Music is served … - Irish American News

January • 20006Music is served …The “Siskel and Ebert” of Irish music Shay Clarke and Bill Margesondebut on National Public Radio WDCB 90.9 FM …see page 21Houlihan & sons go HollywoodPat, Mike and Bill Houlihan …page 31 Irish Music School Fundraiser page 4

Dan O’Brien wishes alla Very Safe andProsperous New Year!O’Briens Restaurant & BarChicago’s Old Town Neighborhood1528 N Wells St • 312-787-3131www.obriensrestaurant.com

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 3S Y M P H O N Y C E N T E R P R E S E N T SCelebrateST. PATRICK’S DAYTHEChieftainsearly!Celebrate St. Patrick’s Daya little early with a rousingperformance by the Grammy ®Award-winning Chieftains.Their annual Chicagoappearance bringsthe warmth of an Irish pubto Orchestra Hall with ancientIrish melodies, lively dancing,and craic—the Irish wordfor great fun.FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 8:00Tickets start at just $25!312-294-3000www.cso.orgArtists, prices, and programs subject to change.at SYMPHONY CENTER • 220 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE • CHICAGO

4 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006(ISSN #1085-4053)(USPS #013454)January 2006 Vol. XXx # 1PERIODICALFounderBob BurnsPublisherCliff CarlsonArt DirectorWalt KennedyEditorial AssistantsElizabeth KellySarah NarvaContributing EditorSusan VictoriaAdvertising SalesElizabeth KellyColumns and ReviewsBooks - Frank WestTrad 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 ClarkeFrom The Ground Up - Joy MixBoyle 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.Distribution25,000Gaelic Park hosts concert for Irish Music School Jan 28The Irish Music School of Chicagoconcert Jan. 28 will reinforce thecity’s Image as the hotbed of traditionalIrish Music. Acclaimed band‘bohola’ and other local music legendswill join the student musicians.A concert that features generationsof traditional Irish musicians andaptly named “Ó Ghlúin go Glúin”(“from generation to generation”,pronounced “Oh ghl-oo-in guh glooin”)will be held Jan. 28 in Chicago’sGaelic Park to benefit The Irish MusicSchool of Chicago. The school,founded by renowned fiddler SeanCleland, is dedicated to teaching andpreserving Irish musical traditions.The event will feature a 45-minuteconcert by the young and olderstudents of The Irish Music Schoolof Chicago. The school’s studentswon top honors at the 2005 Mid WestFleadh Choeil (pronounced “flahkee- ol”), the prestigious regionaltraditional Irish music competitionheld in St. Louis. Following thestudent concert, Chicago-based traditionalIrish music band, bohola, willperform as well as several luminariesfrom Chicago’s Irish music community—continuingthe tradition of havingnew generations of Irish musicianslearn from their musical elders.“Since the late 1800s, Chicagohas enjoyed a long and proud historyof traditional Irish music thathas produced a roster of prominentLast Call as 3 Menin Kilts hang em’ upby Bill Hanniganmusicians, and the concert will giveChicagoans the opportunity to witnessthe continuation of this livingtradition,” said Cleland. “Chicagoremains a powerhouse, generatingpopular Irish music on the commercialfront with a strong pipeline richin up-and-coming talent.”Cleland founded the Irish MusicSchool of Chicago in 2003 to teachIrish traditional music the old-fashionedway – predominantly by earand with an emphasis on developingimprovisational skills. His studentslearn in group and individual classesIrish Music School students Maggie and Kristen DanaherSHIPPING TO AND FROM IRELAND!!!Or 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 708-233-1988Eu r o-Sh i p p e r s 7667 W. 95th St, Suite 308 , Hickory Hills, IL 60457and hone their music in informal Irishmusic “sessions” where seasonedplayers from the Chicago Irish musiccommunity, many of them originallyfrom Ireland, mix with novices – sharingtunes, stories and techniques.While Cleland’s young studentspreview the future of Chicago’s Irishmusic scene, bohola, spotlights itscontinued vibrancy. Dubbed the newestIrish “supergroup” by the Irish Herald,bohola has earned internationalacclaim as a powerful force shapingtraditional Irish music today. Thegroup features three master Irish musiciansat the top of their game: JimmyKeane, hailed as a virtuoso on pianoaccordion; Cleland on fiddle; and PatBroaders on vocals and bouzar (a bassbouzouki and guitar hybrid).Since their debut album, championedby the Irish Voice as “one ofthe most impressive debut recordingsever by an Irish traditionalmusic group,” bohola has enjoyedconsistent critical success and theadmiration of countless traditionalmusic fans. Their two most recentCDs won Celtic Connections Albumof the Year in 2002 and 2004.The upcoming concert will be theIrish Music School’s first fundraiserand will include a silent auction andraffles. Funds offset the cost of itsmaster tutor program, which bringsin guest instructors from Ireland towork with the students. The schoolalso needs help to pay for musicalinstruments too expensive for studentsto purchase and to help defray travelcosts to upcoming competitions andout-of-town concerts. Although severalof the Irish Music School’s studentsqualified to compete in the worldcompetition held in August in Ireland,travel costs were too prohibitive.“We’re trying to build a strong foundationof support to give these studentsa chance to grow,” says Cleland. “Thisconcert is a great way to start.”For tickets or more informationcall 773-412-6166 or email sean@seancleland.com.Of all the frightening things tohear at 1:30 in the morning, “LastCall!” is probably the worst! “Settleup your tab!” runs a close second.Well, there is no really easy wayto put this, but come Friday, June2, 2006, Three Men in Kilts willanswer their very own “Last Call”and after twelve years of performingfor you all…and together asfriends, Marty, Dan and Bill aregoing to call it a night.There’s no drama to report…we’vejust decided that it’s time to listen tothe fun rather than create it.Over the course of twelve wonderfulyears, TMIK have been affordeda load of tremendous opportunitiesthat we normally would not havebeen able to enjoy, had we not takena leap of faith with each other andbrought our brand of celt-o-delicrock and reel, kicking and screamingout of Mike Flannery’s parlor…sharing our love of the music and ajoke or two with you all each Fridayand Saturday night.We’ve been blessed, over thecourse of our Irish musical adventure,with great friends…fans, pubmanagers and event organizers thattreated us with respect and loyalty,our friends in the air, in particular,Mitch Rosen, John Swanson, EricFerguson, Kathy Hart and everyoneat The MIX, the spirit of Gus Evangelidesand Children’s MemorialHospital and the McCarthy’s and JuvenileDiabetes Research…openingour hearts to a much greater cause,The Go-Go and World ChampionChicago White Sox, the C.U.B.S.for all of the comedic material andlast, but definitely not least…ourfamilies…their support, patience,understanding, sharing us with youeach weekend…allowing us to dowhat we love…and more importantly…theirlove through it all.It’s always been Marty, Bill andDan…over the twelve-odd yearsit’s been just the three of us…andwhen all is said and done…we’restill best friends, as it’s been sincewe were little kids.The Lads in Plaid will be forevergrateful to Jimmy Cloonanand Joe Caauwe, the real Boysof Connemara for keeping ThreeMen in Kilts on the road whileDanny was recovering from ACLsurgery…your sense of humor,your great musicianship, yoursacrifice and friendship will neverbe forgotten...and how about BillMahoney, lending his fine voice tous whenever called upon and on our“Ten Years On!”...our loyal lunaticand friend, Mike Erickson.One thing we know to be true isthat there’s a warmth, fellowshipand good humor you can only findat your favorite pub…with a fewfriends around you to share “acoke and a joke.”For twelve years you’ve all helpedmake it a warmer, friendlier andmore loving place to be.Before therapists, there werebartenders…before Prozac, therewere pints... and before we go..we’ll have an OMATI (pronouncedO-MA-EE, one more and that’s it!)The lights are on, the towels areup…we’d best be on our way.Siné…That’s it!Marty Connolly, Bill Hannigan andDan McGuireThree Men in Kilts

6 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006hMikeooliganismHoulihanOtto had been in the nuthousefor ten years, but we thought hemight be faking.Maybe he figured it was threesquares a day, read the paper,unlimited napping, a roof overyour head and nobody bothersyou. Knowing Otto, I’m sure hedeveloped his own philosophy onhis stay at the nursing home.Otto had been bs’ing us sincewe were in first grade, so his diagnosisa decade ago didn’t reallysurprise anybody. Technically itwas called alcohol encephalopoly,AppearancesCutsColorPermsa fancy shmancy way of sayin’Otto had suffered brain damagefrom Mr. Booze. When we firstwent out to visit him at the home,I talked to his brother who toldme, “He suffers from delusions.He thinks he served in Viet Namand has grandiose conspiracy assignmentsfor the CIA.”That was the same type ofmalarkey Otto had been spinningto us as kids hanging out at theb-ball courts in Beverly. Otto waswell read and had a keen intellect,which he used to great effect as aFoil HighlightsWaxingGifts/Jewelry229 N Northwest Highway, Park RidgeCall Mary Today!847-825-7615provocateur and troublemaker inhis youth. He had a caustic witthat he began fueling with beer inseventh grade.We admired him, not for hisfalsehoods, but his dedication tothe detail of his devilish designs.Otto was a master who weaved hisBS into a rich tapestry of eccentriclies. My old pal Malachy Keanehad grown up next door to Otto.It was Malachy who initiated ourfirst sojourn to visit Otto at thenursing home, three years into hisinstitutialization.Otto started right in with hisdelusions once we sat down inthe cafeteria for a cup of coffeeand got comfortable with our oldfriend. He appeared normal, evenlooked like he had gained weight,but he let it drop in the midst of ourbonhomie that he had just flown inthe night before from a mission inNicaragua.We actually went along with it,rather than challenge his fantasyand potentially set him off on apsychotic episode. We alwaysknew he was crazy, but now it wasofficial and we had some reverencefor his lunacy.After twenty minutes into ourbanal reminiscing, I gave Malachythe high sign that we should split.Otto walked us to the front door aswe said adios. Standing in front ofthe Waukegan nursing home withits lovely view of the parking lot,Malachy remarked to Otto “Thisseems like a nice place.”Otto mumbled, “Yeah, it’s notbad, for Kansas.”Malachy eyes bugged as hewhispered to me, “He thinks we’rein Kansas!”It was just enough oddballlogic that convinced us then thatmaybe the doctors we’re right.This guy had burned out severalspark plugs.Malachy and I left that day ofour first visit and drove directlyto a bar. We felt bad for our oldpal, but it seemed pretty apparentthat he was not coming backfrom whatever planet he was nowoperating. That was about sevenyears ago.Malachy called me last weekand told me he was flying in fromAustin and would I be interested inpaying Otto another visit? Macksaid, “It will be a corporal workof mercy!”Indeed it would be and I saidcount me in.We knew that the trip to visitOtto would provide a touchstonefor our own alcoholic consumptionand mental condition. Otto’spresence would be a warning signon our own slippery slope.The nurse told us we could findOtto in the cafeteria. We walked inand spotted Otto in the corner withanother guy. He seemed surprisedand then delighted by our visitOtto shook our hands and tookus to a room to wait while he hadhis lunch. Malachy said to me, “Hedoesn’t want us to see him eat.”It seemed perfectly normal tome, in fact Otto looked positivelyfull of vim and vigor other thana couple missing teeth in front,which he hid with a sloped grin.Malachy and I had long since lostour hair but Otto was still sportinga mane like Bat Matterston.The room Otto had escortedus to contained a couch and twochairs, a couple prints on the wall,and a bookcase of old books andarcane magazines like Reader’sDigest. It was only about six feetwide and provided just the rightamount of claustrophobia for avisit to the mental home.One of the prints on the wallwas a Van Gogh. He was nuts too.Mack and I catalogued ourreaction to Otto’s state of mind aswe waited.“He remembered our names!”“He looks pretty good.”“He’s faking.”But Mack was more inclinedto give Otto the benefit of thedoubt. He had known Otto a lotlonger than I and he was stillconvinced that his boyhood friendwas bonkers.But I had my doubts. This wasa compassionate visit but also aresearch project. If Otto was pretendingto be mentally deficient inorder to suckle at the county teatand have all his responsibilitiesdisappear, then I was ready tobuild him a statue.By the end of our visit thatday, Otto’s state of mind was stilla mystery. Maybe it always willbe. And maybe that’s how Ottowill make sure that Malachy andI will continue to visit our oldfriend every year until we areas loony as he is. Happy NewYear Otto.• Monday Night Football Party• Thursdays - Live Music &Ladies Night• Fridays - Traditional Irish MusicEnjoy an authentic Irish Pub settingwith a spectacular golf course viewUpcoming EntertainmentJan 12 Cirrus FalconJan 19 The Katie Sullivan BandJan 26 Joe McShaneFeb 2Feb 9Feb 16Feb 23The Debe Welch BandCirrus FalconThe Katie Sullivan BandJoe McShaneMurphy's Irish Pub & RestaurantLocated in Palos Country Club13100 Southwest HwyOrland Park IL708-448-6550

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 7Top Sinn Fein manouted as British spyDenis Donaldson, a 55-year-oldformer head of administration atStormont, said he was recruited in the1980s as a paid agent for the Britishsecurity services. Mr. Donaldson wasworking as a Sinn Fein Assemblygroup administrator in ParliamentBuildings during the PSNI raid onthe party’s offices in October 2002,which has since become known as the‘Stormontgate’ affair. Mr. Donaldsonechoed earlier comments from Mr.Adams, insisting that ‘Stormontgate’was a Special Branch “scam”. Mr.Adams said the talk of a spy-ringat Stormont “was a very carefullyconstructed lie which was created bythe Special Branch to cause maxi-The IAAA celebratesIrish artistsThe Irish American Arts Awards(IAAA) has been created by membersof the Irish American community inNew York. Headed by its Chairman,Simon Pereira Shorey, the IAAA willcelebrate the talent of visual artists ofIrish ancestry, and recognize and encouragethe art produced by membersof the 80 million strong worldwideIrish Diaspora, over 45 million in theUnited States of America alone.From early carvings found atNewgrange done over 5,000 yearsago, through the magnificent BronzeAge artifacts to the Book of Kells tothe present, Ireland has a history ofart of the very finest quality. A strongindigenous tradition of paintingemerged in the 19th and 20th centurieswith John and Jack Butler Yeatsand William Orpen. This continuestoday with such talented contemporaryartists as Robert Ballagh, SeanScully, Dorothy Cross and ElizabethO’Reilly, among many others.The awards ceremony will be heldannually in Manhattan, with the first tobe held in September of 2006. Entriesfrom artists working in the field of thevisual arts may include paintings, drawings,prints, new media and sculptures.There will be two categories, one forthose aged less than 35 years of age andone for those over 35. Submission detailsand rules, regulations and all relevantinformation will be available shortly atwww.irishamericanartsawards.org. Entriesmay be submitted from March 17th2006 to May 15th 2006 and the 2006IAAA short-list will be announced inJune 2006. A main award of $25,000 isplanned, together with subsidiary awards.It is intended to raise money for Irish,arts and other charities through the IrishAmerican Arts Awards. The Awards’ firstbrochure, sponsored by Merrill Lynch,will be available shortly.mum political impact.” However, astatement released by the NorthernIreland Office read: “We completelyreject any allegation that the policeoperation in October 2002 was for anyreason other than to prevent paramilitaryintelligence gathering.”Mr. Donaldson was approached bythe PSNI and warned that his life wasat risk and that he was to be “outed” asa British agent. He reported this to thechairman of the Sinn Féin six countycuig, Declan Kearney, and admittedafter meetings at the party offices thathe was a spy. He was interviewed byMr. Kearney and Leo Green, a memberof the Sinn Féin negotiating team,before being dismissed. Mr. Adamsspeculated that the PSNI approachto Mr. Donaldson was the initiationof a plan to hinder the peace process.“Members of the IrishAm Heritage Center,Wa t e r R e cl a m a t i o nCommissioner FrankAv i l a a n d h i s w i feSherry celebrated 40y e a r s o f m a r r i ageNovember 27, 2005. Frankand Sherry produce CAN-TV shows, and havevideotaped numerousevents at the IAHC.Sherry joyfully sings soprano with the Irish Heritage Singers, and she is a docentfor the Center. They have three children: Frankie (36 years), a lawyer with theAvila Tomic Law Firm, Quinn (31 years) a computer consultant, and Audrey(23 years), a first year law student at Kent Law School.”Winstons4701 We s t 63r d St r e e t Ch ic a g o773.767.43537959 We s t 159th St r e e t Ti n l e y Pa r k708.633.7500Ma d e Fr e s h Da i ly:Ir i s h Sa u s a g eBl a c k Pu d d i n gWh it e Pu d d i n gSo d a Br e a dBa c o nCo r n Be e fSm o k e ButtsWith the ‘Independent’ MonitoringCommittee due to report in January,the “scandal” could have been usedto send the peace process into anotherengineered “crisis”. Mr. Adams said,“This is entirely the responsibility ofthe British government.”Mr. Ahern admitted that ‘Stormontgate’“never made much sense”to him, and said he would wait untilhe heard all sides of the story beforecommenting further.The Irish American InformationService is a non-profit organizationproviding up-to-the-minute politicalnews from Ireland to the world. TheIAIS is funded entirely by your contributions.Please send your tax-deductiblecontributions to IAIS at the 907 F St NE,Washington DC 20002. 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8 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Irish Booksin ReviewBy Frank WestThe Road Before Me (Began Behind)By J. Sean CallanAuthor House/800-839-8640: Bloomington, IN, 2005, 358 pages, $21.00The priest was giving a sermon for That was in 1950’s Ireland, but thethe retreat at the boys-only school. He retreats we had here were very similar:was speaking to adolescent boys who longer on fear, short on kindness.were only just becoming aware of girls. The author of this autobiography isHe commanded “We must stamp out Sean Callan. He is a playwright, authorsmut. Excorciate it. We must be chaste and medical doctor. He lives with hisin every way. In thought, in word and wife in the Chicago area. He play,in deed” he railed.Hearthstone, was recently produced“Indeed we echoed...” at the Irish American Heritage Center,and I reviewed Courage and Country,his wonderful biography of Civil Wargeneral James Shields.Webster’s Dictionary states thatan autobiography is “...the story ofones own life written by oneself ”.That sounds simple enough, but SeanCallan shows immense bravery inexposing his feelings fears and otheremotions to us, the readers.Callan’s autobiography is composedof stories of events that occurredduring his life. These are placed ona time structure: they can be aboutwhen he was a boy, to when he was ayoung man about to fulfill his dreamof becoming a doctor. Callan has a giftfor telling stories.I personally admire his struggleto overcome obstacles in his life. Hefather was a policeman; his mothera housewife/ There was no moneyin the family but there was plenty ofself-respect and determination.Sean Callan mentions the story ofDr. Noel Browne. He was a memberof the coalition government thatcame to power in Ireland in 1948.He proposed the “Mother and ChildScheme”. Callan tells us it included“educating women about childbirthand reproduction. This did not sit wellwith the Irish Catholic Hierarchy. Dr.Browne was accused of introducingbirth control into the country... Hisproposal was roundly condemned bymany of the clergy.” Needless to say, itwas not enacted and women continuedQualityBooks atAffordablePricesSend $2 for complete catalogue to:Celtic Heritage BooksP.O. Box 770637Woodside, New York, 11377-0637to be denied knowledge about theirown bodies.A sentence from the cover says “thisrewarding book will make you laugh,cry, glad and sad in a roller coasterride along the byways and back streetsof Ireland”.As he says, the purpose of the bookis that “I want my progeny to be able touse it as a resource and stepping stoneto the past. I want them to be able toknow about my life and me. To knowwhere and when I grew up and how Icame to be who I am”.The stories in the autobiography,The Road Before Me, describesCallan’s personal experiences, butthey also describe life in Ireland. Theperiod he writes about is the: 1940’s,1950’s and the 1960’s.Urban sprawl hadn’t begun yetin Ireland. Even the cities werephysically close to the countryside.And society was close to traditionalIreland. This proximity shows uprepeatedly in the book’s stories.Society, both in Ireland and here,was more closely knit then: peoplebelonged to extended families; andthey had close relations with theirneighbors. People didn’t move often,and they got to know each other overseveral generations. Interaction withWords, Words, Words“May we all be alive at this timenext year.”This traditional Irish toast for theNew Year is cited by the author ofWords, Words, Words: Houghmangandie,Knockers, Trolley & Others byDiarmaid O’Muirithe. Sitric/ LilliputPress/ Dufour Editions/ 610-458-5005:Dublin and Chester Springs, Pennsylvania,2005, 72 pages, $18.95.The author write the column “WordsWe Use” in the Irish Times. He alsowrites a column for the Irish monthlymagazine, The Oldie. He was senior lecturerin Irish at the University CollegeDublin. And he has published severaltheir books about the origin of words.This is a man who loves words:their sounds, origins, uses and nuances.The dedication for the book is telling:“Words alone are certain good.”Choose froma wide range of titlesArchaology, Art, Folklore,Geneology, History,Literature, Children,Language, Music andMiscellaneousTel/Fax 718-478-8162Toll Free: 877-785-2610 ext. 0236email l celt_books@msn.com other people, and the ensuing humanwarmth was important and valued.Something that is often missing today.People are more reserved, distant andwary today.I’m not saying things were betterthen, but I am saying that closenesswith people was more the norm andmore valued then. Versus the isolationwe often see today.This is an optimistic, ennoblingand humorous look at the life of oneIrish man. I enjoyed reading The RoadBefore Me, and I think you will too.* * * * * * * * * * * * * *This is a quote that illustrates howacutely the young student doctor,Sean Callan, observed the world.The pompous, arrogant doctor wasleading the student doctors on rounds.The patient in the bed in front of themhad emphysema. The doctor opinedthat he was probably a smoker, andhe was disappointed when the patienttold him he was not.Then the doctor predicted that hemust play a wind instrument. “I do, sir.Indeed I do”...said the patient.” Tellus which wind instrument, my goodman” said the doctor in his annoyingpaternalistic way.“The accordion” said the patientproudly.William Trevor recommended thisauthor to The Oldie, and suggested heand his books be added to the annuallist of books and authors suggested bythe magazine. He described the author’swriting as “delightful”.That praise from William Trevor isamazing because he is the spectacularlypowerful and prolific Irish author whohas written many acclaimed novels andshort stories. His most recent novel, TheStory of Lucy Gault, became a NewYork Times Notable Book.Trevor says about DiarmaidO’Muirithe:” His knowledge is encyclopedicand he conveys it with such wit,style and enthusiasm that he is neverless than a delight to read.”If words and their origins excite you,you will enjoy reading this book.

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 9The Bible War in Ireland: Second Reformation and thePolarization of Protestant-Catholic Relations, 1800-1840At the end of the eighteenth century,an evangelical movement gainedenormous popularity at all levels ofIrish society. The Bible War in Irelandidentifies this evangelical movementas the origin of Ireland’s protestant“Second Reformation” in the 1820s,which broke into open expressionwhen Archbishop William Mageeof Dublin claimed ecclesiasticalsupremacy for the Church of Irelandin his famous inaugural sermon in St.Patrick’s Cathedral in October 1822.This effort, in turn, helped provoke arevolution in political consciousnessamong the Catholic population, ledby Bishop James Warren Doyle. TheDoyle-Magee controversy set thestage for the emergence of the CatholicChurch as a leading player in theIrish political arena, culminating inthe Catholic Relief Act of 1829. Extensivelyresearched, Irene Whelan’sbook puts forward a uniquely challenginginterpretation of the originsof religious and political polarizationin Ireland.Irene Whelan, born in Clifden Co.Galway, was educated at UniversityCollege Galway and the Universityof Wisconsin-Madison. She is associateprofessor of history and directorof Irish studies at ManhattanvilleCollege in Purchase, New York.www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress/books/3903.htmUniversity of Wisconsin Press, $60,ISBN 0-299-21550-4.Hot Whispersof an IrishmanHot Whispers of an Irishwoman is adelightful tale from the Emerald Islesabout a feisty Irishwoman, Vi, whofinds love anew when she joins forceswith an old flame, Liam, in order tofind a legendary treasure of gold. CanLiam convince Vi that her love is moreimportant than the fate of the legendarytreasures, while still continuinghis search for the elusive gold?Dorien Kelly set aside a legal careerto return to her first dream – writing.She has received both the RomanceWriters of America’s Golden HeartAward, and the Georgia RomanceWriter’s coveted Maggie Award. Herfirst novel was nominated for theRomance Writers of America’s RITAAward and is the first of three contemporaryromances set in the fictionalIrish town of Ballymuir. Dorien livesnear Grand Rapids, Michigan with herhusband and three children.www.simonsays.c omPocket Books; paperback $6.99;ISBN: 0-7434-6460-5

10 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006ChicagoGaelic NewsBy Pat HennessyOnce again as we begin anotherNew Year we take this opportunityof wishing our readers a merry andhappy New Year, with good healthand happiness throughout. Ourthanks to many people for allowingus to be in touch, include ourfine Editor, Cliff, who month aftermonth makes my humble columnreadable for our readers and alsoprovides space in his popular paper.Our thanks also to the many readerswho write, phone and talk with usconcerning the column, offering theirpro’s and con’s for our opinion. Thewriting of a column is a two-waystreet and without your great help itwould be impossible to perform. Soplease keep me informed.Thank God 2005 has been a goodyear for most of us. For others wholost loved ones it’s been sad andlonely. We offer our sympathy andprayers that the Healing Process hasbegun. Some of our readers includingMike Kenny, Martin Fahey, JohnGriffin, and others who have beenhospitalized, we say Tanum cun De,for their speedy and complete recoveries.Others including Joe Begley,Mike Scanlon and Mike Flanagan,who have been recently hospitalized,we ask for our readers prayers, thatthose three great gaels have speedyand complete recoveries.On the home front hopefully theChicago Gaa and our senior hurlersand footballers have patched up theirdifferences. That past year was wastedunnecessarily and for that there isblame enough to go all around. But,that’s in the past, hopefully it hasbeen forgotten and by-laws enactedfor the satisfaction of all concerned.The well fare of the game shouldalways be our main concern andconsiderations for our many greatsupporters must be a top priority.Thankfully, our minor football board,ladies football, junior football andcamogie continued to keep the flagflying and for the Chicago gaeldomsay Gur a mile mait agat, a cairdeagus beannact De ar an oibre.Our thanks to Pat Daly, Editorof Gaelic Park News who keeps usinformed on Gaa news and manyother items of interest for our readers.Our congratulations to Parnell’sJunior A football teams on winningthe American Board championshipthis year. Also to the Patriot’s, anall-American football team whocaptured this new championship lastyear. And also to Joe Begley and JoeKeane for all their great work in gettingthis team together and trainingand inspiring them to win this muchcoveted championship.And on a sad note, Owen Tracey,former chairman of the North AmericanBoard died in November in Philadelphia,and U.S. gaeldom mournedthe loss of a great and dedicated gael.Ar dheis De go raibhn an ainm. Ownwas the first American Board delegateto the Central Council and recentlyreceived the President’s Award bySean Kelly, President of the Gaa for“Outstanding Service”. Owen wasa proud native of Carrickmore, Co.Tyrone. Our sincere sympathy to hisbeloved wife Mary and family.Readers are reminded of the greatChicago Gaelic Park radio show eachSunday night, on station 1450 AM,from 7:05 to 9PM. Mary Riordan,Harry Costello and Mary Hackettare the three fine commentators whobring us all the local as well as currentGaa and other news from Ireland. Formore information of all the eventshappening at Gaelic Park please call(708) 687-9323 and chat with Melodyor any of the charming colleens.Chicago Gaelic Parkaglow for ChristmasLast year the beautiful Christmasdisplay of lights and decorationsbrought people from near and far tostop and admire the spectacular outsideand inside Chicago Gaelic Park. Evenstrangers passing by drove around thespacious building and ground an evenstopped and went inside to get a betterall around view. They were amazed anddelighted. So we asked well knowngael, John Crean what he was goingto do for an encore.This year he answered us in nouncertain fashion with another brilliantdisplay, even bigger and better than lastyear and again it was greeted by largecrowds who flocked in and out of thebeautiful building. The Crean Handiworkwas again on display and itssplendor and attractiveness would dojustice to a professional group. Againour thanks and congrats – to the genialJohn and his fellow all-star crew. Cura mile mait agat, a cairde.Over the holidays Tony Kenny’sChristmas Time in Ireland, was anotherbig success as a crowded hall joinedwith Ireland’s premier entertainerand his all-star group in celebratingChristmas in Ireland. It was anotheraward winning performance and anoverflow attendance enjoyed everymoment of it. The New Year’s EveGala with Joe McShane and his SilverbandBand playing some delightfulIrish music ushered in the New Yearin great style. Sean O’Donnell with isdelightful dinner music also contributedto a memorable evening.During the coming months somebig Irish shows are scheduled includingPaddy Reilly, Saturday, February4th; The Merry Plowboys, Saturday,February 18th; the Famed WolfeTones in Concert, Friday, February24th; Hal Roach, Ireland’s favoriteComedian, Saturday, March 11th;St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17th.Tickets for all these great shows areavailable at the front office. Call(708) 687-9323 and talk to any oneof the charming ladies.Invitation to Gaelic ParkOur sincere thanks is extendedto the charming General Managerof Gaelic Park, Marian Ryan, whoinvited us to attend with other localmedia an introduction to theNew Management Team at GaelicPark recently. During the courseof a delightful evening chefs Johnand Manny displayed some of theirculinary art and we were allowed toshare some of the secrets that makeGaelic Park so attractive for itsThe Irish American Heritage Centerpresentsthe Celtic Irish Cosmos SymposiaPresentations by well-known Irish-American leaders and trendsetters who will discuss thepast, present and future of the Irish in the United States.January 29, 2:30pm“The Irish Transformation”Exploring the impact of Hollywood and the media on the image of the Irishspeakers include:Dennis McBride, author of of A Spirit Moved Our Feet: What You Should Know About Being Irish-American”Actor Brad Armacost, Chicago Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actorEllen Skerrett, Scholar and co-author of The Irish in ChicagoScholar Larry McCaffrey, Professor Emeritus, Loyola University Department of HistoryFebruary 26, 3pm“The Irish Ascendancy”The role of the Irish in creating the successful business and political environmentspeakers include:Former Attorney General Neil HartiganIllinois State Senator John J. CullertonMarch 26, 3pm“The Irish Consecution Gala”Celebrating the present and emphasizing the futureSpeakers include:Scholar Bill Savage, Senior Lecturer, Northwestern University English Department and Newberry LibraryCharles Sheehan, Consulate General of Ireland before Bill SavageThe Irish American Heritage Center • 4626 N Knox Avenue • ChicagoPrograms will include art and video exhibits, live Irish music and dance. Patrons can visit our brand newIrish American Heritage Center Library, where featured authors will display and sign their books.Programming for the Celtic Irish Cosmos is sponsored in part by a grant from the Illinois Humanities CouncilFor tickets, callThe Irish American Heritage Center • 773-282-7035 ext 10Tickets include panel discussion, live entertainment and receptionTickets $15 for IAHC members or $40 for the Series, $20 For Nonmembersor $50 for the whole series, or a special rate of $80, whichincludes the series and IAHC membership

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 11“Good Food”. A visit to the famedCarraig Pub would not be completewithout a taste, ever so small, ofits fine wines and other refreshments,including Guinness and notforgetting our own Hennessy famedbrandy. Slainte, a cairde.The departure of the big giant,Tadgh O’Reilly, famed Corkfootballer of other years from theManager of Carraig Pub, left a pairof big shoes to fill. But his replacement,Tim Tobin, steps in and nodoubt will fill the important positionwith distinction. He comes with highrecommendations and a great backgroundof such positions. And witha famed Kilkenny name of Tobin heseems to have all the qualifications.Cead Mile Failte, a cairde.Marian Ryan, General Managerneeds no accolades from me. Thecharming lass from Co. Mayo hasplayed an important role in makingGaelic Park one of the most popularGaelic Centers in the United States,one that is envied by many gaels fromall over the U.S. and even Ireland,who have visited here and been welcomedand made feel right at home.The advent of Marian and “the biglad from the Leeside” working togetherand leading the way made theGaelic Park one of the most popularmeeting places for Chicago gaelsand indeed of many business peoplewho meet for lunch or a quiet drink.Tim Tobin, our new Carraig Pubmanager fits right in where Tadghleft off and is proving to be an idealreplacement.Michael Collins – 2006 biographicalcalendarOur sincere thanks to well knownMaureen O’Looney, owner of theShamrock American Irish ImportStore at 3150 N Laramie Ave, whosent along a 2006 biographicalcalendar of Michael Collins, thelegendary Irish freedom leader duringthe Rising and later in the War ofIndependence, 1919-21.During the War of Independence,Collins became a living legendbecause of the way, as one of theleaders, he was able to evade arrestby British soldiers and others. Hisfamed “Flying Columns” helped todrive the British to the negotiatingtable. As one of the Irish team sentto Britain to talk peace he reluctantlysigned with others, a treaty whichpartitioned Ireland, declaring “Imay have signed my death warranttonight”.The Treaty split the Irish nationand a very divisive Civil War thatfollowed had Eamon DeValera andCollins on opposite sides. Collinswas shot in an ambush at Macroom,Co. Cork on August 22, 1922.Growing up in Ireland in the 20safter the Civil War was not a pleasantexperience. You had to take sides,either for or against the Treaty. Comingfrom a Nationist family, conflictsdeveloped between neighbors andeven between members of families.But, thanks to Herculean efforts bypriests and the Gaelic Athletic Associationpeace and reconciliationgradually was established.The calendar contains numerousofficial dates of important events duringthat time and is a collector’s itemfor history buffs and others. Suchdates as the early years of MichaelCollins who spent time working inLondon in a position with the BritishCivil Service and later as a bank officialwith a well known London Bank,from 1906 to 1910. He later returnedto Ireland and became a member ofthe Irish Republican Brotherhood.He joined the Irish Volunteers underthe command of Eion McNeil, priorto the 1916 Rising.Other important dates includedApril 1916, with Collins as a combatantin the Easter Rising inside the GPOin Dublin. It is also interesting to learn,not from this calendar, but from othersources that Collins brother Patrickwas a Chicago policeman and laterbecame a Captain. It was said that hehad a job with a Chicago bank for hisbrother Michael, but he refused andjoined the Irish Volunteers instead.Another important event, thecoming of the infamous “Black and… continued to page 16Morgan Finley honoredDorothy Brown, Clerk of the CircuitCourt of Cook County recentlyheld a ceremony honoring formerClerks. The “Past Clerks of theCircuit Court Photo Unveiling Ceremony”,was enjoyed by the formerClerks and their family members.This was the first time recognitionand memories of days gone by wascelebrated.Pictured (L-R) Betty Finley, former Clerk, Morgan Finley; Dorothy Brown; Matthew Danaher, Jr.,Ellen Tully and Mary Pat Follett, the children of former Clerk Matthew Danaher; and Mr. & Mrs. JohnMcDonough, son and daughter-in-law of former Clerk, Joseph McDonough.Walsh & Company, P.C.Certified Public Accountants• Fi na n c i a l Stat e m e n t s• Bu s i n e s s Va l uat i i o n s• Fr au d Au d i t s• Co n s t ru c t i o n Ac c o u n t i n g• S Co r p o r at i o n s• LLC’s• Pa rt n e r s h i p s• In d i v i d ua l Ta x e s• Bu s i n e s s Ta x e s•Fi d u c i a ry Ta x e s25 years experience7804 College Dr. - Suite 1SE • Palos Heights, IL 60463Ph. (708) 671-0644 Fax (708) 671-0655www.walshcocpas.com

12 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Mike Houlihan, Martin Mullarkey, Tim O’Malley, Art Bryan and Keiran Ahern in Kitty O’Shea’s.Celebrating Christmas and FriendshipThe Irish around Chicagoland had a busy schedule in December.Here are just a few of the events attendedMerry Christmas andHappy New Year to AllTom Boyle and Diane Anderson at the Irish Fellowship ClubChristmas Luncheon.Bill and Rita Cook, Mary O’Malley, Mary Gallagher, Olive Godvik, Breandan Magee and MaureenO’Looney celebrate the holidays at a fundraiser held at The Baked Tomato Restaurant.Joe Reid, Conor O’Keeffe, Liam Boyle; drummer for the Shannon Rovers, andJohn Daly. Liam gives free lessons at the Irish Fellowship Club’s ChristmasLuncheon in the lobby of the Chicago Hilton once a year.Irish Rep’s “Realti” stars: Mary McCauley, Bridget Flanagan, Jack Goggin, Mary Ann Bell,and Julie Ann Shea at O’Brien’s Restaurant attending a fundraiser for the theatre group.Bill Evans, Kevin McEldowney, Rich Finn, Robert Sheehy Jr., and Tom BoyleKevin McEldowney, Marianne Trotter and Willie Winters

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 13The Sharon Shannon CollectionReleased by Compass this monthWith the energy and stage presence of a rocker and the unpretentious traditionalroots of a pub musician, Sharon Shannon has become one of the brightestcreative forces in all of Irish and traditional music. Giving a modern push toancient jigs and reels, blending tunes from other genres and enjoying it all asmuch as her foot-tapping audience, Shannon is by critical consensus the mostadventurous spirit to emerge from Ireland in any genre. In only fifteen yearsshe has risen from the pubs of Galway to global acclaim as the preeminentfemale instrumentalist in Irish music. www.compassrecords.comWired by MichaelMcGoldrickWired, the new album fromflautist, piper, and composer,Michael McGoldrick, is morethan just the long-awaited follow-upto his groundbreakingThe result of three years offocused composition, recording,arranging, and experimentation,Wired takes the many threadsthat define McGoldrick’s musicand splices and re-connectsthem in intriguing new ways.While the mix of styles andvibrations encompassed byWired is indeed refreshing andastonishing, it is not surprisingthat music so exciting andinventive has emerged fromthe visionary imagination ofMichael McGoldrick.www.compassrecords.com2000 album Fused. It is theculmination of musical pursuitsfirst hinted at by his formativedays in Manchester – pursuitsthat have defined him as oneof the most vital and inventivemusicians in today’s British Islesfolk renaissance. From spaciousjazz trappings to surging Indianpercussion, electronic loops tobluegrass banjo, Wired brilliantlyharnesses the rhythmicmomentum of Celtic folk musicwhile bravely pushing into newsonic realms.Celtic Woman, who just completed their second leg of their U.S. tourwere presented by Manhattan Records/EMI with a plaque for PlatinumDVD sales and Gold CD sales on November 8th after their show atCarnegie Hall in New York City. Their self-titled release has been the #1World Music album for the past four months. Their U.S. fall tour was atremendous success with sold out dates in several cities including Boston,Minneapolis, San Diego, Cincinnati, and others. The five-member groupwill return to the U.S. for a spring tour. Photos by Gary Gershoff.At the Carnegie Club in New York City (L-R): Deirdre, Orla, Lisa ofCeltic Woman, David Downes, Musical Director Celtic Woman, Maireadand Chloe of Celtic Woman.

14 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Boylethe KettleU.S.M.C.Stamps were recently issued bythe USPS to commemorate the anniversaryof the U.S. Marine Corp.One of the four marines honoredwas gunnery sergeant Daniel JosephDaly. He is listed on a website “Marinesof Irish Descent.” One look atthis man’s face tells you that he isthe personification of rugged individualism.Winner of two Medals ofHonor, the first as a “China Marine,”won on the evening of August 14,1900 occupying a barricade in thecity of Peking, China during theBoxer Rebellion, he single-handedlyheld his position through thenight. At dawn 200 Boxers weredead. He was awarded the Medalof Honor December 11, 1901. 1914found him fighting at Vera Cruze inthe Mexican-American War. October24, 1915 fighting the Cacos inHaiti he again distinguished himselfin battle. Gunnery Sergeant Dalyfought with exceptional gallantryand at age 44 won his second Medalof Honor. Next we find him withthe American expeditionary forcein France. The 5th and 6th Marineregiments were fighting at BelleauWood. It was here gunnery sergeantDan Daly urged his rifleman forwardinto murderous enemy fire yelling,“Come on you Sons-of-Bitches!, Doyou want to live forever?”When the 5th and 6th Marine regimentsarrived at the Muse Argonnethe French were retreating and urgingthe Marines to retreat. U.S.M.C.Captain Lloyd Williams cried, “RetreatHell! We just got here!”Gunnery sergeant Dan Daly was5’6” tall and 132 pounds. He smokeda pipe and never drank. He retiredfrom the Corp February 26, 1929 asa Sergeant Major. He died April 28,1937 at age 65. He remained singlehis entire life. By the way, he wasborn November 11, 1873 whichwas celebrated as Armistice Dayfollowing World War 1, which isnow known as Veteran’s Day.There is a Belleau Wood Memorialin the Cook County ForestPreserve at Rand and Ballard Rd.in Des Plaines Illinois. Next timeyou pass by salute and say a prayerto honor the brave men who served.Take time to stop and think of poppiesgrowing in Flander’s Field.Semper Fidelis.By Tom BoyleWe’ll Have A Sup Of Teaemail: boylekettle@yahoo.comCut and RunCongressman John Murtha, retiredMarine Corp colonel rose through theranks. He won the American SpiritHonor Medal as a recruit. He served inViet Nam, won a bronze star with thecombat V, two purple hearts and theVietnamese Cross of Gallantry.The Republicans had to back-pedalfuriously when Congressman Murthacame out against the war in Iraq.Senator John McCain has becomethe conscience of the RepublicanParty.Irish American HeritageCenter library opensOver 550 people R.S.V.P.’d to attendthe grand opening of the library. Youcould feel the excitement, everyoneeager for the ribbon cutting. But notso fast, we had speeches to make andpeople we needed to thank. It wouldbe impossible to recall all that wassaid. The remarks were light-hearted,and there was heartfelt gratitude forthose who did the work and those whoraised the funds.Sunday, December 11, 2005 on thesecond floor of the IAHC there werein excess of 400 people gathered inthe hallway.This was a big day for Peig Reidour chief librarian who has workedtirelessly for years building the collectionand cataloguing all the booksand music. She was involved in everyaspect of bringing the library to fruition,and her husband Joe Reid waswith her every step of the way.President Patrick Bloom emceedthe program. Martin J. Healy Jr.,Library Fund Chairman recalled theevents of the Library Fund dinners, thedinner committees and the entertainment.The arts wing was filled withmany luminaries. Among the guestswere Charles Sheahan, Consul Generalof Ireland and his wife, Alice. MartinHealy’s sister Eileen, and her husbandJohn Morrow. The library book repositoryhas been dedicated to the memoryof Martin’s parents, Martin J. HealySr. from Swinford, Co. Mayo and hiswife Mary C. Henneghan, from Tourmakeady,Co Mayo. Also in the crowdwas Neil Hartigan, former LieutenantGovernor and Appellate Court Judge;Bill Mitchell and his wife, Carolyn.Jim Sloan was missing as he had goneto California to spend time with his son,1st Lieutenant James Sloan, USMC.(l to r): Teárlach Ó Cathail, Peg Reid, and Dennis Sherwood ready theIrish American Heritage Center library for its opening to the public.Dennis Daly, a major benefactor wastheir with his wife, Dorothy. I waspleasantly surprised to see Jim andElaine McCormack. I thought theywere in Florida. Dan McLaughlin,president of the Irish Fellowship Clubof Chicago, John Griffin, president ofChicago Gaelic Park and Gaelic Parkboard members Thomas P. Boyle andhis wife Josephine, (Tom’s my firstcousin), and the irrepressible BarneyFarrelly. John Fitzpatrick and his wifeCorina. John was one of the “fearlessfoursome who started the library fund.Theresa and Ambrose Kelly, along withour stalwart volunteers, Jack Hever,Frank Duffy, Mickey Smith, GerryArchbold, John McGrath; presidentof the Shamrock American Club,Maureen O’Looney, Tom Looney,and dozens of great people. PatrickBurke, IAHC Director and FinanceChair. The Keleghans, Gabe and Mary,Brian Donovan, Pat Coyne, Mary andMarty O’Malley, Fr. Kevin ShanleyO’Carm, IAN columnist, father Kevin,has donated hundreds of books to thelibrary. I was delighted to see Patrick“Patsy” O’Donnell from Aranmore Island,Martin McGuane and John Joyce,“The Heavy Gang.” Past president, JohnP. O’Malley and Chuck Kenny with hiswife Mary. Artist Ed Cox and his wifeMary. Ed painted all of the splendidCeltic designs around the center andthe Literary Border in the library.Our new Executive Director JohnDaly made some opening remarks.John is very excited about the newlibrary, “A major resource that willtransport us into the future. CliffCarlson, publisher of the Irish AmericanNews professing to be “A littlebit Irish going back to Famine Immigrants,”gave us an inspirationalaccolade. IAN columnist, Frank Westwas in the crowd. The Heritage Singerssang “The Soldiers Song and The StarSpangled Banner while the Irish MusicAcademy provided traditional musicfor the occasion. When I made myremarks I chose to quote John F. Kennedyand George Bernard Shaw. I’lljust give you the quote by Shaw. “Lifeis no brief candle to me. It is sort of asplendid torch which I have got holdof for the moment, and I want to makeit burn as brightly as possible beforehanding it on to future generations.”Gay PriestsRemember the old song, “UndecidedNow,” by Ray Charles. Firstyou say you do and then you don’t,and then you say you will and thenyou won’t. You’re undecided now, Sowhat are you gonna do?”Don’t take your eyes off of the conman’s walnut shells, which one is thepea under? They are trying to takeyour focus off of the pedophiles. Fromthe AP: The Vatican defended a policystatement to keep men with “Deepseeded” homosexual tendencies frombecoming priests, but said there wouldbe no crackdown on gays who arealready ordained. Reverend AndrewGreeley, “No sex ruling, no surprise.”“This is not new, and it’s not news.”Cardinal George . . . (as reportedin the Chicago Sun-Times November30th by Cathleen Falsani) “Whileevery person is to be respected, mencannot be admitted to Holy Orderswho 1)practice homosexuality; 2)have ‘deeply rooted’ homosexualtendencies; or 3) support the so-called‘gay culture,’” according to George’sstatement, which echoed some of theVatican document titled “InstructionConcerning the Criteria for the Discernmentof Vocations with Regardto Persons with Homosexual Tendenciesin view of their Admission to theSeminary and to Holy Orders.”“In other words,” George said, “Ifone’s self-identification as a ‘gay man’is the most important component of aman’s personality, he is not a candidatefor Holy Orders.”“In a nutshell to say, “It’s OK tobe homosexual as long as you don’tthink like a homosexual, talk like ahomosexual, act like a homosexual,hang out with homosexuals, or go toplaces that are known to be hangoutsof homosexuals, well, that’s ludicrouson its surface. And I don’t say thatflippantly. Sometimes the cardinalsays, “Oh, that’s flippant.’ This isn’tflippant. That’s what the documentsays,” the priest said, adding thathe believed the “right wing” of theCatholic church had decided to makehomosexuals “their scapegoats andwhipping boys.”“At best, it’s a distraction; at worst,it’s damaging,” said David Clohessy,national director of the advocacy andsupport group Survivors Network forthose Abused by Priests. “It will feedthe mistaken notion that [the abusescandal] is about the behavior ofpriests and not the behavior of bishops.Gay seminarians didn’t hire andtransfer and cover for child-molestingpriests. It was bishops who did that.”Suffer the Little ChildrenJesus said: Mark 10:14 Suffer thelittle children to come unto me andforbid them not, for of such is thekingdom of God. 15 Verily I say untoyou, Whosoever shall not receive thekingdom of God as a little child, heshall not enter therein. 16 And he tookthem up in his arms, put his handsupon them, and blessed them.Mt 18:6 But who so shall offendone of these little ones which believein me, it were better for him that amillstone were hanged about his neck,and that he were drowned in the depthof the sea.Give the Gift of Celtic Musicfrom the store with thelargest selection in the USIn Store Specials and Discountsfor DecemberVISIT US AT 47 South Villa AvenueVilla Park, IL 60181630-834-8108

16 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Continued from page 11Tans”, is dated the 25th of March1920. This motley English crewwas so named because they wore amixture of dark green RIC uniformsand British Army khaki. Their crueldeeds are still recalled by Irish families.This group is the one that brokedown the gates of Croke Park in Dublinduring a football game, openedfire on the spectators, killing 12 innocentpeople including goalkeeper ofthe Tipperary, Michael Hogan. Thisinfamous date was named “BloodySunday”, November 21, 1920.For more information about thisvery informative calendar, callMaureen O’Looney, who by theway, tells us that her school teacherin Bohola, Co. Mayo was a sister ofthe late Michael Collins. Her numberis (773) 286-6866.Congratulations Fr.Kevin ShanleyOur congratulations are extendedto popular Fr. Kevin Shanley,O.Carm, who recently conductedinteresting talks on the 1916 Rising,and Irish Revolutionary Women atGaelic Park. The Talks were wellattended and will be repeated in thenear future. This is a glorious oppor-0106Gaelic NewsNever 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!7115 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_______________________________________________________Address ____________________________________________________Phone ( )_____________________________________City__________________________________State_____ Zip__________Card #______________________________________Expires _________Give a Gift to:Start the giftsubscriptionthe month of _______tunity for young Irish-Americans tolearn authentic Irish history from agenuine source and not from peoplewho attempt to rewrite Irish historyfor self-glorification. For dates onthese Talks by Fr. Kevin call GaelicPark (708) 687-9323.St. Margaret’s ofScotland Parish benefitSt. Margaret’s of Scotland Parishand Maryville Academy forNeglected Children, at 9800 SVincennes Ave, Chicago will benefitfrom the big 25th, accordingto good friends, Gene and DonnaEarner, Sun City Center, Florida.Frank O’Hara and his fine band ofmusicians will provide the stirringmusic, and lovely Deirdre O’Reilly isalso on the schedule as is the famedJerry O’Loughlin and his championIrish dancers and Sean O’Donnell, achampion accordionist.Former parishioners of this greatparish now scattered all over the U.S.either attend or send a donation forthis worthy cause. Last years thanksto a private donator who matchedthe total received at the door - over92,000 was raised. Tickets are availableby Gene’s sons, Dan and Brianwho reside at 9414 S Springfield, EvergreenPark, IL (708) 636-8827.Published 12Times Yearlythe First of EachMonth forChicagolandName_____________________________________________________Address ___________________________________________________Phone ( )_____________________________________Michael Flatley comes homeMichael Flatley came back tohis home town of Chicago recentlywhere he and his “Celtic Tiger”production received a tremendouswelcome according to Eloise MarieValadez in the Southtown ConcertReview. Flatley’s 90 minutes of“Celtic Tiger” is mostly his version oftraditional Irish dancing - loud, sleekand touching the history of Irelandand the fight for complete freedom asit depicts the invasion of the Britishand the Great Famine in one periodand the Irish in America, the land ofopportunity in the other one.In typical Flatley style he used the3D screen to good effect giving a nodto family and friends occasionally as“I love you Mom and Dad”. His fastmovements across the stage beliedhis age and apparently his feet areas fast as ever, world championshiptapper. His superb performance of“Yankee Doodle Dandy” was verywell received as was his expert playingon the flute.All in all, it was a superb performancein front of a crowded hall andin his hometown and with his parentsand close friends in the audience. Noone else has helped to make it worldrenowned.Congratulations Michael,Chicago-Irish are proud of you andCity__________________________________State_____ Zip________the way you enhance traditional Irishdancing, song and music.Mike Sheahan retiresMike Sheahan’s recent announcementcoupled by his firm backing ofhis very qualified Chief of Staff, TomDart, as his replacement took manypoliticians by surprise prompting oneto exclaim, “Do so many politicianshave to be only of Irish decent”? Andthe answer is by all means, if they arequalified like Tom Dart.The popular Mike Sheahan hasbeen a great Sheriff with a distinguishedrecord and after a long andhard career in law enforcement heis entitled to his retirement, to spendsome time with his charming wifeand family. Friends and foes alikewill wish him every happiness andgood health to enjoy his well-earnedretirement. He has also been a greatIrish-American and has backedevery Irish cause along the way. Wethank him for that wonderful supportand tell him that we are proudto be associated with him over theyears. Slainte, a cara. His replacementTom Dart, backed by 53 ofthe 60 committeemen will makeanother excellent Sheriff. He has allthe qualifications, Assistant CookCounty State’s Attorney, servedin Illinois House and Senate andChief of Staff to outgoing Sheriff.And need we mention a great Irish-American also.Death of a well-knownChristian BrotherThe unexpected death of BrotherEd. Hennessy recently shocked hislegion of friends in Chicago andother U.S. cities. The tall, quiet andreserved Br. Ed. (no relation) age 67died at Christ Hospital, Oak Lawn,surrounded by family and otherBrothers. He was still intent on gettingto work the day he died.The late Br. Ed. joined “the Brothers”in 1956 following graduationfrom Leo High School. He beganhis postulancy at West Park in NewYork. He earned his college degreeat Iona College also in N.Y. with aB.A. in English. His first assignmentwas to Vancouver, Columbia. Healso taught at St. Thomas Moore atBurnaby also in B.C. where he mademany good friends.Coming back to Chicago hetaught at Leo where he held thetitle of Principal from 1968-1974.He as assigned to Bro. Rice Schoolin 1975 until 1981. I had the honorof meeting the late Bro. Ed. at Bro.Rice School in 1980 when I wasassigned from the City of Chicagoto accompany Mrs. Ethel Kennedy,wife of Bobby Kennedy. She wasvisiting all the catholic high schoolsduring the campaign of her brotherin-law,Senator Ted Kennedy, whowas running for the presidency. Bro.Ed. and the entire student body gaveher a hearty cead mile failte and shewas very impressed.Br. Ed. was assigned to St. LaurenceH/S in 1981 where he taughtmath until his retirement in 2000.At the time of his death he wasemployed by Stickney Township asa resource person for caregivers. Hislarge funeral mass was celebrated atSt. Albert The Great Church in Burbankand his internment was at HolySepulchre Cemetery. Our deepestsympathy is extended to his belovedmother, brothers and sisters, nieces,many friends and Christian Brothers.Ar dheis De go raibhn anainm.One of his students at Leo, classof 1975, Joe Tucker, wrote of Bro.Ed. “You have found the rewards ofHeaven, after dedicating your lifeto the service of the young. Mayyou rest in peace. May God comfortyour family and friends. To that wesay Amen.”Cheers, cheers for old Notre DameNotre Dame, with a great year sofar, came from behind in the closingminutes for their recent victory overStanford, which locked up the Bowlsgame with a guarantee of at least 14million for the famed University.Even John Kerry, Democratic nomineefor the Presidency, was broughtto his feet with that one.Stanford rallied for a 31-30 leadgoing into the dying minutes of thisthrilling encounter, only to see “TheFighting Irish” led by Brady Quinn,come roaring back to snatch victoryin the end. It was a well-deservedvictory, but a nail biter not good forweak hearts at the end.Knute Rockne, a famed coach atNotre Dame back in the early 20sonce said of hurling when it wassuggested that it should be playedat Notre Dame - the great one said,“A (hurling) stick in the hand of anIrishman is a dangerous thing”. Thegame was rejected upon his word.But, in the mid 1960s the ChicagoGaa set about to prove the great onewrong.Three bus loads of Chicago gaelsaccompanied a hurling and footballteam to the famed University thatday, on the invitation of officialsfrom the University, and after twogreat exhibitions of Irelands nationalgames, before a large crowd, underthe famed “Golden Dome” receivedrounds of applause and a tremendousreception afterwards. Today teamsfrom Notre Dame play at ChicagoGaelic Park, thanks to Chicago gaelswho lit the spark, took up the challengeand proved the great onewrong, at least on that one.

18 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Healy LawBy Martin J. Healy, Jr.Senior PartnerThis is the next of a series of columns on how the law can impact yourlife. Each month we will focus on various aspects of the law relatingto personal injuries, those that happen both on-the-job and otherwise,including mishaps which occur in driving vehicles, using products andreceiving medical care. The column will also respond to legal questionsrelating to personal injury that are sent to us.The Healy Law Firm is comprised of eight trial attorneys, two of whomare from Ireland. We are located downtown at 111 West WashingtonStreet, Suite 1425, Chicago, Illinois 60602 (800-922-4500 or 312-977-0100). www.HealyLawFirm.com. The firm concentrates in therepresentation of seriously injured victims of all types of accidents.Library at the Irish AmericanHeritage Center OpensAfter many years of volunteerwork and fundraising, theLibrary at the Irish AmericanHeritage Center opened on Sunday,December 11, 2005, withhundreds in attendance.The fundraising efforts beganin 1994 with a small committeeincluding Tom Boyle andJohn Fitzgerald. It spanned thesupportive presidencies of JohnO’Malley, the late Nora Murphy,Mike Hamman, Chuck Kinneyand Patrick Bloom.It also spawned three majorfundraising dinners with specialperformances by Phil Coulterand Irish Tenor, John McDermott.The galas were chaired andemceed by the Honorable NeilHartigan, Assessor Jim Houlihan,Channel 7’s Joel Daly, Jim Sloan,Jerry Gleason and Bill Mitchell.Just about every phase of theconstruction of the Library wasadvanced through the tireless effortsof volunteers at the Center,under the expert leadership ofAmbrose Kelly. The Library willhouse the collective Irish knowledgefrom the past and make itavailable for generations into theDine Downtown on the Riverat your Downtown Irish Pub!UNDER NEW OWNERSHIPAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIESWhen you think of a downtown Irish barthinkfuture. It is truly an outstandingIrish Library. There are bookson almost every Irish subject,fiction and non-fiction, an adultand a special children’s section,books on tape and videos. TheLibrary also offers an opportunityto study ancient aspects ofIrish history.The Brehon LawsFrom an attorney’s viewpoint,an example of such a study couldrelate to one of the most interestingfeatures of early Irish society,a remarkable system of societalself-regulation known as the BrehonLaws.Research on Brehon Lawswould indicate that long before theViking, the Norman or the AngloSaxon invaded its shores, Irelandhad developed its own unique andwell-defined way of life. EarlyIrish society laid great emphasison distinctions of rank and profession.The application of the lawwas conditioned on one’s status.The Brehon Laws derive theirname from ‘brithem’ in oldGaelic or ‘breitheamh’ whichmeans judge in the modern Irishlegal system. Accordingly, theBrehon Laws are literally judgemadelaws. The Brehon Lawjudges were divided into threegrades. The lowest was allowedto decide cases pertaining tocraftsmen. Next in line was thejudge known to be competent intraditional law and poetry. Themost esteemed of the judicial categoriescomprised those learnedin the traditional law and poetry,and also canon law. Each tuath,or petty kingdom had its ownbreithem who was appointed bythe king. The judges’ fees were,in some cases, calculated as onetwelfthof the amount at issuebetween the parties.While the laws focused onprotection of person and property,unusual offences, involving socialmores of the time, included refusalof hospitality, violation of protectionand satire. Satirical attacksmight include mocking a person’sappearance or physical condition,and could result in a fine. Anyoneinterested in ancient Irish systemsof law or other aspects of Irishantiquity will have an abundantsource of materials at the Library.And on non-law related subjects,Ireland also has such a colorfulhistory. The new Library willprovide the research tools toexplore its interesting past, fromancient to modern, and all otherthings “Irish.”The Library contains volumesby James Joyce, Samuel Beckett,William B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde andGeorge Bernard Shaw, for thosewith an appetite for tackling theseworldwide Irish literary giants.Books have been donated byvarious individuals over the pasttwenty years including some rarevolumes of Thomas Moore’s poetryand music from the late 19thCentury, kindly donated by TomSTOP IN. I CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE IF YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACKOR NEED TO SAVE MORE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT.P.S. Notary Public availableJames McLaughlin11801 Southwest HwyPalos Heights(708) 923-9890Allstate Life Insurance Company, Home Office, Northbrook, IL. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives throughAllstate Financial Services, LLC. Registered Broker-Dealer. Member NASD, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE68506. 877-525-5727. © 2004 Allstate Insurance Company.Boyle. Chicago native, FinleyPeter Dunne, is well representedfor those interested in followingthe adventures of his famous protagonistMr. Dooley. The aboveis a mere snap shot of the collectionavailable at the Center, andlibrarian, Peg Reid, will be happyto assist you with your search forthe hard-to-find volumes fromour Celtic past.On a personal note, I want tothank the Officers and Membersof the Board of the Irish AmericanHeritage Center for recognizingmy parents, Martin Healy, Sr. ofSwinford, County Mayo and MaryHenneghan Healy of Tourmakeady,County Mayo, in connection withthe Library.The Library will welcome visitorsafter the first of the year.By: Martin Healy, Jr., TerenceGeoghegan, Partners, HealyLaw FirmTerence GeogheganLearn LatinBenedict XVI encouraged theteaching of Latin, especially toyoung people, with the help ofnew methodologies. BenedictXVI said that the Latinitas Foundationmust see to it that Latincontinues to be part of the dailylife of the Church, so that understandingof many of its treasureswill not be lost.Consider signing up for “PainlessLatin,” Chicagoland’s premiernon-credit Latin languageprogram. No prereqs, no quizzes,no pressure - just fun with otherLatin-curious types. Perfect foradults and students. Studiesconducted by the EducationalTesting Service show that Latinstudents consistently outperformall other students on the verbalportion of the Scholastic AssessmentTest (SAT).Classes are held Thursdayevenings, January 26 throughApril 20, 2006 (no class March16) at North Park University3225 West Foster Avenue Chicago,IL 60625 in the Chicagocampus. Each session is made upof twelve-80 minute classes andcosts $150. For more informationcall (847) 256-8460 or e-mailhibernius@comcast.net.

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 19The Tavern onMaple StreetDue to be published February2006, The Tavern on Maple Street isfull of Irish wit and gentle humor andin keeping with Owens’ trademarkquirky Belfast tales. Jack and LilyBeaumont are the owners of the tavernon Maple Street, a quaint Victorianpub at the end of a cobblestone path.It’s a quiet place untouched by themodern world making it a favoriteamong the locals. However, this localtreasure is threatened when a propertydeveloper want to demolish the tavernand build a shopping mall. But there’sa secret about the Tavern that once it’sdiscovered will redefine the meaningof love, friendship and family in themost surprising ways.Sharon Owens was born in Omagh,Northern Ireland and moved to Belfastin 1988 to study illustration at the ArtCollege. Owens still lives in Belfastwith her husband and their daughter.http://us.penguingroup.comby Sharon Owens GP Putnam’s Sons;hardcover $22.95; ISBN: 0-399-15343-8WWII Memorial TourThe Association of Sons andDaughters of WWII Veterans willlead a group to England and Franceduring April 2006 to commemoratethe 62nd Anniversary of these historicalevents; D-Day landings, the Battlefor Normandy and the drive throughFrance to Bastogne.The itinerary will include London,Portsmouth, Cherbourg, OMAHAand UTAH beaches, Caen, St. MereEglise, Caretan, Argentan, Falaise andParis. A memorial service will be heldat the American Military Cemetery atColleville Sur Mer in France.Rock ShadowWideAwake Press has recently publishedMáirín Diamond’s second collectionof poetry titled Rock Shadowwhich is a celebration of nature, peopleand places. Many of the fifty-sixpoems evoke the atmosphere of theWest of Ireland - the sea, the landscapeand the drama of the changing lightthrough the four seasons. Some of thepoems deal with love, loss, emigration,For information call Sy Canton atthe Association (561) 865-8495 orsend inquiries to 5121 B Nesting Way,Delray Beach, FL 33484.grief and death. Rock Shadow alsoseeks to record something of Ireland’straditional culture and way of life,increasingly under threat.Born in Renvyle, Co. GalwayMáirín Diamond studied literatureand philosophy at the University ofVisit us at ....Sussex and now lives in Dublin.Rock Shadow has not been widelydistributed yet. For a copy, sendyour address and a cheque or postalorder for $12.50 to Máirín Diamond,69 Bath Ave,Sandymount, Dublin 4.011-353 1 6602366shamrock importsMaureen O’Looney,Serving You For Over35 Years Now!3150 N. Laramie, Chicago 773-286-6866

20 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Tradition In ReviewWe expect you had a greatChristmas, and so did we! As yousee elsewhere in the paper, NationalPublic Radio has asked us tojoin partner, Shay Clarke to host aweekly Irish music program. Thefun begins Monday, January 2ndon WDCB, 90.9 fm. from 7-9:00p.m., and every Monday from thenon. We’re going to feature the fullrange of real Celtic music. Therewill be a full score of artists andstyles, as we continue our decades-longeffort to enlighten andeducate Shay on this music. Theshow will be called, Blarney on theAir. Some of the readers rememberwhen we hosted a show by thesame name about 12 or 13 yearsago. This is all lost in the sands oftime. It was during that era whenShay’s Mother (a Saint, to be sure) admitted to us that, yes, his upbringingin Dublin had very littleto do with music, and what therewas in terms of musical appreciationwas quite limited. We know.But, the journey continues.By Bill MargesonWe’ll be featuring the sameartists you read about here. Theshow will follow in the footstepsof our late friend, Mike Fleischer,and his show, Treasures FromThe Isles. It can’t replace Mike’spopular program in any way. Wewon’t try that particular impossibility.It will be different fromhis show, but we know he’ll bethere every week with his handon the throttle. When Shay attemptsto fob some of his favsoff as the “ real deal “, we’ll justview ourselves as the “TruthSquad. “ We will most definitelyhave a ball. And, so will you. Wepromise you’re going to hearthe very best each week. Maybe,you’ll learn something aboutthe music. We know we will! Itwill most definitely have a tradfeeling, but that is a very widewaterfront today, and we’ll becovering it in detail. If you lovegreat Irish/Celtic music, and agood laugh as well, join us everyMonday night! And, there’sno one in the world we’d ratherbe doing this with more thanShay, painful as that is to admit.Irish Fest in Milwaukee has announcedmost of its acts for the2006 get together. Looks likeanother mega winner. Highlightswill most definitely include areturn of last year’s hit of theFest, The Bridies. People are stilltalking about the most populargroup in Ireland now--and oneof the more controversial. Welove ‘em! Also, joining the Festwill be the hottest act in tradnow, The Dave Munnelly Band.Munnelly is already one of thegreats in the history of the buttonbox. Guitarist Galvin Ralston,Dave’s brother Kieran on fluteand bodhran, plus keyboardist,will join vocalist, Andrew Murray.Bet on it now, this will be ahuge hit in the band’s premierappearance at Fest. This groupis hot, Hot, HOT! Those few ofyou who saw them at the endof last September’s Celtic Festin Chicago’s Grant Park knowjust what a coup for Irish Festthis is in landing Munnelly. UpMayo!!! Wow!! Then, comes areal treat worthy of the Fest atits best! Nova Scotia KitchenParty!! There is going to be adaily recreation of what would33rd Annual Snowflake Ballto take place on February 11Tickets are now on sale forthe Beverly Area Planning Association’s(BAPA) 33rd annualSnowflake Ball on Sat., Feb. 11,2006, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., at theShannon Center, Saint XavierUniversity, 3700 W. 103rd St.,Chicago. Performing dancemusic that night will be LynnJordan and the Shivers, and theSXU Jazz Band. Tickets are $30in advance or $35 at the door.They can be reserved by calling773-233-3100, or during businesshours at BAPA, 10233 S.Wood St., Chicago.be the all-time, all-heavy NovaScotian party that somehowalways begins and ends in thekitchen---with some of the planet’sbest musicians--- a partiallisting including the likes ofThe Cottars, Jerry Holland andJ.P.Cormier. This will truly be aball, and all salutes to the gangat Fest for bringing this one in!!It’ll all be August 17th throughthe 20th, 2006. Do you realizethat the decade is more than halfover? Good Lord.Okay, we admit it. We are notreviewing new albums this month.We are swamped preparing forChristmas as we write this. EditorCliff Carlson (known among thestaff as the ‘Joseph Goebbels ofpublishing’) has pulled his usualNazi trick of threatening any latecolumns with the scrap pile. And,we wanted you all to know aboutthe new show. The good news isthat there are some wonderfulnew albums we’ll be coveringnext month including one fromthe greatest, Eilis Kennedy fromDingle, with her new vocal masterpiece,One Sweet Kiss. Fiddlerand musical maestro, NollaigCasey checks in with a wonderfulnew piece of business. Manyconsider Noel Hill as the greatestconcertina player in the history ofIrish music, and he has his firstnew album out in something like18 years (we wouldn’t want torush things). It is fab. And, therewill be the usual new artists tointro. Great stuff, altogether.Take a look at this month’sLiveIreland.com on yer’ ‘puter. Asthe regular reader knows, we alsoserve as the Irish music writer forDublin-based LiveIreland.com,which is far and away the web’smost popular and successful Irishmusic site. This month, we’re announcingthe winners of The Livies.These are the best of the tradrecordings released in 2005. Lotsof surprises. We’ll be in Dublin asyou read this promoting The Livies.These Awards will be joinedby our paper’s, Top TIR Awardsthis March. Proper recognition forthe best artists in the biz.Whew!! * Ta!The Snowflake Ball is hostedby the Beverly Area PlanningAssociation with the generoussupport of co-host and presentingsponsor Saint Xavier Universityand Grande Snowflake SponsorGilhooley’s Grande Saloon atSaint Xaivier University. TheSnowflake Ball is BAPA’s majorannual fundraiser. BAPA is anot-for-profit community basedorganizations founded in 1947 toserve the Beverly Hills/MorganPark neighborhood of Chicago.For more information, call 773-233-3100.Jim White, Pat and Conor Cunneen, John Devens, and Julia Dusek-Devens enjoying the fundraiser held for Irish Rep Theatre at O’Brien’sRestaurant last month.White, and the Devens are with the band, Dyed in the Wool, and JohnDevens owns World Folk Music Co., on the southside of Chicago.Conor is the author of the book, “Why Ireland Never Invaded America.”and a popular public speaker.

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 21“Music is Served” Monday’s on 90.9 FM‘Blarney Boys’ Bill Margeson and Shay Clarke on the air 7 pm. to 9 pm.Shay ClarkeI was born in Dublin in the 50sand as my column in Irish AmericanNews states I was “Raised on Songsand Stories”.I remember the first song thatmade me cry. I was seven or eightat the time and in my grandparent’shouse in Kells, Co. Meath. The songwas Kevin Barry and was sung acappella by George Heery, a visitorto the house that night.There was always music in thehouse of both my grandparents.There was always a button box accordionor a tin whistle.But if the soul of Ireland is in ourmusic then surely the heart of Irelandis in our songs. It’s always been aboutthe songs for me. I called my daughterSaoirse after a beautiful piece ofmusic by Sean O’Riada.The music and styles came in quicksuccession from the Clancy Brothers,The Dubliners and the Wolfe Tones.In the 70s we had the Furey Brothers,Emmet Spiceland, The Bothy Bandand Planxty. These were great timesindeed, but I had been seduced byrock-and-roll and played guitar in arock band for a while.My return to the fold came withHorslips, the first Celtic rock band.St. Margaretof Scotland’sSouthside SaintPatrick’s Day partyfundraiserCome share the memories ofSt. Margaret’s of Scotland onFebruary 26th. Since 1988 St.Margaret’s Parish has been in avery difficult financial situation.Although the situation is a littlebetter now it never ends. Ratherthan just soliciting the funds bymail we offer you a great ”OldFashioned” St. Patrick’s Dayparty in the “Old Neighborhood”.The evening will start with a6:00pm mass and will continuewith a variety of special guestsincluding Govoner Vaughn, oneof the top players in Globetrotterhistory. Come listen to DeidreReilly, Irish Americans “CountryColleen”, and Frank O’Haraand his “Right Material Band”,among others.The donation of $20 includescorned beef buffet, beer, softdrinks and entertainment. There’splenty of free parking. For ticketinformation call Dan or Brian(708) 636-8827 weekends orweekday evenings.The drummer Eamonn Carr was mycousin and his father before himwas a Ceili band drummer with theSilver Star Ceili Band in Kells Co.Meath. Horslips were and still are thebenchmark for Celtic rock and theirmusic broke all the traditions whileattracting a whole new generation ofCeltic music fans.I was a nightclub disc jockey from15 years of age to 37, besides my realjobs in the travel, and fashion industryin Dublin. I ran a nightclub onDublin’s famous Leeson St., MaxwellPlums before I came to America.I came to America in 1987 and becamea citizen 8 years later. I have oftensaid that I only became Irish whenI came to Chicago. I have promotedCeltic music through radio, festivals,Irish American News, concerts andpub gigs and I am fiercely proud ofthe wealth of Irish musical talent wehave in this city and country.Along with my buddy Bill Margeson,I promise you the most broadbasedCeltic music show on radio.Please join us every Monday nighton 90.9FM from 7-9 for BlarneyOn The Air.Bill MargesonBill is a native Chicagoan, andgrew up in La Grange, IL. He graduatedfrom Northern Illinois Universityin 1968 with a major in Speech. Hepaid his way through college workingas a studio musician on a number ofinstruments, including guitar andharmonica. He was also a memberof several rhythm and blues groups.Having married Maggie Watson in1974, he found himself being theson-in-law of legendary Dennis Watson.Dennis was one of the leadingChicago Irish musicians of the 1920sand 30s. Originally from Curraghboy,Co. Roscommon in Ireland, he wasa widely admired wooden flute anduillean pipes player. Bill remembers,When I would go out to his home inthe 1970’s on a Saturday morning,you could never tell who might bethere playing and discussing music,as well as learning tunes from him.One or two of The Chieftains mightdrop by when they were in own, plusgreat musicians like piper TommyKeane, whistle player Mary BerginYoung musicians come together to play Irish Music...and have a great time too!The Academy of Irish Music students meet once a week at the Irish-AmericanHeritage Center in Chicago. Students are divided into beginner, intermediate, andsenior groups based on ability and experience. The children come from all overthe the Metropolitan area. Most of them participate in school bands andorchestras; many are Suzuki trained. These kids enjoy playing Irish music andmaking new friends.GROUP LESSONS & PRIVATE CLASSESFlute | Whistle | Bodhran | Fiddle | Viola | CelloFor more information contact: Noel Rice, Director(773) 725-0300 • nrice@interaccess.comwww.academyofirishmusic.orgat the Irish American Heritage Center | 4626 North Knox Ave., Chicago, ILRByaised On Songsand StoriesShay Clarkeor fiddler Liz Carroll. It seemed asif there were hundreds!.Actually, Bill’s interest in Irishmusic was re-awakened at that time,but he had spent years in the 60’splaying for Irish dances in Chicagoat the now long gone BoulevardBallroom and other venues such asthe Keyman’s Club. For the last 15years, he has serve as the traditionalIrish music critic for Chicago’s IrishAmerican News. He also reviewsnew, traditional albums on theworld’s largest Irish music website,LiveIreland.com based out of Dublin,Ireland. In addition, Bill is also afrequent contributor to Irish MusicMagazine, also based out of Dublin.Through this international exposure,Bill is now the most widely read writerin the world on Irish traditionalmusic.” It seems,” says Bill with alaugh, “that all those musicians whowere at my father-in-law’s home arenow at mine. And we love it!”Bill and Shay can’t wait to bringthe best in Celtic music to listenersand they will have a ball doing it!Robert J. Sheehy & SonsBrothers James M. Sheehy and Robert J. Sheehy Jr.continue the family business established in 1913Dignity, Compassion, Caring ServiceFrom Our Family To Your FamilyRobert J. Sheehy & Sons hastended to the needs of families intheir time of grief since 1913. Theirservice to the south and southwestneighborhoods of Chicago andSuburbs has continued at their currentlocation at 4950 W. 79th Streetin Burbank since 1982.This rich heritage continues withthe opening of the second RobertJ. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home inOrland Park. The facility is locatedat 9000 W. 151st Street and can beconveniently accessed by manymajor streets and highways. Spaciousparking is available as well as manyother amenities. A walkout patio,smoking area and large coffee roomare provided to make our visitingfamilies and friends as comfortableas possible in their time of loss.Perhaps, most importantly, Bob andRobert J. Sheehy & Sons4950 W. 79th St.Burbank, IL 60459Jim Sheehy will provide that personalservice which only involved and concernedproprietors can offer.For three generations, The SheehyFamily has prided itself in theservice it has rendered to familiesin one of their most difficult times.As Bob Sheehy has said - “Manyfamilies tell us that they never realizedthat so much was involved. Deathis overwhelming for many peopleand they need time to deal withtheir grief. They put their trust in us tohelp them.”Put your trust in Robert J. Sheehy& Sons. You will be pleased with thedetailed and sympathetic attentionto every specific need.For more information regardingour services or convenient pre-planningarrangements, please call us at1-708-857-7878.(708) 857-7878Robert J. Sheehy & Sons9000 W. 151st StOrland Park, IL 60462

22 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 20063rd Annual Ireland Network Black Tie Ball February 25The Ireland Network invite youto join them for a night of fine diningand cocktails in the magnificentGrand Ballroom at the InterContinentalHotel on February 25th fbeginningwith cocktails at 7 pm.The evening will kick-off at 7 pm.with cocktails. Dinner will follow at8:00pm and the evening with continuewith music and dancing to the soundsof the fabulous Orchestra 33, whowere such a big hit last year thatthey were invited back.For preferential room rates,please contact the InterContinentaldirectly and reference theIreland Network event.Tickets are $125 per person whichincludes dinner and a full open bar.This event is open to non-networkmembers so feel free to invite whomeveryou wish. Tickets will be soldon a first-come, first-servebasis so reserve your table/ticketstoday with an R.S.V.P. to Rose.Whitehorne@ida.ie.Checks should be made payableto Ireland Network Chicago andsent to:Ireland NetworkC/O Paul CroninLaSalle Bank N.A. Suite 1160135 South LaSalle St.,Chicago, IL 60603Please include the mailing addresswhere you wish to receive the tickets onall correspondence to ensure your ticketsare mailed to the correct address.For more details on the networkor about the dinner go to www.irelandnetwork.net, or call Rose at312-236-0222.Debating Society competitionTrinity College Dublin’s UniversityPhilosophical Society andAIB have teamed up to launchPhil Speaks. The World’s OldestDebating Society is hosting thesecond year of the prestigiouscompetition which will see thousandsof students learn the skillsof public speaking.Last year the winners of thecompetition spent a week workingwith politicians such asMinister for Justice Michael Mc-Dowell, Minister for CommunicationNoel Dempsey and Labourleader Pat Rabbitte. Studentswere presented with their medalsfrom Archbishop DesmondTutu in front of a large audienceincluding two former Taoiseachand two Nobel Prize winners.The winner is also participatingKieran Conway will beperforming every Tuesdayin December at BobO’Reilly’s Pub (formerlyknown as Mary Todd’s)from 8 pm to 11 pm at695 LaGrange Road inFrankfort, and everyWednesday in December@ Gaelic Park from 9pmto 12am. 6119 West147th St, Oak Forest. Call@ 708-687-9323 or visitkieranconway.com formore info.FC05107IRAMNEWSJUNE 5/24/05 11:17 AM Page 1Indie Music adds staffLocal writers Catherine Tully andJoe Wallace, already accomplishedwriters and photographers, havejoined the staff of Indie-Music.com.They will be press and informationcontacts for independent musiciansworldwide, publishing reviews andcontributing to the website’s listingof venues, promoters, independentmusic labels, and other resources.Independent musicians can contactTully and Wallace at ctully@freelance-zone.com and jwallace@freelance-zone.com, or send a CDand press kit to : Catherine Tully/J.Wallace, Indie-Music.com, PO Box3339, Cary NC 27519-3339.in the English Speaking Union’sdebating championships in Durham.This year students will be debatingfor placements with toppoliticians. Prizes, such as a tripto Washington and MP3 players,will be presented in the springby former UN Secretary GeneralBoutros Boutros Ghali. Over 150schools are set to participate inPhil Speaks.There’s A Name ForThis Kind Of Welcome.We’ve made quite a name for ourselvesby regularly giving our guests morethan they bargained for. More space,comfort, amenities – plus all thehospitality you only get from an Irishfamily-owned and operated hotel.For guaranteed best rates, visitfitzpatrickhotels.com/chicagoFitzpatrick Chicago Hotel166 E. Superior St. • Chicago, IL 60611Steps from Chicago’s Magnificent MileIrish Hospitality With An American Accent1-800-367-7701

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 23Fitzpatrick Named Co-Chair of Duane Morris IP Litigation PracticeDuane Morris LLP has named Boston-basedpartner Anthony Fitzpatrickas the new Co-Chair of its burgeoningIntellectual Property Litigation PracticeGroup.Tony joins Atlanta partner Louis“Woody” Jameson as co-chair of theIP Litigation Practice Group, which isbecoming one of Duane Morris’ widestnational practice areas. During the pastyear, Woody has led the rapid expansion ofDuane Morris’ IP Litigation services.Duane Morris’ Intellectual PropertyPractice Group, chaired by Lewis Gould,which numbers more than 50 patent andtrademark attorneys, has grown by nearly50 percent in the last three years givingthe firm one of the larger groups of patentand trademark attorneys practicing in ageneral practice law firm.The firm’s patent and trademark attorneysand its IP litigators are based in mostof the firm’s nationwide offices. The IPPractice Group handles matters across thecountry as well as internationally.Like Woody, Tony is experienced inall forms of intellectual property disputes,with a concentration on patent and tradesecret matters. Over the past decade hehas litigated matters involving diversetechnologies, with a particular focuson biotechnology, medical devices, andother life sciences. Tony has representeda number of the world’s largest biotechnologycompanies in cases involving coreFormer Taoiseach John Bruton (center) while in Chicago recently tookout time to meet with IAN columnist Tom Boyle (left) and IAN publisherCliff Carlson. Look for comments from that meeting in next issue.products and technologies. He has beenlead counsel at trial in a number of patentcases and has appeared before the UnitedStates International Trade Commission.Tony is also skilled in IP matters involvingcopyrights, trademarks, trade secrets,rights of publicity, false advertising andthe Internet.Tony is admitted to practice in Massachusettsand his native Republic ofIreland. He holds law degrees fromUniversity College Dublin (Bachelorof Civil Law), the Honorable Societyof King’s Inns (Barrister-at-Law), andBoston University School of Law (J.D.).www.duanemorris.com.St. Patrick’s Dayvolunteers neededThe Young Irish Fellowship Clubis looking for volunteers to help withticket selling, fund raising, marketingand party planning. Get involved withthe Young Irish Fellowship Club andmake some new friends. Please contactBridget McLaughlin at membership@youngirish.com if you are interested involunteering or have any questions. Withyour help, we will make the 31st annualForever Green an event to remember!Join us at the Grand Ballroom forForever Green 31, March 17, 2006!WORLD FOLK MUSIC CO.“A music store dedicated to the Celtic musician and student”Traditional Sean-nos Vocal TrainingLessons available in Celtic and FolkRock styles from instru ctor, RossCrean. Ross has sung with the Chicago,Moscow, Toronto, and SanFrancisco Symphonies as well aswith the Parisian Chamber Consortin Paris, France.“Ross Crean has a truly phenomenalvoice. His spare acoustic accompaniment and sensitive lyrics arethe perfect backdrop for this exceptional vocal talent.”Songplanet RadioInstruction also available in all traditional Irish instruments.1808 West 103rd Street Chicago, IL 60643773-779-7059“In the southside’s beautiful Beverly neighborhoodwww.worldfolkmusic.company.com• 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 BussHo m e o f Il l i n o i sSp e c i a l Oly m p i c sCe l e b r i t y Go l f Ou t i n gGol f Ye a r Ro u n d!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

Job # HYP098AFile Name - HYP098A.IrishAmericanNews24 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006‘The Fighting 69th’ Film Unites ‘Dixie,’ ‘Irishers’Come ToA “Reel” Irish HooleySing Laugh DanceNorthsideTuesday March 7, 2006White Eagle Restaurant6839 N. Milwaukee AveNiles, Illinois 60714FeaturingDublin Born Recording ArtistKathleen GilhoolyDrummer/ComedianPaddy GilhoolyKeyboard/Piano AccordianDon ReitsmaSpecial Guest Appearanceby Legendary Singing CowboyCal StarrSenior AppreciationNoon Luncheon & ShowSouthsideThursday March 9, 2006The Lexington House7717 W 95th St.Hickory Hills, Illinois 60457Early Bird Special!!!$22 (before Feb. 1, 2006)After Feb. 1 $ 30 - Seniors $ 25708-361-6067Free Door Prizes(Irish Gift Baskets)Call for Group RatesFuture Dates in May, July, September, October, and December TBA*Also Taking Bookings for Your Senior FunctionsBy Liam Murphy, TheWildGeese.comIt was Confederate commander RobertE. Lee who first called the 69th New YorkInfantry regiment the “Fighting 69th,” asobriquet the unit, today part of the NewYork Army National Guard, still carriesproudly. This nickname that would findits way onto theaters marquees acrossthe United States in 1940, when JimmyCagney and Pat O’Brien helped furtherthe regiment’s fame in the popular movie“The Fighting 69th.”During World War I, the 69th was assignedto the Rainbow Division, alongwith National Guard units from many otherstates, including those from the formerConfederacy. In a memorable scene, Irish-American soldiers find themselves face toface with that legacy, as Alabama guardsmenrecall a confrontation between the onetimefoes at Marye’s Heights, during theDecember 1862 battle of Fredericksburg.Gen. Douglas MacArthur, son of a Virginiamother and a regular Union Armyofficer and Medal of Honor recipient, hadpersonally assembled the Rainbow Divisionfrom the cream of National Guardregiments nationwide; he brigaded the Old69th (temporarily redesignated the 165thU.S. Infantry) with the old 4th Alabama(soon redesignated the 167th U.S. Infantry,but formerly part of Robert E. Lee’s ConfederateArmy of Northern Virginia) in the85th Infantry Brigade.This partnership elicited some commentwhen the Alabamians arrived in the frozennorth to train with the 69th at Camp Millson Long Island, a scene portrayed in the film.Guinan “Big Boy” Williams, portrayingPaddy Dolan of the 69th, welcomed one ofthe Alabamians addressing him as “Dixie.”The Southerner, after commenting on thecold weather, asked which unit Dolan wasfrom, to which the answer was the 69th. ASoutherner asked if that was the “69th Irishers.”Another Southerner then recognizedthe name, adding “we whup your pants.”The Alabamians then got onto an altercationwith “Big Boy,” which threatened todevelop into a riot until the intervention ofFather Francis Duffy, chaplain of the 69th(played by Pat O’Brien) and Colonel “WildBill” Donovan, commanding officer of the69th (portrayed by Shannonbridge, CountyDublin native George Brent).In the scene, Donovan, who would laterbecome the nation’s top spymaster as directorof the Office of Strategic Servicesin World War 2, explained that the assaultof the Irish Brigade (including the 69thNew York Volunteer Infantry) on Marye’sHeights had indeed been repulsed by theArmy of Northern Virginia, which includedthe 4th Alabama. But he noted the Southernerswere so impressed with the IrishBrigade’s gallantry that they cheered themall along the Confederate line. In fact, the4th Alabama was a part of Law’s Brigade ofHood’s Division (the right of Longstreet’sCorps), and therefore not directly oppositethe 69th. Hence, the regiment was in a positionto both see and cheer the gallantry ofthe Irish Brigade.After this, all was forgiven, and the units’record during the war reflected cooperation.The Confederate cheering that Brent’scharacter related to the Southerners wasnot Hollywood invention, but fact, documentedin a letter by Confederate Maj. Gen.George E. Pickett to his wife. In it he wrote:“Your Soldier’s heart almost stood still ashe watched those sons of Erin fearlesslyrush to their death. The brilliant assaulton Marye’s Heights of their Irish Brigadewas beyond description. Why, my darling,we forgot they were fighting us, and cheerafter cheer at their fearlessness went up allalong our lines.”Tradition holds that when Robert E.Lee was informed that the 69th (whichhad performed so gallantly during theSeven Days Battles and the PeninsulaCampaign as well as at Bull Run) hadtaken the field at Fredericksburg, Leeremarked, “Ah, yes, that Fighting 69th.”The rest, as they say, is history.Life in this tiny Irish town is about to become absolutely magical…A modern-day fairy tale about love, life, and a new kind of happy ending.THE I RISH TIMES #1 BESTSELLERMeet Cecelia!1/20 Milwaukee, WI 1/21 Dayton, OH1/23 Cincinnati, OHVisit CeceliaAhernBooks.com for full tour and details.ALSO AVAILABLE ON

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 25Is This Traditional?by Bill MargesonOkay, this gets interesting.The five-member group, The Bridies,may well be the hottest thing out ofIreland right now. Much of the currentbuzz and notoriety started with whatis the cleverest, most hysterical, intelligentand satirical take on Ireland indecades. Entitled, A Nice Bit A’ Hamfrom the new album 13, the song takesan insightful, devastating and lovinglook at rural Irish culture. It receivedmassive airplay in Ireland, sold a tonand threw the band into the nationalspotlight. It also stirred the controversy,but let’s save that for a bit later.Credentials come first! The flashand craic in the group on stage is ledby the two fiddlers, Maire Egan andBrenda Curtin. Maire is from Offaly,and Brenda from Tournafulla, Co.Limerick. Both come from familiessteeped in traditional music. Wewon’t get boringly specific here, butthese girls’ curriculum vitaes includenumerous All-Ireland titles on fiddle,bodhrán and lilting, with Brenda alsochecking in with a BA Degree in music.As the mega-hit, dance-show wondersof Ireland, both Lord of the Dance andRiverdance could have their choicefrom the greatest Irish musicians, itis more than slightly telling that bothproductions chose Maire and Brendaas featured soloists with their shows.No disagreement here, both are superbmusicians and beautiful singers, wellgrounded in the tradition.Maire’s sister, Eilis may well be thetraditional soul of the group. On stagewith The Bridies she plays keyboards,flute, percussion and box. One of themusicians from the original Riverdanceorchestra, playing her two-anda-halfrow C# D Saltarelle button box,Éilís is also a founding member of theseminal trad band of the 90’s, Reeltime.One of Ireland’s most sought-after sessionmusicians, she has also performedwith The Frankie Gavin Quartet, fellowRiverdance musician, Eileen Iver’sshow, and is a featured soloist with theRTE Concert Orchestra.Drummer and vocalist MichelleMulhaire comes from a solid trad background,but with a twist. Granddaughterof the legendary traditional musicianand composer, Tommy Mulhaire, hercareer was heretofore more in the rock,pop and jazz areas. Michelle grew uplistening to her dad Brendan, legendof the showband era in Ireland in the60’s, and uncle Martin, renowned accordionistin New York. She also playsa solid guitar and shares the group’slead singing responsibilities.Guitarist Michael Galvin has ledsuch a varied professional career, sufficeit to say he is in huge demand as astudio musician and concert performer.Regarded by many of the cognoscentias the best guitar player in Ireland, (anassertion which embarrasses him andis certainly unprovable), the fact he isconsidered in that echelon tells all.The Bridies were born in Las Vegasof all places! They came togethercentered around the production ofLord of the Dance, then housedat the hotel-casino New York NewYork. The show later moved to TheVenetian for yet another successfulrun when Brenda and Maire startedperforming together as The Bridieson their Monday nights off. Thebookings and attention generatedthe band as it is now known. Thegroup decided to take the big leap,leave Lord of the Dance and set offon a series of performances designedto make The Bridies into a viablefull-time gig. Occasionally, Brendaand Maire re-join Michael Flatleysuch as when they opened the NorthAmerican swing of his new show,Celtic Tiger, by performing with himin Toronto, Boston and New York.Then, back to The Bridies.Because of their talent and longearnedconnections in the business,The Bridies started to tour almostimmediately. They were flying justunder the big-time radar, as far asthe general public was concerned,but all that changed with this year’sNice Bit A’ Ham.Bam! Front and center! Seldomhas an Irish group been better preparedfor the whirlwind that hasfollowed. Mature, professionallyseasoned and with a real perspective,the musicians are loving everyminute of the journey now.Introduced in a major venue toAmerican audiences through thelegendary Milwaukee Irish Fest lastAugust, the band had three to fourthousand fans on their feet at eachshow. The Bridies had thundered ontothe scene for the Yanks.Happy beginning. Happy ending.Happy story. Nothing is that easy androsy, is it? Especially in Irish music.With all the success and growingfame, there have been few if any, morecontroversial acts in Irish music in thelast decade. Maybe ever. It is becauseof their very success itself, and thefact that they are female (save ofcourse guitarist and latecomer to thegroup, Mike Galvin) All art formsare liberally salted with jealousy,condescension and “ holier than thous“. Irish music is no exception, to saythe least. Certainly, The Bridies haveintentionally and joyously added tothe controversy themselves.The show. Imagine Riverdance withoutthe dancing. Well actually, there isdancing, let’s just not use the word “traditional”.The band is surely the hardestworking group onstage in Irish music.Few would argue that. Here come theproblems. The Show is unbelievablyenergetic, funny, bold, brassy, bright .. . and brace yourself........... SEXY !!.The music ranges from a wonderful,solidly traditional take on a trad classicsuch as The Moving Cloud, to a closingnumber of the Isley Brothers’ 1959rock classic, Shout. All of it is “ fullon “, be it album or live performance.Add to all of this to the group’s intenseinteraction with the audience, and youbegin to get the picture.Now, all this entertaining assaultis too much for many of the Magic200. The Magic 200 are the “ ‘auldones “. They have been around, orperformed Irish music, in some casesfor decades. No one knows how manythere actually are. No one knows howto join the group. No one knows whothey are. They don’t themselves knowthat they are in the group. Nevertheless,the Magic 200 opinions on thesematters are supposed to count. “ Is thisIrish? “, and “ Is this traditional? “ arethe 200’s obsessive and key concerns.The judgment is passed and the movingfinger moves on. Here are The Top TenCriteria if you want to be condemnedby The 200. When it comes to this list,The Bridies score a perfect 10:1. Become highly popular. Havethree thousand at a performanceyelling, laughing and dancing in theseats. No one can tell you what “ toopopular” is, but it exists and mustnot be ignored!2. Have a hit record that is notfully traditional.3. Be female. Cherish The Ladiesgets a pass, but they had to worktheir hearts out for years to get thatpass, while The 200 decided.4. Be aggressive. The 200’s antennaewere on high alert when, early on,Bridie, Eilis Egan stated, “ We planto do for Irish music what MichaelFlatley did for Irish dancing.” Thatalone set them spinning.5. God forbid, be sexy, in aharmless, family-oriented way, andDO NOT SWING YOUR TUSHONSTAGE!! EVER!!6. Do not “ take your place andwait your turn “.7. Really, deeply, truly enjoyyourself onstage or off.8. Refuse to sing at least one depressingsong in each set. (Currentjoke making the musicians’ rounds.“Be like the Irish boomerang. Itnever returns. It just sings abouthow much it wants to.”9. Be somehow, “not Irish “. . .whatever that means.10. Refuse to play a Michael Colemantune exactly as he did, while youmake a lot of money.There are more, but you get thedrift. There were one or two of TheMagic 200 at Milwaukee, and they“pronounced”. The Bridies were neitherIrish nor traditional! “Over the top.”Here’s the secret. The Bridies couldcare less. This is a confident group ofmusicians. “No one loves to go to aseisun in a pub more than I do,” statesMaire. “I’m the first one to stay until4:00 in the morning, but there is more.”“More” is what The Bridies are about.We don’t remember a bolder group ofwomen on the Irish music stage. Or onemore talented.A group like The Bridies challengesthe fundamental assumptionsof traditional music. Contrary to whatsome think, there was never a timewhen you could point and say, “Now,this is when Irish music was the realdeal. Traditional.” Those who thinkthere was such a moment fail to understandthe art form itself, or musicin general. If you want to get a greatdebate going with trad musicians andfans, simply ask them what traditionalIrish music is. Sit back and watch thefur fly. We have seen two of the greatestIrish trad musicians in history, PaulBrock and Manus McGuire debate theissue. We remember asking PaddyMaloney of The Chieftains what tradmusic is, “Oh, no no. That’s a trap,” helaughingly responded. Morrison andColeman changed the tunes as theyplayed them. So did pianist, EleanorNeary--maybe just a tiny bit, but restassured she had her own take for PigeonOn The Gate. Ruby Murray hadher version of If I Were A Blackbird.No one sang Molly Malone like FrankHarte. Or, Margaret Barry’s, TheFactory Girl. This is what makes anyform of music vibrant in the first place.Each artist brings his or her own appetiteto the table. Traditional musicembodies and thrives on that fact.When questioned about the flashfactor, Michelle wades in with a smile,“We ARE over the top! Look, we existto entertain our audience. We have adeep respect and love for traditionalmusic and it is the very bedrock ofwhat we do. But, we are flashy. That’sthe whole point! When we drawthousands to a show, or were asked toperform at Croke Park, Centre Field,for the All-Ireland Hurling QuarterFinal last August, we know we areentertaining people.”In less than two years, the group hasproduced two albums. The first was4 and 9, and it had a fair bit of playand notice on Irish radio and in thepress. It really was, however, 13 thatjump-started the wider popularity andexposure. The group is touring Irelandat the moment launching the newalbum. Be it a documentary for BBCNorthern Ireland last year, a comingtour of the Middle East, or a return toIrish Fest in Milwaukee, the calendaris filling earlier and earlier.None of the success, however,answers The 200’s questions or criticisms.Forget for a moment that TheBridies ignore them. Is there meritto the criticisms? Depends on yourpoint of view. First, it is incrediblyarrogant and stupid to comment that“ what they do is not “Irish.” Bunk. IsU2 Irish? Is Riverdance Irish ? PierceBrosnan? Popular artist, Michael Fitzharris?Of course. So, an inside wordto The 200 -- drop the “non-Irish” bit. It makes you look silly.Now, on to the part where TheBridies are accused of being “nottraditional.” They aren’t. Key pointhere. They never claimed to be. It is,however, unarguable that what theydo is almost all traditionally based.But, to accuse The Bridies of not beingtraditional misses the point. It islike condemning Jaws for not being acomedy. Right. And, your point?We are well old enough to rememberthe day when legend Bob Dylanplugged in and played an electric guitarinstead of an acoustic one at theNewport, Rhode Island Folk Festivalin the 60’s. Furor. Storms. Opinionatedaggro left and right. Threats.Musical Armageddon! The Folk 200 (yes, there is also a Folk 200) weighedin, and were busy chewing on Dylanwhen another legend, Johnny Cash,weighed in. “ Let the boy sing.” Withthat still-remembered and eloquentquote, Cash ended the matter thenand there. That great Irish character,Maggie Barry bought this writerhis first Guinness in the 60’s. Whenasked about the different kinds ofmusic and their relative merits, shememorably replied, “ Ahh, it’s allmusic, isn’t it?” Yes, Maggie, it is.

26 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Dying Together: From Bull Run to BaghdadB y J o s e p h E . G a n n o n ,TheWildGeese.comMillions of people across theworld were horrified when theyheard reports of the tragedy of HurricaneKatrina in New Orleans. Onesuch group was far from home andsurely more horrified than any other:the men and women of the LouisianaArmy National Guard in Iraq. Nowthey have returned home, but forsome it may not be to the same livesthey left behind a year ago.While in Iraq they served withanother group of soldiers whobecame familiar with immensetragedy: The famous “Fighting”69th of the New York Army NationalGuard, which was calledupon to assist their fellow NewLooking for a Great Atmosphereand Custom Menus for Your Special Event?Call and Make YourReservation NOW312-335-8121FAX 312-335-8151We’ve Got the Answer!Get with the craicIRISH STYLEat Chicago’s Newest Hot SpotThe Kerryman661 N Clark StYorkers on 9/11. This was notthe first close contact betweenthe 69th and combat units fromLouisiana, however.On a late afternoon of a pleasantJuly 1st, southeast of Richmond,Va., in 1862, grimly determinedmen dressed in blue from the 69thand 88th New York Volunteers ofthe Irish Brigade were orderedinto a wooded section of MalvernHill. There, they encounteredequally determined men wearinggray, including the men of the 10thLouisiana Volunteers.Soldiers seldom met in hand-tohandfighting during the AmericanCivil War, but on this occasion theydid. Face to face, they killed andwounded each other with bayonets,bowie knives, clubbed muskets, andbare hands. The 10th Louisiana,which would come to be known as“Lee’s Foreign Legion,” includedmany men from Ireland. No doubt atsome point in the tangle of humanityIrishmen foughtIrishmenWhen it was over the Confederateshad been repulsed with heavylosses, but the New York regimentshad suffered, too, losing 22 killedand more than 100 wounded. The10th had lost 22 dead and 36 wounded,with 26 captured, including theircommanding officer, Colonel Waggaman.The dead and wounded werestrewn along the ground, as they hadbeen at the first major battle at BullRun and would be in every majorbattle in the East during the war.On Jan. 6, 2005, just outsidethe village of Awad Al-Hussein, inIraq, six National Guard soldiersfrom Louisiana and one from NewYork, serving in the 256th InfantryBrigade, the “Tiger” Brigade,died in the same Bradley fightingvehicle, after a roadside bombdetonated. Louisianians and a NewYorker, dying together again, 142years later, but this time fighting acommon enemy.The New Yorker was newly wedKenneth VonRonn, from upstatePine Bush. The Louisianians wereKurt Comeaux, of Raceland; HueyFassbender, of LaPlace; WarrenMurphy; of Marrero; and threemen from Houma, with a populationof about 30,000: BradleyBergeron, Christopher Babin, andArmand Frickey. That three froma town could perish while servingtogether in a conflict illustratesa danger that exists in NationalGuard units. As was the case inthe Civil War, volunteer units fromwhom many Guard units tracetheir lineage: Bad news from thebattlefield can wreak tremendouspain on small communities.The 256th Infantry “Tiger” Brigade(Mechanized) is based inLouisiana, and traces its nicknameto the 1st Special Louisiana “Tiger”Battalion of the Civil War. Duringits deployment to Iraq, it includedNational Guard troops from Minnesotaand Wisconsin, as well asthe men of the 69th. The permanentunits of the 256th include the156th Infantry and the 141st Field80 Years and 4 Generations of ServiceIn 1924 Harry P. Sullivan opened on 63rd and Claremont in Chicago.His son, Raymond J. Sullivan worked with him and helped open a second location at 63rd and Western.His son, Terry M. Sullivan, worked with him, and in 1984Terry opened the Downers Grove location.For the last 5 years, his son Brian has worked withhim.When the need arises, the Sullivans and their staff of specialistswill be there to help you make arrangements.Whether you choose burial or cremation, their beautifulfuneral home provides a perfect setting where families canmeet, console, reminisce and share.630.968.10004343 Main Street, Downers GroveTerry & Brian Sullivan

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 27Artillery of the Louisiana NationalGuard. The 141st Field Artillerywas formed as the WashingtonArtillery in 1838 and first foughtwith Zachary Taylor in the MexicanWar. During the Civil War it was,arguably, the most famous artilleryunit of Robert E. Lee’s Armyof Northern Virginia. On Dec. 13,1862, its guns, frowning down fromMarye’s Heights in Fredericksburg,Va., helped repulsethe desperate chargethat included the 69thand the rest of theIrish Brigade.The 156thInfantry’s historypredates Louisiana’sstatehood,and it has somethingin common with the69th: There is an Irishelement to its origins. The156th traces its history to the“The Regiment of City Militia” ofNew Orleans, organized in 1769 bythe governor of Louisiana province.The province was then under Spain’scontrol, and the man whom theSpanish had appointed governor ofthe province was General Don Alejandro“Bloody” O’Reilly, born inBaltrasna, County Meath, in 1723.The 69th has often invoked itsspiritual connection to the Irish Brigadethat served in the French armyfor 100 years preceding the FrenchRevolution. In the Union Army,Irish Brigade commander ThomasFrancis Meagher at times used thebattle cry, “Remember Fontenoy,”referring to the greatest victory ofFrance’s Irish Brigade.Spain also had a long history ofIrishmen serving in its army, extendinginto the 19th century. One ofthe most famous was the HiberniaRegiment, formed in 1710. O’Reillyserved in that regiment, joining itas a cadet while still a child. Heeventually rose so high in the esteemof the Spanish government that hewas sent to retake the Louisianaprovince in 1769, following a revoltthere by French residents. This hedid, earning his sobriquet, “Bloody,”by executing six of the insurrectionleaders, and forming militiaregiments to help control the region.Thus, through him, the 156th canclaim connection to the Irish regimentsof Spain.The 156th has continued on insome form. In the Civil War, itbecame the 2nd and 3rd LouisianaVolunteer Infantry regiments.The 2nd fought in allmajor battles of Lee’sArmy from the springof 1862 throughthe war’s end. Innearly every one,the soldiers of the69th were fightingon the otherside. That includedMalvern Hill, wherethe two units fought ondifferent parts of the field.In the end, 10 men of the69th lost their lives in Iraq, and 9soldiers from Louisiana died whileserving with the 69th. Many of theLouisiana guardsmen were fromthe New Orleans area. In the wakeof Hurricane Katrina, they foundthemselves more worried abouttheir friends and family at homethan about their own well-being. Thetown of Houma, which lost threeof its sons in one day in January inIraq, has been hosting refugees fromNew Orleans.The days when soldiers from Louisianaand New York were trying to killeach other is a part of history. The menof these storied military units are nowcomrades who fought, and in somecases, died, together, on the roadsand fields in Iraq. These former foes’service represents yet a new chapterin American military history.From traditional to contemporary,five Irish women put a moderntwist on Celtic sounds.CD AND DVD AVAILABLE NOWFor details visitwww.CelticWoman.comTHE NEWCONCERTPHENOMENONDIRECT FROMIRELAND IS ONTOUR THISSPRING!Celtic Woman PresentsThe See It On PBS TM logois a trademark of thePublic Broadcasting Service.© 2004. All rights reserved.© 2006 Manhattan RecordsAvailable in stores now —the solo albums from Chloë, Órla, Lisa, Máiréad, and Méav!

28 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006AWord WithFather BolandThe Voice of Catholic Charities of the Archdioceseof Chicago Administrator, CatholicCharities of the Archdiocese of ChicagoWinter is always a tough timefor people who are struggling tomake ends meet—and this winter,with its early onset of bitter coldand lots of snow, is already compoundingthe perpetual problemsfaced by people at the lower endof the earning scale, or living ona fixed income.This year, unusually highheating bills and other factorsare making life harder for morepeople who can least affordit. Here are some “signs of thetimes” that Catholic Charitiesis seeing this winter that affectseniors in particular.While many seniors managecomfortably on pensions, socialsecurity and investment income,most live on fixed incomes withoutother resources. Joan McConnell,Catholic Charities’ SeniorSpecialist, who also oversees allphone requests for help cominginto Catholic Charities Informationand Referral Departmentfrom callers of all ages, tells methat we now average 300 calls aday from Chicago alone! The majorityof calls are for emergencyassistance: food, clothing, shelter,rent, utilities. Normally, throughthe excellent efforts of CatholicCharities’ Emergency AssistanceDepartment, we can meet theneeds of most of our callers. Butin the winter, hard as we try, wecan help only about 150 peoplea day, because more requests forutilities payments take up moreof our available funds. We referpeople we can’t help to otheragencies and sources of fundingfor which they may be qualified.Joan herself takes all the callsfrom seniors over 60 years of age.In December, Joan noticed twoalarming trends: seniors’ requestsswitched to rent and mortgage;and she has received “an enormousnumber of calls this yearversus last year for heat!” Sheexpects this number to go up. Thereasons are simple: most seniorswho call us are on fixed incomes;they have to pay rent, eat and payutilities; and some receive only$500 per month to live on.Catholic Charities caseworkerswork hard to help poor seniors obtainhelp from a variety of sourcesfor a variety of problems such as:Commodity Supplemental FoodPrograms for nutrition; IllinoisCares RX and Medicaid for pharmaceuticalassistance; HomesteadExemptions and Circuit Breakersfor tax relief. These are just a fewways we try to help our seniors’dollars “stretch” further.In addition, we help them accessLiHeap, Homeless Preventionand other grants and stronglyencourage them to make “goodfaith payments” to the utilitiescompanies. Despite all these conscientiousefforts, however, seniorsand others on fixed incomessink deeper and deeper into debtevery year. Their income is sosmall and their gas heating debtsare so large that they live in constantdanger of having their heatshut off. Government, industry,businesses, utility companiesand non-profit agencies must allwork together to redouble effortsto assist and protect our neediestlow-income elderly.A similar pattern of greaterneeds and growing numbers of seniorshas emerged in the suburbs.For example, Catholic Charities’North and Northwest suburbanregions recently launched a TuesdayEvening Supper in additionto their Thursday meal, whichhosted 80 people. Now 50-60guests enjoy each hot, sit-downmeal served at Catholic CharitiesFamily Services Center at 1717Rand Road in Des Plaines. Lastyear, a clothing room was added.Homeless guests compriseabout a third of our diners, a thirdare low-income families whosebreadwinner is usually underemployedor underpaid; and thefinal third of our guests are over65 years of age. While the elderlyare not homeless, they do live onrigid, fixed incomes. But manymore seniors now patronize theNorthwest region’s food pantryas they try to balance their budgetsbetween medication, rent,food, clothing and utilities; andtake advantage of the commodityfoods that are part of CatholicCharities’ Mother and ChildFood and Nutrition program.Although this winter promisesto be difficult, particularlyfor low- or fixed-income seniors,Catholic Charities is determinedto make this New Year warmerand brighter for seniors in need.If you can help, visit our website at www.catholiccharities.net, and click on “Donate,” ormail to Catholic Charities ofthe Archdiocese of Chicago, c/oEmergency Assistance, 721 N.LaSalle St., 4th Floor, Chicago,IL 60610. If you need help,please call (312) 655-7717.Bridget McLaughlin with candidate for State Treasurer AlexiGiannoulias at The Irish Fellowship Christmas LuncheonYOU WOULDN’T TRUST JUSTANYONE TO DRIVE YOUR CAR,So why trust anycompany to insure it?Don’t trust just anyone to insureyour car, see me:Like a good neighbor,State Farm is there. ®Tom Ryan17256 Oak Park Ave.Tinley Park, IL 60477(708)532-5040State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ)State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) • Home Offices, Bloomington, Illinois

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 29An Immigrant’sMusingsFr. Michael LeonardConflicting Views onImmigration ReformOn November 17, the House HomelandSecurity Committee, under theleadership of Peter King (R-NY)passed a Border Enforcement only bill,which was supported by Republicansand Democrats. The new legislationauthorizes more funding for BorderPatrol agents, funds physical barriersand surveillance technology, andpromotes cross-border internationalagreements. The legislation’s nextstop is the House Judiciary Committee,whose chair, Rep. James Sensenbrenner(R-Wis.), has been working onhis own border security legislation.But members who favor a comprehensiveimmigration bill -- one thatincludes a guestworker plan -- arecomplaining that House leaders aretaking too narrow an approach byfocusing only on the borders andnot on other changes in immigrationpolicies.Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., is cosponsoringlegislation that includesa guestworker program that wouldallow workers to ultimately apply forpermanent citizenship. “Everyoneknows if you’re going to have enforcement,you have to have laws you canenforce,” Flake said. “I think [leaders]want to make a statement that we’redoing something because we haven’tgotten off the dime; they just want astatement bill.”In the Senate…The next day (November 18), abipartisan group of Senators officiallyintroduced S. 2075, the DREAM Actof 2005, giving new life to legislationthat has been in a holding pattern sincethe beginning of the year.The sponsors of the DREAM Actof 2005 are Richard Durbin (D-IL),Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and RichardLugar (R-IN). The DREAM Actpermits undocumented high schoolgraduates who immigrated to the U. S.as minors and who have lived in theU.S. for at least five years, to apply forlegal status, pursue a college educationor join the military and becomeU.S. citizens. It will become law ifpassed by both houses of Congressand signed by the President beforethe end of 2006.Meanwhile,The Chairman of the Senate JudiciaryCommittee, Senator ArlenSpecter, has circulated a draft of acompromise immigration bill thatdoes not include guest worker provisionsfavored by President Bush,but does favor dramatic increases inlegal immigration limits in the UnitedStates.In a letter to colleagues, Mr. Spectercalled his document “a discussiondraft intended to move the debate forwardin anticipation of the Senate takingup immigration reform early nextyear.” He added, “I do not necessarilyendorse every provision included.”Specter has agreed with a numberof his colleagues’ proposals (Cornyn/Kyl) including one to allow illegalaliens to return home and then re-enterthe U.S. on a path to citizenship.Senator Specter would increase thecap on family preference immigrantsby 254,000 a year, raise the cap onemployment-based visa by 150,000a year, “recapture” unused visas andexempt family members from caps aswell, thereby greatly increasing thenumber of green cards available.Senate aides said Mr. Specter’s draftserved as a marker to ensure that hiscommittee would play a role in shapingany legislation. By starting the debate,EXECUTIVE CLASS TOURSCO. GALWAY, IRELANDIrish Vacation SpecialistsPrivate Group Specials (FREE PLACES)Chauffeur Drive SpecialsGolf Specialswww.executivetours.iehe has made it harder for Senateleaders to take up on the floor a morerestrictive immigration bill that mightbe passed by the House, where conservativeopponents of the president’sproposal have a stronger hand.And, finally…At the end of November PresidentBush visited several Southwest statesto publicize his plan to solve the immigrationcrisis. He promoted whathe called a three-point plan, with thefirst point being the “prompt returnof every illegal entrant we catch onthe border, with no exceptions.” Thesecond, he said, is to correct “weakand unnecessary provisions in our immigrationlaws.” And the third: he saidhe and Congress would create a newtemporary guest-worker plan to matchwilling employers with workers whowill do jobs “Americans will not do.”Best WishesOn behalf of all at C.I.I.S I takethis opportunity to wish our readersand supporters a blessed New Year.It is our fervent prayer that 2006 willbring one and all every success. Wehope and pray especially that all ourundocumented brothers and sistersmay receive the long awaited anddesperately needed immigration lawchanges that would permit them toexperience all the benefits that thisgreat country has to offer.Should you have any comments,questions etc. please feel free tocontact me at 312-337-8445 Cell.773-677-5341 or E-mail: siochan@catholic.orgTheDooleybrothersfrom Irish Favorites to50’s & 60’s Rock N’ RollSolo to 5 PiecesParties • Festivals • WeddingsWe wish you the best in 2006from Joe, Jim, Mike and BillCome join us by a cozy turffire with a friend & a favoritebeverage at theFifth Province,IAHC, 4626 N. Knox,Chicago 9:15 pm-12:30amJAN 28 (SAT) & FEB. 10 (FRI)Road 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.comJack Hartman; the new president of the Irish Fellowship Club, andTerrence O’Brien; president of the Metropolitan Water ReclamationDistrict, enjoying the Irish Fellowship Club Christmas Luncheon.

30 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Celtic WeddingsEverything you need under oneroof! Irish harp, fiddles, food,favors, costume, calligraphy ~every Celtic tradition for yourevent. Rev. Rebecca and GlenEagles Country Club have it allprepared for you. 888-80-RITESwww.revreb.comceremonies@aol.comCondo For RentDOWNTOWN ChicagoRiver North/Gallery District630 N FranklineBrand new contemporary condowith PARKING, just steps from90/94. Floor to ceiling windows,modern shades, hardwood floors,dishwasher, washer & dryer,667 sq ft with 105 ft terraceavailable Jan 1 – call for a walkthrough:(773) 646-1313 ask for Pam(773) 612-6564 ask for Dan(312) 339-6748 ask for DanaBelleek 4 SaleC. Irish Belleek Coffee Set. 7”pot,Covered Sugar, Creamer, 3Cups/saucers, Tridacna Pattern;6th Mk 1965-80. $700.00 847-825-4640, ArleneWantedIrish memorabilia, old souvenirs,Wade Porcelain, AntiquarianBooks, Irish Coins, Ephemeraand Sheet Music Pre 1930. Tom847-296-2133Want-Book Prints, Old Photos.Call Sean at 718-482-7624or email: kelticart@aol.comCorkRent house - ocean viewSeveral ocean view to choosefrom. Weekly rentals on the BearaPeninsula in Southwest Co. Corknear Glengarriff and Bantry Bay. Selfcatering, complete with all you needto cook with! Built by an American forAmerican tastes.Carey’s OceanfrontRentals:www.aaairishvacations.com or 011-353-127-60116.KerryBeautiful OceanfrontCottage in Dingle for rentNewly remodeled and furnished.Four bedroom, four bath cottagewith a fabulous view of the oceanat the mouth of Dingle harbor.Short walk to beach and only twomiles from Dingle town. Sleeps 8-10. Call Colleen 312-399-8793Cottage Mary RoseStay in a historic white-washed,thatched cottage. Updatedwith all of the comforts of today.Set in an idyllic pastoralsetting, in the heart ofthe southwest. Sleeps 6. CallWilliam Harty 630-790-9902Website: cottagemaryrose.comIs Your Name Here?Family Name History & Coat ofArms. Best quality. Web Store:http://jamesrea.safeshopper.com. Store Address: Names &Frames 3701 Durand Ave. ElmwoodPlaza LL 505 Racine, WI53405. 262-554-8990. OpenM T W 1-5, TH 10-2. 10% off$50+ with this ad. “Quick TurnaroundOn Shipping”Business 4 SaleW. Suburbs, turn key, authenticirish bar and Restaurant.Includes: bar, restaurant, house,property, business & Equipment.$699,000. Call vince ferraro @847.778.3571.Business 4 SaleOwn the tour that travels backto the time of the Great ChicagoFire 1871. This historic saleincludes three antique fire trucksand two kiosks on MichiganAvenue. Call George of O’LearyTours at (312) 287.6565. www.olearysfiretours.com.Man Wanted!Beautiful European lady, 41,blonde, full-figured, kind, elegant,educated. Looking for45-65 kind, sincere, gentledisposition man for marriage.(708)955-3690Great OpportunityGreat Opportunity! Own & operatea profitable European ImportStore & Building for under$200,000. Customer Loyalty &Great Merchandise can be yours.Call Patti Thayer 815-395-6803,Whitehead, Inc.Retail AccountReps NeededFor Wholesaler of unique& competitively priced Irish,Scottish & Celtic style clothing.Screen art, embroidery & 3-Dembossing. Pricing starting atonly $5.91 per garment. Commissionspaid upon order placements.(410) 713-0245.ConcreteDriveways * Patios *Walkways * Garage Slabs708.422.2599or 708.218.8149Condo For SaleCondo For Sale - Lakefront- Chicago NorthSpacious 800 Sq. Ft. 1 BR/1BA in elegant 1930’s artdeco bldg. 151K. Next doorto park & lakefront. Steps totrain, restaurants & shops.Downtown express bus atfront door. Open/SunnyKitchen & Dine room w/west views of courtyardgarden/fountain. LV roomoverlooks north tree-linedstreet and lakeside park.BR with south courtyardviews. Tile & Parquet floors.Eve/wkend sec guard &onsite wkdy bldg mnger.Parking wait list. Pets okay.5060 N. Marine Dr. 151K.More info: Elizabeth @708.445.0700 x2. Motivatedto Sell.Prayer To TheBlessed Virgin(Never known to fail) Oh,most beautiful flower ofMt. Carmel, fruitful vine,splendor of Heaven, BlessedMother of the Son of God,Immaculate Virgin, assistme in my necessity. Oh,Star of the Sea, help me andshow me, herein you aremy mother. Oh, Holy Mary,Mother of God, Queen ofHeaven and Earth! I humblybeseech you from the bottomof my heart to succorme in this necessity. Thereare none that can withstandyour power. Oh, show meherein you are my mother.Oh Mary, conceived withoutsin, pray for us who haverecourse to thee (3x). HolyMother, I place this cause inyour hands (3x). Holy Spirit,you who solve all problems,light all roads so that I canattain my goal. You whogave me the divine gift toforgive and forget all evilagainst me and that in allinstances in my life you arewith me. I want in this shortprayer to thank you for allthings as you confirm onceagain that I never want tobe separated from you inEternal Glory. Thank youfor your mercy toward meand mine. The person mustsay this prayer 3 consecutivedays. After 3 days, therequest will be granted. Thisprayer must be publishedafter the favor is granted.“IRELAND 2006 seeAthlone & DistrictTourist Guide. log ontowww.acis.ie”Irish Language School at IAHCThe winter semester ofIrish School, Scoil Na bPaisti,will begin classes at the IAHCon Saturday, January 7. Thesix week session runs throughFebruary 11.On Saturday mornings,from 8:45am to noon, children,ages 6-14 years old,will learn about Irish heritage,customs, language, art andmusic through drama, storytelling, crafts and games.This semester’s curriculumfor the younger students, “Ireland:Her Land and People”,for children ages aged 6-11,will focus Irish folk and fairytales. The Irish language program,taught by Brian Doylewill continue for ages 6-15,will its program, focusing onbasic vocabulary, greetings,songs and poems in the modernIrish language.The Teen Arts Club willRestaurant Brokerage GroupVince FerraroBringing People and Real Estate TogetherIRISH PUBThe real McCoy! Freestanding tavern on a major state route inbooming Lake County! Got it all: TVs, videos, dart leagues andentertainment. Established 1947 ...owner retiring!Includes BUSINESS and REAL ESTATE with paved lot anda 5 ROOM HOUSE! Priced right @ 699K.773-631-6121 ext 106 www.realtychicago.comWhy not join a company with impeccablecredentials and impeccable integrity?- Recipient of the U.S. Chamber of CommerceBlue Chip Enterprise Award.- Inc. 500 fastest growing companies in the U.S.5 consecutive years- Over 1/2 billion in yearly sales with 19 yearssustained growthlooking for 3-5 dynamic, serious,entrepreneurial-minded peopleto expand the Chicago market• No inventory• No investment• Unlimited income potentialCa l l Ka r e n at 312-208-2363continue its study of the Irishand Irish Americans and theirinvolvement in the arts, politics,the media and publicservice. The students willalso study contemporary Irishpoets, such as Seamus Heaneyand Michael Hartnett andwrite poetry of their own.Tuition for Irish Schoolclasses are $45 for Centermembers and $60 for nonmembers.Students who enrollfor the full school year for anythree classes, one per session,are eligible for a discount of$100 for members and $150for non-members for the fullyear. Irish language classescost $35 for each session formembers and $50 for nonmembersor $70 for membersor $120 for non-members forthe full year.For more information call773-282-7035, ext. 10.Quiz Nightat the IAHCThe Center has been hostingthis challenging night for manyyears and is a fun way to testyour trivia knowledge. Therewill be a different quizmastereach month, so the styles of thequizzes will vary. The first quizis Friday, January 20 at 8pmand costs $30 per team, with nomore than six players per team.Food and drinks are availablefrom the Fifth Province Pub.Other quiz night are February24, March 24, April 21, May16. 773-282-7035, ext. 10.

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 31Houlihan and Sons go Hollywood“Houlihan and Sons” soundslike the punch line for one of hisjokes, but Irish American News columnistMike Houlihan is serious aboutthe family business. Bill and PaddyHoulihan are Mike’s twin sons and2006 marks the dawning of their latestendeavor, as they prepare to make theirstage play, Tapioca, into a movie.“Yeah, we’re going to work for theold man.” says Bill. His brother Paddysays with a laugh, “It’s either the mostinspired move in my career or the biggestmistake I’ve ever made.”Mike says, “They’ve been on mydime since day one, so they might aswell pull their weight.”Mike Houlihan has been runninghis own business in one wayor another since returning to hishometown of Chicago in 1985. Hespent a dozen years previous to thatin New York, where he paid his duesas an actor and producer.He returned to Chicago to directand produce former NBC politicalcommentator Peter Nolan’s hit comedyThe 51st Ward. Houlihan then wentinto partnership with Nolan, where heacquired an expertise in TV, radio, andfilm production. Mike then struck outon his own in 1991 with Mike HoulihanCreative. Since then he has produced aseries of award winning plays, publicrelations campaigns, and unforgettableTV and radio commercials for clientslike the Illinois Department on Aging,Metra, the Chicago Board of Trade, theBrick Marketing Council, and numerouspolitical candidates. The hallmarkof Houlihan’s work in print, radioand TV is the unforgettable humorhe brings to each campaign. Folks inChicago are still chuckling over Mike’s“flamshooter” spots for the PlumbingCouncil of Chicagoland, and he performedhis hit comedy GOIN’ EASTON ASHLAND for six years all overtown. Mike wrote the popular “Houliin ‘da Hood” column in the ChicagoSun-Times for three years and continuesto contribute occasional featurearticles to the paper.Houlihan sees the inclusion of hissons to the business as a direct responseto a younger audience and an expandingdemographic of youthful entrepreneurs.“We’re in the business of communication,and we’re no longer going to berecognized as one personality but a triplethreat of equally talented ideas witha fresh and innovative approach. Myexperience and my sons charisma andenergy present new ways to entertain,inform, and communicate the messageof our clients to an audience.”The young men, (both 25), are recentgraduates from Columbia College Chicago.Bill was a marketing major whilePaddy studied film with a concentrationon screenwriting. The two brothers firstjoined their dad onstage in the 2004comedy “experiment”, TAPIOCA.TAPIOCA was a stage comedywritten by Mike, with help from hissons, that included original musicand sketches with a theme centeredon Chicago’s homeless. They enjoyedacting together and recently startedwork on a film loosely based on thecharacters from TAPIOCA.“Tapioca”, the film, was written byMike and Paddy. Paddy will direct thefilm while Mike stars as “Pipes Mc-Gonigle”, a stand-up comic that findshimself homeless after a magical encounterwith a Streetwise vendor. Paddysays, “It’s a movie about the everyman,religion, racism, the dreamer and ofcourse a comedian. ‘Tapioca’ is a comictale of redemption shot on the streets ofChicago.” Bill and Paddy Houlihan alsohave feature roles in the film.Back in September the fatherand sons traveled to Hollywood topromote the film and it was there, “inan unusual moment of clarity”, Mikesays, that the family business wasborn. The trio recalled how, whileworking on the stage performance ofTapioca, they realized they had tappedinto something unique and special.Mike says, “The boys had enlisted thehelp of their friends Steve Fleming,Vince Mammoser, Clay O’Brien, andKevin Horan, while I had enlisted thehelp of my friends and veteran actorsMike McNeal, and Jack McCabe. Thecollaboration between young andold allowed the show to take a shapeof it’s own. The frame of referencebecame so much larger because ofour different takes on what makessomething funny, and when ideas ofdifferent generations come together,great things happen!”“The boys were willing to take arisk, and that risk turned out to be abeneficial one.” Bill adds, “l knew thatgoing into business with my dad wasnot going to be an easy task. The fightsat home while growing up were sometimeslike Armageddon, but we alwaysseemed to get past them to eventuallytell some really funny stories. I knowthat all success stories come with agreat bit of struggle, and at HoulihanCreative we will overcome all adversityto create great benefits for our clients.”2006 projects include the film ofTapioca, a slate of political publicrelations campaigns, event planningand marketing events. Mike says,“Paddy will direct the film. Bill willhelp coordinate our sports marketingevents through our friends at theChicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, anddad will cash the checks.”Houlihan Creative is seeking aselect clientele requiring media relations,marketing assistance, TV andradio commercial production. It’s afull-service boutique shop taking anenormous leap into new and creativeways of marketing and selling productsand ideas.Houlihan Creative is located at12 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois60603,312-578-8700, or www.mikehoulihan.com.Visit my website to viewmy listings andvirtual tours:www.HomesbyMoran.comMARY ELLEN CONSIDINEREALTOR GOLD MEDALLION ASSOCIATEOffice 773/769-2500Voice Mail 773/564-4250Fax 773/769-2841KELLER WILLIAMSR E A L T YFOX & ASSOCIATES of CHICAGO4601 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60625Each Office Is Independently Owned And OperatedPRS Realtors10450 S. Western Avenue, ChicagoConveniently located in Beverly.773-233-4700Kathleen Corbett-Smith& Margaret Corbett -Two Generationsof Multi-MillionDollar Producers . . .Now Serving theEntire Chicagolandand Suburan Areas.815-363-2453FREE CMAWant to know how muchyour home is worth??? Letme provide you with a freeComparable MarketAnalysis on your home!!MULTIMILLIONDOLLARCLUB

32 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Cedarburg Wisconsin Irish Set Dancing Classes in 2006Sets in the ‘Burg instructors Joanna Dupuis and TimMcAndrew will feature the Sliabh Luachra set duringan eight week Winter 2006 class on Tuesdays from 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Jan. 10th through Feb. 28th. This coursewill be tailored to beginners and intermediates. No partneris required and the course fee is $45 for 8 classes.Classes will be held at The Irish Pub in Cedarburg (justnorth of the Cedarburg Cultural Center on WashingtonAvenue.)Registration information and photos of recent eventsMcNamara’sFood & Drinks4328 W Irving Park Rd • ChicagoFull Service Dining,Outdoor Garden Area,and the only Wood Burning Grill inChicagoland!Available for Private Partiesavailable on the website at http://sets.sulliassociates.comThe Sliabh Luachra is a region in Ireland, locatedaround the River Blackwater, on the Cork/Kerry Borderland.This region has a unique musical style, whichmakes heavy use of the polka and the slide. Most of thepolkas and slides in Irish traditional music derive fromthis region.Contact Teri Sullivan, terilsullivan@yahoo.com262.302.7854http://sets.sulliassociates.comIRISHBREAKFASTSAT & SUNtil 2pmLUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS DAILY!AUTHENTIC IRISH PUBServing Domestics and Importsand Guinness of Course!Mo n - Sat 11 a m to 2 a mSu n d ay 10 a m to 2 a m(773) 725-1800 Bar(773) 736-1690 Fax“Chicago’s Best Kept Secret!”‘ President Mary Mc Aleese receiving a copy of the “ Centenary History of Hermitage Golf Club” from club CaptainAndy Brennan. On left is the author of the book and columnist for Iriah American News, Sean Og O Ceallachain andon right, former Club Captain Eamon Doyle.Irish Cultural and HeritageCenter Concerts and moreDavid Francey and Shane Simpson - February 12Ceili Rain - February 17Karan Casey - March 17Luka Bloom -- April 15Seamus Kennedy -- April 22ICHC, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee,WI414 345-8800. www.ichc.netEileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul - January20-22 - Milwaukee Symphony; Uihlein Hall,Marcus CenterTrinity 2 Dance Company - January 31 -- WisconsinLutheran College; 7:30 pm.Traditional Irish Pub & RestaurantFu l l Me n u-Ir is h Br e a k f a s t All Da y-Ev e r y d a y!Lu n c h 11- 4p m • Di n n e r 4-11p mLat e n ig h t Ch i p p e r Me n u 11p m-1a mPl e n t y o f Pa r k in g in Ou r Lo t!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 PartiesGrandpa’s PlaceLUNCH & DINNER SPECIALSFriday Fish Fry All You Can EatOpen Mic Night Every Wednesday 9pmLive music every Thursday and Saturday NightAT THE DEPOT 847-724-13901868 Prairie Street, Glenview, Illinois 60025www.grandpasatthedepot.comStop in or visit our website for the complete music schedule4358 N. ElstonChicagoEnjoy hot hors d’oeuvres at 7:30 PMA Buffet Dinner including Dessert at 8:30 PMLive EntertainmentParty Hats and NoisemakersA Champagne Toast ANDAn After Midnight Snack BuffetCash BarFree Pop, Coffee or Tea for Designated DriversSeating by Reservation OnlyFor More Details, Please Call Steve at773-777-6430 or 773-777-6434

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 33The Shamrock Lodge in the heart of IrelandThe Shamrock Lodge Countryhouse Hotel & Conference Centre country house atmosphere.is located in the very center of Ireland in the historicThe hotel has welcomed many distinguishedtown of Athlone. From the moment youguests during the last century includingenter the elegant reception area youQueen Salote of Tonga, Prince Ranierwill find a warmth and graciousnesswhich sets the style for theformer U.S. Ambassador to Ire-and Princess Grace of Monaco,entire hotel. Throughout, theland, William Taft III, formeremphasis is on tasteful surroundingsand traditionalKelly and Dr. Patrick Hil-Presidents of Ireland Sean T.Irish hospitality. The Hotel,ary, former Taoiseach Mr.which began life as theJack Lynch. In more recenthome of Michael Monksyears George Best, formerin 1814 was immaculatelyPresident of Ireland Mrs.restored and refurbishedMary Robinson, and currentin 1991 with every modernTaoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahernfacility while still retaining theand other members of State.Athlone itself is a town steeped inhistory. The Normans built the town wallsin 1257. Part of these walls are still in evidenceand the 13th Century Castle predominates the west bankof the River Shannon. Only a few kilometres from the town is the impressivemedieval site of Clonmacnoise founded in 548 A.D. It became a monastic cityand flourished under the patronage of various Kings including the last HighKing Rory O’ Connor whose remains are buried there (1198A.D.) The townalso has many attractive additions such as sight-seeing, golfing and cruising onthe river Shannon. You can mix business with pleasure in the scenic center ofIreland. www.shamrocklodgehotel.comCRCP provides student assistanceand employmentThe Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP)is a public/private partnership between higher education and businessthat enables Illinois residents to further their education andgain sustained entry into the Illinois workforce. CRCP provides itsgoal-oriented participants with a comprehensive student assistancepackage to obtain a degree at an Illinois college/university, thenthe employmentcomponentofthe programprovidesstudentswith valuableworkexperiencePictured from left, Senator, Edward Maloney (18thDist.); Julie Crowley, CSU; Senate President, EmilJones, Jr. (14th Dist.); John O’Neill III, UPS.and transportableskills, whilemeeting theneeds of business. With their newly-acquired skills, program graduateswill be able to fill employment shortages across the state. Thereare four partner schools, Chicago State U (CSU); Moraine ValleyCommunity College; (MVCC); Morton College (MC); and PrairieState College (PSC).Fri, Jan 13 Starr's Cave Nature Center11627 Starr's Cave Road, Burlington, IA 7:30pmCall (319) 753-5808 for infoSat, Jan 14 Music Under the Water Tower Concert SeriesDonnellson American Legion Hall (next to the watertower), Donnellson, IA8pm Call 319-835-5887 for more infoFri - Tue, Feb 10 - 14 18th Annual International Folk Alliance ConferenceAustin, TXLIVE MUSICWeekendsSpecials:Mon.Tue.Wed.Thur.$ 3 Pints$ 2 50 BottlesCoors Light & Rolling Rock$ 10 BucketsMGD & MIller Lite$ 2 50 BottlesAmstel Light & Beck’sJanuary at the Poitín StilJoin us forGreat Craic& Great PintsNFL Playoff GamesSunday Halftime Buffet1502 W. Jarvis Ave.773-338-3285Elvis' Birthday PartyJanuary 7, 8:oo pmMusic by the Afects50s & 60s MusicDetails on web atwww.irishtimesppubchicago.com• Pub Quiz/Trivia Tuesdays• Live Music Wednesdayand Sunday NightsNew !!Live Jazzevery ThursdayChicago Sun-Times Top Twelve Pubs24 Imported Beers on Tap!Banquets Weddings Christenings Rehearsal DinnersBirthdays Anniversaries Office or Holiday PartiesELEVATION(a tribute to U2)Saturday, January 21st,Thursday, April 20th &Thursday, October 19th8869 BurlingtonBrookfield(708) 485-8787Breakfast 10-1pmOutdoor SeatingLunch & Dinner8 N. Vail, Arlington Heights847-577-7733www.peggykinnanes.comHo l i d ay & Co r p o r at e Pa rt i e s

34 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Short Works by Samuel Becket January 13-15Short Works by Samuel Beckett, January 13-15, 2006, at7:30 pm, Not I: A Samuel Beckett Centenary CelebrationNo Danger of the Spiritual Thing: Short Works by SamuelBeckett is a series of short plays celebrating the 100th birthdayof Samuel Beckett, the prolific Nobel Prize-winning Irishplaywright, novelist, and poet.Presented by The Museum of Contemporary Art and CuriousTheatre Branch, this intimate event features Chicago’sAll you can eat fish fry every FridayLive entertainmentevery Wed, Thur, Fri, & SatBook your next party atMcNally’s in our private room201 E. Main Street (Route 64) St. Charles630 513-6300 www.mcnallysirishpub.comT H EL AR K I N & M OR ANB R OT H E R SA new year brings about our annual tuning.most exciting theatre companies and artists performing severalsite-specific performances in the hidden corners of the MCA,including the galleries, stairwells, and even a freight elevator.Artists include Curious Theatre Branch, Prop Thtr, Greasy Joan& Co., Jessica Thebus, The Hypocrites, and Lucky Plush.McKenna Ensemble presents “The Comedienne of Heaven”the Western Hemisphere Premiere of an Italian Baroqueopera composed in 1668 and presented at the Roman Carnivalby Antonio Maria Abbatini (of the Sistine Choir). TheLibretto of “La Baltasara, ovviso La Comica del Cielo” wasGiulio Rospigliosi, then Pope Clement IX.This important workhas lain in obscurity in theVatican Apostolic Library,and I have made an editionof the second act in modernnotation, a decade’s laborof love with the floridItalian verse and the marvelous17th-century ambienceof the Rome of ClementeNono. With the help of early music specialist, AndrewSchultze, and an ensemble of singers and players, includingA Kinetic EveningAudiences are assigned to small groups and are led byperforming docents to each of four or five plays. On Sunday,January 15, at 3 pm, a special performance of Texts for Nothingis performed by 13 Chicago artists.MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010 or www.mcachicago.org.stars like Carol LoVerde and Donna Sadlicka (who createdthe role of Brigid in the Greeley/McKenna opera, “The MagicCup” 1988), the concert will be at:The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. LexingtonAvenue, in the heart of Chicago’s U of I Circle Campus neighborhoodon Sunday, February5, 2006 at 3:00 P.M.Freewill offerings will bereceived gratefully.We are most grateful for thehelp of the Glasgow Early MusicConsort which presentedthe first known modern performanceof this work in 1992(John C. Barnes, Kate Brown,Warwick Edwards). We hope you come and enjoy “The ComedienneOf Heaven.”Colin All Toons: Colin Morley will be providing his own brand of cartoons from time to time here in Irish AmericanNews. Got a subject you would like to see a toon on? Simply email your subject to editor@irishamericannews.com.C atch us while theinstruments arestill in key.V i si t the W ebsi te f or the S chedul ew w w . c e l t i c r a t p a c k . c o mSix 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 Sunday773-545-2033RESTAURANT/pubOWNERS:FERDYNAND & ANNA HEBALInvite you to enjoyThe RedApple Buffet!Czerwone JabtuszkoRESTAURANT & DELI’S3121-23 N. MILWAUKEEAVE.PH 773-588-57816474 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.PH 773-763-3407 FAX 773-763-3406

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 35American newspapers andone national newspaper.Now, your advertisementcan be placed in all paperswith only one ad buy. You tellus when and we do the rest.Editorial that is nationalor international in scope canbe considered the same way.While thereis no guaranteethatyour editorialwill appearin allpapers, wewill certain-American Irish Media Group expanding into New YorkFor those of you tryingto reach the American-irishmarketplace,The American Irish MediaGroup has made iteasier than ever. We nowoffer seven regional Irish-ly diseminate it for you. Advertiserswho place editorial with ourgroup will be considered first.The papers covering the UnitedStates from coast-to-coastinclude: The San FranciscoIrish Herald,The Los AngelesIrishHerald, TheIrish Gazette(Minneapolis),IrishA m e r i c a nNews (Chicago),TheIrish Edition(Philadelphia),TheIrish Emigrant(Boston),TheIrish Emigrant New York, andThe Ancient Order fo Hibernians(National).Rates and information can befound on the web at: www.americanirishmedia.comor by calling708-445-0700.Th eIr i s h Oa kRestaurant & Pub3511 N Clark Chicago773.935.6669Open 11 am to 2 am • Sat 11 am to 3 amLunch/Dinner & Irish 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 2004/2005Pr iva t e Ro o m s Ava i l a b l eWith or Without Great Buffet!BREHON PUB731 N WELLS - CHICAGO312-642-1071Thank You Everyonefor Our First Year!Open for Lunch, Brunch and DinnerLive Music • StorytellingBook Your Party in Our Snug“your home away from home”626 Church St. | Evanston | 847-864-1679www.celticknotpub.comHalf Irish, half Chicago.....Brehon Pubhas been a River North establishmentsince 1980. Serving Harp, Guinness,Bass, Smithwicks, and an assortmentof American brews. Daily food specialsand an outdoor patio. Join us wheneveryou are in the neighborhood or call toplan your next private party.Your South Loop LocalNow serving a full breakfast menuevery Saturday and Sunday from 9AM–12PM.Private party rooms availablefor groups 10-175Just a short walk from Grant Park, Museum Campus & Soldier Field1416 South Michign Avenue • Chicago312.588.1800

36 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Commodore John Barry and Annapolis’ Irish traditionsBy Ed Lowe, Photos by Lois A. LoweGeorge Washington learned his military skills from the Britishwhen he fought at their side during the French and Indian Warsin the 1750’s. The tactics and traditions of the British militarystayed with him when he was appointed Commander-In-Chiefof the Continental Forces after the Declaration of Independencein 1776.One of Washington’s first responsibilities was to create a navalThis 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.comforce that could challenge the British superiority on the seas.For this purpose, he selected an Irish born patriot, John Barry,who was issued commission number one in the newly formedContinental Navy. Barry was given the rank of Commodore. Hewas born on Our Lady’s Isle in County Wexford on Good Friday,April 16, 1745. By 1760, he had settled in Philadelphia wherehe eventually became a successful merchant captain. An ardentadvocate of the new nation, he was given the job of outfitting theship Black Prince, renamed “Alfred” in November 1775. Thisship became the first flagship of the Continental Navy.In March of 1776 he was put in command of the brig Lexington.By April, he managed to capture the British tender,Edward and returned with his prize to Philadelphia. It was thefirst capture of an enemy vessel made by the Continental Navy.He was assigned to a ship under construction in Philadelphia.When work on the ship could not be completed, he took hiscrew, converted them to infantrymen and joined Washington’sarmy in the famous crossing of the Delaware. He and his menparticipated in the important battles of Trenton and Princeton.His career as the premier naval officer in the new nation’s navycontinued when, in early 1778, he led an expedition of fourships that captured three enemy vessels and destroyed suppliesintended for the British army.Perhaps his greatest battle was off the coast of Newfoundlandin May of 1781 when he took on two British ships, the HMSAtlanta and HMS Trespassy. After a fierce battle in which Barrywas seriously wounded, the British finally struck their colors andsurrendered. Later, after the Revolutionary War ended, Barrycommanded a force in the Caribbean which fought againstFrench privateers. Barry retired from the sea and died peacefullyin Philadelphia in 1803 at age 58. Four U.S. Naval vessels havebeen named for him, the most recent a destroyer which wascommissioned in 1992. Another is a floating museum in theWashington Navy Yard. Many consider Barry to be the fatherof the American NavyMuch of this material was supplied by the custodian of thelibrary of the U.S. Naval Academy, James Cheevers. Other materialwas provided by one of Annapolis Maryland’s most proudIrish born citizens, Fintan Galway. Fintan, born in Kilkenny,is the proprietor of Annapolis’ Galway Bay, one of the trulyauthentic Irish dining establishments in the State of Maryland.Fintan has been in the U.S. for 20 years and has operated GalwayBay for the past seven of them with his brother, Michael andwith Dubliner, Anthony Clarke. Fintan has developed an Irishmenu along with his philosophy that states his concept “is arestaurant with a pub not a bar that serves food.” Menu specialtiesinclude Wexford potato cakes, Killybegs seafood platter orpheasant, venison and rabbit stewed in Guiness, and the list goeson. Fintan’s actively involved with the Irish Cultural Society andnoted that the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hiberniansis named for John Barry.In addition, there’s another significant Irish presence in Annapolis,the O’Callaghan Hotel. This new, upscale facility is theonly American location of the Irish chain of O’Callaghan hotels.Their restaurant, also named for John Barry, serves foods froman outstanding continental menu. There’s no doubt that Irish isan important part of Annapolis and certainly a part of Americannaval tradition. But there’s a great deal more to Annapolis thangood Irish fare and tradition. Hearing the word “Annapolis”Friday, 1/6 - Ceoltoire Chicago BandSaturday, 1/7 - Velvet GreenFriday, 1/13 - Matt Stedman BandSaturday, 1/14 - Mulligan StewFriday, 1/20 - Seamus O’Kane and Jimmy MooreSaturday, 1/21 - Joe McShaneFriday, 1/27 - Kennedy’s KitchenSaturday, 1/28 - The Dooley BrothersStop by the Irish American Heritage Center for thevery best in traditional and modern Irish music.Summer hours for the Fifth Province are Fridays from4pm-1am and Saturdays from 7pm-1am.Pub food is served from 6pm-10pm on Fridays and7pm-10pm on Saturdays.

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 37conjures up an image of a group of precision marching, sharply multiple functions. They were meeting places where news wasuniformed midshipmen moving from class to class at the United exchanged, points of contact between shippers of merchandiseStates Naval Academy. To others, the name of Annapolis refers and shipmasters who would carry goods to distant ports. One ofto important chapters in the history of the American Revolution the local institutions, Reynold’s Tavern on Church Circle, wasagainst the British crown. It was in this small Maryland port founded in 1747. On Market Square, at the harbor entrance is thetown that our first national capital was situated.inn that has catered to seafarers since 1754. It’s called MiddletonAnd it was in a tiny assembly room of the State Capitol that Tavern and it is still serving lunches and dinners.George Washington resigned his commission as the nation’s The City Dock has been the heart of Annapolis since 1695.first Commander In Chief of the Continental Army. Here, too, in Now the center of recreational boating, it was once the point atJanuary of 1784, just a few weeks after Washington’s resignation, which slaves, imported from Africa, were auctioned. Tobaccothe Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War was ratified by exports made up the bulk of merchandise being shipped from thethe Continental Congress. Annapolis was home to four signers Colony to England while manufactured goods were delivered toof the Declaration of Independence including Charles Carroll, Colonists after being off-loaded from arriving ships.the only Roman Catholic signer, who encouraged religious Mansions owned by a couple of signers of the Declaration ofdiversity in the new nation.Independence can be toured. The 1763 William Paca House orThe naval background of the city of 35,000, along with the the 1774 Hammond-Harwood House are fully furnished withimportant contribution it made to the development of our nationalinstitutions, make Annapolis a place well worth visiting. view of its formal English landscape. The beautifully preservedauthentic period pieces. The Paca garden is worth a visit for aAnnapolis’ city plan features two traffic circles. In the center of furniture makes the house seem like someone will be returningone, only a half block from the Tourist Information Center, lies from the Capitol after the legislative session concludes, and willSt. Anne’s Church. Still holding a regular schedule of services, expect dinner on the table.St. Anne’s was attended by Francis Scott Key between 1789 and1800 in the years he was a young lawyer and before he composedthe lyrics to the national anthem. Three of the four signers ofthe Declaration also worshipped in this church.At the other traffic circle you’ll find the Maryland StateHouse, the nation’s oldest continuously functioning buildingholding a legislative body. Tours of the Naval Academy are amust. Academy tours emphasize the extent to which sports playa part in the curriculum of the school. Certainly the Academy isabout learning engineering, math, science and other technicalaspects of becoming a naval officer, but its primary purpose isto instill a feeling of teamwork and tradition in the 1,250 plebeswho are admitted to the Academy each year.Chesapeake Bay is the reason for Annapolis’ earliest history.The County’s more than 500 miles of shoreline offered sailingvessels a safe harbor and commerce developed as a result. InAnnapolis’ harbor, you can experience a sailing trip through ChesapeakeBay aboard the schooner Woodwind or a sightseeing excursion through themouth of the Severn River on the Harbor Queen. When you’re out on a sail,you might even encounter Captain Billy Baye whose costume and beard addanother dimension to a visit. When asked, Billy will regale you with storiesabout visits to Annapolis from pirate Calico Jack Rackhorn or one he calls“a pirate of exquisite mind,” William Vampier.Annapolis’ main industry is fishing. Maryland crab cakes and other specialtiesare available in most restaurants. In the 18th Century, taverns servedOur stay in Annapolis was a delight in good part due to thehospitality of Robert Dunn whose Inn at 30 Maryland is in theheart of the historic district. Dunn began his career as a chef.He was lucky to find a location within two blocks of an Academyentrance, St. John’sCollege and the StateHouse. He’s done muchto upgrade the propertyand still uses his culinaryskills to prepareoutstanding breakfastsfor his guests. There aresome 30 bed and breakfastestablishments inAnnapolis as well asconventional hotels.There’s no doubt thatthe business of Annapolis,the military necessityof the U.S. Naval Academyand the operationof the State governmentof Maryland are priorityinterests. But the hospitalityshown duringour visit there madeus very much at home.Annapolis, especiallywith its Irish background,offers a chanceto visit a communitywhere there’s a feelingof history, a sense ofpatriotic responsibilityand a connection to ourcolonial past.CAR PROBLEMS?•LEMON LAW•ODOMETER TAMPERING•AUTO ACCIDENT CLAIMSToll Free: 1-888-4-LEMONS (453-6667)CONSUMER LEGAL SERVICES, P.C.WWW.LEMONAUTO.COMAttorney and CounselorBrian Burke

38 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006For The RepublicBy Chris FogartyREADERS ARE INVITED, asalways, to send in corrections of fact.This column reports what the restof the news media cover up or twist- the facts we need to be effectivecitizens.GREAT NEWS! The era of U.S.torture is coming to an end. Thiscolumn in November reported that theUS Senate had just passed McCain’santi-torture bill by 90 to 9 but thatBush had threatened to veto it. Now(December 15th) the US House hasfinally summoned its integrity. It hasvoted YEA by a veto-proof 308 to 122to restore the US’s traditional prohibitionagainst torture. The Bush & Cotorture days are ending.WHO VOTED HOW? All but oneof the 122 NAY voters were Republican.The lone pro-torture Democratwas Cong. Jim Marshall of Georgia.But here’s a shocker: Among theethically-challenged three abstaineeswas West Suburban “pro-life” Cong.Henry Hyde!FREEDOM’S BEACON, upheldby the US since 1776 until dumpedby Bush & Co, is now upheld byforeigners. For example, in an explicitrejection of US torture, the Germangovernment refuses to prosecute incases where evidence was extractedby Americans. Now Britain, Europe’smost-convicted torture State duringthe 1970s and 80s (its victims wereall Irish republicans), has followedGermany’s lead and will not acceptevidence extracted by Americans.U.S. PATRIOTS suffer to see ournation so debased. Foreign pols nowopenly call our nation’s representative,Condoleezza Rice, a liar, after shepublicly stated that the US does nottorture. (Someone ought to introduceher to Bush and Cheney both of whomarm-twisted congressmen to get themto vote against McCain’s anti-tortureamendment). CIA PLANESferrying detainees to secret torturelocations have landed in Shannonand Baldonnell in Ireland and inairports throughout Europe. Germanyand other European nations are nowbeginning to investigate. Two suchtorture locations have been identifiedas old USSR facilities in Poland andRomania. Now we learn that the CIA,tipped off about the impending investigations,emptied their facilities inPoland and Romania and transferredthe torturees to similarly secret facilitiesin Morocco outside the purviewof European investigators.AND IRELAND? Ireland’s Dáil(Congress), with its keen sense ofwind direction, is beginning to opposetorture. (It and Ireland’s newsGrace O’Driscoll and Katie Doyle entertain the guests at The BakedTomato Restaurant on North Elston Ave. at a recent fundraiser.media were largely complicit inBritish torture of Irish patriots.) Thefollowing exchange occurred in theDail on Dec. 6th:Mr. O’Toole: I know that my colleagueSenator Norris, will say somethingabout aeroplane landings but Dr.Condoleezza Rice reportedly said inGermany that European governmentsusing intelligence obtained by the CIAor other American authorities shouldnot question how it was obtained. Thisis an appalling reflection on the West.Is it any wonder that we are in troublewith the rest of the world?We must get an answer from the Americanauthorities at some stage aboutwhat Dr. Rice’s statement means. Is itthat the ends justify the means; mattersthat many people have questionedover the past one or two years? Peoplediligently stood up on principle andwere for or against the war or Americaninvolvement. They spoke honestly,openly and articulately. They must feelthe they are being let down time andtime again. That Dr. Rice could statethis brings a new end to the issue. Itis a philosophy without ethics and isimpossible for us to be a part of. Ifwestern civilization does not distanceitself from it, we will all pay a seriousprice in the short term. Other willhave more to say on this matter.Mr. Tuffy: I support Senator O’Tooleon the need for us to question theUnited States on its foreign policy.By us not doing that sufficiently, weare endangering our sovereignty. Forexample, if Shannon Airport is beingused to land CIA planes which arebeing used for bringing detainees toother countries for torture or ill-treatment,as has been alleged by AmnestyInternational, or if there are secretflights landing at Shannon beingused for who knows what by the USGovernment, it could be unconstitutionaland would have a detrimentalaffect on our sovereignty. We need toact on that now. I ask the Leader toensure a debate on the issue as soonas possible.Mr. Minihan: I, also, wish to commentbriefly on the use of ShannonAirport. I have spoken a number oftimes in the House on the situation inIraq and my views would be known. Icommented on the EU’s initiative lastweek in this regard. It is disturbingthat when we cut out all the semanticswe are apparently down to a definitionof torture. The admission thatthe planes are being used to moveprisoners is one issue, but where weseem to differ is on what is and whatis not torture. Given the admission,the statements made in this House byprevious speakers put a considerableonus on the Government to ask seriousquestion and I would welcome ifthose questions were asked.Mr. Norris: Good.Mr. Finucane: In recent times therehas been extreme concern on the basisof the statement by US Secretaryof State Condoleezza Rice, that theseplanes going through Shannon werenot being used for torture. Ms. Riceprobably coined a new expression inthe English language on the use of theword “rendition”. I always thoughtthe word “rendition” was a referenceto when one asked someone to sing atclosing time in a public house.Ms O’Rourke: Yes, a rendition ofa song.Mr. Norris: They will sing whenCondoleezza Rice gets her handson them.Mr. Finucane: However, the concernis that these same Americans whopreviously made statements aboutweapons of mass destruction in Iraqproved to be wrong. They have alsomade recent statements in respect ofphosphorus bombs and were provenwrong. Why should we believe CondoleezzaRice?It is not satisfactory for the Governmentto state that it has asked aspecific question and has receiveda response. There are concerns. Itis not sufficient to suggest, as wouldthe Minister for Foreign Affairs, thatif people have proof they should giveit to the government. It is now imperativethat the Government carry outinvestigations to try to find out whatis going on. All Members are awarethat there is much concern at presentas to what is happening.Dr. Mansergh: As far as Shannon isconcerned, the Minister for ForeignAffairs asked questions of the Secretaryof State and I understand thathe was given an unequivocal answer.While I would hesitate to describe heras a liar ------Mr. Norris: I would not hesitate.An Cathaoirleach (Chairman): Weare entering dangerous waters.Dr. Mansergh: ---there is no disguisingthe fact that throughout Europe,everyone is deeply unhappy aboutsome of the practices being used onthe war on terror and would like tosee the norms of international lawfully respected.Mr. Norris: This House led the way inalerting the public to what is happeningregarding extraordinary rendition.(A falsehood. For the past two yearsbrave spotters/recorders of those CIAplanes have faced arrest and violenceat the hands of the Irish gov’t. Therest of Sen. Norris’ speech was aclaim of political credit for opposingUS torture, while inadvertentlyrevealing that he and his colleaguesbegan to oppose it only after Germanyand other nations made it safe to doso. CF).JUDICIAL CORRUPTION inIreland is exemplified by its CriminalAppeals Court. Its 44-page verdictrejecting Irish POW Michael McKevitt’sappeal fails to rise to the ethicallevel of mere stupidity. One canonly speculate as to how the verdictbecame infested by MI5 propaganda.It is a long mash note to life-long UScriminal and four-time fraudulentbankrupt David Rupert whom FBIagent “Ed” Buckley criminally employedagainst Irish-Chicago in themid-‘90s. Rupert and Buckley thenwent to Ireland where they workedfor their MI5 handlers. Accordingto Irish news reports, Rupert actedas scout in a car bombing rehearsaljust prior to that of Omagh in whichtwenty-nine innocents died, uponwhich MI5 urgently recalled him toEngland. MI5/FBI crimes in Irelandexactly duplicated their earlier onesagainst us in Winnetka and Chicago.The only difference is that they succeeded,so far, in framing republicansfor Omagh but failed in their identicalattempt to frame the IRA (and me)for the Winnetka massacre and other,imaginary, crimes. The key differenceis that Chicago federal courts are lesscorrupt than Irish ones.THE FUNDAMENTAL LIE is thefalse attribution of British terroristmurders to Irish forces. The falseattribution of violence to the Irishunderpins the Irish gov’t’s acquiescenceto Britain’s policy of murderin Ireland. There is no excuse for it:the record is readily available. Forexample, see terrorismireland.org.THE EUROPEAN COURT for HumanRights will probably be the nextstep in getting justice for MichaelMcKevitt (after a pro forma appealto Ireland’s equally corrupt SupremeCourt). May it be done soon for Michaeland his wife Bernadette (neeSands, sister of Bobby), their family,and decent people everywhere.FRANCIE BROLLY FREE! Britforces arrested the Occupied Irishauthor/composer/singer recently onfalse charges but released him later.His haunting Blanketmen song makeshim a Brit target. Its chorus goes:So I’ll wear no convict’s uniform,Nor meekly serve my time,That Britain might brand Ireland’sfight800 years of crime.A political prisoner famously said atthe time, “The only way they’ll keepa criminal’s uniform on me is to nailit to my back.” All of that was beforethe sell-out by Adams & Co.WHO ARE THE TERRORISTSre Occupied Ireland? See www.terrorismireland.org.WHICH BRIT REG’T starved yourrelatives? See www.irishholocaust.org. Reach me at 312 664 7651 orfogarty@ix.netcom.com

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 39I nvestmentIdeasBy Art NoonanBe Prepared forLong-term CareFinancially speaking, planning foryour future entails a certain degree offoresight. It’s hard to sit down right nowand accurately predict exactly whereyou’ll be in ten years, twenty years, oreven further down the road. And whilelooking ahead to the joys of travel andrelaxation and other benefits that wetypically associate with retirement, it’seasy to overlook unexpected eventsthat may occur during that time – oreven sooner.When you think about building yournest egg, you probably have goals inmind for what you want to accumulate,and you may even have ideas onhow you will spend that money. Butlong-term care is probably one of thelast things that comes to mind. Unfortunately,more than a few of us willlikely be affected in one way or anotherby a serious illness or injury that willrequire some form of long-term care.The prospect of depleting your hardearnedretirement funds to pay forsuch care is frightening. However, ifyou take the time now to plan ahead,you can be financially prepared shouldyou ever find yourself facing this typeof situation.Long-term care refers to the assistanceyou may need as a result ofa disability or a prolonged illness. Itusually encompasses a broad range ofsupportive medical, personal and socialservices designed to help people whosimply can’t meet their basic needsto live independently for an extendedperiod of time. This type of assistancecan be given either in the home, or at along-term care facility.Funding for long-term care can beexpensive, depending on the length oftime and the specifics of the type ofcare required. For these reasons, youshould be careful to assess a variety ofpossibilities, and develop a plan thatcould cover different situations. Hereare three basic ways you can fundlong-term care.Self Insurance – If you have assetsthat can easily be converted to cash,you can plan for long-term care bysetting aside a special fund just forthat purpose. Investments such as anIRA or an annuity provide a means formoney to accumulate until an illnessoccurs. The main advantage of insuringyourself this way is that the money willbe available for other purposes if younever need it for long-term care. On theother hand, the main setback of settingaside your own funds is the possibilityof falling short in your savings, causingyou to dip into other funds to payfor long-term care. Also keep in mind,taking large distributions from an IRAcould affect your income taxes. If youtake it upon yourself to establish thefunds, make sure you plan carefully soyou will have enough if you need it.Medicare, Medicaid and HealthInsurance – Many people believe theycan count on their current health insuranceor Medicare or Medicaid to payfor long-term care expenses. Unfortunately,most health insurance policiesdo not cover the costs associated withlong-term care. While Medicare offersmedical benefits to eligible seniors, itslong-term care benefits are very limited.Medicaid, designed for individualswho do not have the income or assetsto pay for long-term care, requires thatyou first deplete most of your assets(with limited exemptions) before youcan qualify. Relying on any of thesethree options could put you in a badposition if you eventually require longtermcare.Long-Term Care Insurance – Whileproviding tax-free benefits, long-termcare insurance offers specific protectionagainst the high costs of extendedhealth care. For a simple monthly premium,you get a policy that pays a fixeddollar amount for care you can receivein a variety of settings, including yourown home. This specialized insurancecan help you avoid spending your assets,and may even allow youMontroseChiropracticCenterChiropractic is based upon the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, selfhealingorganism. All of your body’s important functions are controlled by the nervoussystem: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Just as the skull protects the delicatetissues of the brain, the vertebrae protect the vulnerable communication pathwaysbetween the spinal cord and nerves. If the nervous system is impaired, it can causemalfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body.Doctors call this Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Doctors of chiropractic locate subluxationsof the spine and correct them, thus reducing their negative impact on thenervous system and allowing the body’s natural healing processes to be restored.5545 W. Montrose, Chicago 773-282-6648Cedarburg Wisconsin Irish Set DancingClasses Continue in 2006Sets in the ‘Burg instructors Joanna Dupuis and Tim McAndrew will featurethe Sliabh Luachra set during an eight week Winter 2006 class on Tuesdaysfrom 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Jan. 10th through Feb. 28th. This course will betailored to beginners and intermediates. No partner is required and the coursefee is $45 for 8 classes. Classes will be held at The Irish Pub in Cedarburg(just north of the Cedarburg Cultural Center on Washington Avenue.)Registration information and photos of recent events available on thewebsite at http://sets.sulliassociates.comThe Sliabh Luachra is a region in Ireland, located around the River Blackwater,on the Cork/Kerry Borderland. This region has a unique musical style,which makes heavy use of the polka and the slide. Most of the polkas andslides in Irish traditional music derive from this region.Contact Teri Sullivan, terilsullivan@yahoo.com 262.302.7854http://sets.sulliassociates.comStocking Stuffers! Buy yourself a chance; buy a child some hopeEighth Annual Brigid Awards Luncheon 2006 RaffleDate: Friday, February 24, 2006 Place: Hyatt Regency Chicago Price: $50 each or 3 for $1001st Prize: Two round trip tickets to Ireland, including a week'scar rental and accommodation in a luxury Dingle holiday home.2nd Prize: Weekend for 2 in Chicago, with 2 night stay atHyatt Regency, 2 tickets to an Irish Repertory play, and dinnerat Kiki's Bistro in River North.3rd Prize: Relaxing, three night stay for six in lovelytownhome in Galena Territory, Galena IL.4th Prize: A family-style feast for ten at a Mia Francescagourmet Italian restaurant.5th Prize: Chicago lakefront sailing for 4 people and $250 giftcertificate for dinner at Columbia Yacht Club.6th Prize: A guided, architectural boat tour of Chicago for fourand dinner to follow.7th Prize: A weekend stay for 2 at the Fitzpatrick HotelChicago in the Magnificent Mile, Irish breakfast included.8th Prize: Four tickets to a World Champion White Sox gamewith lunch at the Stadium Club9th Prize: Year subscription to Leslie Hindman fine artauction catalog with behind the scenes tour and lunch for fivewith Leslie.10th Prize: Dinner for 8 at the Kerryman Pub in River North.Call (312) 642-8400 for ticketsChecks payable to Concern Worldwide US Inc. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted.Raffle tickets are non tax-deductible. Winner need not be present.Concern Worldwide US Inc., 166 East Superior, Suite 502, Chicago, Illinois 60611Phone: (312) 642-8400, Fax: (312) 642-8470www.concernusa.orgchicagoadministration@concern.net,Concern Worldwide is a non-denominational, voluntary organization dedicated to the relief, assistance and advancement of people in the least developed countries of the world. Some prizes may have restrictions.

40 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006MICKBy Mike MorleySTATE 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 FDICDE-MOCK-RACYLast month we speculated what sort of “Januarysurprise” might be coming out of NorthernIreland this year. Perhaps it arrived a bit early. In2002 the power-sharing North-South executivewas dissolved after three men were arrested forbeing part of a “spy ring” in the Stormont government.One of the three was Denis Donaldson,head of Sinn Fein administration at Stormont.Donaldson and Sinn Fein had called the raid a“scam” by Special Branch police to scuttle SinnFein’s chances of taking part in government. ButDonaldson has now admitted he was indeed a spy,and for twenty years… but a spy for the British!That confirms rumors that have been circulatingfor quite some time that Britain had a mole highup in Sinn Fein.Is anyone shocked that Britain was playing allsides of the bridge table, making sure the queenavoided being trumped? Apparently no one overthere is too surprised. Irish Taniste Mary Harneydescribed the news as “incredible”; but ruled outa public inquiry. Britain’s Secretary for NorthernIreland, Peter Hain, also rejected an inquiry.Taoiseach Dermot Ahern: “These events arefortunately the vestige of the past”. Gerry Adams:“We are not going to be deflected by anything…”Martin McGuinness “Time will pass. People willsee all of this in a proper perspective.” Paisleysimply wants “more information” from Blair.Seems just about everyone is politely ignoringthe man behind the curtain.Speaking about Prof, Marvel, the FrankMorgan character in Oz... I was sitting at thecomputer the other night (12/7) while my sontuned the TV to “South Park”. The episode wastitled “Bloody Mary”, and started off with cartooncharacter Stan embarrassed by his father’sarrest for drunk driving. I was half-listening to it,but was completely distracted from the computerwhen the story turned to a bleeding statue of theVirgin Mary. I told Colin (22): “Don’t let yourmother know you’re watching this crap”. Not toworry. As I went up to bed and said goodnight,she didn’t reply. She doesn’t miss much.In a story 4 days later the AP reported, inpart: ‘The Catholic League for Religious andCivil Rights is condemning an episode of “SouthPark” that it said “defiled” the Virgin Mary. Thecartoon, which runs on Comedy Central, featuresan episode this week titled “Bloody Mary,” inwhich a South Park character claims to have beensprayed with blood from a body orifice of a VirginMary statue. When Pope Benedict investigates, hedeclares that she’s just having her period.’Well, that’s putting it very mildly. And if youget too upset by this sort of thing, please- doNOT read on.What the episode actually said: (you canstream the video from South Park’s website ifyou care to)-A TV news character announces “The statueof the Virgin Mary has started to bleed out it’sa--”. This was repeated several times, with theemphasis on “a—“, apparently to milk (or bleed)the comic reaction.Stan’s dad decides to cure his alcoholism byvisiting the statue. Sick and lame (like the show’sjokes) people are lined up to be cured. A priestanoints an old woman in a wheelchair with bloodfrom the back of the statue. When Stan’s dad iswheeled behind the statue, there is a dramaticpause before the statue erupts, spraying him inthe face with blood, accompanied by a loud fartingsound. He cries “I’m cured. Praise Jesus andMary the Blessed Virgin Mother. Thank You, God.Praise Christ!”Later there is a news flash. “Pope Benedictthe 16th himself visited the statue here in Baileyto witness the miracle first hand.” As the “newsfootage” of the visit plays, the narrator continues:“It was an amazing sight to behold as Pope Benedicthimself made his way through the throngsof people. The Pope then examined the statueclosely.” We are shown a series of close-up shotsof the Pope inching his face ever closer to thestatue, until he gets a very prolonged and loudblast of blood in the face.Announcer: “After witnessing the phenomenonfirst hand, the Pope then cleaned himselfoff and declared the bleeding Virgin Mary wasNOT a miracle. Having investigated closely, thePope determined the blood was not coming fromthe Blessed Virgin’s a--, but from her vagina. Andthe Pope said, quote: ‘A chick bleeding out of hervagina is no miracle. Chicks bleed out of theirvaginas all the time’”The wonderful moral of this South Park“comedy”, the supposed mitigating and sociallyredeeming excuse for such an outrageous anti-Catholic episode, is the epilogue, the “lesson” thatpeople do not need religion or miracles or “higherpowers” in order to cure themselves of bad habits.They possess the power to do so on their own.The Catholic League is urging the board ofViacom, which owns Comedy Central, to apologizeto Catholics. To add to the insult, the episodewas scheduled on the eve of the ImmaculateConception.It’s not the first time South Park has angeredCatholics, or at least the League. In July 2002the show reportedly “maligned all priests aspedophiles”. And when the segment was repeateda month later Comedy Central touted the segmenton its home page, calling it, “The episode theCatholic League denounced. What other reasondo you need to watch it?”What is Viacom? According to their website:“Viacom is a leading global media company, withpreeminent positions in broadcast and cabletelevision, radio, outdoor advertising, and online.With programming that appeals to audiences inevery demographic category across virtually allmedia, the company is a leader in the creation,promotion, and distribution of entertainment,news, sports, music, and comedy. Viacom’s wellknownbrands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon,Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures,Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, UPN,TV Land, Comedy Central, CMT: Country MusicTelevision, King World, Spike TV, Showtime, andSimon & Schuster.” Viacom is a goliath, withsales of $23.7 billion.CBS: “…the No.1 most-watched network withmore than 200 affiliated stations.” During the ’04Super Bowl, CBS redefined “the boob tube” withthe help of Janet Jackson.MTV: “…the world’s largest televisionnetwork and the leading multimedia brand foryouth…reaching nearly 379 million householdsin 140 territories globally”. The Parents TelevisionCouncil, a group monitoring children’sprogramming, takes the network and its advertisersto task saying, “MTV is watched by 73%of boys and 78% of girls ages 12 to 19, and it isprofoundly influential in the lives of its youngfans by glamorizing drug and alcohol use, sexualpromiscuity and violent behavior.”Infinity Broadcasting: “owns and operates 180radio stations, is one of the largest operators ofradio stations in the United States. Approximately91 percent of its radio stations are located in the50 largest U.S. radio markets.” In 2002 the “Opieand Anthony” show was kicked off the airwavesin New York and 16 other markets when thosetwo “personalities” had a show member describevia cell phone a couple having sex in St. Patrick’sCathedral during Mass. It was August 15, the feastof the Assumption.The “stunt” reportedly was for the annual “Sexfor Sam” contest, sponsored by Samuel AdamsBeer. Participants got points for having sex inpublic places. St. Patrick’s merited 25 points,Central Park only 10. Different sex acts were alsoassigned point values.BanquetsIntimate Elegancein a truly Irish settingFor all your occasionsEvents from 50-120 guestsChristenings Communions Graduations ShowersRehearsal Dinners Weddings Private Funeral Luncheons7280 W. Devon AvenueCall 773.774.4001BUILDER 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. 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January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 41Winners got a trip to Boston events sponsoredby Samuel Adams. Jim Koch, Samuel Adams’chairman was in the studio, acting as “GrandMarshal” for the event. It gets worse. We’llspare you.Opie and Anthony were off the air for twoyears. But they didn’t lose a dime. They collectedpaychecks until their contract with Infinity ranout, and have now moved to XM satellite radio,where there are no odious FCC rules to gag theirwisdom.“Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI) owns thepremium television networks Showtime, TheMovie Channel and FLIX. SNI owns a 30 percentinterest in Sundance Channel, which is aventure among NBC Universal, Robert Redfordand SNI.”Penn Jillette, of Penn & Teller- Penn’s the bigone, with the big mouth. Last May in a ShowtimePenn and Teller episode titled “Holier than Thou”he mocked Mother Teresa, saying the poor “hadto suffer so that Mother f---ing Teresa could beenlightened”. He called her nuns f---ing c---s.(No, he didn’t say Catholics, or even cows. AndFYI: on NPR’s Morning Edition, November 21,he declared: “I believe that there is no God. I’mbeyond atheism.”)We’ll go into this subject some more in alater column. And I hope to open the curtain tointroduce you to the Professor Wizards of showbiz. For now I’d like to pose the question, “WhyCatholics? Are Catholics more wimpy than otherfolks? Are they conditioned to feel guilty whenblameless? Do they simply ignore the mockery,believing they “blend”? Where is the outrage?Prof. Arthur Schlessinger, Sr. (Harvard) oncenoted that anti-Catholicism is “the deepest biasin the history of the American people”. Prof.Peter Viereck (Yale): “Catholic baiting is theanti-Semitism of the liberals.”In this country, blatant mockery of religionis supposed to be against the law. Why is Catholicismthe exception? It is said members ofthe KKK described the initials as standing forthe three targets of their hatred: Koons, Kikes andKatholics. Why are the latter still fair game?Watch IRISH TV JOURNALChicago- All cable systems: Channel 19:Monday 7PM, Tuesday 2PMComcast- (Elmhurst billing) 41West suburbs– Channel 19: Tuesday 7:30 PMComcast- (Skokie billing) 24 North suburbs–Ch. 19 (or 35): Tuesday, 6PME-mail: IrishTV@ameritech.net ©Mike Morley 2006Dance & Mime ShopChicago’s premiere dance / theatre shopoffering:dancewear, shoes,costumes, make-upand accessories forWomen, Men,Children andplus sizesSpecializing in:Ballet, Jazz, Flamenco,Tap, Gymnastics, Skating,Lyrical and BallroomAlexis Frees Kiernan 312.666.4406643 W Grand Ave • Chicago, ILwww.danceandmimeshop.comVoted Best Dance Shop in Chicago MagazineSinn Fein rejectsOTR legislationSinn Fein has rejected new legislation whichis supposed to give so-called “on-the-run”republicans an amnesty. The plans cover upto 150 people wanted for crimes committedbefore 1998. They would have their casesheard by a special tribunal and, if found guilty,would be freed on license without having togo to jail. The scheme will be temporary buta precise cut-off period is not specified in thebill - instead its expiry is linked to the lifetimeof the chief constable’s historic cases reviewteam, which is looking at unsolved murdersduring the Troubles.The proposed law would set up a two-stageprocess. First someone who will be known asthe certification officer will decide if someoneis eligible for the scheme. The case would thengo to a special tribunal, consisting of a retiredjudge sitting without a jury. The tribunal wouldhave all the normal powers of the Crown Courtbut accused would not have to appear for theirtrial. If found guilty, they would get a criminalrecord but would be freed on license. Theywould have to provide fingerprints and DNAsamples to be granted their license.Party vice-president Pat Doherty said thelegislation was “far removed” from what hadbeen agreed during 2001 talks with the Britishgovernment at Weston Park. He also accusedthe government of “sleight of hand. But theBritish government said there was no othervehicle for dealing with OTRs. A NorthernIreland Office spokesman said Sinn Feinwere “deluding themselves”, if they thoughtthat there was.Sinn Fein initially welcomed it, but nowrealize it will not only give an amnesty to IRAmembers but also to any soldiers or police officerswho committed murder during 30 yearsof violence. Mr. Doherty led a delegation ofparty members and victims’ groups to meet Mr.Hain to give their views on the Northern Ireland(Offences) Bill which is currently going throughParliament, urging the government to scrap thelegislation and “stick to what was agreed”.TG4 is looking for yourold movies of IrelandTG4, the Irish language TV station basedin Galway, is very interested in uncovering oldmoving picture footage of Belfast, Dublin anddietaryspecialty 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 CHICAGOany other part of Ireland which has not beenpreviously broadcast as well as footage of IrishCommunities abroad.Amateur footage is of particular interest- the older the better. Were you a keen amateurfilm-maker or know of any film that is waitingfor its chance on the small-screen? Were youposted in the north of Ireland during WW2and took a movie camera with you? Do youhave footage of holidays in Ireland or are youof Irish heritage and have footage of familycelebrations, reunions or GAA games ormaybe St. Patrick’s Day Parades in The USA,UK, Canada or Ireland?Footage will be used as part of a majorarchive history series and the producers wouldespecially like to hear from those whose footageshow aspects of rural and city life in Ireland- transport; working life; sport; conflict; musicetc. If you think you could help, contact Deirdreor Martin at Stirling Productions on 00442890333848, or email deirdreellis@gmail.com orresearch@stirlingtelevision.co.ukClair and Sean Callan at the opening of theIrish American Heritage Center Library.BRIDAL TEASBaby ShowersBirthdays847-948-1724Ladies’ BenefitsSpecial 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 CartsTrinity OrthopaedicsTrinity Orthopaedics, S.C.is pleased toannounce that Daniel G. Torres, M.D. hasjoined us in the practice of MusculoskeletalCare effective December 1st, 2005, specializingin Rheumatology and Arthritis.Dr. Torresjoins us from West Suburban AmbulatoryCare, where he practiced for 10 years. He isClinical Assistant Professor of Medicine atLoyola University School of Medicine. Hecompleted his residency in Internal Medicineat Montefiore/University of Pittsburgh MedicalCenter. He received his fellowship trainingat Case Western Reserve University Schoolof Medicine.Dr. Torres has special interests in the treatmentof osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis andspondyloarthropathies. He is bilingual and fluentin Spanish. To schedule a consultation withDr. Torres, please call (708) 848-4662FINANCIAL 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 phone1-877-244-3181Da i ly De l i v e r y - Wo r l d w id e Se r v i c eThesilverbridgebandSundays At Six Penny Bit 8pm - MidnightThursdays at Six Penny Bit with Jerry EadeyAvailable solo or withThe Silverbridge BandFestivalsDinner DancesWeddingsPartiesCD’S Available:Co m e By Th e Hills•Life Of Th e Ro v e r •My De a r Fa t h e rJo e Mcsh a n e Co m p o s e d •Fr o m Fetters To Freedom847-226-4056 mcshn1623@aol.com

42 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006O’SHEA & SONSCONCRETEDriveways * Patios *Walkways * Garage Slabs708.422.2599or 708.218.8149FUNERAL HOMEPe t e r J. HeneghanDirector at the“A Funeral HomeIn A Garden Setting”SuburbanChicago(847) 823-6540 (773) 631-12406754 Northwest HighwayIBBONSFUNERAL 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”FUNERAL HOMEBurke - SullivanFuneral Home6471 N. Northwest HighwayChicago, IL 60630(773) 774-3333(708) 966-8818Directors- Gerald SullivanJeanne SullivanMary M. SullivanEvents in MilwaukeeTaoiseach’s Daughter Crosses the WaterCelia Ahern - Author of If You Could SeeMe NowFriday, January 20 • 7pm reading • Schwartz’Bookstore Shorewood, 4093 N. OaklandAve. (414) 963-3111Cecelia Ahern is the 23-year-old daughterof Ireland’s Taoiseach (prime minister),Bertie Ahern. Her first two novels, PS, ILove You and Rosie Dunne, were criticallyacclaimed international bestsellers. Shelives in Dublin, Ireland. In If You CouldSee Me Now, Ahern introduces us to twosisters at odds with each other. Elizabeth’slife is an organized mess. The organizedpart is entirely due to her own efforts. Themess is entirely due to her sister, Saoirse,whose personal problems leave Elizabethscrambling to pick up the pieces. Oneof these pieces is Saoirse’s six-year-oldson, Luke. Luke is quiet and contemplative,until the arrival of a new friend, Ivan,turns him into an outgoing, lively kid.And Elizabeth’s life is about to change inwonderful ways she has only dreamed of.With all the warmth and wit that fans havecome to expect from Cecilia Ahern, this isa novel full of magic, heart, and surprisingromance.If You Could See Me Now was snappedup by Disney Pictures even before it waspublished and is slated to star Hugh Jackmanin a multi million dollar production.The film version of Ahern’s earlier novel,PS, I Love You, is currently under productionwith Warner Brothers. This amazingsuccess of a talented young IrishwomanK.J. FLEMING’S, LTD.and other fine Irishproducts:Nicholas Mosse Pottery,Belleek,Aran Sweaters,Lambswool capesVisit our web sitewww.flemingsltd.com1.800.553.2779711 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147Blake-LambFuneral Homes4727 W. 103rd StreetOak Lawn IL 60453Rose Lamb, DirectorAll phones: 773/735-4242Owned by SCI Illinois Services, Inc.is just part of the current overflowinggift basket that young Irish writers andfilm makers offer the world. Her visitto Milwaukee is sponsored by Schwartz’Bookstores in cooperation with UWM’sCenter for Celtic Studies. Cecilia’s readingat 7PM on Friday January 20th will beintroduced by noted Irish poet and CelticStudies faculty member James Liddy. Formore information, call the bookstore at414-963-3111.Niall Hartnett Photography Exhibit:Opens February 3, 2006 at the IrishCultural CenterNiall Hartnett, 34, is an Irish-born photographerand writer who lives in Monticello,Indiana. He is the son of acclaimedpoet, Michael Hartnett. His forthcomingbook, Notes from His Contemporaries,will be published in the summer of 2006.The book serves as a tribute to his fatherand includes memoirs, anecdotes, poemsand interviews with his father’s contemporariesincluding Seamus Heaney, Nuala NiDhomhnail, and our own James Liddy. Forhis book, Niall photographed a plethoraof poets. In fact, most noted Irish poetsof the last 30 years are included. Using acombination of high digital and old techmedium format film, Hartnett has produceda unique record of the Irish literaryworld. These photos form the exhibition atthe Irish Cultural Heritage Center, 2133 W.Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI. There willbe an opening reception with Niall Hartnettat 7pm on Friday February 3, 2006.St. David’s Day Event March 1stThis year we will be celebrating St.David’s Day, the Welsh National Holiday,with a special event at the Hefter Center.There will be a reception with Welshdelicacies at 6:30pm followed by a presentationby Henry Jones Davis, editorof Cambria magazine, Grand Marshall ofthe St. David’s Day parade in the Welshcapital Cardiff and noted Welsh scholarand historian. This will be followed bySUBSCRIBETODAY!708-445-0700FAX 708-445-2003ENTERTAINERSJoe Monahan Singer/GuitaristIrish Ballads For Any OccasionLook for new CD, ‘Stories to Tell’708.633.9088 orE-Mail at joemona@aol.coma short concert of Welsh folk songs byWelsh tenor Geraint Wilkes. For moreinformation call the Center for CelticStudies at (414) 299-6520.Sean Nós Weekend 2006: Friday, February24th and Saturday, February 25thFriday - This exciting event starts offwith a concert on Friday evening featuringMáirín Uí Chéide, Áine Meenaghan,Liam Ó Maonlaí (The Hothouse Flowers),Virginia Stevens Blankenhorn and JulieHenigan, Jimmy Crowley, Brian Hart,Moira Smiley among others (Concertstarts at 7.30p.m.). Song Workshops followearly morning coffee and scones onSaturday morning (9.00-10.15a.m. and10.45a.m.-12.00p.m.). Then participantsand performers have a chance to munchand mingle over lunch.Saturday - On Saturday afternoon, tocommemorate the 100th anniversary ofDouglasHyde’s visit to Milwaukee (DouglasHyde was the first president of Irelandand a founder of Conradh na Gaeilge),the Center for Celtic Studies at UWMwill be unveiling a plaque in “The CudahyBar” in the Pabst Theater. Hyde came toMilwaukee to successfully raise funds forIrish language activities back in Ireland.His collection of the Irish language lovesongs and religious songs of Connaughtmade a vital and lasting contribution tothe Gaelic revival. At this event, one ortwo of those songs will be sung. ProfessorSeosamh Watson, Emeritus Chair of CelticStudies at the National University of Irelandand Gaelic activist, will give the first“Hyde Memorial Lecture” (2.00p.m.). Thisspecial event will be followed by a wineand cheese reception. A singing sessionwill start at 7.30p.m. at “The County Clare”pub. Be ready to share a song or two!RegistrationA special weekend rate of $35 willcover admission to the concert, Saturdaymorning workshops with boxed lunch, thePabst reception, and evening song session.Admission to concert on Friday night is$10. Advanced registration is required.Please make checks payable to the Centerfor Celtic Studies. The address is Centerfor Celtic Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Holton Hall 290, P.O. Box 413,Milwaukee, WI 53212. (414) 229-6520 orwww.uwm.edu/Dept/celtic.Weddings, Parties, EventsSolo Piano or Guitar up to full6-Piece Band 312-922-7517www.mickarcher.comMick Archer Solo Performance TourDec. 27th thru Jan. 31st 2006The Downhill Hotel - Sligo Road, BallinaCounty Mayo, Ireland • 011-353-96-21033

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 43S HARING A PINTBy Scott PowersThere was a time during Niall Hartnett’s boyhoodthat he was only known as “the poet’s son.”Most people, including his classmates, neverlooked beyond his name and relation to MichaelHartnett, the famous Irish poet. No matter howhard he tried or what he did, Niall could notescape the title. Along with the normal teenageindignation, Niall also dealt with knowing that,while others considered his father to be a brilliantpoet, he knew him as someone with a drinkingproblem and an imperfect family life. BeforeMichael passed away in 1999 from liver troublesdue to his drinking, Niall learned to love his fatherfor who he was. He took the good with the badand even accepted he was the poet’s son.Now 34, Niall is in the midst of balancingbeing that son, which includes helping keephis father’s memory alive, and creating his ownidentity as a photographer. Niall recently sat downat Poor Phil’s in Oak Park to talk of his father andhimself while Sharing a Pint.The name Michael Hartnett doesn’t holdas much weight with Americans as it does theIrish. Michael began to emerge on Ireland’spoetry scene in the late 1960s with “Anatomyof a Cliché,” a book of love poetry. He latercemented himself in Irish history when, in1975, he made the controversial decision to nolonger publish in English. His Gaelic-writtenbook, “Farewell to English,” earned him theIrish-American Cultural Institute Award and theIrish Arts Council Award for best book in Irish.His writing career continued to flourish over thenext few decades.During that time, however, it became moredifficult for him to resist the bottle. He oftenhitchhiked five miles from his family’s home inthe parish of Templeglantine to go to NewcastleWest, his hometown in Co. Limerick, to sit anddrink with friends. Michael often arrived to functionsdrunk. Niall would be approached by fanstelling him that he must be so proud of his father.He said he was, while hiding his embarrassment.Michael’s drinking eventually led to the end ofhis marriage with Rosemary Hartnett and himleaving Niall and his daughter Lara. Niall doesn’tsugarcoat his father’s past. Michael often kept tohimself and wasn’t good at expressing his feelingsoutside of his writing.Niall does remember plenty of good timeswith his fatheras well. Michaelcould bethe life of theparty and nevertook crap fromanyone. Healso could be acaring personwho wantedthe best forhis son. Hehad hoped NiallScott Powers and Niall Hartnettwould become a scientist and encouraged himto go to college. “My father played more ofan intellectual role in my life,” Niall said. “Hewanted to teach me about the world. He nevertalked about writing.”Niall dabbled in poetry as a teenager but chosenot to follow in his father’s footsteps. He laterattended Trinity College in Dublin and went onto Indiana University for a master’s degree inpsychology. He recently moved to the Chicagoarea and became an academic advisor in the Universityof Illinois-Chicago’s psychology department.About four years ago, Niall began tappinginto his creative energy through photography. Itwas during this time he had also become moreactive in the rememberance of his father’s worksby creating a Web site.With the help of his fiancée, Rachel, Niall latercame up with an idea to merge a book of writersremembering his father with photos of his own.The photos would be portraits taken by Niallof the contributing writers. He found a willingpublisher along with 40 writers, including PaulDurkin and Seamus Heaney, to submit variouscontributions of anecdotes, poems and moreabout his father.For his part, Niall has traveled across theUnited States and Ireland taking photos of thewriters. Most of the writers were uncomfortablein front of a camera and provided him with a shortwindow in which to take the photos. The IrishAmerican Heritage Center had a photo exhibitof a sampling of his collection in December. Allthe photos are black and white and were eithertaken somewhere that the writer was comfortableor somewhere they associated with Michael. Nialllooked to catch the personality of the writer withGIFT SHOPBelleek • foodIrish Papers“Saving the Green”5138 W. 95th St.Oak Lawn 60453708-424-7055“Your complete Irish import storein the south suburbs.”each photo and used an old-fashioned camera anda new-aged digital one to demonstrate the generationspectrum of the writers. Niall hopes the bookwill be out by the summer and isn’t sure whetherit will be released outside of Ireland.Niall has considered moving back to Irelandand getting more involved in the literature scene,but he doesn’t want his father’s work to be hiswhole life. He does believe his father would besupportive of the book and his photography career.“If he knew I was doing this for him, he wouldbe fine with it,” Niall said. “I wouldn’t be doingit unless he would. This has not only been greatbecause I get to meet all these writers, must ofwhom who only knew me as a child, and celebratemy dad, but it’s also good to get a book out there.Hopefully it’ll help push others along.”Niall would like to do future documentaryphotography books, but he wants to step awayfrom the Irish and writing cultures. Being inChicago now, he’s already thought of a handfulof ideas. The city has also given him somethinghe’s been missing for a while. “For a long time,I haven’t had much exposure to the Irish community,”said Niall, who most recently lived inMonticello, Ind. “I’ve been missing it becauseI’ve been missing Ireland. Chicago definitelyintrigued me. I thought I could put together thecommunity with my work. The Chicago Irishcommunity has embraced me.”* For more about Niall Hartnett, samples ofhis work and information about his father andthe yearly Eigse Michael Hartnett Photo Festival,check out www.niallhartnett.com.Have a recommendation for “Sharing a Pint”or want to write Scott Powers? 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44 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006Coming soon: Celtic Irish Cosmos SymposiaWhat have the Irish contributed to America?That question and more will be answered atThe Celtic Irish Cosmos Symposia at the IrishAmerican Heritage Center in the winter of 2006.This 3-part series will take place on the last Sundayof January, February and March 2006.Know The CostBeforeThe Work BeginsAll Makes and ModelsResidentialand CommercialCarrier • Peerless • Well • McLain • HellSAVE $ ON GAS BILLSGET YOUR FURNACE CLEANED & CHECKEDHEATING•REFRIGERATIONAIR CONDITIONING• Design And Install New Addition Systems •• Quick Service • Senior Citizen Discounts •• Flat Rate Pricing • Labor Warranties •• Furnaces • Boilers • Water Heaters• Space Heaters • Air Conditioners• Air Cleaners • Humidifiers• Cleaning • Repairs• Insured • Bonded • LicensedFree estimates on installation773-283-6161PatrickMechanical, Inc.Emergency ServiceC a t e r i n g7280 W. Devon AvenueChicago, Illinois 60631Radio DispatchedTrucksOVER 17YEARSOF QUALITYSERVICEFor all your family andcorporate catering needs.Entertain in Style and stillkeep the bookkeeper happy!773•774•4001The Celtic Irish Cosmos will explore severalaspects of Irish-American identity. The lectureswill examine the past, present and future of IrishAmericans and their roles in politics, the arts,business, literature and the media. It will look athow the Irish as a group succeeded or faltered inthe past, what can be learned from the present thatwill influence the future of Irish America.The backbone of the symposia will be in-depthpresentations by well-known Irish-Americanleaders and trendsetters with an audience feedbacksession. There will be exhibits tied to theday’s topic and each session will feature live Irishmusic, dance, displays of artwork and authorsdiscussing, selling and signing their work.Martin Healy, Maureen O’Looney, Irish Consul General Charles Sheahan, AliceSheahan, Neil Hartigan, and Patrick Bloom on hand for the Irish American HeritageCenter Library opening.O L DORLANDINSURANCEAGENCY, INC.Since 1946“We sell Peace Of Mind.”HOME • LIFE • AUTO • HEALTH • BUSINESSALL TYPES OF CONTRACTORS14308 Union Orland Park, IL 60462708-349-2000MORTGAGESDan DuntonMortgage ConsultantState Bank of Countryside7380 Route 83Darien IL 60561Phone 630-655-3113Cell 630-209-5821• No income verification loans• 100% financingThe Irish Transformation, on Sunday, January29th, at 2:30pm, will explore the impact ofHollywood and the media on the image of theIrish. It will ask and answer such questionsas “Did Hollywood create the Irish image ordid the Irish establish this image specially forHollywood?” Panelists for Session #1 includeDennis J. McBride, author of A Spirit Moved OurFeet: What You Should Know About Being Irish-American, award-winning Chicago actor BradArmacost, Ellen Skerrett, scholar and co-authorof Catholicism, Chicago Style and The Irish inChicago and scholar and author Lawrence J. Mc-Caffrey, Professor Emeritus, Loyola University’sDepartment of History.The Irish Ascendancy; The Wearing of theIrish Jewels DirectFine Qualityfrom Irelandwww.Irishjewelsdirect.comSecure - ‘Pay Pal’ friendlyon-line orderingor call Ed Dwyer1-773-895-1237Discounts 24/7 !OFFICE FURNITURE• SALES• DESIGN• USED(Sold & Purchased)Authorized Dealer of:HON ® Allsteel ® Gunlocke ®Chicago Office Interiors(773) 254-4877 (fax) 254-8746www.chicagoofficeint.comGreen: An Irish American Success Story, onSunday February 26th at 3pm will focus on therole of the Irish in creating the successful businessand political environment. Facets of Irishinvolvement in business, politics and publicservice will be on the agenda. Panelists includeformer Illinois Attorney General Neil Hartiganand Illinois State Senator John J. Cullerton.The Irish Consecution on Sunday March26th will be a gala event, beginning at 3pm. Itwill celebrate the present as well as emphasizethe future and the impact the Irish will have ongrowth of this country, while striving to preservetheir Irish heritage and pass on to the next generation.A major focus of this session will be Irishculture, including music, storytelling, dance andCeltic art. Panelist will include NorthwesternUniversity Professor and writer Bill Savage andConsulate General of Ireland, Charles Sheehan.Tickets for the Celtic Irish Cosmos can bepurchased by calling the Irish American HeritageCenter at 773-282-7035, ext. 10. Prices for theevents are: IAHC members $15 per ticket or $40per series, non members, $20 per ticket or $50per series or $80, which includes a membershipto the IAHC and tickets to all three events.The Celtic Irish Cosmos is supported by agrant from the Illinois Humanities Council andthe Illinois Arts Council.The Irish American CulturalInstitute Announces NewChairmanThe Irish American Cultural Institute(IACI) Board of Directors announced thatGerald P. McBride was appointed Chairmanof the organization at the organization’s boardmeeting, November 19th, 2005. The statementcomes after Chairman and CEO John P. Walshannounced his retirement. Walsh is steppingdown after 35 years of association with theIACI, 18 of which he served as Chairman.Chairman-elect McBride most recently servedas Vice Chairman of the IACI and in the past hasheld various roles for the Irish American Partnership.Kathleen Fee, a member of the Board of Directors,will replace McBride as Vice Chairman.The IACI is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit national organizationcommitted to the exploration and appreciationof Irish culture. Founded in 1962, the IrishAmerican Cultural Institute (IACI) is the leadingIrish American cultural organization withthe President of Ireland as its Patron.PLASTERINGWilliam McNulty & SonsPlastering Co.Insured - All Work GuaranteedPLASTERINGSTUCCO DRYVIT708-386-2951

January 2006 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 45Listen, you can improve your lifeImagine, the first panel of a cartoon showinga medieval castle under siege. Thesecond panel shows a salesman trying tosell a .50 caliber machine gun to one of theknights. The third panel shows the bosstelling the knight to send the salesmanaway, he doesn’t have time to see (listen)to some sales person.The recently deceased Dr. Patrick Scanlonof Loyola University’s Medical Schoolcontinuously told his students that if youlisten to your patients, probably as manyas 90% will tell you what is wrong withthem. Yet we don’t see many doctors thatactually listen to a recitation of your ills.This same practice is equally widespreadin business. Bob McCoy, a former EVPwith Dominicks Finer Foods says that90% or more of bosses don’t get solidinput from their subordinates.Why doesn’t the boss listen? Is s/he toobusy to pay attention? Or is s/he too focusedon something else? Are there toomany other things going on at the sametime? Are they distracted by other pressingmatters? Is it possible that they don’t wantto hear the news they’re being told? Couldit be that the issue is even more basic? Havewe been trained by our parents (or otherauthority figures) that we can’t get theirattention unless our conduct is outrageous.Or are we the victims of our own arrogance---we have the answers, all of them.In a recent Masterpiece Theater performance,the Virgin Queen (Elizabeth) ofEngland says to her key confidant on herascendancy to the throne, you must tellme the truth even if I am upset with youfor doing so. I will try to never hold yourmessage against you, for you are my mostimportant confidant.In William Manchester’s book, Goodbye,Darkness, he describes an incident thathappened to him during World War II inthe Pacific. Marine Sergeant Manchesterand his men were pinned down behind asea wall, waiting for the Japanese automaticfire to stop. A young officer tells himthat they are going over the top to knockout the enemy pill boxes. Manchester tellshim that neither he nor his men are goingto “go over the top” regardless what thisofficer says. They are combat veteransand they know better. The officer calledAnne’s Irish Knits522 Main St., Evanston847-998-8426HAND KNIT SWEATERSFOR MEN, WOMEN &CHILDREN…ALSO, LADIES CASHMERE& WOOL CAPES, JACKETS,SKIRTS, IRISH LINEN DRESSESAND ACCESSORIES. email: annemckeown@comcast.netManchester and his men cowards. Hethen leads the non existent charge andis killed within a few feet. Manchestersays that he should have listened to thecombat veterans and he would probablyhave lived out the day, but he “knew” betterthan they. His unwillingness to listengot him killed.If you are the boss/supervisor/president/or parent, how can you elicit legitimateinput? You need to be PRESENT for thepersons in your life, whether at home orthe plant or office. If not, someone willultimately tell you that you weren’t therefor them. You simply weren’t listening.Commonly people hope that you will accepttheir input, but may not necessarilyanticipate that you implement their particularpoint of view. But they do want tofeel that they have had a chance to statetheir beliefs or conclusions.I have spent a good part of my professionallife dealing with senior executives.Frankly, I cannot recall very many ofthem admitting that they didn’t listen totheir subordinates. Most seem to feel thatthey listen closely to their staff. But whenI talk to their staff members privatelymost of them say the same thing, “theydon’t listen” Many times the supervisorbelieves his own “press clippings”; that hehas all the answers. The supervisor maymake comments like “I don’t want to hearabout losses.” Why? Because it doesn’t fitinto the person’s plans. Their smugnessor arrogance won’t let them accept theinformation intelligently.Wouldn’t you think that the boss who ispaying good salaries throughout his organizationwould want to hear their insightsor their opinions? But frequently subordinatesreport that they find that the bossis preoccupied, inattentive, distant or distracted.There is no doubt that you need tobe more attentive to your subordinates andthe information they are providing you.Listening to your subordinates clearlypays off. The McDonald Corporationstates proudly that a great number of theirproducts have been developed by theirfranchisees. Many of us know peoplewho own 20-30 patents. They developedproducts because they understood theirprocesses very well. And their bosseslistened. How about your company?Maybe you should leave a copy of thisarticle on your boss’ desk (anonymously,if you please).The boss needs to make himself availableto the employees of the organization,without any barriers. S/he needs to walkthe plant floor. S/he needs to be seen asvulnerable. S/he should make it quiteclear that an unwelcome comment is ashelpful as a welcomed one (defined asbeing in agreement with the boss’ beliefs).The boss has a lot of power over theiremployees: salary level, job security andcareer advancement. Think about it, whois going to challenge that unless they believeit is permissible. Many employeesare risk adverse; particularly in thesevolatile times.Now if you are on the other side of thedesk trying to get your boss’ attention, youmight consider these few thoughts. Youneed to establish your credibility early andoften. You need to reinforce your image asa positive contributor. You want the bestfor the total corporation. You want to helpto make your boss feel secure. You are nottrying to undermine anyone. Rather youare striving to help the boss reach higherlevels within the organization. You areworking in the best interests of the boss.Of course, your ideas may not be acceptedthe first or second time, but persistencewill pay off. Stay the course.Recognize that many of us confuse ourego with our integrity. You NEVER surrenderyour integrity, or you are lost. Butif you are being honest, the issue mightbe your ego. Be honest with yourself,which is really at stake? Pick your battlescarefully.Always use a respectful tone when youdisagree with the boss. Such deferencedoes not mean that you don’t believe inyour position 100%, but rather it is to youradvantage to always be courteous and wellspoken in stating your position.Work out a logical approach on how youare going to present your data. Have awritten agenda for any meeting of morethan just a few minutes. Demonstratethat this meeting is important and you arewell prepared; this is not a casual hallwayconversation. Think carefully about how toframe your comments, so others can readilyGaffney TravelServing the Irish Community of Chicagoland Since 1969IrelandApple VacationsEuropeCruisesVisit our Websitewww.gaffneytravel.comDisneyworldLas VegasOffering Over 300 IRELAND TOURS& Low Hertz Car Rentals in Ireland4560 West 103 rd • Oak Lawn708 636-1683Email: sales@gaffneytravel.comaccept them. Clearly state how your approachwould help the company. If the bossis a big sports fan, maybe the use of sportanalogies would facilitate the conversation.Apply the KISS (keep it simple, stupid)principle. I got an email from a friend ofmine recently and he said he could makethe simplest matter complex. Why wouldsomeone want to do that?So if you are a boss or have a boss or wishto be a boss, you must learn to be sensitiveto the communication needs integral tothe process of human interaction. CarpeDiem.James F. Fitzgerald is the president ofJames F. 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46 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS January 2006porting LogBy SeanSOg. O CeallachainMoney talks and the GAAare now looking forward toone of the biggest financialbonanzas in the history ofthe Association when they rentout the GAA stadium, CrokePark, to the Irish Rugby Unionand the Football Association ofIreland for their soccer internationalsin the 2007 / 2008 /2009 seasons. As I have beenstressing in this column forsome time now, the decisionto open up Croke Park forsoccer and rugby while therugby headquarters, LansdowneRoad, is being rebuilt will provea major step.GAA president SeanKelly, who relinquishes officein March 2006 can take allthe credit for mastermindingthe entire transaction. He sawthe wisdom of such a moveinspite of a lot of oppositionfrom several quarters withinthe Association. What does itall mean? The long and shortof it is quite simple. The GAAstands to earn 36 million euroin rent money from the IRFUand the FAI during the threeseasons thatLansdowne Road is closedfor re-development. and that’son four sell out games, in rugbyand soccer per year ( it couldbe more in some seasons inCroke Park.Negotiations are at presenttaking place between thethree Associations on the rentalfees that the GAA are seeking,and naturally the GAA will bedriving a very hard bargain. Itcan be supposed that the GAAwill be looking for 1.5 milliomeure pergame. That would give areturn of up to 1 2 millioneuro per year for the GAA.Despite the high rent, theIRFU and the FAI will standto benefit hugely from amove to the 83, 000- capacityCroke Park as the gross yieldwould be more than twicewhat Lansdowne Road canrealise. Lansdowne Road’s totalcapacity for rugby games is49,000, but crucially, there areonly 24,000 seats, 45,000 fewerthan in Croke Park.Under UEFA and FIFAregulations, bucket seats haveto be installed in LansdowneRoad for European and WorldCup soccer qualifier games, restrictingthe capacity for soccerto 34,000 other than for friendlymatches. It can be said, thata sell-out rugby internationalat Lansdownw Road returns aticket gross around 2 millioneuro. However, the same gamein Croke Park would yield over4.5 million euro, while anotherone million would accrue fromthe rent of the corporate boxes,plus increased advertising revenue,arising from the largersignage in Croke Park.Croke Park has 98corporate boxes on their saledate match against France inFebruary 2007, the gross takewill be 5.5 million euro, basedon last year’s ticket prices.That’s over 3 million morethan the IRFU would returnfrom Lansdowne Road soeven if they have to pay theGAA 1.5 million they wouldstill have 1.5 million more forthemselves, than if the gamewere in Lansdowne. Road.The GAA are in a very strongposition as they will be theonly stadium show in townonce the IRFU and the FAIbecome temporaraily homelessin early 2007.Live Sports in January from SetantaSetanta Sports channel is airingan unprecedented number oflive international football andrugby matches. The network isavailable on DIRECTV (Channel615) as a premium channel andwith GlobeCast WorldTV DTH.Check www.setanta.com/usa forupdated schedules.Week Of January 1-7Rugby - Celtic League (Live)The Celtic Cup is competedfor by the teams who finish inthe top eight in the Celtic League.Unlike the Guiness Premiershipplay-offs, it is a tournament inits own right.January 6 at 2:00 PM - NewportGwent Dragons v ConnachtJanuary 7 at 2:30 PM - EdinburghGunners v MunsterWeek Of January 8 - 14Football (Soccer)-Carling Cup(Live)The Carling Cup is the secondarycup competition in England. Itis open only to professional SoccerClubs including the English PremierLeague. There are 7 knock outrounds in the competition, climaxingwith a final at the MillenniumStadium in Cardiff. The winnersof the competition automaticallyqualify for the U.E.F.A. Cup.Games are played on Wednesdaysand Thursdays. The favorites forthis year’s competition is sure tobe current holders Chelsea, withthe usual suspects ManchesterUnited, Arsenal and the winningestCarling Cup team (7) Liverpool inhot pursuit, though the real beautyof the competition is that thereis always the possibility that oneChicago mourns deaths of two great gaelsChicago gaeldom mourned thedeaths of two well-known gaels recently,P.J Murphy, from Nountmellick,Co. Laois, and James Hickey,proud native of Coolaclare, Co. dare.Both men were prominent playerson Chicago Gaa playing fields inthe 60’s and 70’s, and served theirrespective clubs, Shannon Rangershurling and St. Brendan’s football,with distinction.The untimely death of P.J Murphy,who was only 66 years oldbecame more poignant during hiswake at Gibbon’s Funeral Home,when it was discovered that his son,Brian, who was married, was founddead at his home, after he failed toturn up for his father’s wake. Thelarge attendance at P.J’s wake andfuneral testified to the great popularityof this fine Laois hurler, whohad thrilled so many Chicago gaelswith his hurling art on so manyoccasions. We join with Chicagogaeldom in offering our deepestsympathy to the Murphy familyin Chicago and in Laois. Ar dheisDe go raibhn an ainm• Our sincerecondolences also to the family ofBrian. May he rest in peace.The death of James Hickey wasalso another sad occasion for hislegion of Chicago Gaelic friendson and off the playing field. He wasa star performer when the mightySt, Brendan’s football club ruledthe arena in Chicago and the Midwestwith household names likeJim Barton, Jimmy Wade, PaddyScanlon, John and Francie Brennan,Tim Mulvey and others. The lateJim with his brother J.J could holdtheir own with the best of thosedays. Whilst his other brothers thelate Mike and Paddy watched fromof the Championship,League One or LeagueTwo teams can performa ‘giant killing’ andknock out a PremierLeague opponent. Thesemi finals are playedover two legs and theleader on aggregateadvances to the final.January 10 at2:30PM - Semi-FinalsFirst Leg - TeamsTBDJanuary 11 at2:30PM - Semi-FinalsFirst Leg - TeamsTBDRugby - CelticLeague (Live)January 8 at 10:30AM - Ulster v GlasgowWarriorsH e i n e k e n C u p(Live)The Heineken Cup started in1995 as a stepping stone betweendomestic rugby and the internationalstage. The Heineken Cup involvesclub rugby teams from Ireland,Wales, Scotland, England, Franceand Italy. The format is as follows:The six Pool winners and two bestplaced runners-up will qualify forthe Quarter-Finals and will be decidedby the following criteria: Fourpoints for a win, two points for adraw (match points). A bonus pointwill be earned by a team scoring fouror more tries and by a team losing byseven or less points. The Pool winnerwill be the Club with the highestnumber of match points earned ineach Pool. The runners up will bethe two second placed Clubs fromthe sidelines and always promotedthe games of the gael.The late Jim and his belovedwife are the proud parents of theinternationally well-known U.SArmy, Lieut.Col. Jim Hickey, wholed the raid on Saddam Hussein’shideaway a few years ago, resultingin the live capture of the infamousIraq Dictator. Lieut. Co. Hickeyand his brave men who madethe capture were honored laterby Mayor Richard M. Daley andindeed by all Chicagoans, and ofcourse all proud Americans.Here again we offer our sincerecondolences to the Hickey familyin Chicago, Naperville and at homein Co. Clare. The large attendanceat the wakes in Orland Park andNaperville, testified to the popularityof this fine Gael and well-knownand respected businessman. Ardheis De go raibhn an ainm.DUBLIN, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 7: RoyKeane of Ireland in action during the WorldCup Group 4 Qualifying match betweenRepublic of Ireland and France at LansdowneRoad on September 7, 2005 in Dublin, Ireland.(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)all six Pools with the next highestnumber of points. For the Quarter-Final round, the Pool winners will beranked 1 - 6 in terms of the numberof points earned. The runners-upwill be ranked 7 and 8.January 13 - TBD (Kick off14:30 PM)January 14 - TBD (Kick off 8:00AM)January 14 - TBD (Kick off at10 AM)January 14 - TBD (Kick off at12 PM)WEEK OF JANUARY 15 - 21Rugby - Heineken Cup (Live)January 15 - TBD (Kick off at8:00 AM)January 15 - TBD (Kick off10:00AM)January 20 - TBD (Kick off2:30 PM)January 20 - TBD (Kick off at8:00 AM)January 21 - TBD (Kick off at10 AM)January 21 - TBD (Kick off at12 PM)Week Of January 22 - 28Football (Soccer) - Carling Cup(Live)January 24 at 2:30PM - Semi-Finalssecond Leg - Teams TBDJanuary 25 at 2:30PM - Semi-Finalssecond Leg - Teams TBDRugby - Heineken Cup (Live)January 22 - TBD (Kick off at8:00 AM)January 22 - TBD (Kick off10:00AM)Celtic LeagueJanuary 27 at 9:00 PM (SameDay Coverage) - Cardiff Blues vEdinburgh GunnersJanuary 28 at 12:30 PM (LIVE) -Munster v Newport Gwent Dragons

Jan1IAMNEWS(3)5.75hx10 12/15/05 5:14 PM Page 1CARLING CUPTuesday, 10 JanuaryTuesday, 10 JanuaryWednesday, 11 JanuaryWednesday, 11 JanuaryTuesday, 24 JanuaryTuesday, 24 JanuaryWednesday, 25 JanuaryWednesday, 25 JanuaryMonday, 2 JanuaryMonday, 2 JanuaryCARLING CUP2:45pm-LIVE9:00pm2:45pm-LIVE9:00pm2:45pm-LIVE9:00pm2:45pm-LIVE9:00pmSEMI FINALS1st Semi-Final/1st Leg1st Semi-Final/1st Leg2nd Semi-Final/1st Leg2nd Semi-Final/1st Leg1st Semi-Final/2nd Leg1st Semi-Final/2nd Leg2nd Semi-Final/2nd Leg2nd Semi-Final/2nd LegCOCA-COLA CHAMPIONSHIP12:00pm-LIVE9:00pmPlymouth v. Leeds UnitedPlymouth v. Leeds UnitedTHE SETANTA SPORTS FOOTBALL LINE-UP INCLUDES: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, COCA-COLACHAMPIONSHIP, BUNDESLIGA, SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE, MUTV & CHELSEA TVLIVE & EXCLUSIVEON SETANTA SPORTSSaturday, 7 JanuarySaturday, 7 JanuarySunday, 8 JanuarySunday, 8 JanuaryFriday, 27 JanuaryFriday, 13 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySaturday, 14 JanuarySunday, 15 JanuarySunday, 15 JanuaryFriday, 20 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySaturday, 21 JanuarySunday, 22 JanuarySunday, 22 JanuarySUBSCRIBE NOW On DIRECTV: 1-800-DIRECTV or visit www.DIRECTV.comOn GlobeCast WorldTV 1-888-988-5288.GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP9:30am–LIVE7:00pm8:30am–LIVE2:00pm2:30pm-LIVEHEINEKEN CUP2:30pm-LIVE8:00am–LIVE10:00am–LIVE12:00pm-LIVE7:00pm9:00pm11:00pm8:00am-LIVE10:00am-LIVE2:30pm-LIVE8:00am–LIVE10:00am–LIVE12:00pm-LIVE7:00pm9:00pm11:00pm8:00am-LIVE10:00am-LIVEWorcester Warriors v. Northampton SaintsWorcester Warriors v. Northampton SaintsSaracens v. GloucesterSaracens v. GloucesterBristol v. Worcester WarriorsTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCTeams TBCCELTIC LEAGUEFriday, 6 January2:10pm–LIVE Newport Gwent Dragons v. ConnachtSaturday, 7 December 2:30pm–LIVE Edinburgh Gunners v. MunsterSaturday, 7 December7:00pm Edinburgh Gunners v. MunsterSunday, 8 January10:30am-LIVE Ulster v. Glasgow WarriorsSunday, 8 January11:00pm Ulster v. Glasgow WarriorsSaturday, 28 January 12:30pm-LIVE Munster v. Newport Gwent DragonsSaturday, 28 January9:00pm Munster v. Newport Gwent DragonsTHE SETANTA SPORTS RUGBY LINE-UP INCLUDES: HEINEKEN CUP, GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP,SIX-NATIONS, SUPER 14's, CELTIC LEAGUE, POWERGEN CUP and more...ALL TIMES ET. SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. LIVE SAME DAY COVERAGE 1ST AIRING For latest schedule updates and information, visit www.setanta.com/usa or call 1-888-886-8572.

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