing) 24North suburbs– Ch. 19 (or 35):Tuesday, 6PME-mail: IrishTV@ameritech.net© Mike Morley 2006New Location for Cedarburg Irish Set DancingSet dancing in Cedarburg has grown to a largervenue on a new night. Since Monday, March 20th,Irish Set Dancing Classes are held at the AmericanLegion Post, W57 N481 Hilbert Avenue inCedarburg, Wisconsin. The Legion Post has aspectacular wood floor, which will accommodateup to eight sets and the bar will be open for theMonday evening class.Each eight-session set is $45, and runs from7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each Monday. Thecurrent set is called either the Cashel or CastleSet, and originates from County Tipperary. Thename Tipperary is taken from the Irish ‘TiobraidArann’, which means ‘the well of Era’, referringto the River Ara. County Tipperary is the largestinland county in Ireland. The Cashel Set isdanced to slides, polkas and the hornpipe.In addition, a special four-session course onSteps for the Hornpipe will be taught from April24th – May 15th, 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The fourweekspecial sessions are only $10.No partner is required and beginners arewelcome to attend. Pre-registration is suggested.Registration materials are available at the Sets inthe ‘Burg website http://sets.sulliassociates.comor by calling 262.302.7854.The Chieftains invite Murphy Roche students onstageThe Chieftains bring awarmth to the stage that embracestheir audiences in the traditionsof Ireland. At Chicago’sSymphony Center on March3, 2006, theylet two youngmusicianshelp maketheir magic- Molly Griffinon fiddle(age 13) andLaura Romaine(14)on tin whistle.Both are withthe MurphyRoche Schoolof Irish Music,studentsof Kell andMike Chole.Just hoursbefore, theylearned something surprisingabout the Chieftains’ offer forChicago musicians to join themon stage for the closing number.Each guest performer would notonly accompany the Chieftainsbut also take their turns soloing.The students and the audiencealike felt the legendary “lift”that makes Irish music and theChieftains so special.Afterwards, Molly said, “Iwas shivering, my knees wereknocking and I kept switchingwhich foot I was standing on so Iwouldn’t fall over. The light wasshining in my eyes so I couldn’tsee the audience at all, I thinkthat helped. The Chieftains werepretty cool, they made me feelvery comfortable and they werefriendly. Looking back at it, I amreally proud of how I played, Iwas afraid I would make a majormistake, but I didn’t. I know thiswas a wonderful opportunity.They were the best Irish musiciansI have ever heard and Iwould love to be able to playlike them.”Laura’s words also glowed,“A once in a lifetime experience.I had never played in front ofthat many people before, butit was great to have Paddy Moloneycheering me through andhaving Matt Molloy (the MattMolloy!) smiling behind me.I felt right athome up there.Nervousnessleft me when Iput the whistleto my lips, andI sort of forgoteverything untilI was done. MyDad tells methat the crowdroared but Iwas so caughtup in the thrillof the momentthat I didn’thear it. Mollydid wonderfully,too; she is onetalented fiddleplayer. I followed the Chieftainsoff stage, and they signed a CDfor me. The Cottars did, too, andcongratulated me on how well Idid. As I came back upstairs andwas walking to the door, peoplewere complimenting me rightand left. Someone even askedfor my autograph! I could getused to that!”Forever, future generations willstudy and admire the Chieftains’genius for bringing people fellowshipand joy through music.

40 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006ACCOUNTINGCPA Walsh & Company PC 708-671-0644AIR CONDITIONINGPatrick Mechanical 773-283-6161AIRLINESAer Lingus no toll 800-474-7424APPARELIrish Internationalwww.irishseamrog.comATTORNEYBeth Broyles Law Office 773-348-3101Consumer Legal Services,888-4-LEMONSHealy Law Firm 312.977.0100Alastar Sean McGrath 312-907-0653John W Kearns & Associates 773-645-3270AUTOMOBILE RENTALIrish Car Rentals no toll 877-347-3227Dan Dooley Rent-A-Car no toll 800-331-9301BANKSState Bank of Countryside 708-485-3100Marquette National Bank 708-349-0770BANDS FOR HIRE-SEE ENTERTAINERSBANQUETSBlackthorn Manor 773-774-4001Gleneagles Country Club630-257-5466x4Palos Country Club 708-448-6550Irish Cottage/Frank O’Dowd Pub 815-776-0707BEAUTY SALONSAppearances 847-825-7615BED AND BREAKFAST52 Stafford no toll 800-421-4667Castledaly Manor 414-290-6101Co Clare Inn 414-290-6101St. Brendan’s Irish Inn 920-884-8484Wilmington Illinois no toll 888-289-6296BOOKS - IRISHCeltic Heritage Books 718-478-8162Irish Boutique 847-634-3540BRIDALCeltic Home and Hearth 815-678-4774BUSINESS CONSULTANTGEC Consultants Inc 847-674-6310CATERERSUnforgettable Edibles 773-774-4001CELTIC WEDDINGSCeremonies from the Heart888-80-RITESCELTIC WEDDING SINGERPatrick Gilhooly 708-361-6067CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONSMercy Home for Boys & Girls 312-738-7560CHIROPRACTORMontrose Chiropractic Center 773-282-6648CLOTHINGIrish Internationalwww.irishseamrog.comIrish Originalswww.irishoriginals.comCOTTAGE RENTALanirishvacationsite 011-353-27-60116Irish Rentals 262-364-0010 ext 240Kerry Cottage Rental 708-425-0503CONSTRUCTIONbuilder services -Brackenbox 773-298-9180CREDIT CARD PROCESSINGWindy City Cardservice no toll 888-333-5450IRISH BUYER’S GUIDEAdvertisers in our PRINT EDITION of Irish American News, are listed on our web site.To advertise in our PRINT EDITION call 708-445-0700 or email us at ads@irishnamericannews.comSave this, as we only print this list from time to time!CRUISESAndyCooney.com no toll 800-499-2010Irish Festival Cruisesno toll 800-441-HARPCULTURAL CENTERSChicago Gaelic Park 708-687-9323Irish American Heritage Ctr 773-282-7035Irish American Cultural Inst 708-352-6715DANCE SCHOOLSMcNulty School of Irish Dance 847-698-4434DANCEWEAR SHOPDance and Mime Shop 312-666-4406DENTISTDr James Hogg & Associates 708-422-1900ENTERTAINERS AND BANDS FOR HIREHarpist - Aislinn 773-763-6523Chicago Rovers 312-922-7517Dooley Brothers 773-625-1859The Fenians no toll 800-650-4898Specialize in Senior Functions - The Gilhoolys708-361-6067Catherine O’Connell 312-307-7574Gavin Coylewww.gavincoyle.comJoe Monahan 708-633-9088Joe McShane 847-226-4056Larkin-Moran Bros www.celticratpack.comMike Morley 708-366-4665Switchback no toll 800-600-7071FESTIVALSIrish American Heritage Ctr Fest 773-282-7035Cleveland Irish Festival no toll 800-485-8013Milwaukee Irish Fest 414-476-3378Peoria Irish Festival 309-686-1216St Catherine’s Irish Fest 847-426-5130FINANCIAL PLANNERCorrigan Financial Services, Inc 708-482-3800FLORISTGarland Flowers no toll 877-244-3181FOOD PRODUCTSIrish foodireland.comno toll 877-irishfoodLil’s Dietary Specialty Shop 773-239-0355FUNERAL HOMESAdams-Winterfield & Sullivan 630-968-1000Blake-Lamb 773-735-4242Burke - Sullivan 773-774-3333Gibbon’s Funeral Home Chgo 773-777-3944Gibbon’s Funeral Hme- Elmhrst 630-832-0018Gibbon’s Funeral Home- Itasca 630-250-8588Roberty J Sheehy & Sons 708-857-7878Thompson & Kuenster Funeral 708-425-0500GIFT AND IMPORT SHOPSA Touch of Ireland - Oaklawn 708-422-3473A Touch of Ireland - La Grange 708-579-3473A Touch of Ireland - Downers Gr 630-353-1952Celtic Home and Hearth 815-678-4774Donegal Imports 773-792-2377KJ Flemings, Ltd 800-553-2779Gaelic Imports 773-545-6515Irish Boutique 847-634-3540The Irish Shop - Oak Park 708-445-1149The Irish Shop - Glen Ellyn 630-942-1149Paddy’s On The Square 847-634-0339Rampant Lion 630-834-8108Shamrock Imports 773-286-6866Shannon Imports 708-424-7055South Side Irish Imports 773-881-8585South Side Irish Imports Tinley Pk 708-444-4747GOLF COURSESGleneagles Country Club630-257-5466x4Green Gardens Golf Course 815-469-3350Palos Country Club 708-448-6550GOLF EQUIPMENTPalos Golf 708-974-4060GRAPHIC DESIGNDesign Hubb 954-462-4129McAleer Design 773-307-4254GROCERIES/MEATO’Connor’s Market 773-631-0747Winston’s 773-767-4353HARP LESSONSAislinn 773-763-6523HEATINGPatrick Mechanical 773-283-6161HIGH TEAHigh Tea With Gerri 847-948-1724HOST FAMILYThe Ulster Project 630-690-2852HOTELSCapital Hotel Group-Dublin 0113531 648 1225Chicago Hilton & Towers 312-922-4400Fitzpatrick Hotel Group 800-367-7701Irish Cottage O’Dowd Pub 815-776-0707IMMIGRATION SERVICESChicago Irish Immigration Serv 312-337-8445INSURANCEAllstate - Jim McLaughlin 708-923-9890Farmers - Chris Broderick 773-526-5336Old Orland Insurance Agency 708-349-2000Tom Ryan Insurance 708-532-5040JEWELERSCelticjewelry.comTiara’swww.colleencollections.comH. 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April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 41PHOTOGRAPHYChristine George Photography 847-564-0610PLASTERINGWilliam McNulty & Son 708-386-2951PUBS & RESTAURANTSAbbey Pub/Restaurant 773-478-4408The Baked Tomato 773-777-6430Ballydoyle Irish Pub/Restaurant 630-969-0600BlueStone Bar & Grill 815-463-9707Brehon Pub 312-642-1071Carraig Irish Pub 708-687-9323Celtic Knot Public House 847-864-1679Chicago Street Pub 815-757-7171Claddagh Irish Pub, Geneva 630-208-0337Claddagh Irish Pub, Algonquin 847-854-8535Corcoran’s Grill & Pub 312-440-0885Curragh Traditional Irish Pub 847-706-1700Fado Irish Pub 312-836-0066Fifth Province Lounge 773-282-7035Fox’s Beverly 773-239-3212Fox’s Oak Lawn 708-499-2233Fox’s Orland Park 708-349-2111The Galway Tribes 815-464-9881Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon 773-233-2200Grace O’Malley’s 312-588-1800Grandpas in Glenview 847-724-1390Irish Oak Restaurant & Pub 773-935-6669Irish Times 708-485-8787Kerry Piper 630-325-3732The Kerryman 708-349-2000Kinnane’s Peggy 847-577-7733Kitty O’Shea’s 312-922-4400Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub 312-467-1992Mickey Finn Brewery 847-362-6688Murphy’s Pub 708-488-6550Poitin Stil 773-338-3285T J Maloney’s 219-755-0569Martyrs’ Restaurant & Pub 773-404-9494McNamara’s Food and Drink 773-725-1800McNally’s Irish Pub - Elmhurst 630-941-7100McNally’s Irish Pub-St Charles 630-513-6300Molly Malone’s Irish Pub 708-366-8073Mystic Celt 773-529-8550O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar 312-787-3131O’Hagan’s Restaurant/Pub 773-248-3600Red Apple Buffet 773-588-5781Six Penny Bit 773-545-2033Vaughan’s - Northwest Hwy 773-631-9206Vaughan’s- Sheffield St 773-281-8188RACE COURSESHawthorne Race Course Sales 708-780-7050REALTORSMary Ellen Considine 773-769-2500Margaret Corbet 773-233-4700Wayne Moran 815-363-2453REFRIGERATIONPatrick Mechanical 773-283-6161RESTAURANT CONSULTANTGEC Consultants 847-674-6310SHIPPERSEuro-Shippers 708-233-1987World Air & Ocean Services 800-213-9267SOCCER CLUBChicago Celtic Soccer Club 773-736-5391SPORTS BROADCASTINGSetanta877-SS-CHANLSPORTS STOREO’Caseys Irish Store 561-758-3414SWEATERSMaureen Neylon 708-301-1587TELEPHONE DISCOUNT SERVICE1010-228 888-331-0228TELEVISION-CABLEIrish Journal 708-366-4665THEATRELate Nite Catechism 312-988-9000Irish Repertory 773-871-6000TRAVEL SERVICE/TOURS ETCCIE Tours International no toll 800-243-8687Discover Ireland800-SHAMROCKEnjoy Travel no toll 800-513-2732Gadabout Travel 708-974-1300Gaffney Travel 708-636-1683Irish Festival Toursno toll 800-441-HARPPlanet Earth Adventures no toll 800-923-4453Quinn Travel 800-445-8978Ryan’s Regent Travel & Tours 773-774-8770Small Escorted Tours Ireland 800-445-7104Sullivans Travels Inc 847-566-3310VACATION RENTALSGalena Rentals Toll Free 866-GalenaRentalsVIDEO CONVERSIONSMike Morley 708-366-4665WOOD CARVINGCeltic Wood Carving School 847-800-1234WOOD FLOOR CLEANING REFINISHINGBissell Complete Care 847-827-1188WOOD FLOORS INSTALL/REPAIRBissell Complete Care 847-827-1188

For42 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006TheWhy Ireland Is Unfree; ContinuedThe following article by John Hanleyis crucial to understanding the forcesarrayed against our US republic andthat of Ireland. It documents MI5/FBIcrimes in Ireland and shows that thepattern of crimes they perpetratedhere in Chicago were duplicated laterin Ireland by the self-same agents.To learn whether FBI agents of youracquaintance honor their oaths touphold the US Constitution give themphotocopies of this and see what actionsthey take. Ditto re politicians.Above all, this applies to members ofthe news media. Don’t let them getaway with covering up MI5/FBI massmurders. Don’t let them get away withframing innocents for them as MI5/FBIdid here in Chicago and later in Ireland.Make copies of this and put them intothe hands of FBI agents, politicians andnews reporters. Their actions (or lackthereof) will define them. If they fail toact they are siding with the criminalsand are traitors. Here is the article (thefootnotes are mine):MI5 and Omagh – the bomb to endall bombs? (by John Hanley; www.newrepublicanforum.ie)IN 1996 MI5 assigned agent DavidRupert to infiltrate dissident republicancircles in Ireland. Rupert’spriceless intelligence gave MI5 anindispensable insight into the membershipand modus operandi of bothdissident groups on either side of theborder. Throughout his stay in IrelandRupert forwarded all of the relevantintel he had acquired to MI5 viaencrypted e-mails. Between 1997 and2001 Rupert posted 2,166 e-mails tohis paymasters in British Intel .On 11 April 1998 Rupert dispatchedhis most controversial e-mail to MI5HQ. It was almost five months beforethe now infamous maroon VauxhallCavalier would destroy the centre ofOmagh town and kill 29 people. Thee-mail is all the more startling becausein it Rupert informed MI5 that a dissidentrepublican group was planninga car bomb attack in Omagh (E-mail104, 11Apr98). The April car bombattack was eventually frustrated bygardaí south of the border. However,MI5 management knew the threat wasonly postponed, not ended. Within daysMI5 e-mailed Rupert; “We disruptedthe intention to use the car bomb, butmaybe not for long” (MI5 to Rupert,E-mail 126A, 17Apr98). MI5 obviouslyforesaw the strong likelihood ofa renewed attempt to bomb Omagh.Thus, MI5 now held the advantage overRepublicBy Chris Fogartythe would-be bombers by possessingknowledge that Omagh was a likelytarget for the latters’ car bomb.Rupert’s e-mails were not the onlypre-August 15th information in MI5’spossession which pointed toward a dissidentrepublican car bomb in Omagh.A second key piece of evidence cameto light on Aug 4 when an anonymousphone-caller warned British intel ofa planned dissident republican gunand bomb attack in Omagh on August15. MI5 subsequently claimed thatit dismissed this warning as that ofa rogue RUC Special Branch caller.This, however, was a poor attemptto distract. The importance in all ofthis is that whereas Rupert providedspecific details as to the location of theplanned bombing, this phone-warningsupplemented his e-mail intel by notonly confirming the location but alsoproviding the all-important precisedate of the planned attack.The windfall of dissident republicanintel did not end there. MI5 possesseda third piece of high-grade informationwhich indicated that a car bomb attackwas scheduled for mid-August. Twodays before the Omagh bombing, FRUagent Kevin Fulton met with a Real IRAinformant whose clothing, according toFulton, was covered with dust particlesof home-made explosives. Fulton correctlydeduced that a car bomb attackwas in an advanced stage of planning.Fulton provided Brit Intel with theagent’s name and car registrationnumber. Yet once again this vital pieceof intel was ignored.A most startling disclosure of MI5’sforeknowledge of Omagh came duringthe inquest into the bombing. LeadingBritish barrister Michael MansfieldQC, acting for Lawrence Rush, crossexaminedseveral RUC witnesses. Itemerged that a warning pinpointingthe location of the bomb had not beenpassed on to the local officers in timeto clear the area .“After that, we started getting threateningcalls. The RUC told us ournames were on a death-list,” SolicitorDes Doherty said. The RUC alsoconfirmed to Doherty the veracity of anewspaper report that a spy satellitewas tracking the bomb-car. Dohertysaid; “It is understood that when theRUC contacted the FBI in America thelatter produced that satellite information.”This suggests that the maroonVauxhall Cavalier contained a trackingdevice which enabled a US GlobalPositioning Satellite to not only followthe car’s movements but to pinpointits precise locationon the day ofthe bombing. AtRUC request, USintel would havemonitored the caras a priority andwould have conveyed this surveillancedata to MI5 without delay. Yet MI5chose to not relay this informationto the RUC officers on the ground onAugust 15. Furthermore, the presenceof the tracking device on the maroonVauxhall Cavalier indicates the involvementof an MI5 agent, at least atsome point between the unlawful procurementof that car and the detonationof its load of explosives on August 15.After the blast MI5 promptly orderedRupert out of Ireland. An August 16MI5 e-mail instructed Rupert to “insulateyourself from gardai” (MI5 toDavid Rupert, E-mail 305, 16Aug98).Later that night Rupert was orderedto “Collect tickets at Belfast City Airport…You’llbe here (London) for twonights. We need to talk. It’s extremelyimportant.” (MI5 to Rupert, E-mail329, 17Aug98). Rupert’s MI5 handlersobviously feared that their agentmight be gripped as part of a massivecross-border investigation and that– if placed under sufficient pressure– Rupert might disclose the prior bombwarning he had conveyed to MI5 inearly April regarding Omagh. Indeed,all of Rupert’s MI5 e-mails on Omaghwere subsequently withheld from NualaO’Loan during her official investigationinto the intel background of that atrocity.By late August, 1998 there were anumber of skeletons in MI5’s closet.We now know that MI5 possessedfour pieces of high-grade intel thatconstituted abundant warning of thedissident republican car-bombing ofOmagh. The earliest was dated April11. This was followed by the August 4phone call, by Fulton’s August 13 intelreport, and finally the satellite monitoringof the bomb car by means of thetracking device planted by a Britishagent involved in the Omagh bombing.Yet, despite this avalanche of intel MI5made no attempt to intercept the bombing.How can this operational decisionbe rationally explained? What was themotivation of MI5 management? DidBritish intel want to protect the identityof its agent at all costs? Or was this yetanother “securocrat“ plot to subvertthe peace?MI5 management did not want toscupper (sic) the peace process, butit did want to protect the identity ofits agent and, at the same time, drive– what it hoped would be – the finalnail into physical force republicanismat an exceptionally sensitive timein the peace process.By August, 1998 the Provisionals werewell on their way to exchanging thearmalite for British ministerial portfolios.Articles 2 and 3 were deleted fromIreland’s Constitution . British rule inthe Six Counties had been preserved.PIRA engagement with the IICD andfuture acts of decommissioning layonly months away. But from the perspectiveof British intel a black cloudloomed on the horizon. By the summerof 1998 MI5 was seriously concernedabout allegiance shifting away fromthe Provisionals and the possibility oflarge-scale defections from the PIRAto dissident republican paramilitaries.In the nine months between its formationin late November, 1997 and August,1998, the Real IRA had planted largecar bombs in Banbridge, Portadownand Markethill. The RUC barracks inArmagh and Moira were the targetsof audacious mortar attacks . In earlyApril, 1998 gardai intercepted a BMW318 series at the Dublin port of DunLaoghaire. The BMW was destinedfor central London and was packedwith 1,200 lbs of explosives. Onceagain massive bombings in the heartof London seemed a distinct possibility.In May two cars containing 500lb bombs were intercepted on theborder. Two dissidents were arrested.In July a three-man unit was capturedin London with a semtex-based deviceand a number of incendiaries. By August,1998 the Real IRA campaign wasgathering momentum at a time whenthe Belfast Agreement had yet to befirmly rooted and the Adams/McGuinnessleadership was confronted by thespecter of large-scale defections.Brit intel agencies were facing anextremely volatile political situation.For two decades it had infiltrated boththe military and political wings of theprovisional movement. By 1994 a largenumber of senior PIRA members hadbeen compromised and the organizationwas rendered incapable of sustainingan effective armed campaign.The reformist Sinn Fein leadershiphad been nurtured, protected andsurrounded by MI5 agents who influencedthe trajectory of the movementover a period of two decades. WasMI5’s twenty-year project about to bejeopardized at its moment of triumphby the emergence of another IRA andwidespread provo defections? No. MI5would allow nothing to destabilizethe provos’ transition from armaliteto ballot box. Drastic solutions wererequired to ensure that British rulewould prevail in Ireland.At this critical time FBI/MI5 agentRupert, at the heart of the dissidentrepublican group, first mentionedOmagh as a potential target for a carbomb attack. Was the carnage of August15 the product of his labor? FromMI5’s perspective Omagh was the idealtarget for a number of reasons. It wasthe only town in Ireland that retainedan elected dissident republican. Thus,a catastrophic car-bomb attack wouldpermanently discredit the emergentpolitical opposition to Sinn Fein notonly in Omagh but throughout theisland. Furthermore, the resultantdeath toll would also serve to dissuadedisaffected provisionals from crossingthe Rubicon into the realm of dissidentrepublican activity. At one foul strokeMI5 could deal a decisive blow to boththe political and military wings of dissidentrepublicanism.Indeed, within days of the bombingthe Adams/McGuinness leadershipregained the initiative. Amid a torrentof anti-republican hysteria they werenow in a position to publicly condemn arepublican attack and visit the scene ofthe explosion. It seemed that dissidentrepublicanism had committed politicalsuicide. Only a few weeks previously itseemed unimaginable that the provisionalleadership could countenancea move towards arms decommissioningand a formal end to its campaign.However, the Omagh atrocity nowmade this a distinct possibility. MI5had four instances of high-grade intelconcerning Omagh which, when placedtogether, indicated that the town wouldbe bombed by dissident republicanson August 15. Yet, MI5 deliberatelyallowed the bombing to proceed toprotect the identity of a key informantand to deliver a decisive blow againstrepublican recalcitrants. After Omaghthe Belfast Agreement drifted in and outof political crises, but British controlwas reinforced. So was Omagh MI5’sbomb to end all bombs?--------------------------------------iIt was under Chicago MI5/FBI agentPatrick “Ed” Buckley’s auspices thatRupert was sent to Ireland. Rupertis a four-time fraudulent bankrupt.He was described in court by a Statepolice affidavit from his Upstate NewYork hometown as “a lifelong criminal.”Buckley “ran” Rupert in Ireland andeventually got him onto MI5’s payroll.Buckley had been subverted by MI5prior to 1991 and was perpetrating“dirty tricks” crimes against Chicago’sIrish community ever since. His crimeswere numerous. For five months Buckleycovered for David Biro who, usingFBI agent Lewis’ 357 Magnum, hadmurdered the Langert family. Meantime,Buckley, acting for MI5, got thenews media to blame that atrocity onthe IRA, and eventually framed mefor it (establishing a pattern he and hisMI5 handlers successfully repeated inOmagh against the RIRA and MichaelMcKevitt). Buckley conducted five terrorist,drawn-gun raids upon us, incarceratedus in the Federal CorrectionalFacility at Clark and VanBuren. We(my wife Mary and I and two others)were facing prison for perhaps the restof our lives; but after fifteen months of

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 43pre-trial hearings, all charges againstus were dropped when we proved thatthe main evidence against us (an audiotape)had been criminally fabricatedby the FBI. But Buckley and his gangwere never charged with their crimesand were thus free to repeat thosecrimes in Ireland; successfully.iiRupert was also being paid by theFBI.iiiThe Omagh RUC/PSNI have notproduced the tape of the warningsor the log book into which theywere transcribed.ivIreland thus rescinded its claimto the entire island of Ireland andits surrounding islands and seas. Itconfirms Britain’s claim to Ireland’sSix Counties. The hand-over of theSix Counties to Britain is, accordingto Adams & Co and the Irish gov’t, astep toward (incredibly!) the reunificationof Ireland!vThese five towns experienced nocasualties; only property damage underwrittenby the British Treasury.Omagh victims’ attorneys possess, Iam informed, copies of eMail correspondencebetween Rupert and his MI5handlers, including the case-closingones cited above. Meanwhile I possesswatertight evidence of MI5/FBI’sChicago crimes as follows: 1) Thecase-ending motion with its scientificproof that the evidentiary audiotapeMI5/FBI had submitted against us inUS Case 91CR911 had been criminallydoctored, 2) copies of the signed Winnetkapolice report that, under agentBuckley’s direction, framed me forthe Langert family murders, and muchother criminal evidence. It is conclusive,watertight, and is available to theOmagh victims’ families.The unraveling of the criminal conspiracyis already complete. Theabundant, watertight evidence awaitsprosecutors of integrity. Believe inAmerica; these MI5/FBI criminalswill be prosecuted. Their crimes areheinous. And it matters little wherethe prosecutions begin. Let’s hopethat US prosecutors are the first touphold the law. Their prosecution ofMI5/FBI/Buckley/Rupert for theircrimes here will trigger prosecutionsof their later crimes in Ireland. Similarly,Irish, or British, prosecutionsof that gang for their involvement inOmagh to, as in Chicago, frame Irishrepublicans including McKevitt forit, will trigger prosecutions for theirsimilar crimes here.Our U.S. republic; is it still operative?Let’s find out. Take copies of this toreporters, law enforcement agents,politicians and Justice Departmentofficials. Demand that they do theirjobs and honor their oaths to upholdthe Constitution. I ask the same ofdecent people in Ireland and the SixCounties. Reach me at 312 664 7651or fogarty@ix.netcom.com.Kennedy-McCain resolutionBy Breandan McGeeMonday, February 27th, sawthe City of Chicago’s Finance andHuman Relations sub-committeeunanimously pass a resolution callingfor comprehensive immigrationreform. The sub-committee fullyendorsed the Kennedy-McCainInitiative that offers a path to earnedlegalization and denounced theanti-immigrant Sensenbrenner Bill.Billy Lawless of Chicago Celts forImmigration Reform proposed themotion and addressed the sub-committeebefore the vote, highlightingthe need for comprehensive immigrationreform.He was joined in support by theRev. Michael Leonard and CyrilRegan of Chicago Irish ImmigrantSupport. Also present was CharlesSheehan Consul General of Ireland.The Irish voice on immigrationreform has been gathering momentumover the last few weeksIMC says IRA is nota threatThe IRA does not present a terroristthreat or a threat to security forces,according to the latest IndependentMonitoring Commission (IMC)report. The ninth IMC report, whichdeals with the program of securitynormalization published by the Britishgovernment last year, restatesthe commission’s belief that theIRA “has taken a strategic decisionto follow a political path”. The commissionsaid that the organizationhad instructed its members not toengage in public disorder and addedthat any illegal activity engaged inby the organization or its memberscould now be effectively handledby the PSNI without any need formilitary assistance.But the report warned none of theculminating in overt support fromthe Irish government for the Kennedy-McCaininitiative.Alderman Pat O’Connor thenbrought the motion before the CityCouncil where he was co-sponsoredby Aldermen Burke, Cardenas, andOcasio. The motion backing theKennedy-McCain initiative anddenouncing the Sensenbrenner Billwas passed unanimously on WednesdayMarch 1st by a vote of 48-0.Kennedy-Mc Cain calls for earnedlegalization for the undocumentedwhile at the same time strengtheningthe borders. It is a comprehensiveand pragmatic Bill aimed at fixingthe broken immigration system.Chicago City Council should becongratulated for taking an historicdecision and for showing trueleadership on this issue in a climatewhere prejudice and unfoundedfears are being exploited.loyalist groups have taken politicaldecisions similar to that of the IRAbut said that it did not consider thesegroups a significant threat to thesecurity forces.The report claimed that the Britishgovernment had fulfilled itscommitments under the securitynormalization program. Measuresundertaken as part of the normalizationprocess have so far included areduction in the number of Britishtroops by nearly 900 to just over9,200; the withdrawal of the armyfrom five of the 10 joint PSNI/armybases; the closure of Forkhill ArmyBase, and the removal or demolitionof a number of towers and observationposts.Ireland’s Minister for Justice MichaelMcDowell said that, “The IRAmovement should respond by fullyengaging with policing structuresin the North”.Mayor Richard M. Daley joins the St. Patrick’s Day Parade queen, Ms. KellyGreen, at the St. Patrick’s Day Reception at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77East Randolph, on Tuesday, March 7, 2006. Also pictured are (r to l): MikeNeary and Ed Cox representing the Irish American Heritage Center. Photo by:James Patterson, City of ChicagoPictured At Hatwhorne Racecourse recently, (l to r): Billy Lawless, Mark McElduff, Senator Dick Durbin,Fr. Michael Leonard, Cyril Regan and Davy McCallion attend one of the numerous rallys in support ofbetter immigration laws.

44 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Loyalist to minister to peacemakerSTATE BANK OFCOUNTRYSIDEMain Office6734 Joliet RoadCountryside, IL 60525(708) 485-3100Darien Office7380 S. Route 83Darien, IL 60561(630) 655-3113Burbank Office6053 W. 79th St.Burbank, IL 60459(708) 599-9860Orland Park Office16250 S. LaGrange RoadOrland Park, IL 60467(708) 873-1485Chicago Office3323 N. Clark StreetChicago, IL 60657(773) 755-2500“The Family Owned Bank forFamilies and Their Businesses”Member FDICBanquetsIntimate Elegancein a truly Irish settingFor all your occasionsEvents from 50-120 guestsChristenings Communions Graduations ShowersRehearsal Dinners Weddings Private Funeral Luncheons7280 W. Devon AvenueCall 773.774.4001by Cliff CarlsonOn a recent visit to Chicago, ReverendBill Shaw, a Protestant from North Belfast,explained his organization to IrishAmerican News.Reverend Bill Shaw grew up in a Loyalistarea in Belfast, Northern Irelandand remembers what it was like beforethe “Troubles.” “I didn’t meet a Catholicproperly until I was 17,” said Bill.His attachment to the church wasnominal. He married at 22, and whenhis wife became pregnant they started attendingchurch together because, as Billputs it, “that’s what you do!” Four yearslater, while listening to a particularlyriveting sermon, he had a “conversionexperience.”It wasn’t long until he offered himselfBUILDER SERVICESBRACKENBOX is INDEPENDENTLY OWNED.This means when you call you get service, chances areyou will talk to the same person every time you call. AtBRACKENBOX we would like to offer the bestservice at the best price. Is that too much to ask?www.brackenbox.com773-298-9161Fax: 773-298-1822C ATERING7280 W. Devon AvenueChicago, Illinois 60631For all your family andcorporate catering needs.Entertain in Style and stillkeep the bookkeeper happy!773•774•4001as a minister in the Presbyterian Churchand was accepted. He graduated fromQueen’s University in Belfast and becamea minister at a church on Shankill Roadin 1989.After three years Shaw was called tooversee two churches in Portadown. “Itwasn’t until I went to the Portadown areathat all my neighbors were Catholic,”said Bill. “In 1994 the Drumcree protestsbegan in earnest. I came to see that fora Christian, the primary role is to be apeacemaker. That wouldn’t have been apparentto me untilseveral yearsinto my stay inPortadown,” hecontinued.He applied tobe the director ofthe 174 Trust, anorganization withthe goal of buildingbridges andgood relationsbetween all thecommunities inNorth Belfast. Hewas accepted andhas been directorsince 1998.The 174 Trustwas establishedin 1982 and hasset up shop in theDuncairn Complex,a former Presbyterian church. It is nowa shared space, a neutral venue in NorthBelfast in the heart of one of the most dividedand disadvantaged areas of Belfast.The programs for which the 174 Trustis responsible include a pre-school playgroup,an after school youth group club,disability and youth projects, an Irishlanguagenursery school, an AlcoholicsAnonymous group, a Senior citizensgroup, and more.Young men in Reverend Shaw’s youthgroup are ages fifteen to nineteen. “Formost of them, I’m the only Protestant theyknow. I make sure they meet Protestantsin football matches and other things wedo,” said Shaw. The kids on both sidesReverend Bill Shaw, relaxing at the Chicago Athletic Club recently.CARDSERVICEWindy CityTake Advantage of our Low Rates and GreatCusomer Service for CreditCard Processing!Call Tina @ (888) 333-5450www.cardnetco.comhave the same problems. The area is lowon opportunities, such as higher educationand jobs. While the South of Ireland hassorted things out, the North offers limitedhorizons to its youth in troubled areas.By age 10, children in Northern Irelandtake a test over a two-day period, one dayin October and one in November. The top25 percent are offered grammar schooleducations and will most probably go onto college. The other 75 percent attendsecondary schools where the percentagegoing on to college is much lower. “WhereI grew up in Sandy Row, almost no onewent on to University, and that is still thecase in both Protestant and Catholic communitiesnow,” said Bill. Shaw was theexception, going to college for two yearswhen he was eighteen.A group of Chicagoans from Catholicand Protestant backgrounds traveled toBelfast to see for themselves how theprogam worked. Below is their story.Pilgrimage of Peaceand ReconciliationBy Vicki Reynolds and Brian MurphyNorthern Ireland is a place of paradox.There is indescribable beauty and also thepresence of a very ugly wall. On eitherside of that wall are Christians, some whobravely work for peace and justice, andtoo many of whom don’t act very Christlike.There is great richness of hospitalitybut also entrenched poverty. Great workis being done in the area of reconciliation,while there are forces that benefit from themaintenance of the status quo.Into this paradoxical place, pilgrimsfrom Chicago’s Fourth PresbyterianChurch and Old St. Patrick’s CatholicChurch entered twice in the last eighteenmonths for journeys of peace and reconciliation.Our intent was to listen and tolearn about what people in Belfast aredoing to heal and reconcile from the violenceof the “troubles” which have beengoing on for decades. These “troubles”revolve around issues of class, politics,economics and religion. Although theviolence has subsided substantially, the“troubles” are still far from over. Becauseof this many individuals and groups areconstantly working, praying, and hopingfor reconciliation. 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April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 45to learn through the stories and experiencesof the people of Northern Irelandand transfer their learning to peace andreconciliation efforts in Chicago.Our host in Belfast is Rev. Bill Shaw,a minister of thePresbyterian Churchof Ireland and theExecutive Directorof the 174 Trust(www.174trust.org).The Trust is an ecumenicalagency thatprovides essential humanservices in a predominantlyCatholicneighborhood.While in Belfastwe stayed with theCatholic Congregationof the Most HolyRedeemer, popularlyknown as the Redemptorists,at theSt. Clement’s Retreatand Conference, aquiet and beautifulplace overlookingBelfast Loch. TheRedemptorists arevery instrumental inpromoting peace andreconciliation at St.Clements and Clonard Monastery (www.clonard.com) in the Falls Road sectionof Belfast.On Sunday mornings we attended servicesat both Catholic and Presbyterianchurches. Congregations were incredulousbut encouraged that Catholics andPresbyterians could get along and wereeven traveling and worshiping together.They were also amazed that we werethere to listen, not to offer advice on howto deal with the “troubles,” but simply tohear their stories.The main focus of the trips is thework of the 174 Trust in the New Lodgeneighborhood of North Belfast. In 1995,the Trust bought a former PresbyterianChurch compound with multiple buildingsand grounds. Today the manse, schoolbuilding, and auditorium, known as theDuncairn Complex, are filled with educationaland social activities for all ages.DANCE LESSONSM C NULTYIRISH DANCERSAdult & Children Classes(3 years and older)10 Suburban Locationsfor more information Contact:Barbara McNulty HeneghanT.C.R.G. 847-698-4434fax 847-518-0863email: irshdancr@aol.comwww.mcnultyirishdancers.comA group of Americans from Old St. Patrick’s Church visit Bill Shaw, (third from right) in Belfast, 2004.When begun, the locals were understandablydubious of the programs…especiallybecause they were led by a Presbyterian.But with energy, love, and philanthropicsupport, Shaw is transforming the decrepit,graffiti-scarred complex into anindispensable resource for hundreds oflocal Catholic residents.Shaw also showed us other areas of Belfastincluding the Shankhill, Falls Road,Ardoyne, Short Strand, Sandy Row, theMarkets, and Tiger’s Bay neighborhoods.On the Falls Road we visitedthe Sinn Fein Headquartersand Bookstore and had lunchat the Culturlann CulturalCentre (www.culturlann.ie).We also journeyed up thestunningly beautiful Antrimcoast to the quaint village ofBallycastle for a visit with thefolks at Corrymeela, a retreatcenter that brings people togetherfrom both sides of the“troubles” for healing, peace,and reconciliation (www.corrymeela.org).DIETARYSPECIALTY SHOPLIL’S DIETARY SPECIALTY SHOPWHERE EVERYONE IS SPECIALEVERY DAY FOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH:Celiac Disease, Diabetes, Food allergies,Autism, PKU, etc.We carry complete lines of wheat free, glutenfree, sugar free, egg free, soy free, corn free,casien free, nut free, yeast free, dairy free, lowprotein, high protein, low carb, vegan andvegetarian foods.(773) 239-0355 CHGOShop 24 Hours a Day - LILSDIETARY.COMSTORE OPEN TU-W-FR 10-6 & SAT 10-3CLOSED SUN & MON2738 W 111TH CHICAGOWe heard over and over again thatforgiveness is not about forgetting thepast, but it begins with creating a spacefor the telling of stories so that each of uscan remember the past in a different way.Only then can we begin working togetherto build a peaceful future.Although we didn’t resolve the manyparadoxes we encountered, we learnedthat what is necessary is to be OK withambiguity, to listen to stories, and to “curlup in the question mark.”174 Trust operates out of Duncairn Complex, a formerPresbyterian church.Sundays At Six Penny Bit 8pm - MidnightAvailable solo or withThe Silverbridge BandFestivalsDinner DancesWeddingsPartiesTHESILVERBRIDGEBANDCD’S AVAILABLE:COME BY THE HILLS•LIFE OF THE ROVER•MY DEAR FATHERJOE MCSHANE COMPOSED•FROM FETTERS TO FREEDOM847-226-4056 mcshn1623@aol.comVicki Reynolds is the Director of Missionat the Fourth Presbyterian Churchand Brian Murphy is a member of Old St.Patrick’s and a graduate of the CatholicTheological Union.ENTERTAINERSJoe Monahan Singer/GuitaristIrish Ballads For Any OccasionLook for new CD, ‘Stories to Tell’708.633.9088 orE-Mail at joemona@aol.com

46 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006S HARING A PINTBy Scott PowersBRIDAL TEAS847-948-1724Baby Showers Ladies’ BenefitsBirthdays Special OccasionsAn elegant event,hosted in full VictorianCostume with traditionalfinger tea sandwiches,English sconesand petit pastries,exquisitely displayedwith fresh flowers.Served with:Fine China,Victorian Silver,Vintage LinensAntique Tea CartsFINANCIAL PLANNINGCorrigan Financial Services, Inc.Money Concepts Financial Planning CentreEstablished 1980Retirement Planning SpecialistforIndividuals - Families - BusinessInvestment - Tax - Estate PlanningCallMike & Chuck Corrigan(708)482-3800Member International Association for Financial PlanningMcGuire’sGarlandFlowersCELEBRATE!137 S. OakPark AveWe’re as close as your phone1-877-244-3181DAILY DELIVERY - WORLDWIDE SERVICESeanachai’sJacquelynFlahertyBy Scott J. PowersJacquelyn Flahertyleft me a voicemail to give directions to theLincoln Park pub where we were supposed tomeet. At the end of it she described herself tohelp me pick her out. “I’m pretty tall, blonde,no, (she laughs) I don’t mean I’m pretty. I’mconsiderably tall.” While it never crossed mymind she was calling herself pretty, it did hers.It bothered her that she might come off vain.She wanted to be sure I didn’t assume that. Itwas my first clue she wasn’t your stereotypicalactress. After Sharing a Pint with Flaherty,the artistic director for the Seanachai TheatreCompany, I understood how true that is.Her goal in acting has never been fame. Sure,she would like the fortune, especially since sheworks three jobs, but Hollywood isn’t a destinationpoint for the 31-year-old. She’s often thecenter of attention on stage, but she doesn’t liketo be off it. She even feels strange when she’srecognized by someone in public for one of heracting roles. “That’s weird,” she said.She has always had a desire to be someoneelse while growing up in Pittsburgh. Whenshe saw Top Gun, she considered a careerin aviation. The TV show LA Law madeher think about becoming a lawyer. Eventually,she realized she didn’t want to be thosepeople; she wanted to pretend to be them.And so, her acting career began.After finishing up grad school studies in IndianaUniversity’s Theatre and Drama program,she came to Chicago with her future husbandin 1988. Two and a half years after arrivingIBBONSFUNERAL HOMES5917 W Irving Park Rd Chicago(773) 777-3944Gibbons Funeral Home134 South York Road Elmhurst(630) 832-0018The Oaks Funeral Home1201 E Irving Park Road Itasca(630) 250-8588www.gibbonsfuneralhomes.net“Family Owned and OperatedFor Over 65 Years”Scott Powers and Jacquelyn Flahertyshe landed a spot at Seanachai’s production ofThe Pagans. It wasn’t a group Flaherty knew of.Seanachai (Shaw-uh-kee) is a theatre companydevoted to Irish storytelling. She said. “I grewup Irish and I know that’s my family’s background”(both of her parents’ families are fromGalway) “but I wasn’t drawn to Irish drama.”To this day, her role in The Pagans, whichwas an award winning play, is among herfavorite. She loved performing with Seanachai’sgroup and they returned the feeling byasking her to join them. In 2003, she becamethe company’s artistic director, which includesdeciding what plays they will perform.Whistle in the Dark, which opened on March25 at Victory Gardens Theatre, will be herthird play as director. She also chose 2004’sDrink Me and last year’s Bold Girls. She actedin both past plays, but she is not performingin this year’s. She has enough to juggle withbartending at Kincades, working as a legalassistant at Hill Gilstrap & Balson and tryingto orchestrate the opening of Whistle inthe Dark with press releases, costumes, setsand much more. She also just got done witha role in Shattered Globe’s production of thecomedy House of Blue Leaves.“It’s a little crazy right now,” said Flahertytwo weeks before Whistle in the Dark opened.“I do my brainwork while working at the lawfirm, working out. I’m writing press releasesin my head while pouring beers. I forgetwho I’m supposed to be when I answer thephone sometimes. Now I’m an actress/legalassistant/artist director/bartender. I’ll wakeup at 3 a.m. remembering to do something.I’m trying to keep the plates spinning. Butthe play’s like your baby and you only haveit for eight weeks.”Flaherty isn’t sure what her future holds. Shewould like to help Seanachai start producingtwo plays a year again. She hopes to start a familysomeday and possibly move back to the EastCoast. As for acting, she plans on taking thesummer off to spend time with her husband andride her horse, Hillary, who she recently movedto a Chicago suburb from Pennsylvania.She has fallen in love with Chicago and itstheatre community. Being the face of Seanachaihas also made her proud of the company’s Irishaffiliation. “We’re known as the Irish theatrecompany,” she said. “If you want Irish stories,you see us. It helps my last name is Flaherty.That makes it easier to be in charge.”* For more information about Seanachai andits upcoming performances, check out www.seanachai.org or call 773-878-3727.** Have a comment or future profile suggestionfor Sharing a Pint, contact ScottPowers at sjpowpow@yahoo.com.Blake-LambFuneral Homes4727 W. 103rd StreetOak Lawn IL 60453All phones: 708-636-1193Owned by SCI Illinois Services, Inc.FUNERAL HOMEBurke - SullivanFuneral Home6471 N. Northwest HighwayChicago, IL 60630(773) 774-3333(708) 966-8818Directors- Gerald SullivanJeanne SullivanMary M. SullivanK.J. 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April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 47We Get LettersDear Editor,On page 3 of IAN of the March 2006 issue, awrite up by SDLP, DL Alasdair McDonnell reallyaggravated me. America has a massive problemwith illegals. 20 million plus Hispanic illegals aresapping this great country’s social services.I love everything that is Irish. Although thefamily name is of German extraction, both familiesoriginate from County Cork!As far as this co called “contribution to society”line of ____, that doesn’t break any ice with me.My son started college at 13 years old. At 19, hehad gotten his B.S. degree in Computer Sciences.He hasn’t been able to get a decent paying job,or any job for that matter, because of HIB visaholders! The poor darling illegals aren’t workingtheir fingers to the bone in strawberry fieldseither! They are taking jobs away from Americansin the construction field, roofing, auto, industriesto name a few.You like our tourist dollars, but flagrantlyflaunt our laws! If you make way for one group,you have to make way for all groups. That is notonly insane, it’s outright dangerous! I feel badabout the history of the Irish Americans. But, thelaw is the law. If it is not upheld, we have nothing.There is a right way to come to American andthe illegals are not the right way, be they Irish,Hispanic, Polish or any other ethnic group. Bothof our families came to America. There was nofree education, health services, food, lodgings,or preferential treatment for them. They workedhard and after many years, if not decades, theyfinally gained acceptance and respect.I cannot help the strife in Ireland. Indeed,understanding of it completely eludes me. I havetried for many years to understand the conflict betweenCatholic and Protestant, North and South.If you can’t solve your differences in your homecountry, how can you expect to solve them here?The bottom line in fact is, Ireland’s problemsare not mine! America cannot and should not beexpected to be the police force of the world. Orthe resolvers of other countries internal problems.These are my views, and unfortunately, not mygovernment’s views.I will vote against any kind of legislation thatallows illegals to remain here. I am not alone inmy personal viewpoint. Call it whatever you like,my feelings will remain unaltered.Sincerely, Gail M MorserChicago Bro. Rice School tops in U.S.For the second year in a row, ChicagoBro. Rice school in Chicago has been namedone of the top schools in America. Theprestigious honor was conferred on thesouth—side all boy High School by ActonInstitute, a national Education organizationthat advocates quality education.The popular high school has been educatingChicago youth for the past 50 years in the MountGreenwood area, a pro—Irish neighborhoodwhere one of the two big Chicago parades honoringSt. Patrick is held. The South Side Paradehas been held annually since 1971 when it wasreactivated by neighborhood children led bypopular, Chicago Police Capt. & Kilkennyman,Bill Hennessy. Prominent alumni include executivesof major corporations, top government officials,well known lawyers, journalists, authors,professional athletes and religious leaders. Also,prominent Chicago political leaders, Tom Hynes,Dear Editor:Despite the recent headlines and news accountsabout jailbreaks, escaped prisoners andpossible corruption in the Cook County jail,the legacy of Cook County Sheriff MichaelSheehan will be that of an honest and courageouspublic servant.Sheriff Sheehan’s character will remainunsullied. He has never personally profitedfrom his years in public service nor has he everallowed himself to be surrounded by questionablecharacters with ties to organized crime,a situation that was quietly tolerated by someof his predecessors in the came office. He haskept himself and his office above and far apartfrom the influence of corruptive forces.I believe Sheriff Sheehan has tried his bestunder extremely difficult circumstances andbudget constraints to administer an officethat would reflect his own high standards ofhonesty, quality and efficiency. What-everfailings the office has suffered were hardly ofhis making or that of his immediate circle ofappointees, all of whom have met the samerigorous standards of excellence Sheehan hasdemanded of himself.The citizenry of Cook County has beenwell served by Mike Sheahan. He Is deservingof our praise and gratitude.Sincerely yours, P.J. O’DeaSheriff Mike Sheahan and Jerry Joyce.Brother Rice school is one of three CBSschools in Chicago. The others are Leo andSt. Laurence, also located on the great southside. Four Irish Christian Brothers came fromIreland in 1920 and started Leo school in anIrish working class neighbor hood. It was animmediate success and attracted students fromall over the city.Bro. Rice and St. Laurence opened theirdoors in 1956 and also had immediate success,attracting enrollments of over 1800 studentsannually. The tremendous success of alumni’sfrom the three CBS schools testify to the excellentteaching of the Brothers and teachers.Students from their schools go on to major U.S.university’s and to higher honors in preparationfor life’s adventure beyond.Students, alumni, teachers and parents areactively involved in the cause of canonizationfor Bro. Edmund Rice, a saintly Callan, Co.Kilkennyman, who founded the schools 200years ago. He was beatified by the late Pope PaulII in ceremonies at the Vatican in 1996. Morethan 1500 alumni, students and parents marchedin the two big St. Patrick Day parades in The Yearof Edmund, 1994. They were accompanied bya beautifully decorated float depicting the Bro.Rice ancestral home in Callan.In 1981, my late wife, Eileen and myselfvisited the Rice home and received a tremendouscead mile failte from members of the Callanpast pupils led by Mr. Holden, the late SeamusO’Brien, Ned Egan, the late Bro. Carr and others.It was a memorable occasion. We also receiveda beautiful OLD Ireland plaque made by NedEgan. Our sincere thanks to the committee andthe O’Brien family, the late Seamus and hischarming wife, Kathleen, for their wonderfulhospitality over the years.MORTGAGESDan DuntonMortgage ConsultantState Bank of Countryside7380 Route 83Darien IL 60561Phone 630-655-3113Cell 630-209-5821• No income verifi cation loans• 100% fi nancingGIFT SHOPBelleek • foodIrish Papers“Saving the Green”5138 W. 95th St.Oak Lawn 60453708-424-7055“Your complete Irish import storein the south suburbs.”CelticInspired Gifts& So Much MoreFor all your Holiday ShoppingBelleek • Bridal • Crystal • JewelryPottery/CeramicCeltic Rugs/Wall HangingsDolls/Toys • Christening GiftsTapes • CD’s • BooksTin Whistles • Stained GlassBodhrans • Tasty TreatsFrozen Foods • Canned Haggis560 BROADWAY • RT.12 & BROADWAYRICHMOND, IL • 815-678-4774www.celtichomeandhearth.com

48 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Horoscopesby Theresa CastroARIES: This is your month. You needto use this opportunity to branch out or tolaunch your pet projects. There are a fewtimes when the window of opportunity isopen to you. Now is that time. Strike whilethe iron is hot.TAURUS: The planets Venus and Neptuneare in your sector of hopes and dreams.This means that if you truly know what youwant you can get it NOW! Don’t hesitateto go to those who can help you in yourcause. Press on!GEMINI: The Month of April 2006holds a lot of good opportunities for you.You can use this time to plant new seedsthat will flourish through the year. PlanetMars will be there to help you. Forget someof the worries of the past.CANCER: Cancer is symbolized by thecrab which has a hard shell outside anda vulnerable core. You need to balanceyour sense of survival with your need forhappiness. Say no to things that pressureyou and give chances to people you thinkare insignificant. Embrace some changesin your world. These things make lifeworth living.LEO: You don’t need a whole lot ofencouragement to toot your own horn butthe planets of April 2006 will bring youlegitimate reason to do so. Now don’t stepon other peoples’ toes while chewing onyour own foot to do so either. If you usethe sincere and modest method to the topyou could come out the winner.VIRGO: This April the planets willhelp your assertiveness but may threatento burn some bridges. There are alwaysways to negotiate sticky issues with a littlediplomacy. Aggressive tactics do not workand Virgo persons aren’t usually fond ofgoing that route anyway. Keep in mindthat Venus may not help you too muchthis month either.LIBRA: You are being pressured bymost of the planets in your sector of partnersand open enemies. Can you imaginethat these two entities are ruled by thesame planets?Well they are and some times thereis a fine line between the two. Wouldn’tyou agree you need the same finesse todeal with both? This month you will feellike Daniel in the lions’ den. Be like Dan- don’t get bitten!SCORPIO: You have tried a long timefor people to take you seriously. Onereason is that you are so darn private thatyou hide your light under a bushel. So asa consequence, you are not noticed. Theplanets of April will bring you some opportunitiesto count for something, at leastat work. But you may have to try harder inyour personal life.SAGITTARIUS: You are a fire sign asare Leo and Aries. This means that themonth of Aries, April is a good time topress ahead with your plans. If you wantsomething you will have a better chanceof seeing some fruits of your labors. Don’tsquander this moment!CAPRICORN: You will find your energylevel this month pressed to the limit.The majority of the planets of April 2006will be in a challenging relationship toyour sign.Capricorn people are however equippedwith the strength and tenacity to findsolutions to their problems. Virtually noobstacle is too great for you dear Cap!AQUARIUS: Many of you are findinghappiness due to Venus and Chiron in yoursign. This is great and you deserve thisafter so long without. If you are alreadyhappily attached watch out for sudden newadditions to the family. If you’re older lookfor surprise grand kids!PISCES: You, like Aquarius above,may be in for a few surprises. Uranus, theplanet of surprises, is in your house for anextended stay. Venus and Chiron are in yourtwelfth sector of hidden subjects. This timesome hidden admirer may well be there.“Who is that?” you ask. You don’t know.Irish Jewels DirectFine Qualityfrom IrelandMilwaukee crowns MissColleenMilwaukee has its Irish Fest and StPatrick’s Parade and now it has its MissColleen. On Saturday, March 4th, 21 yearold Robin Fierro was crowned the firstever Wisconsin Colleen. The aspiringpediatric nurse is of both Irish and Spanishdescent and hopes her victory will encouragebi-cultural women to explore their“Irishness”. 13 year old Mary O’Connell ofBristol, WI was crowned Jr Colleen. Shetold the audience at Milwaukee’s MarionCenter of her Irish roots in Limerick andMayo and that one of her relatives was areported witness to Our Lady of Knock.The Little Miss Colleen title went to 10year old Domonique Homan of Milwaukeewho wore a beautiful white frock withshamrock trim. The emcee was MicheleMcCormack who is the morning anchorfor CBS 58 in Milwaukee and a formerChicago Rose of Tralee.The pageant director is Jennifer Hribarwho decided to create the pageant at theurging of members of Milwaukee’s Irishcommunity. Her number is (262)835-4851or you can contact her by email misscolleenpageant@excite.comwww.IRISHJEWELSDIRECT.comSecure - ‘Pay Pal’ friendlyon-line orderingor call Ed Dwyer1-773-895-1237Discounts 24/7 !Glengarry Bhoys Band played at T. J.Maloney’s in Merriville, Indiana duringthe festivitiesleading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Thingsmust be going well as they came completewith their own bus!PLASTERINGWilliam McNulty & SonsPlastering Co.Insured - All Work GuaranteedPLASTERINGSTUCCODRYVITVacationGalena RentalsExperience the scenic beautyof Ireland in Galena, ILfor a vacation in Resort Homeswithout Resort Prices773-631-5253Toll free 866-GalenaRentalse-mailGalenaRentals@ameritech.net708-386-2951Visitwww.GalenaRentals.comIrish owned & operated

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 49C areersby James F. Fitzgerald, CPAMissing ingredients:Creativity and LeadershipA friend told me that my February column onrisk taking resonated with him. He said that his $3billion company has become incredibly risk averse.He has been persuaded that you have to avoid anypossibility of failure. This mentality even affectshow you are expected to make an internal presentation;the organization prescribes a very specifictemplate that you must follow. He is convincedthat such rigidity destroys creativity.In David Halberstam’s book, The NextCentury, he postulates that the greatness ofAmerica is behind us, no longer ahead of us. Ican’t bring myself to believe that, but his pointsare compelling and well supported. We willbecome a Great Britain or France in the future;someone to be consulted but no longer a significantforce by ourselves. Our internationalleadership will continue to diminish.I am inclined to agree with Halberstam’sconcerns about our leadership. We seem to havebecome a country of “me-too’s”. If somethingworks for you, that’s the way it is going towork for us, too. I don’t hear anyone talkingabout containing or channeling the increasinginfluence of India or China. Instead we seemto manifest a sense of the inevitable that theyare going to dominate world business in futureyears. Our creativity seems to have becomeincreasingly subordinated to the dictates of theWall Street number crunchers. For example,sometimes sending manufacturing to third worldcountries makes financial sense. But you haveto ask yourself, have we really explored all thedomestic options? Or are we simply followingthe crowd overseas? Knee jerk reactions are nota reflection of leadership.We need demonstrable leadership in thiscountry. Regardless of who you want to blamefor the aftermath of Katrina, there was a woefullack of leadership. We all thought someone wouldbe charged with getting the job done. But I don’tsee anyone in charge, do you? Instead, we hada whole cadre of bureaucrats striving to pointtheir finger at others, so they didn’t get blamedthemselves. They aren’t willing to take a chance.No one wanted to step up to the proverbial plate.Someone needs to decide on the path to be takenand then have the courage to stick to it.I am reminded of an instance when I overheardmy son’s basketball coach address his team at halftime. They were down 6-8 points. The coach saidthe other team was very athletic and very quick.“We can’t out quick them. But we can out thinkthem.” He counseled his players to never passon the first or second attempt. After the defenderhas leaped through the ceiling a couple of times,he is not likely to get up quite as well the third orfourth time. Why can’t we Americans aggressivelyrespond to the business threats we are facing ina similar fashion?Many business leadersseem to view the worldfrom a defensive mode asopposed to an offensivemode. Look at the Detroitautomotive manufacturers.They are talking aboutclosing plants and massivelay-offs. The Big Threehave become a national embarrassment; they havebeen ignoring major issues like fuel economy, style,dependability and quality for years. Their answerto this crisis is to take away the livelihood ofthousands of their long-term employees. Too bad,it’s not personal; we need to feed the all importantbottom line. That approach hasn’t worked in thepast, why should it work in the future? The quickestsolution seized by American business is to lay offpeople. Why doesn’t some business person sayinstead that we need to expand our sales in order tojustify the number of people we currently employ?Nah, that would take some courage. And as weknow, there might be risks on the path of courage.Let’s play it safe.Why don’t the car manufacturers tell the financialwizards on Wall Street to get off their backs?We are going to reinvesting in our business forthe next five years. Stay out of our way. Insteadwe see announcements like this one: Playboyprofits fall but forecast drives stock up. In February,2006, Playboy reported a 68% drop in theirquarterly profit, but their upbeat forecast lifted thecompany’s stock price. So it seems that we havereached the point where someone’s guess of futureearnings will be given more importance than thereal drop in profit. Can’t we handle even a bit ofbad news? One has to ask, have we crossed theline into national lunacy?One of the 17 leadership concepts that GeneralColin Powell enumerated in his LeadershipPrimer was decision making. When you reached40-70% probability of success, he recommendstaking action. But, I see business people becomingexceedingly conservative. Some want 90-95%certainty. Often by the time they reach that levelof certainty, the window of opportunity has past.Anytime you meet a business executive who saysthat his company has never failed in a significantproject, you need to wonder if they had reached100% certitude before they took action.We are frequently reminded that many of ourmilitary vehicles in Iraq are not properly armored.Also many of our soldiers do not have qualitypersonal body armor. Why not? Because no oneapparently is charged with the task of getting thejob done. Aren’t we the same country that turnedout tanks, planes and ships by the thousands duringWorld War II? Today, we can “kill” a targetusing an unmanned aircraft controlled by someonethousands of miles away, but we can’t find a wayto get armor on Humvees? Once we realizedthat our Humvees were not properly protectingour soldiers, we should have given someone theauthority and responsibility to get the job done.Where is our leadership?How many business people do we hear declaringthe Enron situation as an affront to anydecent business person? Where is the moralindignation of the business community? Insteadwe wait for the federal government to step inwith the Sarbanes Oxley legislation. Somepeople say that the oppressive demands of thislegislation will kill off more companies than itwill save; its costs are so prohibitive. Perhapspeople won’t speak up against it because suchcriticism might point the spotlight at their company.Besides, who wants to be seen as supportingsupposedly unethical business people?As long as we continue down the path of conformity,we will spiral downward into a pool ofmediocrity. Maybe we should prepare ourselves,in a global sense, by practicing “Do you wantFrench fries with that?” Clearly, we are surrenderingour leadership position in the world.I thought the willingness to go against thetide defined us Americans.How wrong I was?So if you have an opportunity to exercise yourleadership or creativity, seize it. It’s (was) theAmerican way. Carpe Diem.James F. Fitzgerald is the president of JamesF. Fitzgerald & Associates, Inc., an Oak Brookbased senior executive career transition andexecutive coaching firm. Phone number: 630-684-2204.(NEW) Email; jamesffitz@sbcglobal.net.Jim is on the Executive Committee of the CareerTransitions Center of Chicago.Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day Ball on February 25th, 2006 was a success with nearly300 people in attendance. John P. Walsh received the Annie Moore Award. (L-R) JohnMorytko (Director of Operations for the Irish American Cultural Institute), GeraldP. McBride Chairman), John P. Walsh (Former Chairman/CEO and Annie MooreHonoree) and Consul General, Tim O’Connor.

50 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Review of the “Irish music school concert” on January 28, 2006The Irish Music School held itsfirst major concert and recital, “OGluin go Ghluin” – Irish for “FromGeneration to Generation” - on January28, 2005 and the evening was asmashing success. Over 500 peoplejammed into Gaelic Park’s EmeraldBallroom to witness performancesby Chicago area traditional musiciansof all generations, with themusicians themselves ranging in agefrom 8 to 70+.Proceeds from the event are intendedto assist the school teachingprograms and start up a slew of newclasses on both the North and Southsides of the city. The event’s successwas particularly sweet for the IrishMusic School (IMS) instructors,Sean Cleland and Patrick Finnegan,and not just because of the strongattendance.The school is founded on thephilosophy that successful studentsshould learn their music throughexamples provided by peers, instructors,and older musicians,particularly senior immigrant musicianswho have been playing musicsince childhood. The school is acollaborative effort among a bunchof different Chicago area Irish musicteachers. Tunes are taught by auraltransmission (i.e. “by ear”) in a varietyof learning situations rangingfrom structured classroom settingsand private lessons, to the rough andtumble of a pub session; instructorsmake extensive use of recordingsinstead of relying on transcriptions.Many students practice together outsideof school functions, and it is notunusual for one or both parents of achild student to attend lessons or sessionsas participants. Several of theyoung up and comers in the grouphave a parent or older sibling thatplays traditional music, and someof the parents played traditionalmusic as children and decided tore-visit the experience. The concertprovided a resounding affirmationof this approach.The atrium and the EmeraldBallroom itself were both buzzingwell before the show began. Manystalwarts of traditional music inChicago were in attendance, including:Brendan Williams, originallyfrom County Clare, Ireland, a fineconcertina player and father of John,the famous concertina, accordion,and flute player; Tom O’Malley,originally of County Mayo, a muchrespected and admired accordionplayer; Jimmy Coyle, a grand accordionplayer from County Mayo andpast chairman of the Irish Musiciansassociation, John Daly, an outstandingfiddler originally from CountyCork and the new executive directorof the Irish American HeritageCenter; and several others soon tobe mentioned below.There was a slight delay as theguests mingled, bought refreshments,admired the various silentauction items, and settled into theirseats. In keeping with the theme ofthe event and the school’s philosophy,the lead off act was none otherthan a group of the most experiencedtraditional musicians in town,dubbed “The Irish Musicians”. Theywere: Frank Burke, fiddle; PatrickCloonan, button accordion; AlbertNeary, wooden flute; Joe O’Shea,button accordion; Jimmy Thornton,wooden flute and button accordion;Dennis Cahill, guitar; and TommyMasterson, drums. The group playedold-fashioned, lively, yet unhurrieddance music with lots of bounce andlife. The most memorable numberfrom their set was a medley of reelscommencing with “George White’sFavorite”, proceeding to “The Birdin the Bush”, and concluding witha composition by Galway flautistVincent Broderick, “The Tinker’sDaughter”; this arrangement wasespecially full of what quality musicianscall “lift”, a subtle swing thatcompels even those born with twoleft feet to try a step or two.Next up were Sean and ClodaghRyan, a husband and wife duet onflute and fiddle accompanied byDubliner Patrick Broaders. Sean is aChicago native who grew up playingtraditional music on wooden fluteand uilleann pipes, learning tunesfrom Chicago stalwarts like the lateJoe Shannon and Kevin Henry, whileClodagh, nee Boylan, is from CountyDerry and has toured with the muchrespectedband Providence. The twomet in Ireland while students andmaintained a correspondence andfriendship for several years beforetying the knot. Their accompanist,Pat Broaders, has been living inChicago since the early 90s andis an outstanding uilleann piper inaddition to being one of the finestIrish bouzouki players and singers inIrish trad today. The trio offered upa fiery display of old favorites andsome newer material. Ryan’s powerfulflute playing, Clodagh’s tough,rowdy fiddling, and Pat’s droning,rhythmic backing on his “bouzar”(a guitar-shaped bouzouki) created apleasing mix of sounds, with plentyof clarity, rhythmic force, and spacesfor the tunes to breathe.Next up were the Chicago-basedtrio bohola, named after the smallvillage in County Mayo, Ireland.Sean Cleland (fiddle), a lifelongdevotee of Chicago Irish traditionalmusic and one of the chief instructorsand director of the Irish MusicSchool, joined band mates JimmyKeane (piano accordion) and PatBroaders for a rousing performance.Keane’s roots in Irish music run verydeep: his father was a Connemarasean-nos singer, while Jimmy grewup playing traditional music withmany of his father’s friends on thesouth side of Chicago in the 1960sand 1970s. Jimmy himself is aworld-renowned virtuoso on thepiano accordion winning all Irelandcompetitions a record setting 6 times- no mean feat. Cleland’s illustriousmusical history includes his foundingof the acclaimed band TheDrovers in 1988, which he lead for10 years and through 4 great albums.The Drovers were featured in twobig Hollywood movies, Backdraftin 1992 and Blink in 1994.The trio wove Broaders’ gritty,soulful ballads with hypnotic, foottappingmedleys of dance tunesto great effect. The usual boholatechnique of dissecting a tune intoits most basic rhythmic, melodic,and harmonic components, changingdynamics, then returning to thetune for a rousing finish, was on fulldisplay. The music sparkled with lifeand energy, and it was thoroughlyentertaining to witness their spontaneity,focus, and obvious enjoymentof their art.After a brief pause, it was timefor the students to perform, andafter such tough opening acts, theyhad their work cut out for them, butthey didn’t disappoint.First up were the 2005 MidwestFleadh Grúpaí Cheoil champions.The Fleadh Cheoil (flah key-ol) isa national competition organizedby Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, aninternational organization foundedin Ireland in 1951 to preserve Irishtraditional music and dance. Solo,duet, and small ensemble competitionsencompass the majority of theFleadh’s events. Grupai Cheoil isan ensemble competition piece inwhich the students play an aestheticallypleasing assortment of differenttune types and perform them aswell as possible; the effect is reminiscentof scored film music, wherean air might transform into a march,then into a jig, etc. The kids gave aterrific accounting of themselvesand demonstrated handily why theywere the judge’s selection for theMidwest region champions.Next up, some of the parents ofIMS students joined their childrenon stage for a few tunes. The IMSencourages parents, especiallythose who already play traditionalmusic, or grew up playing it, to attendclasses with their children andlearn the same tunes. This helps toreinforce good practice habits andgives parents a fantastic opportunityto spend quality time with theirkids. It also helps to strengthen thecommunity of traditional musiciansin Chicago. Bringing generationstogether for some tunes helps tocreate the kind of environment thatallows traditional music to flourish,an environment where traditionalmusic making as an activity isnot the exclusive preserve of a supremelytalented few, but a normal,every day leisure activity shared andenjoyed by many.Turning back to the kids for amoment, the next few performancesfeatured duets and small ensembleperformances by siblings and smallgroups of students who had becomefriends while participating at IMSclasses and sessions. Sharing musicwith others can build lasting friendships,while the friendly competitionof keeping up with a sibling or agroup of friends also is a powerfulmotivation to practice. No less than7 different groupings of students,featuring 18 of the school’s students,participated in the segment, displayingcooperation, musicality, andmaturity well beyond their years. Itwas a truly heartwarming thing forany devotee of traditional music towitness.On a similar note, the very youngestand newest members of theschool, ranging from age 8 to 11,were rounded up and given theirmoment in the spotlight, and ac-

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 51quitted themselves well. Not a hintof nerves was in evidence as theyplayed through their tunes, and thecrowd went wild for them, warmlyapplauding their efforts.The IMS also teaches adults andmany of its adult students werethere in support of the school andits efforts. After a brief pause to sortchairs and microphone placementson stage, the entire student body ofthe IMS joined all the other participantsonstage for one last blast.There must have been close to 50people playing together, and it was afitting conclusion to the evening.Even after the concert wounddown and most of the guests left, asmall but still multi-generationalgroup formed a circle in a cornerof the Emerald Ballroom andcontinued playing tunes until thelateness of the hour compelled theirdeparture.The IMS is highly encouragedby the turnout and hopes to makethis concert an annual event. Thoseinterested in enrolling a child, rekindlingtheir own interest in traditionalmusic, or giving the fiddle, whistle,flute, accordion, or other traditionalinstruments a try can contact schooldirector, Sean Cleland at sean@seancleland.com or (773) 412-6166.The school website is www.irishmusicschool.com.Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas honored the Irish Children’s Fundfor its dedication to the well being of children of Irish descent. Meetingin her downtown office are, from left: photographer Victor Skrebneski;John Walsh, president of the Irish Children’s Fund, Inc; Mary Jo Porter,of the Fund; and Treasurer Pappas. Pappas said the Fund has workedfor Irish children everywhere, setting a fine example of generous givingand pride in heritage.Martin Duffy Master of Scotch and Colm Egan, Master DistillerOld Bushmills Distillery shown here at a recent tasting held at ChiefO’Neill’s Restaurant.New Shaw Festival season 2006Shaw Festival Theatre selectsprogram for 2006 seasonNiagara-On-The-Lake, Ont:The 2006 season at the ShawFestival Theatre here will featuretwo outstanding plays byGeorge Bernard Shaw: “Armsand the Man” written in 1894,and “Too True to BeGood” written in 1931, accordingto Artistic Director JackieMaxwell in her fourth seasonat the famed Canadian theatre.Both productions will be stagedat the math festival theatre.In announcing the 2006season, Ms. Maxwell noted:“There is so much to celebratein the new playbill. It representsfor me what the ShawFestival is really about: exploringthe many worlds ofour dramatic mandate, takingfull advantage of the diversetalents and imaginations of ourbrilliant ensemble, commissioningnew plays and adaptations,and celebrating the witand wisdom of Bernard Shawwhose irreverent spirit is at theheart of all we do.”The 2006 schedule includesten productions, which will runfrom March 30 to November19 in the Festival Theatre, theCourt House Theatre, and theRoyal George Theatre.Two plays by the Festival’snamesake are re-examined inthe new season. Jackie Maxwellwill direct Shaw’s comic skeweringof heroism and “higherlove” Arms and the Man, whileJim Mezon will explore the extravagantTo True to Be Good.Other ProductionsThe Festival Theatre programwill also include High Society,the musical adaptation of “ThePhiladelphia Story,” featuringthe memorable tunes of ColePorter, and Arthur Miller’s stunningdrama The Crucible.The Court House stage willfeature the world of Eva Peron’sArgentina with the contemporaryplay The Magic Fire.Also on the playbill will beHenrik Ibsen’s Rosrmersholm,Irish Govt $30k Grant to Irish Lobby for Immigration ReformThe Executive Director of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, Kelly Fincham (pictured), welcomedthe announcement from the Irish Government that it had awarded a $30,000 grant to the ILIR.Speaking from the organization’s offices in New York, Ms Fincham said that the grant highlighted theimportance of the ILIR, which has been set up to mobilize grassroots Irish American support for immigrationreform and to lobby the US Government on behalf of the estimated 40,000 undocumentedIrish in the US. ILIR has already attracted the support of leading Irish Americans as well as cultural andsporting groups such as the AOH and GAA, and intends to engage Irish Americans in the immigrationdebate. The ILIR will be holding a series of town meetings across the US over the coming weeks.Contact: Kelly Fincham, Executive Director, ILIR, 718-598-7530 or email kfincham@irishlobbyusa.organd Love Among the Russiansbased on Anton Chekhov’swork.At the Royal George Theatreplaygoers may attend The Heiress,adapted from Henry Jame’snovella “Washington Square,”and The Invisible Man, a world773-233-4700Kathleen Corbett-Smith& Margaret Corbett -Two Generationsof Multi-MillionDollar Producers . . .Now Serving theEntire Chicagolandand Suburan Areas.premiere of an adaptation ofH.G. 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52 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006CHICAGOGaelic NewsBY PAT HENNESSYST. PATRICK HONORED IN CHICAGOAs they have done in other yearssince the start of the parades in 1953,Chicagoans honored Ireland’s nationalApostle St. Patrick with two big celebrationsand colorful parades on theweekend before the feast day March17th. The official one led by MayorRichard H. Daley and Consul GeneralFor Ireland in Chicago, Corkman,Charles Sheehan, and dignitaries fromIreland, including Mr. Michael Ahern,Minister for Trade and Commerce,and other prominent Chicago politicalleaders, paraded on Columbus Drive,adjacent to beautiful Lake Michigan,to the cheers and well wishes of anestimated 300,000 spectators.The big parade consisted of over200 unita, including some of thebest marching bands in the Midwest,colorful floats and marching unitsfrom almost every Irish-Americanorganization in the city, including Irishtraditional dancing students from severalChicago schools. It was a fittingtribute to St. Patrick and another greatday for the Irish in Chicago.The following day Sunday, crowdsof people began flocking in to theassembly area from an early hour.And passing through the beautifulneighborhoods of Morgan Park andBeverley Hills they were greeted withthe tri-color flag of Ireland and otherIrish decorations in almost every home.The ideal weather brought out recordcrowds and the lilt of the pipers tuningup for the big march-past made for areal Irish setting. And by the time thatthe famed StockYards Pipers Bandstepped off to begin another greattribute to Ireland’s favorite saint, morethat an estimated 400,000 people hadjammed the line of march from 103rdStreet on Western Ave to Kennedy Parkat 115th. Street.Again over 180 marching unitsparticipated including some greatmarching bands; Bro. Edmund Rice/McCauley, Morgan Park High school,Midlothian Pipe Band, Northwest IndianaPipe, Pioneer Drum and Bugle, thefamed Shannon Rovers, St. GermaineHigh, Gaelic Park with a fine marchingunit led by the hard working HarryCostello, and a prize winning float bythe Morrissy family, Kerry Associationwith the beautiful “Rose of Tralee”Queen. Other well known participantsincluded, Young Irish Fellowship Club,“Wee Folks of Washtenaw and Talman”who reactivated this parade in the late70’s, Chicago—Irish Emigrant SupportGroup, and well known familyClans, The Daley’s, Sheahans, TheHynes, Duighan Clan, Dwan Clan,The Gainer Clan, and the HennessyClan, marching in every Southsideparade since 1953.Lisa Madigan popular AttorneyGeneral for the State of Illinois withher contingent was well received alongthe line of march. Other well-knowpersonalities included Congressman,Dan Lipinski, Judy Topinka, Treasurerfor the State of Ills. and John Daley,County Commissioner. Irish Dancingschools included in the celebrations;Trinity, Jerry O’Loughlin and WorldAcademy School of Dancing.This parade was another great successfor the hard working committeeled by Ms. Sheehan, coordinator, PatHendry and others. Over the years ithas developed into one of the finestmost colorful community celebrations/parade in the country, honoring as itdoes so well and with so much respectfor the saint and Ireland, it makes all ofus proud to participate. Long may thisdedication remain. It was the dream ofthe founders back in 1953 to producesuch an excellent organized communitySt. Patrick Day celebration onthe great south side of Chicago. It hascome to pass. Beannact De, a cairdegael ar an oibre. (God bless you Irishfriends on your work).GAELIC PARK FESTIVAL QUEENMore then 30 beautiful colleens,one prettier than the other and evenwith more college degrees, participatedin the queen contest at GaelicPark recently. A full house at theweekly Celtic Supper gave them agreat re-ception and awaited the resultwith a lot of speculation and lotsof anticipation. Coordinator of thecontest the popular Kay Knightly hadeverything in readiness and the contest,apart from a long wait for the result,went smoothly.Three judges interviewed and in theend selected Jennon A Bell, a beautiful23 year old resident of Evergreen Park,with a BA, in English and broadcasting,and presently employed at WeberShandwick. Another beauty, KathleenMay, 23 year old resident of WillowSprings, placed second. She also isa World champion Irish dancer, witha Bachelors degree in business. Ourcongratulations to both. They provedworthy winners.Of the others, who mostly werecollege graduates or students, eachand every one of them is also to becongratulated. Any one of them couldhave won this contest. They were allbeautiful and talented and worthy ofthe prestigious crown. Unfortunately,only two could be chosen.Dynamic President of Gaelic ParkBoard of Directors, John Griffincongratulated all the winners andcontestants and thanked Kay Knightly,the three judges and all those who hadhelped to make the event so successful.It was indeed another very well conductedcontest. Thanks also to the hardworking Manager of Gaelic Park, thecharming lass from Mayo who directsthe day-to-day oper-ations of this greatenterprise, Marian Ryan, who washere, there and everywhere makingsure that everything went accordingto plan. It was a fun evening for themore than 300 who attended.CONGRATS FR. KEVINOur heartiest congratulations areextended to fellow columnist and goodfriend Fr. Kevin Shanley, O.Carm.,named one of 100 top Irish—Americansby the “Irish—American Magazine”,published in New York. Hewas honor-ed with others at the GalaAwards Dance recently held at the NewYork Athletic Club.It is indeed a very prestigiousaward to be named top of such a distinguishedgroup of Irish—Americans,but our own Fr. Kevin can hold his ownany day with the best. The chosen onescome from various fields; political life,labor, entertainment, business, history,religion, entertainment, law enforcementand related activities.But Fr. Kevin’s dedication to hisreligious life in addition to so manyother subjects, such as writing, teachingin Irish and English, love of Irelandand its causes, among others qualifyhim to not only be nominated, but to bechosen among the top. Coming from afine Irish Nationalist background he iswell equipped. His late father, Michael,who participated in the glorious EasterRising of 1916 and the heroic strugglefor freedom 1919—’22, taught himwell and he has never missed an opportunityto promote Ireland’s rightfulcause for freedom and reunification.We join with all our readers in extendingbest wishes to Fr. Kevin. Herichly deserves this high honor and weall rejoice in this much coveted awardfor his life long dedication. BeannactDe ar an oibre, a cairde agus beannactDe leat.CHICAGO IRISH REGROUP FOR IMMIGRA-TION REFORMIn union with other big U.S cities,New York, Boston, and San Francisco,Irish immigration reform groups aregetting together in support of theMcCain—Kennedy legislation nowpending in the U.S Senate. The twosenators from Illinois, Dick Durbinand Barack Obama, although in ourcorner, need to be kept remindedagain and again that this is the betterof the many bills presently floatingthrough congress. The plight of the“undocumented” is a serious problemthat should be remedied this year, notonly in the interest of our brothers andsisters, but also in the interest of thesecurity of our country.The Sennebrenner-King bill recentlypassed in the House of Representativeswill do little to improvethe problem and would even make“felons” of most “undocumented”.Hopefully, wiser heads will prevailand a committee of Senate and Housewill adopt most of the McCain-Kennedybill. But that will not happenunless Irish groups keep the pressureon congressmen and senators until agood piece of legislation is signed intolaw by the president.The Irish Reform group in the 80’sdid a great job in securing over 60,000amnesty visas for our “undocumented”at that time. But unfortunately, althoughit served its purpose, it didnothing to help “handicapped” countrieslike Ireland, England, France andother such nations. It failed to get abill on the books that would ensurethat “handicapped” countries couldcompete fairly for the U.S. visas. Forexample, only a few hundred U.S.

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 53visas are available for Irish emigrantsannually, whilst other countries areallowed thousands.That is the crux of the problem as itrelates to the Irish and other nationals.The present law gives no considerationto the large contribution made byearlier Irish emigrants in the buildingand defense of our country and it doesnot recognize that the pattern of Irishemigrants is usually a single personwhilst emigrants from other countriestravel as whole families. That partof the immigration law needs to beremedied.Our congratulations to hard workingFr. Michael Leonard leader of theChicago Immigration Support andhis many workers including the agelessMaureen O’Looney who workedhard on this problem with the firstIrish Immigration Committee back inthe 60’when the Old National QuotaSystem was abolished and the new lawcame into effect. The committee gota bill passed in the House but it diedin the U.S senate for want of support,even from some Irish—Americans.Our congratul-ations also to the newlyformed Chicago Celts for ImmigrationReform, who are doing a great job also.For more information call Fr. Leonardat 312-337-8445 or call, 773-677-5341. Beannact De ar an oibre.BRO EDMUND RICE MASS-MAY 6Bro. John Bornbos invites allfriends of the Bro. Edmund Rice causefor Canonization to attend annual Eucharistcelebrating his beatification onthe feast day, May 6th, at St. XaviersUniversity, McDonaugh chapel startingat 5:00pm. A reception wil1 beheld afterwards. He extends a ceadmile failte to all.This will be the 10th anniversarymass since he was beatified by thelate Pope John Paul II. Beatificationis the next step to canonization. Thesaintly Kilkenny born Br. Rice wasthe founder of the Irish ChristianBrothers and dedicated followers ofhis now teach in over 30 countriesthroughout the world including threein Chicago; Bro. Rice High school, StLaurence and Leo, which was the firstone to open in 1920 at 79th, and SouthSangamon, on the great Southside ofthe city. For more information call Bro.John at 773-445-4988.TONY DESANTIS- A GREAT HUMANITAR-IANOnce again as he has done overthe years, at least since I first methim in the late 50’s, over fifty yearsago, famed Chicago area showman,Tony DeSantis has contributed a milliondollars to Catholic Charities, tohelp feed the hungry of his belovedcity, Chicago. This is the largest sumof money ever received by this greatCatholic organization in its 89th yearof helping the poor of the city.Birthplace of Edmund Rice, September 1981 (L-R) Ignatius O’Neill (also born in the house); Liam O’Halloran,President Callan C.B.S. Past Pupils Union; Pat Hennessy; Rev. Brother Carr, Superior, Callan C.B.S.; EileenHennessy; Rev Brother Phelan, C.B.S.; Seamus O’Brien, P.P.U.; Sean Holden P.P.U.; Patrick O’Neil (lastresident of the house); Rev. Brother Moloney C.B.S. Curator; Jim Brady, Kilkenny, Ned Egan, Callan.Fellow columnist, Fr. MichaelBoland, hard working administratorof this fine organization said, he was“deeply grateful” for the gift. “It allowsus to continue one of the main reasonspeople turn towards Catholic charities,because they are hungry.” CatholicCharities serve almost five mi11ionmeals every year through its shelters,soup kitchens and senior lunch programsin Cook and Lake counties, Fr.Boland explained.Hale and hearty at 92 years of age,Mr. DeSantis, said he always wantedto contribute towards his church,especially now when it is under somuch fire from the media. “With allthe bad press Catholics are gettingtoday, a little on the bright side mighthelp,” he said.…continued to page 54generic Fitzpatrick Hotelmay hve to look back awhile.

54 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS April 2006Celtic WeddingsEverything you need under one roof!Irish harp, fiddles, food, favors, costume,calligraphy ~ every Celtic traditionfor your event. Rev. Rebecca andGlen Eagles Country Club have it allprepared for you. 888-80-RITES www.revreb.comceremonies@aol.comOffice for RentOak Lawn office space For Rent 1400square ft Handicap accessible Moveright in. You control your HVAC. Carpetedon one level 9024 S Cicero Ave.Parking is on site. For details and tosee call Owen of Dowling Apartments,Inc. 708-771-0880WantedIrish memorabilia, old souvenirs,Wade Porcelain, Antiquarian Books,Irish Coins, Ephemera and SheetMusic Pre 1930.Tom 847-296-2133Egg Donor WantedLoving couple seeking a warm-heartedIrish female to be an Egg Donor. Weappreciate you helping us to havea family; your services will be compensated.Respond to eirefamily@yahoo.comVacant Building 4 Sale9 Unit Building With Plans Vacant forcondo conversion ready to go. Locatedin Hyde Park/Woodlawn 6501 S. Kimbark.5 -3 bed/2.5 bth & 4 -2 bed plusden/2.5 bth. Gross sale for all ninefinished over $2.5. Vintage gray stone& red brick gorgeous. List $880,000DTC RE 773-680-5883.Condo For SaleLakefront - ChicagoSpacious 800 Sq. Ft. 1 BR/1 BA inelegant 1930’s art deco bldg. 151K.Next door to park & lakefront. Steps totrain, restaurants & shops. Downtownexpress bus at front door. Open/SunnyKitchen & Dine room w/ west views ofcourtyard garden/fountain. LV roomoverlooks north tree-lined street andlakeside park. BR with south courtyardviews. Tile & Parquet floors. Eve/wkendsec guard & onsite wkdy bldg mnger.Parking wait list. Pets okay. 5060 N.Marine Dr. 151K. More info: Elizabeth@ 708.445.0700 x2. Motivated.Gaelic News (cont’d)I was honored to meet Tony De-Santis through my brother Bill, whowas Police Captain of the Southwestside Gresham, during the 50’s.Back then as owner of Drury Laneat 9500 So. Western he promotedmany fine shows featuring greatIrish—American actor, Pat O’Brienand his charming wife Eloise, andmany others. He never missed anopportunity of helping differentcharitable organizations helpingthe poor and is even today one ofthe finest humanitarians that I haveever met. We join with Fr. Bland inthanking this fine Southsider for hiswonderful work. Tony DeSantis is afine example to all of us to supportCatholic Charities, whenever we can.Beaannact De ar an oibre, Tony andFr. Michael Boland.CHICAGO GAELIC CONVENTIONA record large crowd of stockholdersand members attended theannual Gaelic Park Conventionheld recently and heard officer afterofficer speak in glowing terms ofanother very successful year. Theyspoke also of the many differentprograms, including the playing ofIreland’s national pastimes, hurlingand Gaelic football, Irish dancing,music, drama, Irish concerts, including“Ireland On Parade” and manyother traditional Irish pastimes.Re—elected president for anotheryear hard working John Griffin, andthe board’s dynamic Secretary, MaryRiordan, detailed the many activitiesthat are programmed during theyear and the many fine officers whopromote and conduct them in aprofessional manner. Gaelic Park isindeed a beehive of activity. No matterthe day and time you visit, there issomething very interesting scheduledand you are always welcome to attendor participate.Conducting the day-to-day businessof the park is perfor-med in a realprofessional manner by the charmingMayo lass Marian Ryan, aided bypopular and hard working Tim Tobin.Congratulations on another great yearas Chicago Gaeldom looks forwardto another exciting schedule on theplaying field. The busy season opensin April and runs through September.See you at Gaelic Park every Sundayfrom 2—6pm.D ID A FAILED IRISH AMBUSH CHANGETHE COURSE OF HISTORY?Our thanks to good friend andreader of our magazine, and staunchIrish nationalist, Mike Geraghty,who sent along a fine story writtenby Paul Craven, concerning an unsuccessfulIrish ambush that mighthave changed the course of historyin Africa and Asia.The central figure Arthur ErnestPercival was educated in the best ofEnglish tradition. He went to all thetop schools before he enlisted In theKings Army. He was reputed to haveserved with “distinction” and wasawarded all kinds of decorations; theMC and the Croix de Guerre in the firstWorld War and he won more decorations.servingin Russia.Finally, he was sent to Irelandin 1920 where he was reported toNever Miss an Issue!You can’t always get to our 600 locations in the rain, snow, hail, heat etc! So,if you missed the last issue, make it the last you miss!SUBSCRIBE Today!0406have “terrorized the people of Bandon,Co. Cork” and even ‘murdered’Irish prisoners when he commandedthe infamous Essex Regiment. TomBarry, leader of the West Cork FlyingColumn, prepared an ambushfor Percival and his motley crew, butunfortunately the English convoy wentanother route.He was finally transferred from Irelandin 1922, promoted to Major andsent along to Malaya in an attempt tostop the Japanese onslaught. Here hedisplayed another part of his character,incompetence and stupidity. As theJapanese approached Singapore heignored advice from his engineeringofficer to have his soldiers dig trenchesand build fortifications. Instead he dispersedhis forces, concentrating themin one place. As a result, when theenemy approached they encounteredonly weakened defenders and as aresult Singapore fell.The result was a disaster for theBritish on February 15, 1942. Itwas a loss that could be comparedto Britain’s loss of her AmericanColonies to George Washington in1781. Percival was forced to surrenderunder a white flag and William Joyce,Irish radio commentator said that theJapanese troops celebrated by singing“The Boys of Kilmichael” which7115 W. North Avenue, #327, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-445-0700 Fax 708-445-2003Circle OneREGULAR DELIVERY¨1 year $20 or ¨ 2 year $35 ¨ 3 year $45FASTEST DELIVERY(option) First Class Mail ¨ 1 year $28 or ¨ 2 years $50¨Canada 1 year $30 or ¨ 2 year $55¨International: 1 year $75¨ I want to subscribe for myself starting the month of : _______Name_______________________________________________________commemorated Tom Barry’s successfulambush a month after his failedattempt on Percival in Bandon.Percival retired after being releasedfrom the prisoner of war prisonin 1946 and wrote a book, “TheWar In Malaya” which was releasedin 1949, the same year Tom Barrypublished his own book “GuerrillaDays In Ireland”. Percival immediatelythreatened to sue Barry for hismention of “Terror—squads”, but hesoon withdrew his suite after Barryinformed him that it would have tobe tried in Ireland. He then wantedto meet with Barry but was informedthat any such meeting would onlyhappen at the point of a gun. Theinvitation was again withdrawn.As a result of Percival’s defeatat Singapore the event is generallyregarded as having changed thecolonial history in Asia and Africa.But historians love to speculate,“what—if” Barry’s ambush had succeededin 1920? Could the Japaneseforces have been halted by a morecompetent General than Percival?Did the failed Irish ambush changethe course of history? What do youthink? Give us your opinion. WritePat Hennessy, Irish American News,7115 West North Ave, Suite 327,Oak Park, IL. 60302.Address ____________________________________________________Phone ( )_____________________________________City__________________________________State_____ Zip__________Card #______________________________________Expires _________Published 12Times Yearlythe First of EachMonth forChicagolandGive a Gift to:Start the giftsubscriptionthe month of _______Name_____________________________________________________Address ___________________________________________________Phone ( )_____________________________________City__________________________________State_____ Zip________

April 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 55SBy SeanOg. O Ceallachainporting LogThe GAA are looking into theflood lighting of their super stadium,Croke Park, when internationalsoccer and rugby will be playedthere in 2007. But GAA officialshave closely observed the sport ofcricket and baseball to determinewhat specifications they need forthe proposed floodlights in CrokePark. With the hurling ball incrediblyhard to see when it is loftedhigh in the air at night, and the TVcoverage of floodlit hurling gamesnot always up to scratch. Becauseof the lighting, the stadium managerPeter McKenna wants a state of theart system for his arena.He has chosen a wattage of 2000lux to enable floodlit hurling to beplayed and seen properly. “For thefloodlights we require, the closestanalogy to hurling would be baseballand cricket.” McKenna said “ andwe’re probably closest to cricketwith the wide pitch they use. “ Inthe RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin, theyuse 450- 500 lux which works wellfor rugby, but it is a bit gloomy onTV. Up to 1250- 1400 lux is used inthe English Premiership soccer, butfor a fast ball game you need to gohigher again. We’re looking at 2000lux for the game of hurling.” Suchspecifications for the lights werelisted in the planning applicationsfor the new system that was sent inby Croke Park last week.In the meantime there are calls forthe GAA to explore the possibilityof establishing its own TV channel.Munster Council chairman SeanFogarty is convinced the suggestionis indeed very valid, recalling thathis Council had to reprint 50,000tickets for a provincial championshipgame last year after a changewas made to the starting time tofacilitate RTE, the Irish televisionchannel. He believes the time forchange has come. “That made uslook unprofessional,” he said. “2RTE paid for the reprinting but wehad the tickets handed out, had torecall them back and hand out newones. It was a waste of manpowerand a waste of time and gave theimpression that we didn’t knowour jobs.”He says there would be no problemfilling a GAA channel’s schedule.Fogarty maintains that theycould have championship, TommyMurphy, Nicky Rackard, ChristyRing Cups, and ladies football andcamogie games on air all the time.He recalled a recent schools gamewhere one particular T V station tookover the sideline with vast broadcastequipment and the TV companywas not asked to pay any money forcoverage rights. He feels that TVcompanies have been getting toomuch out of the GAA for too long.Liam Hassett admitted that theAll-Ireland football final last yearagainst Tyrone had a profound influenceon his decision to quit intercounty football. Hassett, Kerry’scaptain when they won the All-Irelandin 1997, revealed the hungerfor football at the top level did notreturn in him for the first time, andthe pace of the all-Ireland final convincedhim that it was time to giveit up. He said “I think that last yearwhile I had a good year up to thefinal. I think I was probably foundout in the game. Things did not gowell for me on the day and I foundit difficult enough. Even though youmight have the experience, whenyou don’t have the legs on All-Irelandday, it shows up and it is timeto be realistic,” he added. The genialHassett also mentioned that he spoketo team manager Jack O’Connorearlier in the year and was told togo away and think about it beforemaking any decision. During thecompetitive stages of the NationalLeague he claimed some satisfactionout of the matches, but he still hadperiods of doubts. The All-Irelandthat year subsequently convincedhim that his inter county career wascoming to an end.Kerry have also lost toweringforward Michael Quirke who hasdropped out of the panel. Dara OCinneide joins Hassett on the retirementbench while Willie Kirby hasyet to announce whether he willcontinue for another season. Kerrywere not very impressive againstOffaly in their National Leaguegame at Tralee. Team manager JackO’Connor puts that down to thepresent heavy weather that is taxingthe stamina of the players. O’Connorsaid “We played very poorly at timesagainst Offaly. But we are not pushingit in training. We are doing onlyone night a week until the eveningsstretch a bit longer,” he said. Missingfrom the side at present is the greatSeamus Moynihan. He has returnedto club matches but claims that he isstill not fit enough for inter countyfootball. In spite of the fact thatKerry are without a number of theirtop players the bookmakers stillmake them 9 to 4 favorites to win theNational football League title.Another star hurler unable tomake up his mind whether to returnto the game is Tommy Dunne ofTipperary. At present he has resistedall attempts to lure him back to theTipperary hurling team. One manwho would like to bring him backis team manager Babs Keating. Theformer ‘great’ believes that Dunne,who captained Tipperary to theironly All-Ireland success of the lastfifteen years, has still the talent tomake the team. The Toomevaraplayer says he hasn’t ruled anythingout or in, but needs more time tothink about it. Dunne is a greatplayer, and even at this stage of hiscareer would give Tipp an enormousboost for the white heat of Munsterchampionship hurling. It was BabsKeating who first discovered Dunneaway back in 1993 when he was thecounty’s team manager. He could doso again in 2006.