Catie Keogh - Irish American News

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 3every Saturday after SNL. Weare consistently rated #1 in ourtime frame. Even if you are notin Chicago, you can catch theshow at www.247citysecrets.com.IAN: All of your work istop notch. You also host andexecutive produce Test Drive,featuring the Chicago AutoShow (FOX), and you have beenEmmy nominated for OutstandingAchievement in SpecialEvent Programs all three yearsyou have been doing it!Catie: Well, Thank you! Iwork with an amazing and talentedgroup of people. My teamis top notch and we all LOVEChicago!IAN: Where did you go toschool?Catie: I grew up in ParkRidge, IL and attended MarySeat of Wisdom for grammarschool and Maine South forHigh School. My dad’s job atthe Hertz Corporation transferredour family to Houston. Istarted my Sophomore year thereand graduated from KingwoodHigh School. After that, I wenton to the University of Texas atAustin where I graduated with adegree in Communications.IAN: How many times haveyou been to Ireland?Catie: I’ve been to Irelandeight times, most recently toAshford Castle which is amazing.Ashford Castle was sorelaxing and beautiful and isperfect for families. My littlefive-year-old swears she saw aleprechaun! It was a real treatto bring her this trip becausethe last time I went to IrelandI was pregnant with her. Wewould joke that she had been toIreland before, but she wouldreply back with, ‘No Mommy, itdoesn’t count unless you touchthe ground.’ I just love goinghome to Ireland and visiting myfriends and family in Newportand Westport.In June of 2011, my motherand her sister decided that it wastime for all of our family to getin touch with their Irish roots.My Aunt Eileen Peters, herchildren, all her grandchildren,my mom and dad, my sister, ourhusbands, and our children travelledto Newport, Co. Mayo. Inall, there were 27 of us. With thehelp of our cousins, the Morans,we were able to find the ruins offive different ancestral homes. Itwas magical!IAN: Is anyone musical inyour family?Catie: My mom plays theviolin. My husband is tryingto play the bagpipes. Does thatcount? We enjoy Irish dancing,too. I want to get my daughtermore involved with Irish dancingand music. For me, though,its all about celebrating ourculture. My mom instilled thatin us. We took Irish dance lessonsand violin lessons. It wasa requirement in my house....that, and making Irish sodabread!IAN: Is your husband Irish?Catie: My husband is Scotch/Irish and Swedish but embraceshis Irish side the most. I am trulyblessed and couldn’t have askedfor a better husband! He’s myrock in life.You know, it’s funny. I was justtalking to someone about Irishheritage. Growing up, I thought Iwas Irish before I was American.It wasn’t until I was seven yearsoldand had to fill out a passportfor our Ireland trip. My mom saidI was old enough to do it myself,so, I filled it out. When theyasked for your nationality, I wrote‘Irish.’ My mom hesitated andsaid, ‘Oh honey, you’re American.’I thought, ‘Oh really? I thought Iwas Irish first.’ It’s a big deal inour house to be Irish!For more information onCatie Keogh and 24/7 Chicago,contact www.247secrets.comLook for Colleen Keogh infuture editions of Irish AmericanNews writing about travel.www.travelfilmsproductions.com.(Cover photo taken atO’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe byCathy Curry of 4girlsphotography.com.)

4 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” August 2011(ISSN #1085-4053) USPS #013454August 2011 Vol. XXxV 08PERIODICALCover photo by Cathy CurryFounderBob BurnsPublisherCliff CarlsonEditorial Assistant/Art DirectorJoyce EdwardsAdvertising SalesNancy MoorePhotographerCathy Curry - Senior PhotographerPatricia Brach -Staff PhotographerStacy McReynolds - Staff PhotographerEditorial InternKatey MitchellColumns and ReviewsBooks & Theatre - Frank WestTheatre - Terrence BoyleSenior Trad Music Editor -Bill MargesonHealy Law - Martin HealyMick - Mike MorleySafe Home - Heather BegleyChicago Gaelic News - Pat HennessyA Word With Monsignor Boland -Msgr. Michael BolandIrish Musings - Fr. Michael LeonardHooliganism - Mike HoulihanIrish Diaspora - Charles BradyFor The Republic - Chris FogartyFrom the Motherland - Sean FarrellSwimming Upstream - Charles BradyCareers - James Fitzgerald, CPARaised on Songs & Stories - Shay ClarkeReel Jiggy - Deirdre KozickiBoyle The Kettle - Tom BoyleHoroscopes - Theresa CastroIrish Connection - Colleen KellyIrish Rover - Jim McClurePiping it In - Jack BakerReal Ireland - Rachel GaffneySpoirts - Mary Margaret O’LearyDaly Investor - John Daly CFPCeltic Traveller - Maureen CallahanCrowley on Kells - Frank CrowleyMeehall Recalls - Michael CarrollWebsite - Cathy CurryIrish News, Inc. is publishedmonthly on the 1st of monthSubscriptionFirst class deliveryFastest! Delivered in envelope1 year $ 35 2 year $ 65 3 year $ 90Regular delivery1 year $ 30 2 year $ 55 3 year $ 75Canada 1year $ 35 2 year $ 60International: 1 year $ 85(Periodicals Postage Paid atPalatine, IL.) Postmaster:Send address changes toIrish News, Inc.7115 W North Ave #327Oak Park, il 60302708-445-0700e-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.Distribution20,013Founding Member of Original Irish Tenors in Chicago SoonBy Cliff CarlsonScheduled to appear at theAuditorium Theatre on September17, 2011 for a one-night-only performance,Anthony Kearns talkedrecently with Irish American Newsabout his career and his future.IAN: You were one of the foundingIrish Tenors, right Anthony?A: That is correct, the originalof the species! Along with JohnMcDermott and Ronan Tynan.IAN: I remember going to seeyou at the United Center when thethree of you were all together. Thatwas a big show.A: That was a big year for us,back around ‘99 wasn’t it?IAN: Yes. How long have thetenors been together as a group?A: Well, it began really for usaround ‘98. That would be the firstNorth American tour in ‘99 andwe are still going strong. There hasbeen a few change ups within theline up since then. At the currentmoment we have Finbar Wright,whose been an Irish Tenor for atleast ten years now, and RonanTynan who has returned to the fold,and myself.IAN: You’ve been there sinceday one.A: I never went anywhere. I’mthe anchor cannon. You need someoneto be a good referee to be inthe middle.IAN: What’s it like with all thedifferent personalities? Everyoneget along?A: Absolutely, it’s all good fun.We all enjoy the craic, and the onlyreason people would have left isfor solo opportunities, and thatis understandable. The guys arepushing on a little bit in age, andI a few years on them, thank God.But they were given the opportunitiesand you cannot deny themthose opportunities. But, we areback here chipping away togethernow. I believe we have a nice tourcoming up this Christmas—around17 shows. So we will be quite busyover the December period.IAN: Where will you be overChristmas?A: All over the map, certainly.Starting out on the West Coast inthe state of California, and I knowwe have a few venues in the stateof Florida, as well, and anywherein between. We will be in the EastCoast up around New York andBoston area, and maybe Chicago.I’m not really sure on that one.[Tour Starts December 2-22. Cities:Palm Desert, CA, Phoenix, AR,Houston, TX, Frisco, TX, MemphisTN, Hartford, CN, Avon Park, FL,Fort Meyers, FL, Melbourne, FL,Hollywood, FL, Sarasota, FL,Clearwater, FL, New Brunswick,NJ, Baltimore, MD.]A: There is actually a great audiencebase in Florida. I do a lot ofAnthony Kearnsmy solo shows all over the stateof Florida. And its understandablebecause many of the people spendsix months in Florida and sixmonths away.IAN: So where have you beenthis year so far?A: Mainly within the UnitedStates, partly in Canada, and backhome in Ireland. Performing soloconcerts and opera. I have beenmixing it up a bit with that.IAN: How has the opera beencoming?A: It’s been good, a different kettleof fish as they say. It’s not aboutyou, it’s about the whole show. It’snot like the concerts where you canrole in one day and leave the next.With the opera you have to stayfor at least three weeks. It’s a lotof heavy time needed to work andrehearse, just going over it over andover again just to get it right.IAN: Well, I imagine that is awin-win for you because it allowsyou to work full time and still performyour solo gigs on the side.A: Yes it is, its great. I thinkyou have to take your level of thegame up. You have to welcome yourcraft and work with professionals.It keeps you on your toes. And, Ithink both compliment one another.I think you can take someone offthe stage, but you can’t take thestage out of the person. And theaudiences are pretty much the samewith the crossover as well, so it’s awin-win.IAN: Do you have a feel for whatthe audience likes when doing yourown concert?A: I do. The bottom line for me,and my focus, is that people havegot to have fun. They are spendingmoney to go out, to let out thesteam and just have a good ol’ time.That’s what you have to do, allowthem to have that time. I usually doa cross between Neapolitan sounds,to classic Irish sounds, to operaticsounds. I try not to get to heavy inthe concerts with too much opera,but I mix it up. And then I throwcomedy in there as well. It’s a mixfor everyone that they can enjoyall night.IAN: Well, Ronan is alwaysgood for cracking jokes and makingpeople laugh.A: True, we have to put a muzzleon him!IAN: I noticed you have beenpretty active this year, PR wise.Your kind of a catalyst for thegroup. And you’re making morethings happen this year, which isgood to see.A: Well, before I was always thequiet one of the group. You had thebig man on my left, Ronan Tynan,and you had, in the very beginning,John McDermott. Both men weregood PR machines and I was justlearning the ropes. Then Finbarjoined the group and now he is thequiet one. But he has also beenaround the block and had a good15 year career before he even joinedthe Irish Tenors. When I came in Iwas completely green, but I’ll becoming up to 14 years next month.So there is no harm investing inyourself and keeping things flowingfor yourself as well as the group.You need to be doing it whenyou can do it. There is no point inwaiting to do it when you’re playingwith the opera and the symphonyorchestra.I’ve been doing a lot of soloprojects recently and I’ll be makingmy way to Chicago soon enough,September 17 actually. I’ll be partof the show there on Broadway.And they are selling extremelywell there in Chicago. We areperforming in Cincinnati on the6th of August. It’ll be more like ashowcase I suppose, based on performanceswe recorded in Prague.Musicals in a concert setting andit is fantastic.IAN: So your from Wexford inIreland?A: Right along the SoutheastCoast.IAN: Sean Keane from thatsame area?A: Sean, no, he would be Westof Ireland.IAN: Maybe he just sings aboutthe East of Ireland.A: He probably sang some rebelsongs that came from that area.That’s where all that stuff in ‘79kind of erupted. When they all tookarms up against the English. Sameold song and story...IAN: You know your history.A: Yeah, my great-great grandfatherwould have been first cousinswith Father Mogue Kearns. AndJohn Kenney would have been firstcousins also. It’s a small area sowere all connected; I’m from thevillage of Kiltealy, which is justtwo miles away from Killanne, thehome village of John Kenney andthe famous Rackard brothers. TheRackard brothers were famous inthe 50s in Ireland for Hurling.IAN: So how long have you beencoming to the states?A: My first trip was in ‘94, Ithink. I’ve been coming on and offever since. And I spend about sixmonths out of the year here now.IAN: Married?A: No, single man. I’ve been sobusy I really haven’t had time. It’sa selfish business and you need agood strong woman who can put upwith a man that travels from city tocity all over the world. I’ve covered48 of the 50 states, all but Alaskaand Hawaii. Lot of miles on theclock over the last 13-14 years.IAN: Anything else you wouldlike to say to the people here inChicagoland?A: I’m hungry to get backto Chicago in a solo capacity. Iwould really like to get back outthere soon and put on a concert,just a solo one probably. It’s beena while since I did that and I wouldlike to go there and meet up withthe old crew. Coming from a placewith the strongest gathering that Ihave found, a bunch of people arein Chicago. Not a lot in New Yorkor Boston but in Chicago, that iswhy I enjoy it so much when Igo there.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 5Local New Lenox Rider Qualifies toRepresent Illinois at World ChampionshipAisling Griffin, daughter of Jim and EileenGriffin (well known local musical duo “TheGriffins”), hasqualified to representIllinois at theAmerican QuarterHorse AssociationYouth WorldChampionship inOklahoma Cityin August 2011.Aisling qualifiedin PerformanceHalter Geldings,Hunter UnderSaddle, Hunt SeatEquitation andWestern Horsemanshipand isan alternate forShowmanship atHalter. She hasbeen a semi-finalistand finalist atthe AQHA Congressin Ohio, a national competition withmore than 9,500 competitors from the US andProposal at Irish FestCanada. Pictured below is Aisling with herhorse, Talkin Texan, at a recent 6-day show inIowa where sheearned NoviceYouth 18 and UnderHigh Pointunder 6 judges,3 Circuit Awardsand 2 ReserveCircuit Awards.Aisling boardsher horse andtrains with KKTPerformanceHorses in Peotone,IL. Aislingis a recent graduateof LincolnwayWest HighSchool and willattend the Universityof SouthCarolina in thefall where shewill major in InternationalBusiness Management, Financeand Spanish.Aisling Griffin and “Talkin Texan"Kerry Brennan (St. Patrick’sDay Queen 2010) wassurprised by now-fiancePat Doran - who proposedto her at this year’s IrishFest at the Irish AmericanHeritage Center.Congratulations and Best ofLuck !Enjoy our SummerSizzler Menuon thePatio!Photosby StacyMcReynolds.Enjoy OurBeautiful Patio!

6 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011REID FOODS, INC.made withPoitin andIrishHeatherBloommade withIrishWhiskeyDips Jams Pasta SoupsSalsas Pasta Sauces Dessert ToppingsThe Finest and Freshest Fruits and VegetablesAvailable at Retail Locations Across the USA!or online at www.reidfoods.comSend a Gift Setto Someone Special!Also Available in WholesaleCo-Packing • Private Labeling • Custom Packaging • Custom FormulationReid Foods, Inc. P.O. Box 406 Gurnee, IL 60031(847) 625-7912 www.reidfoods.comOpening Mid-AugustIt’ll be worth the wait...204 N. Halsted St.312-997-3100Hours: M-F 7am-2am • Sat 7am-3am • Sun 7am-2amServing Dinner & Weekend LunchAmerican Traditional and Irish Classic CuisineOver 100 Beers, Irish & CanadianWhiskies plus Specialty DrinksWatch Sports on our flat-screen TVsMixing Old Chicago with Ole Ireland(and a Wee Touch of Canadian)First off this month I must give a largepublic thank you to that man of lettersand fellow columnist, Bill Margeson. Billwrote about the new Brock McGuire Bandrecording Green Grass Blue Grass whichprompted me to contact Paul Brock, whoimmediately shipped a quantity of CDsto my store. I have to report that Bill was,as usual, right on the money. This CD isstupendous. I love it and you will too.The remarkable Mr. Margeson alsowrote, a couple months back, about a singername of Rita Gallagher. Bill enthusedabout her new CD The May Morning Dew.Once again Billhit the bullseye.I just got a stockof this recordingin and not onlywonderful, it’salso a double CDfor the price of asingle. So againI say “Thanks,Bill,” you’venever steered mewrong and thistime you broughtme to a pair ofclassics.Now it’s myturn to bring outa classic. I’ve been mentioning DaithiSproule’s new recording, Lost River: Vol.1 in recent columns. It’s now in the storeand folks who have heard it have praisedit far more eloquently than I. Daithi, anicon in traditional Irish music, performshis best work ever. The release date is thismonth and it’s here. Stop by the store togive it a listen or listen to it on Bill Margeson’sradio show, Mondays at 8 PM onWDCB, 90.9 FM.One of the most popular, most talented,bands touring the Irish music festivalcircuit in the US is Scythian. They’vebeen touring for a number of years nowand have established a huge fan base.They’ve also produced a number of finerecordings. Their latest, American Shantyis their best and contains a number of highenergy tunes done in their unique style,flavored with musical influences from allover the world. To call their music fusionis to underestimate it. Scythian is to musiclike gumbo is to dining, lots of ingredientscombining to form something new andunique that doesn’t taste/sound like anyof the individual ingredients. Last month Igot to catch their set at the Heritage CenterFest and it was a treat. Give their music alisten and don’t pass on the opportunity tosee them live.They are greatfun on stage.CompassRecords releasesanothernotable CDt h i s m o n t hwith Beoga’sfourth, How toTune a Fish. Answering that memorablequestion (How do you tuna fish?) Beogaalways delivers a load of fun danceablemusic. Dancers looking for tunes to worksome choreography to would be wise togive this one a listen. The danceableness(is that a word?) just might come from theinfluence of two great dance musicians,Damian McKee on button accordion andLiam Bradley on piano. Sean Og Grahamgives in with great work on buttonaccordion, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki,bass while Eamon Murray provides solidpercussion and precision bodhran. Leavingthe prettiestfor last, NiamhDunne shows offher lovely voiceand her blisteringfiddle. There areseveral originalcompositions includedand myfavorite is track6, two excellentreels from Niamh.Last for thismonth is a lovelyrecording that hasbeen out awhilebut just came tomy attention. The group is Four CelticVoices and the new CD is Four Leaf Clover.There are four women in the groupand they all contribute to the vocal mix.Celeste Ray plays bowed psaltery, harmoniumand piano and is joined by ErinHill on harp and bass, Carol Crittendenand Wendy Luck on flute. The choice oftunes tends to run to the well establishedwith “Molly Malone,” “Isle of Innisfree”and “Danny Boy” but all done very well.The band tours mainly on the East coast,so it’s doubtful we’ll get a chance to seethem in concert anytime soon but hopesprings eternal.This month sees two of the biggest andbest Irish festivals, Dublin, Ohio, on thefirst weekend and Milwaukee, Wisconsin,on the third weekend. We’ve had to giveup going to a number of festivals due todeclining sales but Dublin and Milwaukeeare two I wouldn’t miss. Hope to see youall there.Thanks to the staff and volunteers atthe Irish American Heritage Center inChicago for one of the finest festivals ever.You can find me at the store in Villa Park,630-834-8108 or online at pipingitin@comcast.net.Slainté.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 7The Irish ConnectionBy Colleen KellyNew Irish Lass Writes on TravelMy name is Colleen Kellyand I wanted to introduce myself,as next month will be my firstcolumn for the Irish AmericanNews. As an Irish American, Iam very excited to be writingfor what I believe to be one ofmost well respected Irish publicationsin America (and that it’sowned and operated right herein Chicago doesn’t hurt either!)I have been a loyal reader formany years, but now the tableshave turned and I will be writingmonthly for the web and printversions.The column will be mainlytips and advice about travelingin the US and throughoutthe world, with a hint of Irishlaughter thrown into the mix.And, being that this is a newcolumn, I wanted to give you alittle background.Although I was born in Chicago,I am an Irish-American whohas been raised in three states:Illinois, Texas and Arizona. Mymother was from Chicago andconsidered North Side Irish andmy father, also from Chicago,was South Side Irish.Being half North Side Irishand half South Side, I grew upabsorbing everything Irish. Itook Irish step dancing, listenedto long hours of my mother,Kathleen Sweeney Keogh, practicingIrish songs on her violinwhile my grandfather sang in hisIrish brogue, and I tried my firstGuinness in Ireland.My father, Bill Keogh, usedto say to his two daughters,“Work hard, go to college andmarry an Irish beer salesmanand I will be the happiest dadon earth!”With no beer salesman futurehusband in sight by the timeI finished college, I went outand became the beer salesmanor person, I should say, with abrewery selling Irish Stout andmy father, benefiting from themany beer samples I was given,was a happy man. I learned everythingabout beer that I could(it was a tough job but someonehad to do it) and since leavingthe brewery, I have used thoseskills wisely in many Irish pubsituations.After the brewery job, Ichanged careers and dove intoanother passion of mine, television.Along with a third partnerand my sister, Host Catie Keogh,I created a show our show onNBC called “24/7 Chicago”.Colleen KellyThen, after a couple years withthe NBC show, I decided to focuson my interest in all thingstravel and with my businesspartner, Tricia Fusilero, createda television production companycalled Travel Film Productions,which focuses mainly on nationaltravel shows.As you might have guessed,my other favorite subject is travel.Over the years, I have lived inEurope and traveled the world. Ieven got engaged and married inAustria. However, throughout allmy travels around the world, mylove of Ireland and the peoplehas remained constant.In my new column for theIrish American News, I willwrite about what I have learnedthroughout my travels and life,sprinkled with advice and tipsthat I have gathered along theway.I hope also to learn from you,the reader. Feel free to write meand give me any pointers, tipsor advice you may have. I hopeyou enjoy the column and I lookforward to a new year filled withtravel, adventure, fun tips, andof course, all things Irish (andthat includes the Guinness). Seeyou next month!Colleen Kelly can be reachedthrough Travel Film Productionsthrough email at info@travelfilmproductions.com(Please referenceIrish American News.)

8 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011A Word With Monsignor BolandRev. Monsignor Michael M. BolandSuccess Stories That InspireThe Gospels and Sunday readings arefilled with scenes of Christ feeding hungrycrowds, curing the sick and troubled,and comforting the sorrowful. Jesus hadcompassion for the poor.Based on the Gospel mandate to loveour neighbor as ourselves, the missionstatement of Catholic Charities of theArchdiocese of Chicago is quite simpleand direct: “Catholic Charities fulfillsthe Church’s role in the mission ofcharity to anyone in need by parovidingcompassionate, competent andprofessional services that strengthenand support individuals, families andcommunities based on the value anddignity of human life.”Every day for the last 93 years,Catholic Charities has lived this missionof charity in service to our neighbors ofall races, religions and nationalities whoare suffering poverty or crisis. Today, asa fully accredited social service agencyoffering a wide range of 159 programsat 156 sites throughout Cook and Lakecounties, we help more than a millionpeople each year with food, clothing,housing and professional counseling.But that’s not all. I’d like to share withyou just three of these “success stories”of social services, loving care, greatcourage and renewed hope.• A 20-year-old mother with twoyoung children came to one of ourresidences for women. In order to dealwith the physical and emotional abuseshe had experienced as a child, she hadbecome involved in drugs and gang activities.After the father of her childrenwas incarcerated, she and her childrenbecame homeless and entered CatholicCharities Samaritan House. Shebecame determined to make a positivechange in her life. She met weekly withthe Samaritan House Case Manager,working to obtain financial assistanceto eliminate her outstanding electricbill and to receive domestic violenceeducation services. The client wantedher children to have what she did nothave as a child; to raise her children ina safe neighborhood where they wouldhave the opportunity to attend a schoolwith a strong academic reputation. Asa participant at Samaritan House, shemaintained her TANF benefits, enrolledin a college with an emphasison the Medical Assistant program, andobtained housing through the RapidRe-Housing Program.• D. has been a resident of CatholicCharities’ St. Leo Residence for Veteransin Chicago for five years, and duringhis stay, he has been a model citizen. D.is very friendly and is always lending ahelping hand to another fellow veteran.Prior to coming to St. Leo’s, D. had aserious gambling addiction. Since D.has been a resident of St. Leo’s, he wasreferred to and has actively participatedin Gambling Anonymous meetings andjob training. He is now in recovery andis employed with an organization asan Outreach Case Manager, helpingothers.• ACES is Catholic Charities’ AddictionConsultation and Educational Servicesprogram that provides counselingon an individual, family or group basisfor adults 18 years of age or older whoare affected with alcohol- or drug-relatedproblems. Founded by Monsignor IgnatiusD. McDermott several decades ago,the program has assisted thousands ofpeople over the years. Recently, a clientwas referred for outpatient treatment toACES and was not very active initially.He seemed to have little connectionwith his family and stated emphatically,“THIS is my family.” As sessionscontinued, he participated a bit more.When asked about plans for an upcomingweekend, he responded, “It’s my birthdayon Saturday and it will be the first soberone I’ve had in over twenty years.”On Monday, when it was his turn toshare with the group, he said, “I stayedsober and it was the best birthday in mylife. My family surprised me and cameto visit and they brought me a cakeand everything. It was the first birthdaycake I can remember.” With that, therewas silence.There are hundreds more stories thatI—or any of Catholic Charities’ millionclients each year—could tell. Some inspiresilence, some tears, some cheers.The people we help are refugeesfrom oppression, recovering from addictionsor physical or mental illness,working their way out of homelessnessor joblessness, trying to retain theirhousing, or striving to assure an educationand bright future for themselvesand their children.It is all these brothers and sisters ofours in need of help who inspire thecommitment, hard work and generosityof our staff members, counselors, programdirectors and leadership – as wellas our donors, benefactors, volunteers,Board and Junior Board members, andnumerous parish partners throughoutthe Archdiocese.I am deeply grateful for the genuinelove of neighbor that permeates and enlivensCatholic Charities, our partnersin charity, and our work for those inneed. May God bless us all!For more information about CatholicCharities or to make a donation, visit www.catholiccharities.net.The Six Penny Bit5800 West Montrose773-545-2033Every Friday Night... Fast EddieAugust 12th - 9pm to MidnightUS99 Live Radio Broadcast with Drew WalkerAlso Check Our Daily SpecialsSummer Special- ALL DAYAll Domestic Beers (Btl) $2.50All Imported Beers $3.508 N. Vail AvenueArlington Heights, IL 60004Tel. 847-577-7733 Fax. 847-577-3886Good food. Good friends.Just a great time. See you at Peggy’s!HoursM-Th 11am-1amFri & Sat: 11am-2amSun: 10am-1amwww.peggykinnanes.com

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 9McDade Steers Comeback of Shattered Globe TheatreSit Up! We're just getting startedIn November 1991, Roger Smart,Director of Shattered Globe TheatreCompany’s production of Talk Radio,cast Doug McDade as ‘SydneyGreenberg.’ Shortly after the run began,McDade became one of ShatteredGlobe’s original ensemble membersand performed several roles throughoutthe 19 years since.Last fall, when Shattered Globe wasfacing imminent demise, McDade volunteeredto step in as Interim ManagingDirector to help return SGT to its statusas one of Chicago's finest professionaltheatres. In his new position, McDadesupported installing Roger Smart as thenew Artistic Director, who he helped toforge a new artistic vision for the company,and enlisted a new board of directorsto put together a season of rebirth.“My goal was to retain the integrityand support of many of the company’sbenefactors, as well as, honor the bodyof work SGT had created in the past twodecades,” said McDade.In order to achieve this revival, SGThad to mount three shows before theend of June 2011. The tremendousefforts involved earned the companythe title Shattered Globe 2.0 and theyopened their first show with TheBeauty Queen Of Leenane by MartinMcDonagh. The play was a criticalsuccess and also marked McDade’sdebut as a SGT producer. He alsoco-produced the unique productionof Down & Dirty Romeo & Juliet,which is playing at various venuesand landmarks throughout Chicagothis summer.Educating Rita, which opened inJune and runs through August 14th,marked the SGT’s third successfulopening in six months and concludesthe company’s revival season. However,the road to rebirth was not an easy oneas an actor. McDade, a proud memberof the Actor’s Equity Association,admits pulling this last productiontogether was a difficult process for himas one of the decisions for it to happencalled for SGT to drop its Equity status.“This preempted me from the possibilityof being cast in the role of ‘Frank,’ andas casting director for the company, itwas my duty to recommend possiblenon-union artists for consideration,”said McDade.Embracing his new role, McDadepersevered and used his experienceto put together a great artistic team.This included the recommendation ofMadison Rep’s Artistic Director RichardCorley, who previously directedEducating Rita to critical acclaim atthe Berkshire Theatre Fest, as a candidateto direct SGT’s production. Come"Educating Rita" is JEFF RECOMMENDED!A young hairdresser from Liverpool and her literature tutorteach each other some hard life lessons in this play aboutfreedom, class and the cost of change.Doug McDadeopening night, McDade’s concerns dissipatedas he witnessed the phenomenalperformances of the two artists on stage,Whitney White and Brad Woodard. “Iwas able to live as an actor in Brad’sperformance… I tried to be critical andnegative because I had a passion forplaying that role but I simply couldn't,”said McDade. “I was able to live asan actor in Brad's performance. I amproud of the job he's doing and I knowthe emotional commitment he is making.And God Bless Whitney White. Ithought, ‘She IS RITA!’”Last year at this time, many said thatShattered Globe Theatre was dead, buttoday, thanks to the new life breathedinto to the company, due in part tothe dedication of those like McDadeand his team, Shattered Globe looksforward to yet another groundbreakingand exciting new season.“As I was applauding the final bowof Rita's opening night, I looked overat Roger. In his eyes I could see weshared a thought in that brief moment:‘We did it,” said McDade. EducatingRita is a landmark production for SGT2.0. “It is wonderful story about twopeople coming together, building arelationship and nurturing survivalagainst all odds. I am proud of thisshow. I am proud of the work we havedone in the last ten months. And whilebeing prideful is something we shouldnot aspire to, I find no other words toaptly describe what I feel. EducatingRita is a story about persevering. Sois SGT 2.0.”For more information about ShatteredGlobe Theatre or tickets, visitwww.shatteredglobe.com.World Renown Bagpiper Dick Hensoldto Perform in Park Forest August 11A concert with multi-bagpiper DickHensold will take place Thursday,August 11, at 7:30pm at Faith UnitedProtestant Church in Park Forest, IL.This concert features different types ofquieter, indoor bagpipes.Dick Hensold is the top Northumbriansmallpiper in America, and hasperformed in England, Scotland, Japan,Canada, and across the United States.Northumbrian smallpipes are a quietbagpipe from Northeast England, aclose relative to the Irish uilleann pipes.His solo Northumbrian smallpipes CDBig Music for Northumbrian Smallpipeswas released in 2007.In addition to Northumbrian smallpipes,the concert features a number ofother unusual instruments. A quieterindoor version of the Scottish Highlandpipes is the reel pipes, which was traditionallyused for Highland dance music,and which Hensold mainly uses for traditionalCape Breton dance piping. A bitof Scandinavian music will be playedon the Swedish bagpipes (also knownas the säckpipa), and on the seljefløyte,or Norwegian willow-flute. Also heardwill be the Welsh hornpipe, or pibgorn,and other instruments.Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia isa cultural gem, authentically preservingmany aspects of old Scottish HighlandGaelic culture. Hensold has studiedCape Breton Music for the past 6 yearswith two teachers in Nova Scotia (onea piper and one a fiddler), and this programgives a tantalizing glimpse of howmusic, song and dance flow togetherseamlessly in traditional Gaelic culture.He also presents little-known traditionalmusic from early 18th-century Scottishmanuscripts, as well as some originalmusic.This is what others say about DickHensold:“The piping is fluent and assured…his technique is impressive and themusic is delightfully interpreted”—FolkWorld CD Reviews“Hensold is an amazing internationalknown musician that just happens tolive in The Twin Cities”—The IrishGazetteJoin us for an intimate musical eveningwith one of America’s finest andmost unusual traditional bagpipers.The church address is 10 HemlockSt., Park Forest, IL 60466. For ticketsand more info, call 708-747-1330.

10 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011Ok, its August, its hot, and no onewants to turn on the oven to bake cookies!Eating cookies is a completely differentmatter! Cookies are one of thosehappy foods. When some one comesinto the shop looking sad or upset, ourfirst line of support is “ Can I get youa cookie?” Food can make you happyin an immediate, visceral way. I’mnot saying that you should eat cookiesevery time you are sad; that would besilly. However, I profoundly believethat what you eat makes a differencein your mental and physical health andwell being. Food is more than physical;it is emotional as well. We share mealswith our family and friends. We bringfood as gifts; we celebrate big eventswith cakes and special meals. Havinga nice meal with people you love canmake you happy in ways that few otherexperiences can do. I recently learnedthat the cells that create 80% of theserotonin in your bodies are in yourdigestive tract. Serotonin is called the“happy hormone” although it is really aneurotransmitter that helps your brainfunction. It primarily affects braincells related to mood sexual desireand function, appetite, sleep, memory,learning temperature regulation andsome social behavior. It literally is useddirectly or indirectly by almost everycell in your brain. And it is made inyour digestive tract!So here’s my point, eating real, freshfoods that have been made with lovecan have a profoundly positive impacton your entire life. The recipe thismonth is for a grilled chicken, avocado,pineapple salad that is healthy and deliciouson several levels. First, it is easyto prepare. It’s hot out and we want ourhealthy and delicious food to be easyand to not heat up the kitchen!Grilled Avocado,Pineappleand Chicken SaladHere’s what you will need:This will make four entrée sizesalads.2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, andhalved1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 lemon, juicedSea saltFreshly ground black pepperWhole Fresh Pineapple: Peeled,cored and halved (you can cheat if youhave a grocery store that has slicedfresh pineapple)1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 lb. Organic Chicken Breasts slicedinto strips: Marinate in 1/2 cup oliveoil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and 1tsp salt and pepperSliced Almonds1/2 of a Purple Onion, sliced inringsMixed organic greensFirst, marinate your chicken. Ifyou will be grilling it within a halfan hour, it is fine to leave out, if notcover and let the chicken marinate inthe refrigerator.Slice up your fresh pineapple andmake several thick spears. We will begrilling the pineapple and so we wantto coat both sides of the pineapplespear in olive oil so it won’t stick tothe grill. If you slice them too small,they could fall through the grate onthe grill. Grilling really brings out theintense sweetness of the pineapple.And it’s fast.Cut your avocado halves into 6 to8 slices and toss them with the lemonjuice, olive oil and salt. Put aside.Grill your chicken and pineapple.You can grill the pineapple first, sinceit will only take a few minutes. Youjust need to see the grill marks on eachside and you can put the pineapple tothe side. Grill the chicken until thejuices run clear and the meat is nolonger pink. If your grill is nice andhot (375-400°F.) your chicken stripsshould take about 10 minutes. Grillon both sides.Now you are ready to assemble thesalads: Each salad will take 1/4 poundof chicken, with the strips laid out onthe salad greens first. Then half of anavocado for each portion arranging theavocados to complement the chickenstrips, and then four spears of grilledpineapple. A few slices of purple onion,and a sprinkling of almonds and youhave an August Salad that will makeyour stomach happy. We serve oursat the shop with balsamic vinaigrettebut you can choose whichever saladdressing you prefer or even a simplelemon and olive oil mix. Enjoy, staycool and eat happy!Rose’s Wheat-Free Bakery and Café,2901 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201.www.rosesbakery.com. We ship orcome on by.Fox Valley Irish Fest Sept. 9th-11thGo Green at the 16th Annual Fox Valley Irish FestivalCelebrate all things Irish atthe popular Fox Valley IrishFest. They’re bringing in newperformers and familiar favorites,expanded Irish cuisine,toe-tapping Championship Irishdance troupes and much, muchmore!The 16th Annual Fox ValleyIrish Fest, which is part of theSaint Catherine of Siena CentennialCelebration, will be heldon Friday, September 9, 2011through Sunday, September 11,2011 on the grounds of St. Catherineof Siena Church, Routes31 and 72, in West Dundee, twomiles north of I-90. Visit www.foxvalleyirishfest.com or call847-426-2217.The Fox Valley Irish festivaltakes place rain or shine! Allevents are outdoors under themain tent. Daily admission is$10.00 on Friday and Saturdaywith half-price $5.00 admissionon Sunday; a three-day pass is$20.00. Children 12 and underare free with a paid adult. Admissionfor fun loving fest-goers age65 and over is $8.00 on Fridayand Saturday and $5.00 on Sunday.Fest hours are: Friday 5pmto 11pm, Saturday 1pm to 11pm,and Sunday 12:30pm to 7pm.Celebration of Mass at St.Catherine of Siena Church willbe held at regular times in theChurch on Saturday, September10 at 4:30pm and Sunday, September11 at 7:30am, 9:30am,and 11:30am.Entertainment tapped for thisyear’s Fox Valley Irish Fest includes:Brigid’s Cross, The Fenians,The Whigmaleeries, Band ofRogues, The Larkin and MoranBrothers, Dyed in the Wool,Solid-Aire, Paddy Homan andthe Chicago Celtic Bag Pipers.Enjoy the wonder of Irish dancingperformed by the talentedmembers of the Mayer School ofIrish Dance and ChampionshipIrish dance troupes.The Wee Folk area for childrenand ‘tweens will be heldthroughout the Fox Valley IrishFest with no extra admission cost.Featured events include crafts,games, temporary tattoos, photogallery, story telling, karaoke,and more.Enjoy three solid days of familyentertainment, fun, food, andshopping at the Fox Valley IrishFestival in West Dundee—oneof the finest Irish Festivals in theChicago area!Father Michael Lavan, ParochialAdministrator of SaintCatherine of Siena Church, willfocus on a year of events for parishgrowth, including: Liturgical,Personal Faith Formation, CharitableOutreach and Parish Community.As the parish reaches itsCentennial on Sunday, July 8,2012, the Jubilee will concludewith a Jubilee Mass and theCentennial Siena Ball.St. Catherine of Siena Churchis located at 845 West MainStreet in West Dundee. TheChurch was founded at 426 HighlandAvenue in West Dundee onJuly 8, 1912. The site is now thehome of the Dundee TownshipHistorical Society.For information and sponsorshipopportunities, please visitwww.foxvalleyirishfest.com orcall (847) 426-2217.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 11Milwaukee Irish Fest Announces 2011 Festival EntertainersIn Addition to Festival Favorites,Lineup Pays Tribute to Ireland Counties of Derry & DonegalMilwaukee Irish Fest is NorthAmerica’s largest celebration of Irishmusic and culture, showcasing morethan 100 entertainment acts at thefour-day, 16-stage event at the HenryW. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’slakefront. The annual festival takesplace every third weekend in Augustwith this year’s festival taking placeAugust 18 to 21, 2011. The excitementcontinues next year, August 16 to 19,2012. Passionately committed to ignitinga love of Irish culture in all people,Milwaukee Irish Fest teaches Ireland’smusic, dance, drama, sports, culture,children’s activities, and genealogythrough year-round programming. Formore information, visit www.IrishFest.com.Irish Fest’s quest for “new” and“unique,” took their group on a journeyto Ireland late last fall. They foundmany of this year’s cutting edge artistsduring their visit to multiple showcasesand performances put on by topmusicians.Musicians such as Fiach and Goitseare just two of the most recently discoveredtalents Irish Fest is bringingthis year for those who are looking forsomething new. Irish Fest will be breakingsome of the newest and hottest Irishmusic talent at this year’s festival, suchas up-and-comers Fidil, the Henry Girls,Nodlaig Brolly and Outside Track.But, Irish Fest also knows that theiraudience wants the tried and true.Artists back by popular demandinclude Altan, Kintra, Different Drums,Tom Sweeney, Gaelic Storm, Scythian,Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the Elders,Seamus Kennedy, Vishten and ClumsyLovers.As part of this year’s special focus onthe Ireland counties of Derry and Donegal,musicians who hail from thoseregions include Altan, Moya Brennan,Kintra, Different Drums, Liz DohertyConnection, Fidil, Brendan HendryBand, the Henry Girls, Nodlaig Brolly,Kathleen Fitzgerald with the ScreamingOrphans and Tom Sweeney.On this side of the Atlantic, thefestival draws strong Irish music talentthroughout the Midwest with actscoming from cities such as Chicago,Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Detroit.Regional bands include Bob Reederfrom Kansas City, Two Tap Trio fromMinneapolis, Blackthorn of Detroit andthe Hatfield Sisters of Chicago. Consideredthe epicenter of Irish culture andmusic in the U.S., Milwaukee boastsits own lineup of great Irish artists,including Fiona Molly, Reilly, Blarney,Finbar McCarthy, Theiss & O’Connor,Whiskey of the Damned, the Sandcarvers,and the Gleasons.About the ArtistsAltan. With their exquisitely produced,award-winning recordings,evident is the band’s unwaveringcommitment to bringing the beauty oftraditional music, particularly that ofthe Donegal fiddlers and singers, tocontemporary audiences in a way thatbrings out all its qualities and destroysnone.Brendan Hendry Band. BrendanHendry, an Irish traditional fiddleplayer, hails from Bellaghy in SouthDerry. His work has been called, “realtrad played and sung perfectly.”Clumsy Lovers. The Clumsy Loversare first and foremost a live band whohas honed their musical mayhem toprovide some of the most entertainingshows anywhere.Derek Warfield and the Young WolfTones. Derek Warfield has enjoyeda lifetime of success as a foundingmember and leader for 38 years of thelegendary Wolfe Tones. The YoungWolfe Tones have assembled to carryon the tradition.Different Drums. Different Drumsbrings the indigenous drums of Ireland –the lambeg and the bodhran together forperformances hailed as “celebratory”.The Elders. Since forming in 1998,the Elders have set the American musicscene on its ear, thanks to a skillful mixof amped-up roots rock, augmentedwith powerful vocals, blazing instrumentalsand top-notch song writing.Fiach. Until now, Fiach has beenone of the Irish music scene’s best keptsecrets. Fiach Moriarty is a 27-yearoldDubliner, well respected for hissongwriting, exceptional voice, andguitar playing.Fidil. Described as “stunning” and“mind-blowing,” their music making ismarked by an intricate and intelligentapproach that maintains the fiery exuberanceof traditional fiddle music oftheir native region.Gaelic Storm. After a start playingmonthly gigs for friends at SantaMonica’s O’Brien’s Tavern in 1995, thebands popularity skyrocketed when itappeared in James Cameron’s Titanicas the Celtic party band in the ship’ssteerage. Seven albums later, GaelicStorm has amassed a large, loyal andever-growing following and spendsmore than 200 days a year on the roadperforming.Goitse. Up-and-comers Goitse (pronouncedgwi-cha), are a five memberIrish Traditional band – all of whomare students of Traditional Music andDance at the University of Limerick.The Henry Girls. The Henry Girls– Joleen, Lorna, and Karen McLaugh-Continued on page 24…RESTAURANT/pUbOWNERS:FERDYNAND & ANNA HEBALInvite you to enjoyThe RedApple Buffet!Czerwone JabtuszkoRESTAURANT & DELI’S3121-23 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.PH 773-588-5781FAX 773-588-39756474 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.PH 773-763-3407 FAX 773-763-3406Annual PicnicPalos Park Woods NorthSaturday, August 6th, 2011 • Noon-DuskLocated just South of the intersection of Calumet Sag Roadand Kean Avenue in Palos, ILFood • Refreshments • Games • Prizes36th Annual Dinner Dance& Awards NightFriday, September 23rd, 2011 • 7pm-Midnighthonoring... Brian HickeyPresident International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, as theEmerald Society Irishman of the Year 2011Where: Chicago Gaelic Park6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, IL 60452Recipients of the Emerald Society Presidential Award• Dave Dunham- Chief Marketing Officer Chicago Patrolmen's Federal Credit Union• Patty Fadden- Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 UA - Chicago's St.Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade Co-Coordinator• James A. Balcer- 11th Ward Alderman-City of ChicagoEmerald Societyof IllinoisIrish American Police Association• Kathie Flannery- Emerald Society Of Illinois-Event Coordinator• Dominick Kearns- Emerald Society Of Illinois Sgt-At-Arms-Chicago Police Officer2011 Irish Police Officers of the Year - To Be AnnouncedAdditional Information and/or Tickets can be obtained atwww.emeraldsocietyofillinois.org

The heriTage LineTee Time for Golf OpenThe 22nd Annual Irish American HeritageCenter Golf Open is Sat., Aug. 13.The outing is at St. Andrews Golf Clubin West Chicago at 1pm. The event is afundraiser for the IAHC.The price is $100 per person andincludes greens fees, a cart, dinner, cocktails,entertainment and prizes.For tickets, contact AlanDuggan at 312-401-2603,Maureen O’Looney at 773-286-6866 or the IAHC at773-282-7035, ext 10.We are also offering sponsorshipopportunities. Amongthem are:First Annual ChicagoHeritage Craft BrewfestJoin us in the Fifth Province Pub for ourfirst annual celebration of craft brews.The Chicago Heritage Craft Brewfest isSaturday, August 27 and the tasting runs fromNoon to 4pm.The day features tasting samples of craftbrews, live music with Machine Gun Mojo andLTD, and food is available for purchase. Afew of the menu items will have some of thefeatured brews in their recipes. Stay all dayfor the tasting and music and enjoy a cash barfrom 4pm-7pm.Featured breweries include Guinness,Heineken, Half Acre Brewing Company, theChicago Beer Company, Samuel Adams, Batch19, Leinenkugel’s, Blue Moon and Magic Hat.Save the Date for...McToberfestSaturday, October 22Steins and PintsKilts and LederhosenBrats and Blarney$10 in advance and $15 at the doorWe had a very successfulIrish Fest Raffle and thanksto all who donated prizes orpurchased tickets.The winners are:Grand PrizeRound Trip Tickets toIreland from CIE Toursand American AirlinesSheila Clementswww.irish-american.orgTickets are $20 in advance and $25 atthe door. 21 and over, only. Patrons will becarded at the event.For tickets, call 773-282-7035 or visitwww.irish-american.org.4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • 773-282-7035Irish Fest 2011Thanks to all the attendees,volunteers, vendors, sponsorsand performers that madethe 2011 Irish Fest one of ourmost successful ever!2011 Irish Fest Raffle WinnersFirst PrizeOne Night Stay at the Irish CottageSusie HanburySecond Prize4 White Sox TicketsKati MaloneyThird Prize2 Cubs TicketsJoe KellyFourth Prize2 Cubs TicketsJeanne HaranFifth Prize4 tickets to a Chicago Fire GameJ Carrolla) Hole sponsorship:$100; b) Gift basket sponsorship:$150; c) Golf ballsponsorship: $400; d) Dinnersponsorship: $800In exchange for sponsorship,participants will have asign acknowledging their supporton the hole of their choice and willbe listed in our September issue of theHeritage Line of the Irish American News,reaching more than 30,000 households.For sponsorship opportunities, contactAlan Duggan at 312-401-2603.The IAHC Welcomes OurNew Board MembersJohn GorskiJohn O’MalleyFather James O’BrienMike ShevlinIAHC 2011-2012 Officers are:President - John GorskiVice President - John O’MalleyTreasurer - Reverend James O’BrienSecretary - Meghan CurranIrish Fest is one of our largestfundraisers and we couldn’tdo it without you!Irish Fest is July 13,14 and15, 2012!Sixth PrizeWaterford CrystalMary DwyerSeventh Prize4 Tickets to a NorthlightTheatre productionNancy Anne PowersEighth Prize2 Tickets to a SteppenwolfTheatre productionKelly McCraven

The heriTage LineExecutive Director’s MessageHanding Down the TraditionMembersofthe IAHCevaluatemy performancebased ontwo things;the overallfinancialperformance of the Center andour ability to deliver our missionto our membership and to IrishAmerica. Although we are makingstrides in building financial strength,thanks to the generous supportof our members and friends, I ammost proud of how substantial theCenter’s programming has becomethanks to combined efforts by staffand volunteers. Frank Gleesonand his tireless Cultural Committeehad an incredibly active first halfof 2011, with 11 events, programs,and exhibits, including film viewingsof The Pipe, Hunger, ShalomIreland, Great Architects, and TheBrendan Voyage, panel discussionsand lectures on the IrishEconomy, No Irish Need Apply, the30th Anniversary of Bobby Sands’death, The Irish in Texas, and IrishRevolutionary Women KathleenClarke and Margaret Skinnider,with Celtic Women and art andmuseum exhibits including TimMcCarthy’s The Old Neighborhoodand James Galbraith’s RegularPeople Doing Regular Things inIreland.We also hosted seven concerts,including Girsa, The Clancy Brothersand Tommy Makem Tribute,with the High Kings, the Makemand Spain Brothers and ClancyLegacy, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan,Larry Cunningham, Barleyjuice,Emma-Kate Tobia and Susan Mc-Cann and two dance shows, IrishDance Chicago and In Love WithThe Dance.This spring also saw the inductionof the inaugural class of theIrish American Hall of Fame, whichas it expands will play an importanteducational role in helping peoplelearn more about those that camebefore us, especially those who hada big impact on Irish America andall Americans. On top of our ownevents, we also played host to theChicago Rose of Tralee competition,the City of Chicago Pipe Band andPiping Academy’s Pub Night, and theMidwest Fleadh Cheoil.Gleeson’s committee has severalmore programs planned for thesecond half of the year, to includeHeritage Camp, Irish Bootcamp, theStone Hearth Staged Reading Series,Yeats and the Irish Peasant literaryprogram,the Samhain/Day of theDead art exhibit, a piper’s tionol, and,of course, iBAM!.I believe that iBAM!, which standsfor Irish Books, Art, and Music and isa partnered event with Cliff Carlsonand Cathy Curry and the IrishAmerican News team, will becomethe Center’s cornerstone event overthe next few years, and based on theCenter’s mission, it should be! iBAM!takes the celebration of Irish culturein a very substantive direction, andthat’s what the Center should standfor; a cut above in its commitment topreserving Irish and Irish Americantraditions and to showcasing the bestof Irish arts and cultural talent acrossall disciplines.Supported by Culture Ireland aspart of its Imagine Ireland initiative,this year’s iBAM! theme is HandingDown the Tradition and willprovide access for the Chicago Irishcommunity to some of the world’sbest traditional Irish musicians;Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, JackieDaly, Mick Moloney, Jimmy Keane,Dennis Cahill, Matt Cranitch, Ben,Maurice, and Charlie Lennon, SeanCleland, Johnny McCarthy andmany others We’ll also feature someof the best writers in today’s Irelandand Irish America, including ChrisBinchy, Kevin Barry, Bill Cullen,Frank Delaney, Joseph Woods, VincentWoods, Claire Kilroy, BelindaMcKeon, Glenn Patterson, Mary PatKelly and many others, wonderfulexhibits from Ireland including TheLife and Works of William ButlerYeats from the National Library inDublin and From The Sources fromthe Glucksman Gallery at UniversityCollege Cork, Sean Nós dancing bythe Cunningham Family, Irish artistssuch as Elizabeth Cope and JenniferAllen, Irish theater performancesby Seanachai, ShawChicago andwww.irish-american.orgSmock Alley, filmsfrom the ChicagoIrish Film Festival,and food by celebritychef RachelGaffney, all underone roof in oneweekend. If you donot recognize anyof these names,spend a half-houron Google, and getfamiliar. And markyour calendarsnow for November11th-13th. What anevent this promisesto be.Beyond justevents andprograms, the hallsof the Center arealive day after daywith teachers, students, performersand families involved in our culturalpartner organizations; the Academy ofIrish Music, Na Gaeil Irish LanguageSchool, Trinity Irish Dancers, O’HareSchool of Irish Dance, Francis O’NeillCeili Club, Mulhern School of IrishDance, Irish Music School of Chicago,Seanachaί Theater, City of ChicagoPipe Band and Chicago Academyof Piping and Drumming, and PatCannady’s piobairi uilleann pipers’gathering, or here for our own IrishHeritage Singers, Shapeshifters Theatre,genealogy program, the Librarybook club, memoir-writing class, setdancing, Celtic Art, and Book of Kellsprograms, Nimble Thimbles and more.Culture is alive and thriving at theCenter.All of the above is of course supportedby a facility that costs a lot ofmoney to operate and maintain, avolunteer force of several hundredcommitted Irish Americans who careabout where they come from and therole that the Center plays in promotingthe heritage, and a staff that workshard to match the commitment of thevolunteer ranks and goes above andbeyond to support a rapidly expandingprogram and event calendar andcommunity. I just feel privileged tobe a part of it all and plan to spenda lot more time saying thank you toeveryone who makes it all happen.Onwards,Tim McDonnell, Executive DirectorIrish American Heritage CenterI wishto thankeveryone includingthemembers,volunteers,staff andthe Boardof Directors of the Irish AmericanHeritage Center for their supportin electing me to the Board andto the office of President. I wouldlike to also personally thank formerpresident, Bob McNamara, for hisdedication and service to the Center.I look forward to serving and Iam honored to be the President ofthis amazing legacy.I am committed to the purposeof the Center and I look forward tohearing from you and working withyou in the spirit of transparency,sustainability, openness and communication.My Irish roots trace back toLismore, County Waterford. Inthe 1850’s, the widow Mary KeefeCrowley made the long hard journeyand brought her sons Patrick,Edward and John to Americawith her. John is my Great GreatGrandfather. I am sure they wouldbe proud IAHC members were theyhere today.The Center celebrates the bestin Irish American culture. I look4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • 773-282-7035President’s Messageforward to continuing to grow andsupport the cultural vision andmission of the Center.As we move forward, we needto keep in perspective that wehave the responsibility to pass onthe Center, and all that is goodabout it, to future generations.We owe this to the Center’sfounders, past and present membersand all that pass through ourdoors. We also owe the currentgenerations, the best in IrishAmerican cultural experiences.To accomplish our goals, weneed to be a team that will think,plan and communicate openlyas we implement for the shortterm as well as for the long term.Collaboration does have value.Together we will continue to positionthe Center as a cultural magnetfor all ages. We will serve ouryounger members as we launchour Shamrock Kid’s Club and wewill serve our Seniors with theGolden Diners’ Lunch program.And, we will serve everyone inbetween those age groups as wecontinue to be all inclusive andall included.I will do my part. I am sureyou will continue to do your partas well.Thank you and God Bless!John Gorski, President, IAHC

The heriTage LineRecipes WantedThis fall, the Center will publish a new Heritage Cookbookand we'd like your recipes.Give us your recipe for yourfavorite soup, salad, appetizer,entree, dessert or even beverage.The top ten recipes will be enteredinto a cook-off and the dish votedthe best becomes a part of ourFifth Province menu.Email your recipe to info@irishahc.org or drop it off at theIAHC office by August 15 at 5pm.www.irish-american.orgMemoir Writing ClassJoin us for our ongoing Memoir WritingClass Series. The sessions are Monday,September 12-October 17 or Tuesday, September13-October 18 from 7pm-9pm.Everyone has a story to tell. Here’s anopportunity to tell yours.Whether it was one memorable summer,or an incredible life voyage, this writingworkshop will not only help you identifythe key turning moments in your life, butunderstand them against a backdrop oftime and place.Students will do in-class writing exercises,readings and discussions. Outsideassignments will also be given. In the latersession, time will also be given to discussingmarkets for publication.You can sign up for either session;Monday or Tuesday and both of the writingRemember the San Patricios:The Irish Soldiers of MexicoSave the date for a multimedia presentationon the San Patricios, Irish soldiers whofought in the Mexican American War.The program includes a screening of thedocumentary St. Patrick’s Battalion, with anintroduction and post film talkback with Dr.Michael Hogan. Much of the film’s contentoverlaps with his book The Irish Soldiers ofMexico, which he will discuss, sign and sellYeats and the Irish PeasantJoin the IAHC’s Cultural Committee fora multimedia presentation, Yeats and theIrish Peasant this fall. The eventwill feature a slide presentationby Theresa Choske, a lectureby Professor James Murphyof DePaul University and livemusic.For poet and playwright,W.B.Yeats, the early nineteenth-centuryIrish novelistWilliam Carleton, personally asmuch as in his writings, was thearchetypal masculine Irish peasantstruggling against poverty. Murphywill discuss how Yeats used Carleton,seeing him as the celebrator of the true Irishpeasant to enhance Yeats’s own authorityand reputation as a critic and rising writerover others in the 1890’s, but how WilliamCarleton was not quite how Yeats imaginedhim to be.Carleton was the masculine Irish peasantarchetype Yeats used in his poetry anddrama against the effeminate Irish peasantof the writings of the English critic MatthewArnold. Whereas Arnold’s Celt could be4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • 773-282-7035classeswill beconductedby instructor,VirginiaGibbons,Professorof English at Oakton Community College.She also is facilitator for the Great IrishBooks Club at the Irish American HeritageCenter Library.The cost of the six-week workshop is$60 per person and class size limited to 10writers. Advance registration and paymentis strongly advised.NOTE: There will be a printed materialsfee of $5.00 to be paid at the first session.To register, contact Theresa Choske at773-545-8057.before and after the film.After the discussion, a mix of Mexicanand Irish food will be available for purchasein the Fifth Province, along with amix of Mexican and Irish traditional music.Remember the San Patricios: The IrishSoldiers of Mexico is Sunday, September11 from 3pm-7pm and the cost is $10 atthe door.made to serve a complementary view of theimperial relationship between the Englishand the Irish, Yeats’s Celt longed forthe complementary leadership ofthe benign (Anglo-Irish) aristocrat.Murphy will discuss how Carletonviewed the Irish peopleand Arnold’s views of Englishand Irish relationship.Murphy is professor ofEnglish at DePaul University,Chicago. He is a fellow of theRoyal Historical Society and apast president of the Society for theStudy of Nineteenth-Century Ireland.He is the author or editor of twelve books,most recently, Irish Novelists and the VictorianAge and The Oxford History of the IrishBook, Vol. IV (1800-91).Yeats and the Irish Peasant is Sunday,September 18 from 2pm-4pm. The costis $10 at the door and refreshments willbe served. This lecture is a preview to theiBAM! celebration in November. iBAM!will feature a Yeats exhibit, called The Lifeand Works of William Butler Yeats from theNational Library in Dublin.

The heriTage LineAnnual iBAM! Celebration Returns this FallThe third annual iBAM! celebration comes tothe IAHC this November. This year’s theme isHanding Down the Tradition.Co-produced by the IAHC and the IrishAmerican News, iBAM! is a 2-day Irish culturalcelebration that brings together as many as100 authors, artists and musicians from NorthAmerica and Ireland. The celebration features artand museum exhibits, panel discussions, poetryreadings, film screenings, live music, theater anddance performances.Confirmed participants include:WritersChris Binchy, Kevin Barry, Bill Cullen, FrankDelaney, Joseph Woods, Claire Kilroy, VincentWoods, Glenn Patterson, Belinda McKeon, MaryPat Kelly, David Lynch, Mary O’Donoghue, JohnHoban, Cathal Liam, Kevin O’Hara, PatriciaFalvey and Rita EmmettMusicLiz Carroll, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill,Mick Moloney, Jimmy Keane, and Sean Cleland,Matt Cranitch, Jackie Daly and Paul de Grae,Maurice, Ben, and Charlie Lennon, Johnny Mc-Carthy, Cormac McCarthy, John Hoban and Dr.Larry McCulloughExhibitsThe Life and Works of William Butler Yeatsfrom the National Library in DublinFrom The Sources from University CollegeCorkWake Amusements from University Collectwww.irish-american.orgCorkJohn McGahern Special Collection from NUIGalwayArtistsElizabeth CopeJennifer AllenDanceThe Cunninghams Sean Nós dancers fromConnemaraTheaterPerformances by Seanachai, ShawChicago andSmock AlleyFilma partnered program with the Chicago Irish FilmFestivalFoodCelebrity Chef Rachel GaffneyiBAM! is November 12 and 13 at the IAHC andthe cost is $10 for IAHC members and $15 for generaladmission per day. The annual iBAM! AwardsDinner and Cocktail Party will be held on November11 with cocktails at 7pm and dinner following at 8pm.Tickets for the dinner are $100. For more detailsand the full schedule, visit www.ibamchicago.com.IAHC Book Captures Spirit ofCenter’s Mission and VolunteersYou can still pick up a copy of the IrishAmerican Heritage Center book that wassold at Irish Fest in July.The book takes readers into the heartsand minds of the first-generation of Irishimmigrants who made the dream for an Irishcultural center and community gatheringspot in Chicago a reality.The book brings to lifethat courageous visionand shines the spotlighton the 50,000 people whocome today to this massive86,000-square-footbuilding, which housesan authentic Irish pub, a650-foot theater, ballroom,library, museum, classesfor language, dancingand music and havecelebrated together for 25years at the annual IrishFest held in July.It is a magnificentstory with a rich cast ofordinary people who have been extraordinarypassionate in their efforts to create a homefor the Irish in Chicago.The finely detailed stories, and memorablemoments of the founders, volunteers andmany visitors will be brought to life in photographsand powerful anecdotal story telling.The authors, Monica Dougherty and MaryBeth Sammons will besigning the books at thefollowing locations:Irish Fest MilwaukeeTBAAugust 18-21Donegal Imports5358 W Devon Ave.,ChicagoAugust 25, 4pm-7pmGlascott’s Saloon2158 North Halsted,ChicagoAugust 28, 2pm-5pmCopies can be purchasedat the IAHC officefor $22.4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • 773-282-7035The Center is Paving the Front CourtyardMakes a Great Gift!Buy an engraved brick for your family, business, friends or yourself.Each brick is guaranteed for 100 years!4 x 8 brick$1008 x 8 brick$250(IAHC Mbrs$200)12 x 12 brick$500(IAHC Mbrs$400)

The heriTage LineAugust 2011August 5 Francis O’Neill Ceili Dance Fifth Province 8pmAugust 6 Rose of Tralee Gold Party Fifth Province 7pmAugust 11 Irish Immigrant Support Meeting Room 304 10amAugust 25 Irish Immigrant Support Meeting Room 304 10amAugust 27 Heritage Craft Brewfest Erin Room NoonAugust 28 Ice Cream Social Fifth Province 5pmGenealogy Meeting Library 1pmRegularly Scheduled EventsTues.-Sat. Golden Diners Lunch Program Kitchen 12:30pm-2pmSave the Date for...Margo O’Donnell in Concert!Don’t Miss the Queen of Irish and Country music, accompanied by Johnny GleesonSat., October 297pm$35Concert in the Auditorium, followed by apost concert dance in the Fifth ProvinceSponsored by the St. Patrick Fathers.For tickets, call 773-282-7035.www.irish-american.orgChicago boasts one of the finestIrish Centers in the world. Becomea part of it.Running, maintaining, and upgradingthe Center is a big job thattakes big commitment.Your membership helps make theCenter happen.To join call 773-282-7035 x10, visitwww.irish-american.org, or fill outthe form below. Send payment to:The Irish AmericanHeritage CenterMembership4626 N. Knox AveChicago IL 60630Name __________________________________________Address ________________________________________City ______________________ State __ Zip __________Phone _______________________Credit Card # ___________________________ Exp ____Individual MembershipAnnual dues❏ $30/year or $50/2 yearsFamily Membership❏ $40/year or $60/2 years$250 - Harper❏ 3-year membershipno annual dues$500 - Bard❏ 5-year membershipno annual duesBecome A memBer3 Digit code on card’s back: ______❏ $1,000 - Chieftain10-year membership withoutannual dues❏ $2,500 - High King25-year membership withoutannual dues❏ $5,000 - SaintLifetime membership withoutannual duesAUGUST 2011In August, our live entertainmentis abbreviatedSat, 8/6Sat, 8/13Sat, 8/20Sat, 8/27Ted HealyTed HealyTed HealyHayden and Shine BandDrop by for the very best in traditionaland modern Irish music.Center ChatsStarting on Thursday, September 1st, ExecutiveDirector, Tim McDonnell will host a monthly‘fireside chat’ in the Fifth Province on the firstThursday of the month to discuss and answer4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 • 773-282-7035questions on the current state of affairs at the Center.The forum will be very informal. If you are curiousto find out more about the Center’s plans and whatwe are working on, join us.Follow us on Facebook and TwitterFor updates on upcoming events and ticketgiveaways, follow the IAHC onFacebook and TwitterThe Heritage Line StaffContributors: Kathleen O’Neill, EditorMike Boyle Theresa Choske Monica Dougherty John GorskiMary Griffin Tim McDonnell Stacy McReynolds Mary MorrisSheila Murphy Kevin O’Kennedy Mary Beth Sammons Leslie Singel

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 17UK Klux KlanIn April 2006 Mervyn Gibsonwas forced to stand down asChairman of the Loyalist Commission.The problem: membersreportedly were anxious aboutthe Reverend Gibson’s involvementin an initiative by Britain’sNorthern Ireland Office whichwould include nationalist residentsgroups. That would havemeant Orangemen having toaddress Catholic complaintsabout Orange parades celebratingProtestant rule being forcedthrough their communities.It’s not as though Gibson isa Taig lover. On the contrary,he’s a poster boy for Britishpatriotism. He is Deputy GrandChaplain of the Grand OrangeLodge of Ireland, Minister ofWestbourne Presbyterian CommunityChurch in Belfast, alifelong member of the OrangeInstitution and also a formerRoyal Ulster Constabulary officerand Chairman of the LoyalistCommission.What is the Loyalist Commission?It is successor to TheCombined Loyalist MilitaryCommand and represents threeLoyalist vigilante groups—theUlster Defence Association(UDA), the Ulster VolunteerForce (UVF), and the Red HandCommando (RHC)—as well asProtestant church and communityleaders. The Ulster UnionistParty (UUP) helped to setup the group in October 2001,three years after the Good FridayAgreement. Perhaps that’swhy there are now estimated tobe three times as many “peacewalls,” huge apartheid fencesseparating Protestants fromCatholic communities, in NorthernIreland than before the GFAwas signed.The press tells you that the“peace process” is working, butis threatened by a few “dissidents.”You are never told thatthe heart of the problem is thegovernment itself.Church and state are one inthe UK. That’s why Tony Blairhad to keep his Catholicism secretuntil he left office. Writingfor the Guardian about Blair’s“30 years as a closet Catholic,”Steven Bates had it right: “themotives of Catholic politicianshave traditionally been regardedwith suspicion by non-Catholics,both here and in the US…”Queen Elizabeth II is SupremeGovernor of the Churchof England. The title derivesfrom King Henry VIII and hisAct of Supremacy. Parliamenthas the right of final approval ofall church measures. AdoptingProtestantism was a politicalrather than a religious move.When Henry married his brother’swife, Catherine of Aragon,he had to get a papal dispensationbecause such a union wasconsidered incestuous. Andwhen the marriage produced nomale children, Henry then casthis eye on one of Catherine’sattendants.But to marry Ann Boleyn,his marriage with Catherinehad to be annulled by the pope.Having already received onedispensation to marry Catherine,an annulment would imply thatthe first papal dispensation wasin error, something the popewas not willing to do. Anotherproblem was that Holy RomanEmperor Charles V hadinvaded Rome, and the popewas his captive. Charles wasCatherine’s nephew and resentedHenry’s dishonorable treatmentof his aunt. Having failed tochange the pope’s mind, Henryarrested Lord Chancellor CardinalWolsey, his closest advisor,and replaced himwith Thomas Cranmerand Thomas Cromwell,sympathizersof Martin Luther.They advised Henryto split the Englishchurch from the Roman,declare the kingits spiritual head, thengrant himself the annulment.Henry’s pursuit ofa male heir led tocenturies of miseryand death for IrishCatholics who weremurdered, enslaved,starved and disenfranchisedon a massscale. And from 1688to this enlightenedday there has neverbeen a Catholic primeminister. Were a memberof the royal familyto marry a Catholic,they would be barredfrom succession tothe throne.The Orange Orderhas stricter rules: no one who iseven related to a Catholic needapply. Over a third of representativesin Northern Ireland’s assemblyare Orange Order members.So last month when policeremoved objectionable UVF andUDA flags hung around SacredHeart Catholic church in Ballyclare,a small Antrim townonly 8% Catholic, and residentsbroke into a major riot, burningcars and injuring police withfirebombs, the reaction by AssistantChief Constable AlistairFinlay, second in command ofthe entire PSNI force shouldnot be surprising: Followingthat pre-parade riot, Finlaywent on Ulster TV and actuallymade a PUBLIC APOLOGYTypical bonfire. Flag burning approved.to the Protestant death squadsfor removing their flags in aninsensitive manner. Finley ofcourse knows where his bread isbuttered. And despite this verypublic and shocking kowtow,world media simply ignored it.Can you picture that happeningif police removed say, Nazi flagsfrom any church, synagogue,mosque or ashram anywhereelse in the civilized world?(That’s the same world, includingEngland, that put the NazisHeather A. BegleyProudly servingthe Irish communityout of business decades ago.)I checked the New York Timesand Chicago Trib fornews on the parade disturbances.The Timeshad two short paragraphsin its “WorldBriefs” section tellingreaders that Protestantslit bonfires and RomanCatholics, trying to attackthose celebratingat the bonfires, riotedagainst police. Verymisinformative: nothingabout UVF attackson the Short Strandcommunity or policeforcing Orange marchesthrough the Ardoyne.The Tribune carriednothing at all excepta very basic onlinevideo from Reuters.The general US medialine is: the rioters areuninformed Catholicyoungsters, some asyoung as ten, out forthrills, and often eggedon by dissidents tryingto ruin the peaceprocess.E-mail: IrishTV@ameritech.netWatch: IRISH JOURNALTELEVISIONChicago cable-CAN-TV,Channel 19: Monday 7pm,Tuesday 2pm; Comcast-(Skokie system) 24 Northsuburbs–Ch. 19 (or 35):Tuesday, 6pm; Comcast-(Elmhurst system) 41 Westsuburbs–Channel 19: Tuesday7:30pm.© Mike Morley 2011The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Krollrepresents individuals and families in personal injuryand wrongful death matters including, motorvehicle collisions, construction negligence,work related injuries and medicalmalpractice.10 S. LaSalle St., Suite 3702, Chicago, Illinois 60603phone: (312)676-7222 fax: (312)849-2030heather@kroll-lawfirm.comWebsite: www.kroll-lawfirm.com Blog: www.chicagoaccidentinjurylawyer.com

18 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011LET’S HELP! We must rescueGerry McGeough and his fellowrepublican prisoners in Maghaberryfrom criminal abuse (possibly torture)by British warders. Helen McClaffertywrites: “Gerry’s Judicial Review isscheduled for September. It is imperativethat we lobby our local politiciansto contact the NIO to grant Gerry hisamnesty/pardon. Please reach out assoon as possible; contact politicalrepresentatives and news media.” Let’sdo it!AT THE SAME TIME let’s recoverour national honor by ending Americantorture; whether at Guantánamo Bay orPelican Bay (whose inmates are now onhunger-strike).CLEAN-UP is also required here.As urgent as US debt, jobs, and theeconomy are; they cannot be remedieduntil we purge the Big Lie, the Liethat small business won’t hire unlesswe continue the lowest top tax rate ofthe past seventy years; the rate extantwhen our economy crashed in 2008.While immensely profitable AmericanElectric Power, Boeing, DuPont,Exxon Mobil, FedEx, General Electric,Honeywell, IBM, United Technologies,Verizon, Wells Fargo, Yahoo, andothers pay zero taxes the pols andcorporate news media blast us aboutthe needy having to sacrifice. While wehave given $hundreds of billions to thebanksters whose fraudulent CDOs andCDSs collapsed our economy, many ofour fellow citizens are so disinformedas to loudly promote policies designedto render them homeless and withoutmedical care while further enrichingthe super-rich. Who disinformedAmerica? You’re right - Fox TV isone culprit. The same perps alsodisinformed England. Lord ConradBlack disinformed England with hisExaminer, and Telegraph newspapers,and the US via his Chicago Sun-Timesand others. He also owns the JerusalemPost. He’s in a Florida prison. RupertMurdock disinformed England viahis News of the World, Sunday Times,Mail, Express, and Sun newspapers.He continues to abet the bankstersvia his Fox TV, NY Post, WashingtonTimes, Wall Street Journal and Barron’s.Murdoch promotes the interestsof Israeli and American oligarchs andis America’s main publisher of Fundamentalistbooks.CoRPoRATE FALSEHooDSvia Fox TV et al:· The super-rich are small businessowners.Gerry McGeough· The super-rich will quit their smallbusinesses, causing lay-offs, if the toptax rate is raised from its current lowestlevel in seventy years (35%; it was 91%during Ike’s era of prosperity)· Jobs are created by cutting gov’tspending (Pres. Hoover’s failed policy).Gov’t ought to cut spending duringbooms; not during depressions.· It’s socialism if the debt ceilingis raised by Obama (but wasn’t whenBush raised it five times).· The $trillions in costs of our criminalwars needn’t be ended or reduced;but Medicare must.WHo’D HAVE GUESSED thatthe super-rich would grab so muchAmerican wealth as to destroy itsmiddle-class? How did the Kochbrothers get their tea-partiers to supportpolicies designed to render thelatter homeless and without medicalcare? How did they manage to get theimpoverished middle-class to blameretired cops and teachers instead of thesuper-rich whose wars and fraudulentCDOs and CDSs looted the economy?The class war is over; the super-richhave won and are now mopping up;their victims call for even more middleclasssacrifice to give further wealth tothe richest.BUT THE CAT is out of the bag:Some Repubs have named the sourceof their policies. They order their staffsto read the works of Ayn Rand. Three ofher books “The Fountainhead” (abouta genius architect); “Atlas Shrugged;”(the productive giant’s shoulders carryearth and its parasites, and Atlas oughtto just shrug the world off his shouldersafter which the parasites will all starveto death upon which he can resumehis genius work in a depopulated, thusmore congenial, world). A later bookis “The Virtue of Selfishness” (whosetitle speaks for itself).WHAT THE INNoCENT (andlargely religious) tea-partiers do notknow (but Murdoch and Ailes do) isthat Rand, whose ideas they spout,was profoundly anti-religious, hadcontempt for marriage (“strong individualshook up with whomever theyplease whenever they please”); andwas intensely genocidal. Her works callfor the powerful to wipe out everyoneelse; the road we’ve been on for sometime. Summon your courage; you’llneed it.AMERICA IS THREATENEDmortally; not by bogeymen (Sharialaw, or same-sex marriage, or undocumentedimmigrants) but by the predatorysuper-rich now raping Americaand running our government and itsmurderous foreign policy.THE MASS KILL-oFF of Americanscan begin when the super-richget the Repubs and Obama to killorganized labor and reduce unemploymentcompensation, social security,Medicare and Medicaid. Many are soset on killing off America’s people ofcolor that they ignore the fact that they,too, are in the same cross-hairs andwon’t survive either.THE KILL-oFF oF FoREIGN-ERS is already well underway via ourbombs and oil robberies in the MiddleEast and Africa, and our munitioningof Israel’s genocide of Palestine.REMEMBER: The blue-collar teapartierssupposedly rose in rebellionagainst the elite but it was foundedwith the help of the billionaire Kochbrothers and is promoted by Murdoch’sFox News. Their policies benefit onlythe super-rich, to working America’sdetriment.€BILLIoNS of Ireland’s petroleumwealth given to multinationalsby crooked pols. See www.shelltosea.com.WHICH BRIT REG’T starvedyour relatives? See www.irishholocaust.org.WHo ARE THE TERRoRISTSre Occupied Ireland? See www.terrorismireland.org.GooD FRIDAY AGREEMENT;beneficial? See www.freegerry.com,www.michaelmckevitt.com, and www.friendsofcolinduffy.com. Contact me at312/664-7651 or fogartyc@att.net.Stone HearthStaged Reading SeriesThe Irish American HeritageCenter has announced that it willbegin a Sunday brunch/theatreseries, starting in September. Eachmonth, a cast of professional actorswill perform staged readingsof Irish one act plays in the FifthProvince Pub following an Irishbrunch.Dates for the first three Sundaysin the series are September25, October 16, and November6. On each date, brunch will beserved from noon to 1 p.m., andthe performances begin at 1 p.m.The Stone Hearth Staged ReadingSeries will present Lovers(Part II - Losers) by Brian Frieland two plays by Hugh Leonard,A View From the Obelisk andPizzazz for their first offerings.Writer/producer Frank Mahon(The Quiet Man Tales) and actressBrigid Duffy Gerace and otherIAHC members, have formed agroup of theatre professionals inorder to rekindle local interest inone of Ireland’s great art forms,the one act play.First popularized by the youngAbbey Theatre in the first part ofthe 20th century, the one act playhas recently found a new audience.While always being appreciated intraditional theatres, one act playsare nowadays often produced inpubs and restaurants, particularlyin Ireland. Serving a bowl of soupand a short play on its secondfloor, Bewley’s Café Theatre inDublin has been a “hot ticket” fora number of years.Tickets for the brunch/theatrepackage are $25 for IAHCmembers, $30 for non-membersand can be purchased by calling773-282-7035.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 19He Was One of Those Kids...He was one of those kids thatyears later you say “Oh, yeah! Nicequiet kid. Never did much.”John P. Fardy was the son ofChicago Fireman Martin Fardy andhousewife Mary Fardy and lived inSt. Clothilde Parish at 8144 SouthCalumet Avenue (Telephone Radcliffe5771) John Fardy attendedLeo High School, then conductedby the Irish Christian Brothers andlike nearly all of his classmateswas an Irish American Kid.He was less than an exceptionalstudent. His 1940 Class Rankwas 138 out of 184 with an averagecumulative percentage score(contemporary method) of 77%.However, John Fardy was learningto be a hero—one of America’sSaints—Congressional Medal ofHonor recipient.John Fardy was not a schoolathlete and played on no teams.His only activity listed on hissenior page is Public Speaking.After Leo, “He took a course intyping at the Fox Secretarial Collegethe same year and entered theIllinois Institute of Technologythe following year. He majored inmechanical engineering but leftafter the first year. He had beendoing time study work previously,so he went to work at the CornellForge Company as a time studyman and draftsman.” Then camemilitary service - America wasattacked by Japan.Inducted into the Marine Corpson May 8, 1943, he went throughrecruit training at the MarineCorps Recruit Depot, San Diego,California, upon completion ofwhich he was assigned to theJapanese Language School at hisown request. He was promoted toprivate first class in July, about twoweeks before the start of school.After one month of attendance atthe language school at Camp Elliott,San Diego, PFC Fardy wastransferred to the Infantry Battalionwhere he was trained as anautomatic rifleman.Private First Class Fardy joinedthe 29th Replacement Battalionshortly before the unit left theUnited States on October 28, 1943.He journeyed to Nouméa, NewCaledonia, and was reassigned tothe 27th Replacement Battalion,which was leaving to join the 1stMarine Division.Attached to Company C, 1stBattalion, 1st Marines upon hisarrival at Goodenough Island,D’Entrecasteaux Islands, early inDecember 1943, PFC Fardy leftwith that unit about a week laterfor Nascing, Alatu, New Guinea.The stay there was a short one also,for the 1st Marines left Finschaffenon Christmas Day 1943, for theirDecember 26 landing on enemyheldCape Gloucester, New Britain.Within two months of the time heleft his home shores, the formerdraftsman was involved in a battlefor an enemy airdrome on an islandrarely heard of before.Following the Cape Gloucesteroperation, and the return of the1st Marine Division to the RussellIslands for over three months training,the division left for Peleliu.After practice landings at Guadalcanal,the division landed on thecoral-studded, shadeless Peleliu.PFC Fardy participated in thecapture of the airport and the attackon the coral hills overlookingit before returning to the RussellIslands with his regiment in earlyOctober.Promoted to Corporal on December21, 1944, the veteran of twocampaigns became a squad leaderas the reorganized division startedtraining for the next operation. Thetraining ashore ended in Februaryand the Marines embarked aboardthe ships that took them for practicelandings at Baniki (RussellIslands), Guadalcanal, and UlithiAtoll in the Caroline Islands. Thelanding on Okinawa occurred onEaster Sunday, April 1, 1945 andthe division’s sweep across theisland up to the northern tip wasaccomplished with comparativeease. Later, Marines were movedsouth to help hard-pressed Armytroops.It was on May 6, 1945 whenCompany C was advancing againsta strongly fortified, fanaticallydefendedJapanese position thatCpl Fardy’s squad was suddenlybrought under heavy small-armsfire. Cpl Fardy temporarily deployedhis men along a convenientdrainage ditch. Shortly afterwards,an enemy hand grenade landedin the ditch, falling among thepinned-down Marines. Instantly,the 21-year-old corporal flunghimself upon the grenade andabsorbed the exploding chargewith his own body. Taken to afield hospital, Cpl Fardy died thenext day.The Medal of Honor was presentedto Corporal Fardy’s parentsat ceremonies conducted by theMarine Corps League in Chicago,September 15, 1946.Re-interment services for CplFardy, with military honors by theChicago Detachment of the MarineCorps League, were held onApril 7, 1949, at Holy SepulcherCemetery.Author and University of NorthDakota (Fargo) professor of psychologyTerrence Barrett contactedLeo High School about his forthcomingbook—a study of Marinerecipients of the CongressionalMedal of Honor. Cpl. John Fardy’svalor is focused in Dr. Barrett’sstudy. Not only that, Dr. Barrettsuggested that Cpl. Fardy’s gravemarker be upgraded and replaced.The current marker makes no mentionof Cpl. John Fardy’s Medal ofHonor. Thanks to the efforts of Dr.Terry Barrett, The Alumni Associationis fixing that and on August 8at 10am at Holy Sepulcher Cemeteryin Chicago, we are having arededication ceremony with thenewly engraved headstone thatshows the Medal of Honor Badgeand the words “Medal of Honor.”Medal ofHonor CitationThe President of the UnitedStates takes pride in presentingthe MEDAL OF HONOR posthumouslytoCORPORAL JOHN P. FARDYUNITED STATES MARINE CORPSfor service as set forth in thefollowing CITATION:For conspicuous gallantry andintrepidity at the risk of his lifeabove and beyond the call of dutyas a Squad Leader, serving withCompany C, First Battalion, FirstMarines, First Marine Division, inaction against enemy Japanese forceson Okinawa Shima in the RyukyuIslands, 7 May 1945. When his squadwas suddenly assailed by extremelyheavy small-arms fire from the frontduring a determined advance againststrongly fortified, fiercely defendedJapanese positions, Corporal Fardytemporarily deployed his men along anear-by drainage ditch. Shortly thereafter,an enemy grenade fell amongthe Marines in theditch. Instantlythrowing himselfupon the deadlymissile, CorporalFardy absorbedthe exploding blastin his own body,thereby protectinghis comrades fromcertain and perhapsfatal injuries. Concerned solelyfor the welfare of his men, he willinglyrelinquished his own hope of survivalthat his fellow Marines might live tocarry on the fight against a fanaticenemy. A stouthearted leader andindomitable fighter, Corporal Fardy,by his prompt decision and resolutespirit of self-sacrifice in the face ofcertain death, had rendered valiantservice, and his conduct throughoutreflects the highest credit uponhimself and the United States NavalService. He gallantly gave his life forhis country.The Leo Alumni was contacted bya Marine and professional psychologistTerrence Barrett of University ofNorth Dakota at Fargo. Mr. Barrettis writing a book on Valor and JohnFardy is a key focus among otherCMH Marines.The Leo High School AlumsVietnam Hero Jim Furlong and thebrother of fallen Chicago PoliceOfficer/Marine and Leo Man EricLee, Mr. Mark Lee, are heading upa search for any relatives of Cpl.John Fardy.On August 8, 2011, at 10:00am,The Leo Alumni, an honor guardof The U.S. Marine Corps, MarineCorps League Detachment 73, andMarine Corps League Detachment553, members of Cpl. Fardy’s familyand officials of the CongressionalMedal of Honor Foundation willplace a new and more appropriategrave marker for this fallen Americanhero.Call Pat Hickey at Leo HighSchool for more information – (773)224-9600.Young 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(847) 564-1338 • nrice@interaccess.comwww.academyofirishmusic.orgat the Irish American Heritage Center |4626 North Knox Ave., Chicago,IL

20 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” August 2011They’ll Make Great Pets (Part 1 of 2)I’ve always had a soft spot in my heartfor animals. And not only the soft, cuddlyones. I loved to visit the pet shop,where I could indulge my fantasies ofsomeday owning at least one of everyanimal in the store. Any time I was outwith Mom or Dad I’d beg them to stopthere so I could pet the puppies. Theywere irresistible. I just had to haveone… it had been far too long. Surewe’d owned a dog once before, but ourfirst foray into pet ownership had beena total disaster, and my parents hadsince shown no predilection for anotherround. Every time I returned from thepet shop starry-eyed and hopeful, mypleas fell on deaf ears.“No, Michael! We barely have room inthis house for us, never mind a dog!”“Mom, everybody else on the blockhas one, and their houses are just likeours!” I pointed out, sure that this wouldTVL CONSTRUCTIONWILL BEAT ALL ESTIMATESfor Any Kind of WorkAround Your HomeCALL 800-240-0361be a knock-‘em-dead argument.“We’re noteveryone onthe block, andthey don’t allhave dogs.”“But can’twe go over tothe pet shopon Saturday… just to look?”“No, Michael, we’ve got too manythings going on this weekend. Maybenext week. “Aha! A huge chink in thearmor, one wide enough to squeezethrough. “How am I ever supposed tolearn about responsibility, if you won’tgimme a chance to prove it?” There, thatought to do it. How could she refutethat one?“We did, with the first dog, and youremember how that turned out.”“But Mom…”The gavel smashed down with a resoundingboom.“Michael! That’s enough. I said, we’llsee next week!” She turned back to thesink and commenced to scrub a saucepanfuriously, a few suds splashing ontothe kitchen floor.Displaying my best pouty face, Iturned on my heel and stamped off tomy bedroom, with a half-smile barelyconcealed. The seeds had been sown.The Saturday after next, I rose earlyas possible so that I’d be dressed andready for the big day. To show responsibility,I cleaned my room by shovingall the dirty clothes down the laundrychute, along with a few of my brother’stoys he’d left on the floor. Well, thatwas his problem, let him dig ‘em outlater from the pile in the basement. Ineeded to get our room ready for its newresident, who took precedent. I clearedout a small space in the corner near thecloset, and retrieved a few of Mom’stowels from the linen closet to makea nice warm nest for the new puppy. Iwolfed down my breakfast in ten secondsflat, then stood behind Dad’s chairand tugged at his sleeve as he finishedup with the sports page.“C’mon, Dad! All the good ones willbe gone if we don’t get there early!”My father sighed, folded his paper,and pushed his chair away from thetable.“Alright, Mike, go get your jacket andmeet me in the garage at…” He glancedat his watch. “0:945 hundred hours.” Ilooked at him, uncomprehending.“It’s 9:40 right now. That means fiveminutes. Chop, chop!” He clapped hishands twice, and I raced upstairs tomy bedroom closet. At 0:943 hundredhours, I stood in the garage doorway,waiting for Dad to back the car intothe alley.“Good morning, gentlemen!What can I getfor you today?” the petshop manager greetedus as we passed the frontcounter.“A puppy!” I blurtedout.“Let’s take a lookaround first, Mike.” Dadwinked at the clerk,grasped my shouldersand steered me far fromthe plaintive yelping Icould hear in the backaisle. We perused theaquariums, which fascinatedme, though I haddetermined not to beswayed from my goal. Iwould not even look atthe fish today. Puppy, puppy, puppy wasmy mantra. Dad bent down low to viewthe tarantulas and scorpions, keepinghis body between me and the aquariumson the shelf. No sense tempting the kidwith those. Mary would have a fit.We slowly wandered down each aisle,gazing up at the miniature Wild Kingdom.Bored with all these nonsenseanimals, I kept a sharp eye on howclose we had come to the puppy pensin the rear of the store. Then, we foundourselves in the reptile department. As Imentioned, I’d always kept a warm spotin my heart for cold-blooded creatures.One day I caught a huge garter snakeover two feet long and thicker than thebase of my thumb. A feisty creature, shebit me twice and my dad once, regularlyshed her skin and even had a litter ofbabies, much to the envy of every otherboy on our block. So it was with nolittle enthusiasm that I reviewed thereptile department with my father, whoalways had a scientific interest in suchthings. That, of course, was how he’dgot bitten by my pet in the first place.Dad immediately perceived the brightside of the situation however, and tookfull advantage. After disinfecting andwrapping up his wound he marched tothe cabinet in the dining room, bentdown, reached in, and stood up graspinga shotglass in his bandaged handand a fifth of Canadian Club in the other.Mom looked at him, shaking her headreprovingly.“For snakebite, Mary!” He grinned ather and eyeballed the glass as he pouredhimself a medicinal snort.Now he stood beside me in the aisle,trying to determine which speciesin these tanks possessed the shortestteeth. Then, he noticed some that hadnone at all.“Hey Mike, lookit this!” He pointed toa huge kiddie pool in the corner, filledwith flat rocks, a waterfall and even alittle fake palm tree island. Scatteredacross every horizontal surface, smallround dark green discs with yellow andred edges lay sunning themselves underthe heat lamp. Some had heads, feet andtails sticking out.“Turtles!” I cried in delight, forgettingall about my master plan for a puppy.PLASTERINGWilliam McNulty & SonsPlastering Co.InsuredAll Work GuaranteedPLASTERINGSTUCCO • DRYVIT708-386-2951Shamrock PaintingCommercialResidentialExterior - InteriorSatisfying Customersfor Over 15 YearsPaul McGee815-729-9310

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 21Lying for a LivingI don’t suppose that anyone with even onefoot in the real world expected Fine Gael to,in the heel of the hunt, turn out to be any differentfrom their crooked predecessors. Afterall, they are politicians and what politiciansdo is lie for a living.Of course their main concern once theyhave conned their way into power is to setabout feathering their own nests; and pardonthe mixed metaphors but if they haven’t gottheir pig snouts in the troughs from a veryearly point, then they feel as if they are missingout on something.Their next main task is to steal as much asthey can from the suckers who voted for themwhile still calling it legal. It doesn’t matterif they destroy peoples’ lives as long as it isthe lives of the poorer people. They must becareful at all times not to upset the rich.As to the steadily rising suicide rate, completelyout of control in some areas, wellthey’re just collateral damage. In fact, it mighteven be encouraged as a way to bring downthe unemployment figures.After all, at least one loathsome politician—BertieAhern—famously wonderedwhy anyone who had a problem with theeconomy didn’t just “go off and commitsuicide.”Anyway, having done all this they then getstuck into what they endlessly accused theirpredecessors of doing: acts of shamelesscronyism and nepotism. It doesn’t matter ifthere is someone better qualified for the job,to a politician the crony always comes first.So if it’s a case of an unemployed person,out of work through no fault of their own,well capable and hungry to work—and thepolitician’s nephew, who left school at tenand has an IQ of 45, then the nephew willalways win.Now that they have their hands in the till;now that all the endless expense forms arefilled out in triplicate and double checked justin case there is a spare cent that they couldhave claimed for; now that plans are in placeto gouge asmuch more lootout of the suckersas humanlypossible and thefamily and theextended familyare taken careof with as manyjobs for the boys as they can fill; well then it istime for the politician’s really important task,almost as important as siphoning off as muchas he can get into his especially enlargedpockets. Yes, it’s time for them to cover theirasses. Now you would think that having beenat it for so long these guys would be reallybloody top notch at covering those great bigwell fed backsides, but no. They always seemto get caught out.However, the thing is this isn’t somecountry like Britain, where they actually sendcrooks to jail. No, this is Ireland. So theyknow they are relatively safe. They have theshining examples of a chancer like Haugheyand a proven and disgraced liar like Ahern.No one is going to do time. At worst we willhave a tribunal that lasts for ten years, we’lldenounce whoever needs to be denouncedand they will be warned not tomisbehave again.This is nothing that I haven’tsaid before but it’s worth repeatingnow that we have a whole newset of gangsters in power. We—eejits that we are—were willingto give them the benefit of thedoubt at least until Christmas. Imean, surely even people who arecrooks by nature could keep theirgreasy hands to themselves untilthe end of their minimum graceperiod at least.Well, as we all know by now,that was a hopelessly unrealisticway of thinking. Most of themwere out of the traps with theirTrue Colours flapping in theslipstream long before the usualhundred days’ leeway was over,never mind Christmas. Oneby one they were caught doingexactly what they had held thehideous Fianna Failures up toridicule for doing.The second week in July, as Iwrite, really does take the biscuitthough. As the Roscommon A&E closes, italso highlights the cynical, heartless nature ofwhat this government is going to be like. Afterall, if it is as cruel as this in its infancy I don’tsee it getting any better. It’s only five months—on February 8—since the party leader EndaKenny told listeners unequivocally that he wascommitted to Roscommon County Hospitalstaying open. Even a politician should be ableto remember that far back.Of course, being a politician—someonethat lying comes to naturally when theyemerge from the womb—Kenny denied eversaying any such thing.Don’t you find it rather worrying that in theage of tape recorders, never mind youtube, theleader of a modern country thinks he can getaway with just flatly denying everything hehas said? As he has been caught—and onlybecause he has been caught—Kenny is nowapologising for “any confusion.”Mr. Kenny, there was no confusion. Youare a liar; and you have given us the signthat this government will be no different tothe previous one.When Marlon Brando described his professionas “lying for a living” he could have beendescribing your own.Terrence J. O’Brien, President of the Metropolitan WaterReclamation District of Greater Chicago announcedthat the Board of Commissioners and staff hosted a tourof the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, MainstreamPumping Station and the McCook Reservoir. Among theattendees were, (L-R) M.W.R.D. Commissioner MariyanaT. Spyropoulos, Commissioner Kathleen Therese Meany,State Representative Bill Cunningham, and CommissionerPatricia Horton.HELP WANTEDFULL-TIME CHEFPapa’s Fresh Foods12207 S Harlem Ave, Palos Heights IL 60463Call Allan 708-923-0109Visit us atGIFT SHOPShamrock ImportsMaureen O’Looney3150 N. Laramie, Chicago773-286-6866AppearancesCutsFoil HighlightsColorWaxingPermsGifts/JewelryCall Mary 847-825-7615229 N Northwest Hwy, Park RidgeVacationGalena RentalsExperience the scenic beautyof Ireland in Galena, ILfor a vacation in Resort Homeswithout Resort Prices773-631-5253Toll free 866-GalenaRentalse-mailGalenaRentals@ameritech.netVisit www.GalenaRentals.comIrish owned & operatedTop Source Industries, Inc.503 Westgate RoadAddison, IL 60101Fine CabinetryCustom Designed and Crafted Cabinetry,Entertainment Centers and more...Call Us Today(FREE initial consultation and sketch)1-800-362-9625www.quickdisplay.net

22 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011College in IrelandBy F. J. MahonTrinity College, DublinAmericans go to Ireland for manyreasons—the scenery, the golf, the culture,the heritage. And more and more, Americansgo to Ireland for college.Recognizing an ever-increasing desireof American students to spend part of theirhigher education in The Land of Saintsand Scholars, Ireland’s seven universities,located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, andLimerick, have joined forces and formedthe Irish University Association to markettheir institutions to American students,not just for a semester or two, but for theirentire college and postgraduate degrees.The IUA member universities are nowactively recruiting full-time Americanstudents, and Chicago students are ofparticular interest to Irish universities.“There are lots of good high schools inChicago, strong Irish American connections,and our Irish diaspora is very activein Chicago,” says current IUA Chair LouiseTobin. “We have already welcomedhigh school counselors to our universities.They are very interested in us because theyare trying to place their students in qualityuniversities.”Why should students consider going toIreland for higher education? “Key sellingpoints are the quality of degrees, theaffordability compared to U.S. colleges,and the experience of going to school inIreland,” says Tobin, adding, “The combinationof traditional aspects of Irisheducation enhanced by cutting-edge facilities,and the access to the rich culturalheritage of Ireland and its great naturalbeauty make the student experience onethat is very highly rated by our students.”Chicago personal injury attorney Devon C.Bruce, who attended University CollegeCork as an undergraduate in 1988, wasone those students. “Studying abroad inIreland was one of the most memorableand exciting times of my life,” Brucesays. “I made lifelong friends, and I urgeany student considering studying abroadto do so!”With the cost of tuition steadily risingin the U.S., college-bound students are increasinglytaking Bruce’s advice. “Highereducation in Ireland costs far less than itdoes in the U.S.,” explains Tobin, whoalso serves as Director of InternationalRecruitment at University College Cork.Law degrees, for example, are offered atundergraduate levels at some of the Irishuniversities. Students are not requiredto get an undergraduate degree prior togoing to law school in Ireland, and someundergraduate degrees require only threeyears of study. Cost of living in Irelandis also lower. In a recent survey of themost expensive major cities in the worldin which to live, Dublin ranked only 47th.Ireland’s other university cities are evencheaper to live in.Sinead Lucey, International EducationManager for the IUA, says that Irishuniversities started noticing that internationalstudents who spent part of theircollege education in Ireland would oftenreturn to do their post-graduate work.There has also been a growing number ofstudents coming to Ireland for their fullundergraduate degrees. These studentsrepresent the global community, not justIrish American students. Over 27,000international students from 114 countrieslive and study in Ireland. 8,000 of thosestudents are American, but not exclusivelyIrish Americans. “Students get anotherperspective on life, and skills to adaptin an ever-changing world,” says Lucey.“It’s about being able to interact with differentcountries, not just your hometownor your home country.” “UCC and Corkhave far exceeded my expectations,” saysAmerican student Megan Nethercut, whoreceived her undergraduate degree at UniversityCollege Cork. “It has really beenan excellent choice.”The IUA member universities alsoparticipate in the Erasmus Program, aninternational exchange student program,offering students who attend Irish universitiesthe opportunity to study at anotherEuropean school for up to a year at noadditional cost to the student.In Ireland, higher education is referredto as Third Level education. Graduateeducation is often referred to as FourthLevel. As it is in the U.S., a doctorateis the most advanced form of graduateeducation, and is defined by its goal: theadvancement of knowledge through originalresearch. The Irish universities arevery proud of their research opportunities.Ninety percent of the research facilitiesoffered to Irish university students arelocated in Ireland. These facilities receivemajor funding from Europe and the EU,a testament to the quality of the researchand of the doctoral programs.The seven universities that comprisethe IUA are the four Dublin universities,Trinity College Dublin, University CollegeDublin, Dublin City University, andNational University of Ireland, Maynooth,and the three universities in the westof Ireland, the University of Limerick,University College Cork, and NationalUniversity of Ireland, Galway. Each universityoffers internationally recognizedbachelors and masters degrees as well asdoctoral programs. Here is a brief descriptionof each school:Trinity College, DublinIreland’s oldest university was foundedin 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Locatedin the heart of Dublin, covering 47 acres,Trinity’s student community is comprisedof 16,500 students, 15% of which are internationalstudents representing over 90countries. Trinity is ranked in the top 10universities in Ireland and the UK. Over400 degrees and post graduates degreesare available. Trinity is home to the Bookof Kells, and 4.5 million other books.University College, DublinUCD is Ireland’s largest university, sittingon 350 acres 2.5 miles south of Dublincity center. Of its 24,000 students, 19%…Continued on Page 24Beautiful OceanfrontCottage in Dingle for rentRemodeled and furnished. 4 bedroom,4 bath with a fabulous viewof the ocean at the mouth of Dingleharbor. Short walk to beach and onlytwo miles from Dingle town. Sleeps8-10. Call Colleen 312-399-8793

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 23Shamrock StarsOnce more I had the pleasure of beingone of the judges for the singing contest atthe Irish American Heritage Center Festival.These gifted children are remarkablesingers. Clare Sheedy and her sister,Maeve, both sang songs in Gaelic. Theirfuture is bright. Maeve took first place inthe Clover Group (under 12), and Clarewas second in the Shamrock Group (12and over), but it was very hard to choosebetween Clare and Mikayla Walsh, whosang “A Song for Ireland” and took firstplace. Mikayla took a first place a coupleof years ago singing, “Caledonia.”As a judge I’m a stickler on voice, lyrics,and stage presence. There were nolosers! Emmett Horn, Nicole Walsh, andElizabeth Lannon gave their very best.National Debt DefaultAre you sick of the finger pointing andthe blame game? We have a Mexicanstandoff, but to say that today is politicallyincorrect! Republicans won’t raisethe ceiling on the debt and won’t raisetaxes, as that would stifle job creation.They also want to go after entitlements,i.e., Medicare and Social Security, sincethey don’t have to rely on either onethemselves. These are the same peoplewho protected the major pharmaceuticalcompanies so Medicare couldn’t negotiateprescription drug prices.Whatever side of the aisle they sit onthey are all rotten to the core, yet theyjust voted themselves another $3,000 peryear raise. Social Security hasn’t had anincrease in two years. How about tighteningthe belts in Washington? Whatevercompromise they reach will leave roomfor them to blame the other party forwhatever they do to entitlements.Joe Biden, VPHe came to town and said the Republicansare attacking the unions. Iunderstand thatthe state failedto pay into thepension trustfund, and nowwe start playingthe blamegame all overagain. Reportedly, this all started withthe Thompson administration and hasbeen ongoing since. Look on both sidesof the aisle again. There are no choirboys in Springfield, IL. The Democratsrely heavily on the unions for votes andcampaign funds. Are the unions gettingthe shaft? They negotiate contracts andexpect that the terms of those contractsbe fulfilled. For union members workingin the public sector, state, county, ormunicipal, you are at the mercy of thegovernment to raise taxes to cover thosecosts. If you are a union worker in the privatesector you simply get laid off if thereis no work. Why is there no work? Letsnot rehash the collapse of the financialmarkets or get into the Senator BarneyFrank or Senator Christopher Dodd FannieMae and Freddie Mac fiasco! The nexttime they talk about the American Dream,remember, the definition of a dream is animprobable wish.Mayor Rahm EmanuelHe’s stirring the pot, and I think wardpolitics are never going to be the same.It would seem everything is on the table.Now he is butting heads with the unions.That could impact the election in 2012…I hope!Power FailureThe big storm on July 11th knockedout the power at the IAHC for two days.That postponed the Irish AmericanHeritage Center board meeting for oneweek. The annual election of officerstook place on Monday, July 18th. Thenew officers are: John Gorski, President,John O’Malley, Vice President, Fr. JamesO’Brien, Treasurer, Meghan Curran,Secretary.Chicago Flash MobsHave there been any impassionedspeeches by Jesse Jackson Sr. or Jr., Fr.Joe MonahanSinger/GuitaristIrish/American FolkCountry & Westernmonahanmusic.comPflaeger, Louis Farrakan, CongressmanDanny Davis, or the Black leadershipother than this statement. This kind ofactivity has been going on on the Westside and the South side of Chicago foryears, but the media doesn’t report it.When gangs of Black teenagers invadeMichigan Avenue stores it becomes newsworthy.Many individuals have had theiripods, cell phones, and electronic devicesstolen because they are easily convertedto cash. You can get robbed anywhere—on the street, public transportation—thereis no safety zone anywhere. Once againwe will hear about economic deprivationand how it impacts the Black community.Unfortunately, that is true. But, when dopeople decide they can commit crimeslike this and justify it in their own minds.They are the victims of society. Thereis new violence in Boys Town with twostabbings in the last week, again, withBlack gangs involved.The Cloyne ReportThe whole sex abuse wound has festeredagain. Victims are calling for theVatican to strip Bishop John McGee, andMonsignor Denis O’Callaghan of theirtitles. The Murphy Commission reportsaid these two repeatedly failed to reportabuse to the civil authorities.Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, putthe Vatican on notice. He called on theVatican to repeat its commitment thatcivil law will always be followed. “TheIrish-Catholic Church and the Vaticanhas faced severe criticism over repeatedattempts to deal with incidents of abusebehind closed doors, rather than by handingover suspects to the Garda Siochána.”“The law of the land will not be stopped byCrosier, or by Collar,” said Enda Kenny.Deputy PM, Eamon Gilmore said, “thereis one law in this country. Everyone isgoing to have to learn to comply with it.The Vatican will have to comply with thelaws of this country.” Excerpts are fromthe UK Guardian in an article by HenryMcDonald.Lixnaw WeddingOn August 6th, Maire McCarthy, fromAhabeg East will marry Nigel O’Learyfrom Causeway at St. Michael’s Church.FINANCIAL 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 PlanningTREE SERVICEOriginal Kenʼs▪ Tree Trimming▪ Tree Removal▪ Stump Removal▪ Bush Trimming▪ Bush RemovalFREE ESTIMATE773-600-6443The BEST inCAREGIVERSHOUSEKEEPERSBABY SITTERSOver 20 years in BusinessWe have solutionsto your specific needsOur pricing and qualityare outstandingCall ElizabethFriendly Domestic Agency773-545-7776Serving the 6 county areareferences on requestO L DORL ANDINSURANCEA GENCY, INC.Since 1946“We sell Peace Of Mind.”HOME • LIFE • AUTO • HEALTH • BUSINESSALL TYPES OF CONTRACTORS14308 Union Orland Park, IL 60462708-349-2000You’ll LoveOur FloralDispaysgarlandflowers@yahoo.com

24 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011College in Ireland…Continued from page 22are international. The universitytraces its origins back to CatholicUniversity of Ireland, founded in1854. Besides offering bachelors,masters, and doctoral degrees in34 fields, UCD is the only universityin Ireland that has all ofthe four Life Science Faculties:Agriculture, Medicine, Scienceand Veterinary Medicine.Dublin City UniversityIreland’s youngest universityis Dublin City University, located3 miles north of city center. DCUis a midsize university, with acampus covering 85 acres, andcurrently has an enrollment ofover 11,000 students. It is alsothe home of Ireland’s largest artscenter, The Helix. DCU offers 80programs across all disciplines,and was the first Irish universityto introduce work placement aspart of its degree programs.MAID SERVICEFOR SALEChicago turnkey operationwith many long-time,English-speaking maids.Poised for expansion intosuburbs and relatedservices or franchising.Regular clients, paymentat time of service, steadyimmediate income. Ownermust retire. All seriousinquiries considered.Call 312-643-5119THEGALWAYARMS2442 NORTHNCLARKSTREETSelected as one ofChicago's Top 100 Bars by Chicago MagazineOfficial Chicago Fire BarChicago's Premier Manchester United BarMON Any Draft & Shepherds Pie $11.95, $3 Miller Lites BottlesTUES 1/2 Slab Ribs $9.95, Stone Brewery $4.50WED Trivia @ 8pm with CASH PRZE! Lamb Stew $9.95,3 Floyds Bottles $4.50, 1/2 Priced Bottles of House WinesTHU 1/2 lb. Burger & Fries or Home Made Veggie Burger & Fries $5.00,Great Lakes Bottles $4.50FRI All You Can Eat Beer Battered Fish N' Chips $9.95, or Tilapia with MixedVegetables & Wild Rice in a Lemon Butter Sauce $10.95, Hot Drinks $5SAT Catch the EPL, Seria A and La Liga Games Live or Tape Delay,Brunch Till 2pm with $6 Zing Zang Bloody Marys & $6 Mimosas,Guinness Beef Stew - $11.95, Lagunitas Bottles $4.50SUN Catch the EPL, Seria A and La Liga Games Live or Tape DelayBrunch Till 2pm w/$6 Zing Zang Bloody Marys & $6 Mimosas, SundayRoast, Prime Roast Beef w/Roast Potatoes, Mashed Carrots & Parsnipsw/Homemade Yorkshire Pudding w/Gravy $13.95, Two Brothers Bottles $4.50Live Irish Music w/Paddy Homan & Jimmy Keane & Friends at 8pmFind Galway Arms on FacebookVoted Best Irish Bar 2007 & 2008 By AOL City-SearchDiscounted parking is available from the Children's Memorial outpatient facility at 2515 N. Clark Street.SOULOF IRELAND, , HEARTOF CHICAGO, HNational Universityof Ireland, MaynoothSituated 15 miles west ofthe city of Dublin, NationalUniversity of Ireland, Maynoothhas an enrollment of 8,400 studentsfrom 50 different countriesand is Ireland’s fastest growinguniversity. NUI Maynooth isadjacent to Ireland’s “siliconvalley” and has developed strongrelationships with Intel and otherindustry giants. NUIM is hometo the Innovative Value Institute,which specializes in cuttingedgeresearch into areas such asimmunology, climatology, anddigital humanities. NUIM is thefirst and only university outsideNorth American to be included inthe Princeton Review GuidebookThe Best 376 Colleges: 2012 Edition(due out in August).University of LimerickThe University of Limerick islocated close to Limerick Cityon a beautiful, sprawling campusalong the Shannon River. ULwas founded in 1972, and hasan enrollment of over 11,000students. It offers a wide range ofprograms, unique MA programssuch as Ethnomusicology, and internationallyrecognized researchinstitutes such as the Institutefor the Study of Knowledge inSociety.University College CorkUniversity College Cork ranksin the top 3% of universitiesworldwide and is home to over20,000 students from 100 countries.Just 10 minutes walk fromthe center of Cork City (Ireland’s“Second City”), UCC was773-472-5555 - galwayarms@gmail.comfounded in 1845, and is situatedalong the banks of the River Lee.It is home to the Glucksman ArtGallery and Granary Theatre.UCC offers 3-year programs inArts and Law. It is the only Irishuniversity to offer an Early StartProgram—a pre-semester in IrishStudies with Archeology, Folklore,Literature and Music.National Universityof Ireland, GalwayJust 15 minutes from GalwayCity center, NUI Galway, foundedin 1845, has a 260 acre campus thatsits along the banks of the RiverCorrib. Over 17,000 students areenrolled from 92 countries. Internationalstudents represent 13% ofthe university’s student population.Among its many offerings, NUI ishome to the (John) Huston Schoolof Film and Digital Media.For those students who are consideringIreland for college or postgraduatework, here are some facts:Ireland has a young population.There are 73,000 undergraduates enrolledat universities across Ireland.The population of the Republic ofIreland is 4.4 million, and 1.8 millionliving in Northern Ireland. Theschool year runs from Septemberto June, holidays at Christmas andEaster. The school year is comprisedof 2 or 3 semesters, depending onthe university. Most degree programslast 3 to 4 years, professionaldegrees are longer. As in the U.S.,Irish universities look at high schoolgrades, SAT and ACT scores.Interested students should contactthe universities they are interestedin directly, they may contactSinead Lucey at Sinead.lucey@iua.ie, or visit IUA’s website at www.iua.ie for more information. TheIUA also has representatives acrossthe U.S.Milwaukee Irish Fest…Continued from Page11lin – are three sisters from Inishowenin Co. Donegal, Ireland. Their musicis an eclectic mix of folk, blues, andtraditional Irish, with “spine-tingling”three part harmonies.The High Kings. Irish ballad groupand Ireland’s Folk Band of the Year,the High Kings consist of renownedvocalists and musicians Brian Dunphy,Martin Furey, Darren Holden, and FinbarrClancy. The High Kings showcasetheir incredible versatility and skillsas multi-instrumentalists, playing 13instruments between them.Kathleen Fitzgerald with theScreaming Orphans. Kathleen Fitzgeraldis regarded as one of the finest vocaliststo emerge out of the Céilí bandscene. Her four, close-knit daughtersfollowed in their mother’s musical footstepsand formed a band that stays trueto their roots in traditional Irish musicwith a strong focus on melody-drivensongs with pop and rocks strains.Kintra. Under the musical directionof renowned fiddle player, MattMcGranahan, Kintra perform Irish andScottish music, song, and dance in anexciting colorful stage show featuringfiddle, piano, tin whistle, guitar, bass,drums, pipers, and singers.Liz Doherty Connection. Dr. LizDoherty hails from Donegal and is awell-known fiddle player, earning herPhD. Doherty is the director of the NorthAtlantic Fiddle Convention to be held inDerry and Donegal in 2012 and performswith the Liz Doherty Connection.Moya Brennan. When you walk thewindswept hills and endless beaches ofDonegal, the music of Moya Brennanjust makes sense. Moya’s voice capturesthe essence of her homeland inall its cascading beauty, mystery, andcontradictions.Nodlaig Brolly. Nodlaig Brollybrings a mix of Gaelic singing accompaniedby her champion harp and flutein songs already famous and new toher collection.Outside Track. A stunning synthesisof virtuosity and energy, the OutsideTrack’s marriage of Canadian, Scottish,and Irish music and song has beenrapturously received around the world.Paul McKenna Band. With a contemporaryapproach to songs, althoughnot straying too far from their roots,their arrangements are both fresh andinnovative.Qristina and Quinn Bachand. Thisyoung brother and sister duo from Victoria,BC, Canada are quickly carving out aname for themselves in the world of Celticmusic. Together, Qristina and QuinnBachand create music that is challengingyet energetic, refreshing and fun.Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Bagpipeswith attitude, a blazing rock band anda show so hot it carries its own healthwarning, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers havebeen rocking the world from New Yorkto Beijing with musicianship of thehighest order and a passion for pipesthat will leave you breathless.Scythian. Rousing and raucous,Scythian plays kicked-up Celtic andworld music with hints of Gypsy andKlezmer, all infused with a touch ofpunk-rock sensibility.Seamus Kennedy. A native ofBelfast, Ireland, Seamus Kennedy is amaestro among Irish troubadours—histrademark is his ongoing interactionwith his audiences.Tom Sweeney. Tom captures themood and essence of traditional musicwhile singing and playing from theheart. He has been instrumental inkeeping the Makem tradition alive.Vishten. Consisting of 7th generationAcadians, Emmanuelle andPastelle from Prince Edward Island onthe east coast of Canada, Vishten mixesthe rhythms and irresistible dance ofAcadian music with climbing notesand voices.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 25Here’s the bottom line. Memoriesflood in of columns past aboutIrish Fest in Milwaukee, this yearfrom August 18th through the21st. It is the greatest celebrationof Irish music and culture in theworld. Period. No arguments. Itis a fab place to bring the family.We used to write out a whole gridon who to see, what stage, whattime, etc. This year the Milwaukeegang has outdone themselvesfor the true Irish music lover.No nonsense, and no crapola inTHIS list! Virtually a record year.We’re just gonna list the names ofthe acts you must see and in nopriority order. You go to the IrishFest web site, which is what youshould do first, and figure yourown schedules. Here are the bestof the best you should not miss,if possible! The Four Courts (Sat.only). Brendan Hendry, Fidil,Altan, Paul McKenna Band, LizDoherty, Goitse, The Henry Girls,Outside Track, Qristina and QuinnBazhand, Jeff Ward Band,Two Tap Trio, Vishten andthe Memorial Concert forthe great, Chuck Ward. Doyour homework, and enjoy!The fab Daithi Sproulehas a brand new albumout, Lost River: Vol. 1. Youknow Daithi. Guitar playerfor Altan. A great musicianand singer of the real stuff.We’re writing a huge articlefor Irish Music Magazine onDaithi and this album rightnow. Suffice it to say herethat it is filled to the brimwith treats. Very tasty, indeed!We love Daithi’s singing, and hisguitar playing is rightly admiredaround the world. Our pal, JackBaker at Rampant Lion has thisalbum, we know. (He has EVERY-THING.) So does Copperplate inLondon with the unexcelled AlanO’Leary. It is a great piece ofmusic. And, yes, there WILL bea Vol. II ! Over the years, we havecome to marvel at Daithi and hismusic. Every album he releasesconfirms that judgment. A winnerof an album from a winner of amusician and singer! And, thereare tons of great guest artists, also,including our Liz Carroll!For the true true trad fan, it ishard to do better than Bosca Ceoiland Fiddle from Cathal Clohessyand Eamonn Costello on fiddleand button box, respectively. Copperplatein London has it available.This is a hard to find gem. The tradfan will adore this. Really terrificplaying from two young men whoreally understand the tradition andplay it gorgeously. We play thisa LOT in the office. Just GoogleCopperplate. Welcome to heaven.The American cousin of Copperplateis fab fab fab Rampant Lionin Villa Park, Illinois. Magic.Here’s the truth, and it isfairly humiliating. Two-timeconsecutive winner of theFemale Musician of the Year,Shannon Heaton, is also partof a wonderful group, basedout of New England. It iscalled, Long Time Courting.They are getting a lot of workat several venues in NewEngland, including concerthalls and festivals. Big timetalents. Four gals. We’ll sayno more. Nudge. Nudge. Nodas good as a wink. Here’sthe kicker: we’re holding thealbum in our hands and it is called,Alternate Routes. We don’t knowif we’re supposed to tell you allabout it yet. As we review thiswe have not been able to catchup with Shannon. We reachedher yesterday on the telephone,we found ourselves interruptinga flute class she was conductingsomewhere out there. Having saidhello to all the students on herspeaker phone, and flogging theweekly radio program, we nevergot a chance to get the details onthis album. Here is what it is forright now: It’s a terrific album.Call Rampant Lion in Villa Parkand pre-order. Maybe Jack Bakerhas it. Maybe he doesn’t. We’llhave all this sorted out by nextmonth.Do tune in to the weekly radioprogram for the best in real Irishmusic. Co-host Maryann Keiferand Producer, Imelda Bhroga arethere for you every week. Mondaynights 8pm, WDCB 90.9 FM.Also check it out on www.wdcb.org. While listening, also checkout our website, www.irelandtonight.comand Friend us onFacebook at Ireland Tonight. Allthe latest news and inside scoops.This is the weekly spot for the realdeal, traditional Irish music. Now,off to Milwaukee. See you there!Pints on you!!!*Ta!

26 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011Safe HomeMy youngest child will turn threethis month. This is a milestone, not onlybecause she is becoming more independent,but it also the age when she isapparently allowed more access to playwith the toys labeled as “CHOKINGHAZARD - Not for children under 3years old.” Like any vigilant parent, Ihave kept the doll shoes, marbles andother small toys out of her reach. It isa relief that she is no longer as likelyto choke on these items, but I will stillbe cautious about her access to theseitems. These playthings—intended toprovide hours of enjoyment—can behazardous and even fatal.My husband jokes that when hewas growing up, the entire town ofDingle did not have as many stuffedanimals as my kids have in the house.Thanks to generous family and friends,we certainly have no shortage of toysand in the past few years, there hasbeen extensive news coverage aboutdangerous toys. Stories of entrapment,lead-poisoning and suffocation havebeen associated with poorly-designedproducts.What are you as a parent to do tokeep your child safe from their ownOpen Daily at 11amBy Heather BegleyFeaturingFrank Primo - 8/5 & 8/19Jery Rite - 8/121740 Milwaukee AvenueGlenview, Illinois 60025847-699-9999toys? Stay informed on the latest productrecalls. Trust your instincts as well;if you do not feel comfortable withyour child playing with a toy, get rid ofit. The U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission (USCPSC) maintains adatabase of thousands of recalled items,including toys and children’s products.The USCPSC database can be found athttp://www.cpsc.gov.You can keep track of the safety oftoys purchased in Ireland as well byconducting a simple Internet search.The National Consumer Agency is theauthority responsible for monitoringthe recalls of non-food items in Ireland.The European Commission maintainsan extensive database of recalls ofproducts sold in Europe. You can visitthe website at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex.Teach your children to be observantof dangerous toys. This past Easter,my two-year old daughter opened aplastic egg and found a “Jawbreaker”candy inside. Instead of ripping into it,she told us it was a “choking hazard.”Sure, she may be the daughter of anoverzealous personal injury attorney,but children must be educated on thedangers of toys so they can watch outHome of the BestWood Roasted Chicken andBBQ'd Baby Back Ribs andOoooh! those RealMashed PotatoesOur Place...PRIVATEPARTY ROOMBring YourGroup of Up to 60and Entertain in Style!www.johnnyskitchen.comfor themselves, their siblings and theirlittle friends.Choose toys that are age appropriate.Many toys have an age-appropriatelabel on them. Take into considerationyour child’s level of maturity. If yourthree-year old is still putting itemsin his or her mouth, do not give themsmall toys that could be harmful.Magnetic toys can be extremelydangerous if swallowed because seriousinjury can result when two magnetictoys connect internally. The USCPSCrecommends that children under theage of six not be allowed to play withmagnetic toys.Avoid toys with strings longer thantwelve inches. Toys, ribbons and cordson toys can cause strangulation.Un-inflated balloons and pieces ofa popped balloon can be also chokinghazards inquisitive toddlers.Ensure that all toys are in goodcondition. Secondhand toys should beexamined to make sure they are in goodcondition and have not been recalled.We have the best intentions whengiving our children toys. It is great tosee the smile on their faces as they play.I love listening to their dialogue as theywhip up a batch of imaginary cookiesin their play kitchen or as they gathertheir teddy bears for an impromptu teaparty. Games and toys are an integralpart of our children’s lives. Let’s keepour children’s safety our top priorityby ensuring that their toys are nothazardous.Yours...CATERINGLet Us Bring OurBBQ Baby Back Ribs &Wood-Roasted ChickenCatering Menu AvailableARIES: You have thepotential to be lucky inyour financial dealingsthis month of August 2011. Ifyou have been struggling orsuffering due to money woes,you may find some relief. Witha little effort you may be able tostreamline expenses. You mayfind that some things are notnecessary and can be eliminatedfrom your bills.TAURUS: You havelucky Jupiter in yoursign all year. How greatis that? Very. For starters the gasgiant of the solar system, Jupiter,is God’s gift to humankind thatbrings abundance whenever ittouches our lives. All this goodnesscan of course be too muchof a good thing so try not tosquander the gift.GEMINI: There isan angel on your shoulder.Or at least behindyou. Jupiter is in your twelfthsector of hidden assets and orliabilities. This also applies tohidden allies or enemies. WithJupiter there, you get a clue thatyou have a hidden ally pullingfor you in subtle ways. You willprobably not know who it is.They are praying for you.CANCER: Yo uare the champion ofsuffering. This monthyou can rest from the barrageof eclipse activity from the pastcouple of months that has leftyou raw and exhausted. Some“crabs” have been through thewringer in personal, professional,and possibly financialareas. God bless you for yourstrength and courage. You willrise up to find peace and happinessagain.LEo: The new moonin Leo is in your 1st sectorof self. Planet Venusis not far behind helping you appearappealing and elegant. Yourpopularity is at a high. If you arein a career that involves workingwith the public, you will shine.If you are starting a new job thisis the best time to do so.VIRGo: Your friendswill be the key to yourmonth this August 2011.The new moon and planet Venusare very close to each other instrong aspect to planet Jupiterin your eighth sector. In a nutshell, this means that you couldget very practical financial helpfrom friends. Lucky you.LIBRA: Your professionalsphere is highlightedthis month of August2011. You are now cominginto your own in your chosenfield. Also, those of you whohave been struggling to findwork you will find good huntingnow. You’ll edge out thecompetition.SCoRPIo: Like yourneighbor Libra, you willdo very well in the publicsector. Job hunting shouldgo better than in the past andyou will make great strides inthe public sector. Do be goodthough. You will be high viz thismonth. Watch your speed whiledriving and look both wayswhen crossing streets.SAGITTARIUS:You will have a chanceto improve on yourhealth and fitness regimen.You have been inspired totry a new work out method andor a change in your diet thatwill give you a new lease on life.Keep up the good work.CAPRICoRN: Youare being blessed withthe freedom to play. Ifyou have recently gone througha change of circumstances inyour life you will now feel freeto enjoy some fun in your world.You could also see growth inyour family through marriageor the birth of children.AQUARIUS: Your home lifeand significant relationships aregoing through changesfor better or worse. Youcould be entering a newimportant romantic or businesspartnership. You couldalso be concluding the latteras well. Also your home lifecould change as well; movinginto a new home or leaving thathome. You are definitely makingchanges.PISCES: You are headinginto a phase of prolificcommunication in thewritten word and generalcorrespondence. If you area writer you will not want forsubject matter to convey yourfeeling and thoughts. You arealso imbued with eloquence inthe spoken word as well. If youare looking for work, your resumewill be particularly stellarand will surely stand out abovethe competition.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 27Like so many others, I havealways admired the SpecialOlympics program. But alsolike so many others I knew littleabout how it began and whatopportunities I might have tobecome involved.Founded by Eunice KennedyShriver, the first ever SpecialOlympics event was held inChicago at Soldiers Field, in1968. The mission of SpecialOlympics was to offer peoplewith intellectual disabilitieseverywhere “the chance to play,the chance to compete andthe chance to grow.” Shriverbelieved that people with intellectualdisabilities were farmore capable than commonlythought and deserved the sameopportunities and experiencesas others. Special Olympicshas been instrumental in raisingawareness and providing opportunitiesfor those individuals toparticipate in the same experienceas others, particularly insports and physical activity. Itsestablishment offered peoplewith intellectual and developmentaldisabilities continuingopportunities to realize theirpotential, develop physical fitness,demonstrate courage aswell as experiencing the joy andfriendship inherent to competitiveparticipation. Today SpecialOlympics provides year-roundtraining and competitions to3.1 million athletes from 175countries.Special Olympics is all aboutparticipation and it was clearto me that to do this articlejustice I needed to speak with a“participant”. When my parishpastor, Father David Ryan toldme he had someone in mind forme to interview who has beendirectly involved with SpecialOlympics, I was thrilled. He putme in touch with Jay Doherty,President of the City Club ofChicago and proud long-timesupporter of Special Olympics.After graduating from MarquetteUniversity, Doherty moved toChicago to work for Ted Kennedyand Sergeant Shriver. He isa past Director of Communicationfor the Merchandise Martand is the Kennedy family’s“point man” for fundraising andpublic appearances in Illinois.Despite his busy schedule, hewas very generous with histime and clearly eager to discussthe significance of SpecialOlympics and various ways tocontribute and become directlyinvolved.The importance of SpecialOlympics goes beyond the opportunitiesit presents to the athletes.Designed as a grassrootsmovement, it is all inclusiveand everyone is encouraged toparticipate. Families, friends,indeed the entire community aswell as the athletes take an activerole in their local programs. Bysharing in the training of athletesand assisting in the public educationefforts volunteers help tocreate a greater understandingof the emotional, physical, socialand spiritual needs of theparticipants and their families.The education goes beyond thelocal communities that sponsorthe events. Today most eventstake place with full coverage bythe media, which CEO TimothyShriver says “will serve as themethod for a lasting change inthe public’s attitude toward theinclusion of individuals withintellectual disabilities in everyaspect of society in every countyon the planet.”There is no cost for childrenor adults to participate in theSpecial Olympics. All programcosts are covered by fundraising.Jay Doherty has used his cloutand influence within the Chicagoscene to help fundraising.“We [The City Club of Chicago]have been able to ask MayorDaley, Governor Pat Quinn,Anne Burke and Chris Kennedyamong others to be key-notespeakers or headline fundraisersfor Special Olympics. We haveraised hundreds of thousandsof dollars for Special Olympics.We want to encourage them tohave as many great programs aspossible for these kids.” Asideof fundraising Doherty alsodoes his part by volunteering forSpecial Olympics in Chicago.To the greatest extent possible,Special Olympics activities arerun by and involve local volunteers.Whether you participateas an athlete, coach, sponsor,donor, volunteer or spectatorthere are many ways to becomeinvolved.There are Special Olympicevents going on all over theworld in large cities as well assmall towns, providing many opportunitiesfor those interestedin becoming a part of somethinggreat. One of the largest fundraisersis the annual Law EnforcementTorch Run. The TorchRuns involves members of lawenforcement working together toraise money for Special Olympics.Members of the local lawenforcement community carry atorch along intervals of plannedroutes covering most of a stateor the country to the site of theopening ceremonies of the localchapter or even the InternationalGames. The torch holder wouldthen pass the torch to an athleteand, symbolically, together theyrun up to the cauldron lightingit to signify the beginning ofthe games.We Irish think big when itcomes to matters of the heart!The largest Special Olympicsevent to date took place inDublin, Ireland in 2003. The importanceof the Dublin’s gamesbecame evident as it was thefirst ever live broadcasted SpecialOlympics and also the firstvenue to have an opening andclosing ceremony. The Presidentof Ireland, Mary McAleesesaid the 2003 Games dramaticallychanged the perceptionsand attitudes of society regardingthe abilities of people withintellectual disabilities. TheSpecial Olympics World SummerGames in Dublin attractednearly 7,000 athletes from150 countries and featured 23sporting disciplines. PresidentMcAleese described the eventas “a time when Ireland was atits superb best.”Every two years the WorldGames are held, alternatingbetween summer and wintersports. The Summer Gamestook place this year in Athens,Greece The next Winter Gameswill be in Peyongchang, SouthKorea in 2013.Special Olympics have madeand will continue to make significantdifferences in the livesof all those involved. It givesthe athletes an opportunity tocompetitively participate insports, it gives their families theopportunity of share in the joy oftheir achievements, it providesvolunteers with a greater understandingof the emotional, physical,social and spiritual needs ofthe participants and it createslasting change in the public’sattitude toward those with intellectualdisabilities. The messageof the program is very powerfuland very real—it doesn’t matterwhat your ability or disability is,do not limit yourself and striveto be the best that you can be.Live true to the programs mottoand remember “there is no limitto the human spirit.”To learn more about becominginvolved in a Special Olympicsprogram near you visitwww.specialolympics.org. Forinformation on the City Clubof Chicago visit www.cityclubchicago.org.To place aWeddingAnnouncement,BirthAnnouncement,or ObituaryCall708-445-0700HEALTHCARECNAS WANTEDWe are looking for friendlydependable people withreliable transportationto help seniors in theirhomes. CURRENTLYHIRING DAY SHIFTS.We offer healthcare& vacation benefits.To apply please call:Partners in Senior Careat 847-548-1330

A Chairde:It’s summertime in Chicago and while many Irish willreminisce about long summer days and the sun settingover Galway Bay, if the truth be told many a day at theseaside was spoiled by the occasional showers ( translateto a shower every 10 minutes). We are guaranteeda summer in Chicago and on most days outdoor planscan be scheduled. One of Gaelic Park’s most popularoutdoor summer events will take place on August 22 onthe patio. Our Lady of Knock celebration is an annualevent with benediction, rosary and a procession to theOur Lady Grotto behind the main playing field at GaelicPark. This is a wonderful evening which has attractedover 500 people in recent years. The Gaelic Park’s LadiesAuxiliary provides refreshments after the rosary.The GAA season is in full swing, so make plans to cometo Gaelic Park any Sunday between 1pm and 7pm andenjoy a full schedule of hurling and football games. Thepatio will be open on Friday August 19th for food anddrinks with music to follow a GAA game on the mainfield . Conversation is a favorite Irish pastime and whenwe are not talking about the weather, we talk abouteverything and anything . I enjoy sitting in the shade ofthe patio with the sound of the waterfall in the backgroundand practicing the art of conversation with allour Gaelic Park visitors. Come join us any Thursday eveningwith the Irish Musicians or Sundays at the games,and we can talk about the summertime in Chicago oranything and everything!John Devitt, PresidentCHICAGO GAELIC PARKVOTED the BEST!Readers of the SouthtownStarNewspaperhave casted their votesfor Chicago Gaelic Parkas the “Best Fest” andthe CGP Carraig Pub the“Best Irish Food,” in their2011 search for the Best ofChicago’s Southland!Enjoy the Music & Spirit of the Irish in ourAuthentic Pub Imported Directly From Ireland.Open to the Public 7 Days Live Entertainment Every WeekendTraditional Irish Music Session on Thursdays – 7:30pmfeaturing students from the Irish Music School of ChicagoPub food available Monday - Saturday.Check out our menu items.Daily drink and food specials.Lady of Knock CommemorationGaelic Park once again honors this astonishingevent on Monday, August 22 beginning at7:30pm. Please make every effort to attendthis beautiful evening, and we welcome you tostay for refreshments following the service.Lunch Music & Dancing at the Park on thefirst Wednesday of the month, NOON until 4pm.Mark you calendars for August 3, September7, October 5, November 2 and December 7.We welcome your group outings! Make planstoday for these dates with friends, neighbors,church groups and clubs. A warm welcomeawaits you! You will enjoy a wonderful fullcourse meal and the cost is a modest $13.Reservations are necessary, call 708.687.9323.Heritage & Harvest family day is scheduledfor Sunday, September 18th. This is a wonderfulcelebration of authenticIrish culture and heritage,with a full schedule of eventsfor all age groups. This eventwill be FREE ADMISSION withfood and refreshments availablefor purchase. Back bypopular demand is the ApplePie Baking Contest – so dig outthe old family recipe! Full detailsand final schedule for thisday will be listed in SeptemberIA News!Gaelic Athletic AssociationAugust 21st will mark the date of the ChicagoFinals for Gaelic Football, Hurling, & Camogie.The top teams will advance to the NorthAmerican finals to be held in San Franciscothis year. Our city had four teams take theirplace as North American Champions whenthe tournament was held in Chicago last year,and each team has even more talent anddedication this year. With the addition of theSt. Oliver Plunketts this summer, Chicago ishome to fourteen different clubs in all. Eachone hungry for their own title and cup. This issure to be one of the fiercest fought ChicagoFinals we’ve had at Gaelic Parkyet. As always there will be freeparking & concessions availableas well as the Stock Yard KiltyBand playing during and afterthe games just inside the patio.For more information and up-todateschedules please visit www.chicagogaelicsports.com.Banquets at Gaelic Park You will havethe elegant surroundings, the finest offood & excellent service! Gaelic Park hasbeen hosting weddings for over 25 years.We have three beautiful banquet roomsthat can accommodate events from afairytale wedding, bridal and baby showers,high school proms, business seminars,group luncheons or any special partyyou are planning. The remodeled EmeraldRoom can accommodate up to 500guests, our Tara Room with window viewsof our beautiful new patio waterfall, canaccommodate up to 300 guests. The CelticRoom, on the second floor is suitablefor parties up to 120 guests. Our Patio hasnow become a favorite for outdoor weddingceremonies, as well as outdoor dining.Call the office today for open datesand reserve your 2011 or 2012 celebrationin one of these gorgeous rooms.Gaelic Park Players will perform The BeautyQueen of Leenane, by Martin McDonagh in theFall 2011. Audition dates will beannounced sometime in August.If you are interested in receivingaudition information and/orwould like to join our mailing list,send your name, address andemail to info@gaelicparkplayers.org.You can also mail theinformation to Gaelic Park Players,Chicago Gaelic Park 6119 W. 147th St, OakForest, IL The play dates are: Fridays Nov 4, 11 &18, Saturdays Nov. 5, 12 & 19 at 8pm. and SundaysNov. 6, 13 & 20, at 3pm. The Beauty Queenof Leenane is a dark yet comedic tale of twowomen who find themselves victims of isolationand loneliness. Set in the rural and remote villageof Leenane, Western Ireland, Maureen toils withher solitary life of drudgery and caring for her ailingmother Mag. This play brings a realistic andastounding conflict to the stage as we witnessrelationships unravel and hurt that goes muchdeeper than surface wounds.We will also be at Milwaukee Irish Fest presentingtwo short plays: Finger Food by Nina Shengoldand Meet Me Half Way by Kathy (Holahan)Oliva, on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 & 21.Featured are Marty Donovan, Julie L. Zebleckisand Kathy (Holahan) Oliva, who also is actingdirector.“Pub Trivia” EveryTuesday Night @ 7:30pmLive Music in the Pub8/05 John Dillon8/06 Mulligan Stew8/12 Gerard Haughey8/13 Ricco Quinn8/19 Joe Cullen8/20 Pat Guinee8/26 Bernie Glim & Country Roads8/27 John DillonFriday night entertainment begins at 7:30pmand Saturday night at 9:30pm.Check Website for Full Schedule6119 W. 147th Street • Oak Forest, IL708.687.9323www.chicagogaelicpark .orgMEMBERSHIPNEW ❏ RENEWAL ❏ ❏ Family Membership $50 ❏ Individual Member $30NAME _______________________________________________________________last first initialSPOUSE (if joining) _____________________________________________________last first initialADDRESS ____________________________________________________________street city state zipPHONE: home ________________________ work ___________________________E-Mail: __________________________________Donation Enclosed __________________ Checks made payable to:Chicago Gaelic ParkMail to:Chicago Gaelic Park Membership Chairperson,6119 W. 147th St, Oak Forest IL 60452

Behind the Scenes at Irish FestWecouldn’thave doneit withoutall of you!First Aid on CallCheck & Balance TrioHydration for VolunteersPark & Tow GuysCGP 2011 Board of DirectorsJohn, Devitt, PresidentMaureen BetkaMike CookeJim CreedChuck DineenBarney FarrellyMaureen GorszczykJoe KeaneKay KnightlyMary MoloneyColleen MurphyMary O’DonnellMarie RattiganMary RiordanCarol SweeneyFrank BradleyMarla ButlerLarry CoughlinSean CreanThomas DolanMaureen GillJohn GriffinJohn KivlehanJoan LynchChris MulloolyTadgh O’ReillyBill O’SullivanColleen ReidyAdrian RuanePeter Walsh

30 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” August 2011Wild County ClareSpending five days in thewild and beautiful County Claresimply is not enough. I arrived inEnnis on a wet Wednesday andleft for Dublin on a sunny Sundayafternoon. Pardon the assonanceand alliteration! Neither wind norrain can deter you from enjoyingthe magnificent splendor of thisregion.I left Ennis early on the Saturdaymorning and headed for the‘Lodge at Doonbeg’. This 5 starresort is perched on the edge ofthe Atlantic, looming above thesand dunes, looking outwardsto the United States of America.Before I arrived here I stoppedin the town of Lisdoonvarna,famous for it’s annual matchmakingfestival every September; Iwas a few months too early forthis but stopped to visit the ‘BurrenSmokehouse’.The ‘Burren Smokehouse’is owned by Birgitta and PeterCurtin; their famous smokedsalmon is the reason for my visit.Located approximately five milesfrom the Burren, it is a traveler’srespite. The Curtin’s salmonis known all over Ireland, theUK, Europe and now the UnitedStates. In fact it is so well knownthat this was the salmon servedto her Majesty Queen ElizabethII recently in Ireland. Only 100%Irish fish is used, sourcing fromLough Swilly in County Donegal,wild salmon from the three sisterrivers Barrow, Nore and Suir, andBlackwater.When the salmon comes in,Peadar (master smoker) skillfullyfillets the salmon, then rinsesthoroughly and salts using only(L-R) Rachel Gaffney & Aidan McGrath (Wild Honey Inn).pure Atlantic Sea Salt. Birgittaassures me that temperature iscritical. Being a baker, I completelyunderstand the variationson any given day! They use oakchips and Birgitta mentioned onething in passing that ultimatelymeant everything to me. Shesaid, “It CANNOT be rushed”Each salmon is like a baby, lovinglytaken care of. By the way,I ate their wild salmon, and theproof was most certainly in theeating!Never underestimate the powerof social media. I am referringto Twitter here. Through thismedium, I met Kate Sweeneyand Aidan McGrath, owners ofthe ‘Wild Honey Inn’, locateda stones throw from the ‘BurrenSmokehouse’. It seemedonly natural to pay a visit to myTwitter friends. Was I in for asurprise.Here is where I found the bestbowl of soup in Ireland. We loveour soup and it is all indeed verygood, but I am still dreaming oftheirs. In fact, they have beenkind enough to share their recipewith us.Just by eating the food, I knewinstinctively what the chefsphilosophy was. He allowed theingredients to be the stars. I amnot a chef. I am not a critic. I amnot even formally trained, but Ido cook, I do shop and I do spendmoney on food. The Wild HoneyInn is worthy of anyone’s dollarsor Euros.My friend Audrey and I satby the window and each of usbegan to eat our bowl of ‘carrotand coriander’ soup. Silently weexchanged glances each knowingwhat the other felt about thissoup. How can a bowl of soupglean such pleasure? Easy. It ismade from the best ingredients.As if this was not enough,there was a surprise waiting atthe bottom of the bowl; shreddedpickled carrot. Needless to say,we could not leave here withoutsampling dessert. I had applecrumble with homemade vanillaice cream and Audrey had a trifleMARY ELLEN CONSIDINEREALTOR GOLD MEDALLION ASSOCIATEOffice 773/769-2500Voice Mail 773/564-4250Fax 773/769-2841made with white peaches andraspberries.Have you ever noticed howhard people try to impress youwith their menus when a simplesoup and crumble made withlove and the best ingredientscan leave you wanting more? AsI travel and teach Irish Cookingclasses around the USA, peopleconstantly ask me what I thinkmakes Irish cooking so great?It is not the cooking, anyonecan go to culinary school, but inmy opinion, the ingredients inIreland are the best in the world.Try for yourself and when next inClare tell Birgitta, Kate & Aidanthat Rachel Gaffney sent you.Wild Honey Inn Carrot and Coriander SoupIngredients2.5 lbs carrots (approx 6-7 large)1/2 lb potato2-4 Tbsp olive oilsea salt & ground black pepperbutter2-3 cloves purple garlic, removethe center vein/stem when you cutin half1/2 Tbsp coriander seeds to taste1 large spanish white onion peeledand dicedjuice of 2 oranges4 C. of chicken stockthyme & bay leafcress for garnishMethodWash, peel and dice the carrotsand potato. Heat some of the oil in aheavy bottomed pot over a mediumheat. Sweat the garlic, onion, carrot,thyme, coriander seeds and bay leaf.Add some butter, enough to coat vegetables.Add the potato, sweat againfor a few minutes and season. Addthe chicken stock, bring to the boiland simmer for 30 minutes.Meanwhile reduce the orangejuice in a small pot and reduce slowlyto a light syrup consistency.When the vegetables are cooked,add the orange syrup and simmer foranother 8 minutesBlend the soup in a powerfulblender until smooth.Pour the soup into a bowl andgarnish with cress and a drizzle ofolive oil.KELLER WILLIAMSLincoln SquareMULTIMILLIONDOLLARCLUBR E A L T Y2156 W. Montrose, Chicago, IL 60618Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 31Somebody Out There Likes UsDespite our economic woessomebody out there likes usand wants to come here to live!The very first results of the 2011census have appeared—the headcount. They show that the populationof the republic has risen to4,581,269, an increase of 340,000,or 8.1%, since 2006. The size ofthe increase came as a surprise toofficialdom, exceeding estimatesby 100,000. It would appear that,in addition to a high birth rate,more people arrived and stayedand fewer left than had beenthought. Given that even nowliving standards here (and thesocial welfare system) comparefavourably with those in CentralEurope and the Baltics, let alonethe third world, should anyonehave been surprised?The 2011 figures suggest at thevery least that one of the commonofficial assumptions concerninginward migration needsrevisiting, i.e., that many of thosewho came “for work” during theTiger Years would leave when theeconomy imploded. Certainlysome have, and the number arrivinghas diminished, yet manymore have stayed. The actualfigures will not become clearuntil more detailed data fromthe census becomes availablenext year, but recent contactsand exchanges I have had withjust three embassies in Dublinpaint a very interesting picture.The myth of the mobile transientPolish building worker needs tobe put to rest.There are now probably200,000 Poles living in Ireland,anywhere up to 100,000Lithuanians and 30,000 Latvians.These three nationalitiesalone now comprise 7% of thecountry’s population. Anyonewho has been an emigrant, oris familiar with the pattern ofIrish emigration over the yearswill not be surprised, given thenumbers who came to Irelandfrom 2004 on. Once the emigrationpain barrier of several yearshas been reached, experiencesuggests that a good proportionof immigrants will stay, put downroots, develop relationships andstart families. These people arenot going anywhere.Similar considerations applyto the 75,000 immigrants fromthree other Central EuropeanEU states—the Czech Republic,Slovakia and Hungary, who arrivedhere during the boom (toend 2008). It’s fair to assumethat they have stayed on in muchthe same proportion as the others,i.e., anywhere up to 50,000.Moreover, though the numbersarriving from these six EU stateshave declined sharply since2008, PPS registrations for thesix (our equivalent of social securitynumbers) in 2009 totalled26,000, in 2010, 18,500 and, inthe first five months of 2011,6,000. Poles continue to registerat over 100 per week. Again, it isreasonable to assume that mostof these latecomers, who camewith their eyes open, post-boom,are still here.These EU migrants had oneother thing in common—norestriction on the right to workin Ireland. People from non-EUcountries, and Romania andBulgaria after 2007, require workpermits, and, in terms of receivingwelfare benefits, must meetthe criteria for “habitual residence”regulations introduced byIreland and others of the “richer”EU states after 2004 to combatwelfare shopping by immigrants(and, incidentally, applied toincoming Irish citizens andreturned emigrants). The totalnumber of new work permits issuedto all nationalities in 2008was 8,481, declining to 4,024 in2009 and 3,394 in 2010. Romaniansreceived just under 1,100of these.Nevertheless, 22,000 Romaniansreceived PPS numbers in2007 and 2008 and a further5,500 in 2009 and 2010; around1,500 have done so this year.The figures for Brazilians (whoreceived slightly over 500 newwork permits since 2008) areeven more startling. This is anon-EU state with which Irelandhas few historical or trading links(unlike Argentina, where thereis a large population of Irishdescent). Between 2006 and2008 almost 14,000 Braziliansreceived PPS numbers, in 20092,741, while the figure for 2010was 4,257 (as compared to 143Argentinians). To date in 2011,2,553 PPS numbers have beenissued to Brazilians, almost asmany as to Poles. Again, presumablymost of the latest arrivals,plus a good proportion of thosewho have arrived since 2007have stayed. Ditto with regard tothose coming from third worldcountries, roughly 8,000 in 2010.The message is clear. Despite ourcurrent economic difficulties,Ireland continues to be attractiveto those coming from poorersocieties.To complete the picture, thereis more affluent immigrationalso and, all told, in 2010, around70,000 PPS numbers were issuedto non-Irish people (the 85,130issued to Irish people were, witha few exceptions, to babies), arate being maintained this year,despite the economic situation.While emigration has picked upthe net inflow continues and, asthe census has revealed, its extenthas been underestimated.The consequences of continuedstrong inward migration havereceived little public attention.While there was considerablecoverage and hand-wringingover estimates of up to 50,000young Irish people emigratinglast year, there has been little orno focus on the fact that 35,000plus arrived here last year aseconomic migrants. Clearlyshould this trend continue, ontop of the current situation, it willadd considerably to the problemof tackling unemployment, stillstubbornly high at 450,000.The recovery of the 90s tookplace initially with no inwardmigration, a static or decliningpopulation and a work force inwhich women were underrepresented.This has now changed utterly,and, while there are almostdaily announcements of new jobsin the multinational sector, theyare not impacting on the total outof work. Like Spain, Ireland maybe entering a period with chronichigh levels of unemploymentcompounded by immigration and,in Ireland’s case, a demographicstructure which promises a continuedhigh birth rate.The detailed breakdown of thepopulation by age, nationality orethnic origin etc. will becomeclear as more of the census resultsbecome available, but, generally,more people means morepressure on resources. At a timeof financial stringency this willcause the state some headaches,but there is one potential silverlining. More people also meansmore demand, including for accommodation,so an economicrecovery should see a surge indemand for housing, helpingto solve the overhang of excesshousing units and correct thecurrent imbalance.Having a sizeable percentageof the population non-Irish raisesother issues, which were pointedto in the 2006 Census, but whichare likely to become more pressing.Not least of these relates todemocratic representation. Onlycitizens can vote, but any reviewof the Constitution (which is beingmooted) can hardly ignore theissue of the vote for non-nationals.The issue of multiculturalismalso needs addressing in a morecoherent way than up to now. Thedata from the Census will be criticalin this regard.Some historical perspective.The current population figure ofalmost 4.6 million is still far shortof the 1841 total of 6.5 millionfor the 26 county area, and, whilethe population of Leinster is nowone third higher, the populationof Munster is a little over half thepre-Famine level, while those ofConnacht and Ulster are 60% less.It will take a lot more inward migrationto dent that shortfall.For Booking: www.celticratpack.com

32 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011Oh What a Bloody Good Friday!Some time ago I visited York, Englandfor the bi-annual production ofthe 14th Century Mystery plays. I satfor five and half hours, watching elevenplays, with only a ten-minute break. Theplays, religious in nature, are based onbible stories.The playwrights took the cannon ofscripture and injected their own uniqueflavour into the stories, something thatwe today call poetic license. Given thatthe audience were largely illiterate, whowould know what was the artist’s imagination,and what was the word of God?The task for the writer was to makethe sacred book come alive to an audienceunfamiliar with its mysteries. Inorder to do this, they needed to employthe language of the vernacular, and alittle comedy. The plays, performed onthe feast of Corpus Christi, were a greatsource of entertainment, a communalevent in which actors and craftsmendemonstrated their talents.Given the limitations of the genre, itis no surprise that the authors sought tohumanize the biblical characters, addinghumour that, at times, could be construedas sacrilegious and by today’sstandards not politically correct. One ofmy favourite examples of this approachinvolves the dramatist’s interpretationof the story ofNoah. Whilethe heavensopened andthe world isabout to bedrowned; Noah’swife hesitatesto get onthe ark. Shedoesn’t want to be separated from herfrom her ‘gossips’ (friends). Resortingto violence, Noah strikes his wife, andhis blow is returned with gusto. Thescene is hilarious.Having been inspired by the creativegenius of the medieval dramatists, I tookit upon myself to try and construct amodern version of the mystery play. Thisis not a new idea; others have attemptedthis with success.For me, I wanted to place the deathand resurrection of Christ in Derry,Northern Ireland. I wanted to find a pathback to what it must have been like forthose alive during the life and death ofChrist. We have had over two thousandyears of church councils to refine our understandingof these events, and as suchlost the immediacy as well as the confusionof the times. There had to be a wayto strip away our erudite preconceptionsand place the audience back into the experiencethat was neither didactic, nordemeaning to the act of belief.I still remember a priest speaking toour high school in the 70’s about howthe conflict in Derry was not unlike thatof the time of Jesus. For some reason hislittle motivational homily found a nichein my mind, and I could see for myselfthe ingredients for creating a modernversion of NewTestament Israelin NorthernIreland.We had all theright players;the foreign occupyingforces,the rebelliousinsurgents, anove r b e a r i n greligious systemand theoccasionalBlake-LambFuneral Homes4727 W. 103rd StreetOak Lawn IL 60453All phones: 708-636-1193Owned by SCI Illinois Services, Inc.movement for peace.As all of these ideas began take formin my imagination, I wanted to have thestory told by women, since their role,though pivotal, appears underwrittenin the gospels. Mary, the mother Jesus,should be a typical Derry woman, abingo player with the odd flutter on thehorses. Mary Magdalene, the formerparty girl whose search for the mysticalcould also be the result of too many hallucinogens.Coupled with the more recognizablebiblical women, I included Siobhan andPhyllis. Both these women have complicatedlives. Siobhan loves life, loves togossip, and appears the epitome of superficiality.She is hopelessly decadent.When we first meet her she’s on her wayfor a sexual liaison with someone shejust met at the pub.Phyllis, a teacher, is in the prime ofher life. As a married woman with children,she is forced to come to terms withaging. She is on the verge of a breakdown.Casting caution to the wind, shebecomes entangled with a younger manwho wants to break up with her. Desperately,she seeks to maintain control ofher life while all around her the worldis changing.Initially, neither of these women is interestedin the news that a man of peacehas died. The reports of his subsequentresurrection are discarded as religiousdelusion. But as the play unfolds, circumstancesforce them to re-considerthe significance of the larger political/religious events. What neither of themrealizes, and which becomes obvious tothe audience, is that they have deep feelingsfor the same man and it is this keyrelationship that brings them into thecentre of the mystery of faith.Their human complexities are placedagainst the backdrop of Northern Irishpolitics, hence the play on the phrase‘good Friday’. The tensions of the largerworld, coupled with the strange religiousevents, begin to seep into their personalstruggles and drive them to re-evaluatetheir priorities.As I worked on this play, I had a chanceencounter with the president of LoyolaUniversity, Chicago, who was enthusiasticabout the project. I sent him one ofthe earlier drafts of the drama, and soonfound his enthusiasm developed into anoffer to stage the drama at Loyola, andCuneo Mansion. (Vernon Hills, north ofthe city).Since the mystery plays were stagedoutside, this play will take place in frontof the Information Commons buildingat Loyola (August 30th), and at the rearof the mansion at Cuneo (September9/10/11). To add to my good fortune, avery dear friend of mine, is coming fromEngland to direct the work. If you areout and about, near Chicago, I hope youcan join us.*Terry, originally from Derry, now residesin Chicago and teaches Irish andBritish Literature at Loyola University,Chicago. terenceboyle@sbcglobal.net.Learn a Bite ofIrish Gaelic withBitesize Irish GaelicStart practising every day:The Primer MethodFor this you will need: A roomwhere you previously placed somelabels in Irish Gaelic.Pick one of the labeled objects atrandom and see how many simplesentences you can make up aboutit.If you are only starting to learnIrish Gaelic, keep this game in mindfor later.For example, choose an balla (thewall):• Tá balla ann. [taw BOL-ah ow-n](There is a wall.)• Tá an balla crua. [taw on BOL-ahKROOO-ah] (The wall is hard.)• Tá an balla bán. [taw on BOL-ahbawn] (The wall is white.)Our fellow American Irish MediaGroup publication Celtic Connectionis extending a Readers’ Offer. BitesizeIrish Gaelic gives you onlineIrish Gaelic lessons. If you wantto start learning the language, starthere. From their home in Limerick,Ireland, Eoin & Sasa of BitesizeIrish Gaelic bring you 60+ bitesizelessons. All lessons are online, solog in from any computer. Don’tget frustrated with starting a newlanguage—they’ve broken downthe lessons into manageable bitesizechunks.Get your 50% off you first month,visit:http://www.bitesizeirishgaelic.com/celticconnection/

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 33All The President’s Men!St. Mark’s Initium Euangelii Ihu Xpi“The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” 130r*This is the third of five full-page Incipit Illuminations of the Gospels. They arecalled “incipit” because each one uses the first word or phrase of each Gospel textas the basis for a spectacular introduction to each Gospel. Matthew had two suchpages: “Liber generationis” (29r) (The book of the generations) and “Chi Rho” (34r)(Christi autem generatio-The conception) See IAN, May and June 2011.As suggested earlier, one particularscribe, who I call Artist/Scribe A, (A/S A)with more or less collaboration with otherscribes, does them all. A/S A deliberatelycreates designs using color, artistic imaginationand amazing visual techniques (canI add inspiration?) to evoke in readersa sense of divine presence, of spiritualepiphany and ecstatic rapture-feelingsand emotions appropriate to accompanythe words of the deity. We cansurmise that all early Gospel scribesendeavored to do that-but the scribesof the Book of Kells actually achievedit—especially A/S A.Earlier Insular Gospel’s scribes/artistsfirst used the design of combiningthe letters, “I-n-i,” to appear to be theletter “N” and “I-n-I.” Later, monkscopying the designs, would immediatelyknow it is “I-n-i,” would insert therest of the letters in boxes where therewas room. The “I-n-i” combination wasa recognized design, using a backward“s” shape to connect the two “I”s.In Mark’s Initial page, A/S A designeda page in a similar style that heused previously in Matthew’s “Libergenerationis” (29r.) Using his highlydeveloped artistic vision he, again,created a unified page-filling design. Inhis “I-n-I” the top and bottom of each “I”are knot-work designs of blue, violet orred snakes. Bands that are filled in withinterlaced snakes and peacocks designsfill in spaces around boxes of text from theupper right side of the design down to thebottom left. Snakes and peacocks interlacingfill the spaces inside the “I-n-i” letters.Less space is devoted to the approximately110 “spinning” spirals and disks.There are two other figures in the upperright, which I think were done by a collaboratingscribe. The style is differentthan A/S A’s and similar to other figureselsewhere in the Book. A man in whiteclothing with red interlacing is in the jawsof a lion. There are a few anomalies inthis drawing, but I don’t think they haveany special meanings. The man has whiteclothing on, he is not painted white. Lookat his neck and see a definite collar. Hisleft hand pulling on his knotted beard isattached to his right arm. The right handholding the lion’s tongue is attached tohis left arm. Also, it appears he has twoOne of Irelands legendary bands Bagatelle were among the special invited acts to perform at aSummer Garden party hosted by President Mary McAleese on July 1st at Aras An Uachtarain.More than 350 guests attended the Garden party, and were representing Community groupssuch as Cancer Care, DSPCA, Rehab Care, the PSNI and Dochas.(L-R) Liam Reilly, President Mary Mc Aleese, Ken Doyle, Senator Michael Mc Aleese, PaulByrne and Conor Mc Gouran.right feet.Careful observation shows the man’sarms and legs are interlaced with thelion’s body. Finally, the band that startsat behind the lion’s head and goes downthe right side around the text boxes andacross the bottom is actually the lion’sbody. The man appears to be seated onone of the lion’s front legs.Attempting to understand the meaningsof the images in the Gospel books, wehave at least three concepts to take intoconsideration.1. Determine if the image is deliberatelyplaced within a text and is connected to it,either specifically or symbolically.2. Compare it to other similar works toplace it into a tradition of such usage.3. Compare artistic styles and drawon experience studying graphic designsof that era.A short analysis of the man and lion onthis page can be simple. The lion is oftena symbol of divinity and also a symbol ofMark: they are symbolically intertwinedfor this Gospel.Next month: St. Luke*Note: the numbers refer to folio(“page”)“r” = right side and “v” left side as youlook at the book.2901 Central St. • Evanston, IL 60201Bakery ~ CafeM-W 10-5pmTh-F 10-7pmSat 9-7pm• Cakes• BreadsOptions:• Muffins • Cane Sugar Free• Cookies • Gluten Free• Brownies • Dairy Free• Tea Breads • Egg Free• Pizza Crusts • Vegan• Granola BrowniesCookie of theMonth ClubWe Only Use Organic Butter, Eggs, Canola/Olive Oil, RiceFlour, and Tapioca Flour, and other organic ingredientswhen possible or seasonal.Available in Retail Stores in Your Area!ALL GLUTEN FREE!Wholesale to Retailers/Restaurants847-859-2723www.Rosesbakery.com

34 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011The Shadowof a GunmanThe Shadow of a Gunman, bySean O’Casey, will be presentedat the Irish American HeritageCenter from September 15 toOctober 23.The play will be produced by theSeanachai Theatre Company. Thiscompany of exceptional actors justfinished a brilliant season of Irishtheatre.O’Casey wrote the play in 1923,KIVLEHANINSURANCE AGENCYHome/Auto/Business/Life/Health708-671-9010Condo and Apartment BuildingsOne of our Specialties Since 1990Health Insurance CompaniesInclude Blue Cross Blue ShieldIndividual & Small Groups11519 S. Harlem Ave.Worth, IL 60482John’s Cell 708-369-6639and set it in the Dublin of 1920.This was during Ireland’s war forindependence from the British Empire.That struggle began in 1916and lasted until 1921. O’Caseyshows the constant fear and tensionpeople endured in war timeDublin.The main character is DonalDavoren, a poet. The rumor in thetenement he is living in is that he isan IRA gunman “on the run.” Oneof the dictionary definitions is: “areflected image.”He doesn’t deny the rumor becausethe air of mystery and dangerhelps him win the attentions of abeautiful girl who lives in the samebuilding.That “shadow” is far reachingand has fatal results.773-878-3727, www.seanachai.org.Focuson Things of BeautyDuring World War II (1939-1945) London and other Britishcities were bombed, or blitzed, bythe German air force.Belfast’s ship building, navalrepair, and airplane productionfacilities were of great militaryimportance. In April and May,1941, this Northern Ireland citywas bombed.The story of that horrific eventis told here by citizens of Belfast.They wrote these vivid descriptionsand accounts immediatelyafter the bombing.The Belfast Blitz: The People’sStory contains over 150 contributionsfrom the widest possiblerange of sources including nurses,policemen, air raid wardens, housewives,parish chronicles, schoolmagazines, newspapers and almostall told by ordinary citizens.After the bombing, Emma Duffin,a volunteer aid worker, describesvisiting an enormousmakeshift morgue. Row afterrow of open coffins contained theghastly broken bodies of Belfast’scitizens: “All the way to the placeI had told myself I was bound tosee horrible sights…” “I had seenmany dead, but they had died inhospital beds… death to a certainextent had been… made decent.Here it was grotesque, repulsive,horrible.”She is in a place of death, sorrowand horror. “I tried not to think of it,and think of whatsoever things aregood… are lovely… birds, flowers,beautiful skies and seas.”The Belfast Blitz: The People’sStory by Stephen Douds. BlackstaffPress and Dufour Editions.factotum@dufoureditions.com.Hero of theWar for IndependenceErnie O’Malley was an extraordinaryperson: hero of Ireland’sWar of Independence, author ofclassic books, and promoter ofIrish culture.After medical school the futurefor this handsome young man wasgolden. But, love of country madehim leave medicine to become afull-time organizer for the IrishVolunteers (later the IRA).During the Revolution (1916 to1921), O’Malley’s advice was soimportant, that on page 276, thebook says he reported “directlyto Michael Collins, Director ofIntelligence.”O’Malley wrote the classic accountof the Irish Revolution. OnAnother Man’s Wound: Raids andRallies is based on the hundreds ofinterviews he conducted during the1950’s with former IRA soldiers.Some were collected into this bookand published in 1982.After all those years, O’Malleywas still amazed at the unrelentingopposition to the revolution. Hetells of the thunderous editorialsof the daily press, the pronouncementsof the Catholic church hierarchy,and the pressures of otherestablishment propaganda.Mercier Press and Dufoureditions. factotum@dufoureditions.com.Dublin WitQuickness of mind is a qualityprized in Ireland since ancienttimes. The traditional stories ofIreland are filled with examples.In Dublin Wit, Des MacHaleassembles examples of acuteobservation and quick thinking. Ireceived a previous book he wrote,and know him to be meticulous inrecording humor.MacHale finds wit in manyplaces and from contemporaryDubliner, as well as from famousDubliners of the past.- Graffiti in a hospital washroom:the human body, properly lookedafter, will last a lifetime.- A Trinity College professor:What the difference between a manand a woman is I can’t conceive.- Graffiti in a psychiatric hospital:Give generously to mentalhealth week - or I’ll kill you.- Oscar Wilde: I regret I mustdecline your invitation owing toan engagement I’m just about tomake.- George Bernard Shaw: I am anunbeliever but sometimes I havedoubts.- Also by Shaw: In baseball I seeno reason why the infield shouldnot try to put the batter off hisstride at the critical moment byneatly timed disparagements of hismother’s respectability.Mercier Press and Dufour Editions.factotum@dufoureditions.com.Was She Going to Livethe American Dream?When my grandmother came herefrom rural Ireland, she worked as adomestic servant. But she probablyfelt lucky because the house of herwealthy employer had running water,indoor plumbing, the new electricity,etc.Kate Kerrigan is the author of EllisIsland: A Novel. It is a love storybecause the main character, EllieHogan, leaves a loved, but disabledhusband in Ireland. She comes toAmerica to earn enough money toreturn and live well.In New York, she is tempted by“this glittering new world of fineclothes and parties, money and mansions.She meets a “charming suitorwho can give her all she ever wanted.”I don’t understand why he falls inlove with an uneducated country girl.This is possible, but not plausible.My grandmother met my grandfather(a handsome Irish policeman)and they lived the American Dream.Harper Paperbacks. www.harpercollins.com.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” 35Irish American Alliance Picnic 8-28The ER did some preliminary testsand the doc told me “You’ve either gotmeningitis or a sinus infection.”They gave me some pretty goodpainkillers and I headed to Walgreensto get my prescription filled.Looking back I realize I wasdrugged during the whole encounter.Maybe that’s why it felt so strange.I handed the woman behind thepharmacy counter my prescription.She blanched. “Mike Houlihan? You’reMike Houlihan?”Yes, why, is there a problem?“Oh, no, the name kind of threw me,that’s all… That was my ex-husband’sname.”For a moment, time stood still.Oh… really?Now the drugs were really startingto kick in. My headache was goneand I was slowly transforming into awerewolf.I grinned at her, suddenly feelinglike an old lecher. She wasn’t bad. HerWalgreens nametag read “Cindy.” Shelooked about forty, nice body, sort of amousy pixie hairdo. She wasn’t a pig.So, you were Mrs. Mike Houlihan,huh? Well tell me what happened,Cindy?The air in Walgreens suddenly grewvery chilly.“It didn’t end well. Your prescriptionwill be ready in about twenty minutes,…sir.”Yeah, keep calling me that, I thoughtas I made my way to a chair in thewaiting area.She’d shut down pretty quick there,wonder what old Mike had done to deservesuch derision from his ex-old lady.I leafed through Modern Maturitymagazine as I imagined what hadgone awry between Mike and CindyHoulihan.Maybe Mike was abusive, camehome most nights three sheets to thewind, told her he wasn’t happy withthe tuna casserole. “This tastes awful,Cindy! Is this your mother’s recipe fordog crap?”Maybe Mike was a womanizer,sneaking around with chicks fromRite-Aid and CVS. One of the pharmaciststold Cindy she saw him onenight picking up a stacked redhead infront of Osco.Mike might’ve been an amateurshrink, who delighted in psychoanalyzingCindy for sport, had her so turnedaround she was practically Sybil.Surely there had never been anydomestic violence; except that onetime when the Sox lost in the tenthinning and Cindy became hystericalas Mike got her in a friendly headlockin the kitchen and explained the infieldfly rule to her.I glanced up and felt the eyes of thepharmacist on me. She was leaningagainst the rack of anti-depressantsand talking to someone on the phonewhile looking directly at me. I couldfeel the hate emanating out of her hornrimmed glasses.Wait a minute, now I get it. Mikewasn’t the bad guy in this marriage. Itwas Cindy!Mike spent the entire ten years oftheir marriage trying to enlighten her.But no, Cindy wanted to be GloriaSteinem.Sure, this psycho bitch would driveany man off his rocker. She was probablyaddicted to the Percodan she stolefrom the pharmacy every day.And what about the time the Reverendand Cindy were discovered togetherone night at Rainbow beach wearingeach other’s bathing suits?Cindy was nothing but a dirty slut,with a drug problem on top of being analcoholic sex addict to boot.Poor Mike once loved her but henever counted on Cindy’s metamorphisminto the centerfold for “WhiteTrash Monthly.”I stood up and made my way to thecounter, ready to give Cindy a pieceof my mind for her cavalier treatmentof Mike. She confronted me with mydrugs and put them in a bag just asthe lovely Mary came in from waitingoutside in the car.I paid for the stuff and jammed thepills into my jacket and grabbed Maryaround the shoulder.Ya see this, Cindy? This is the realMrs. Mike Houlihan!Cindy looked at me with daggersand walked away as Mary and I madeour way to the parking lot.Mary looked at me and said, “Whowas that?’That was Cindy!“Who the heck is Cindy?”My ex-wife!“How many of those pills did you take?”Enough to spot some screwballchick that didn’t know how good shehad it!Mary looked at me funny and said,“You better let me drive.”Don’t worry, I have no intention oftaking any of the poison she put in myprescription.The lovely Mary smiled as shestarted up the car “Shut up and go tosleep.”The Irish AmericanAlliance is hostingtheir 19th AnnualPicnic Sunday, August28, 2011 at Burr OakWoods, Grove 1 (136thand Harlem Avenue inPalos Heights). The picnicfeatures TraditionalIrish Music and Entertainment,Children’s andAdult Games, a BeanBag Tournament andRaffle. It also Featuresfree food, soft drinks,beer and other beverages.The Irish American Alliance is asocial organization open to anyand all individuals interested injoining an Irish Oriented SocialClub. Membership dues are$25.00 per person. The picnicVIRTUAL BUSINESS OFFICE• Prestigious downtown address• Mail-forwarding service• Personalized answering service• Conference room or dayoffice usage• Administrative support services• No locked in contracts• Customized packages withfixed monthly invoices• Great business imageContact us today for yourPrivate Tour and IntroductionBarrett Office Suites & ServicesYour Business Our Centre135 South LaSalle Street • Suite 2100• Chicago, Illinois 60603 •312.254.8700www.barrettoffices.comstarts after a 1:00PM CatholicMass and goes until sunset.For more information, pleasecall Ginger @ 815 666 8154 orgo to our website.www.chicagoiaa.org.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 37A Last Goodbye from MeredithBack in 1983 Meredith Louise Vieirawas a CBS News Correspondent basedin Chicago covering Midwest newsevents for the number one network. Iwanted to succeed her one day.So it made perfect sense to meto call the object of my affection,er, admiration for her insights,tips and reflections. “I’m callingMeredith,” I announced oneday. It may have echoed throughthe halls of my Indiana stationwith the resounding incredulityof the water boy asking the headcheerleader out to the prom.“McClure’s calling Meredith!” exclaimedNotre Dame grad MikeMurphy on the day beat. “I wish Iwasn’t married,” said former playboyand main anchor Brad Byrd.“Jimbo’s aiming for the Dithster!”teased Chris the sports guy. “Youare gonna get shot down so-o-o-obad,” said weather gal Suzanne inher Kentucky twang.I checked the time… afterRather’s first newscast and beforethe Western Edition… recheckedthe CBS News directory anddialed for dollars. A few seconds laterthe name “Vieira!” came tersely fromthe somewhat tired 29 year old voiceon the other end. “Hi, my name is JimMcClure at the affiliate in Evansville, Ijust wanted to tell you that I think yourstories are fantastic, your writing isincredible and I just want to know yourthoughts sometime on how I can get tothe network someday.”Now this is what I call telling someoneyou want to be them when you growup. Other dimmer souls may say it wasa great pickup line. Rubbish, I meantevery word. And it worked.“Oh my gosh, thank you so muchI’m really honored, …Jim?” As theconversation continued she related thatshe was humbled by the great writersaround her, and it was her effort to beworthy of their company that markedany style or accomplishment she had.“When you see and work with Liz Trottaand Martha Teichner (the combathardenedand veteran female reportersof CBS at that time), you have to try tobe your best. I really look up to them,”Meredith said.“But how did you ever make it toCBS?” I asked with genuine wonderand hope I could pull it off one day.“Well it’s funny,” she said, giving me alifelong lesson that still rings true forthe latest generation of news wannabes.“There’s this guy who travels aroundto different markets spending all hisCBS News Correspondent Meredith Vieira,February, 1984time in hotel rooms videotaping localnewscasts. He saw me doing a stand-up(on air appearance to end a story) inthe snow in Providence, Rhode Island,where I started out and it captured hisattention. The next thing I get a callfrom New York City and WCBS-TV.Then the network bureau reporting gigcame three years after that job.”“The snow?” I said in disbelief. “Younever know what makes one personstand out from another,” Meredithpatiently instructed. “The fluffinessof the snowflakes, I don’t know. Therewas just something about it.”The conversation between mentorand mentee, Old Pro at 29 and CubbieReporter at 22, continued a few weekslater when I met her for the first timein Chicago after she graciously lookedat a tape of my work and sat down nextto me on a bureau lobby bench to talkabout it. No glamor here—no makeup,untucked denim workshirt, torn tatteredjeans and flip-flops with a Bel-air Glideof a floating feminine walk that struckme as out of place with her ruggedPeppermint Patty appearance and surprisinglysalty language. She couldn’thave been more gracious as she gaveher thoughts on my work.Needless to say we kept in touch andshe was always available when I had acareer question or a troubling situationat work. As she packed for another outof town trip one Sunday afternoon Iremember her telling me over her homephone that “Hey, if a job is causing youthat much angst you gotta ask yourselfif it’s really worth it in the long run.” Incoming decades she would confoundexperts and insiders herself by placingfamily matters first, famously leaving60 Minutes to spend more time with anewborn child. Later she would devoteherself to a husband stricken with MSand growing children from their 1986marriage as a first priority despitesuccess at ABC with The Viewand later NBC and Today, notto mention Who Wants to Be aMillionaire.Vieira said goodbye to Todayand probably broadcasting afew weeks ago, but I rememberanother goodbye.During the eve of ChristmasEve 1983 I saw Meredith forthe last time when I met her atO’Hare Airport by chance. Wellchance, greatly aided by myknowing that she was single likemyself and had parents in Providence.She had filed her reporton the Friday CBS Evening Newsearlier that day and I was headingoff to a weekend schedule inVirginia after seeing my folks inNorthbrook. With a slight winterdelay I went from my United concourseto the United wing with theonly evening flight to Providence.Among the finely dressed passengersa short long-haired woman in jeans,work boots and a maroon down parkawas sitting on the floor with her backagainst the wall looking at the planesoutside.It had been a few months. “Ohmy Gawwd!” she said with a trace ofManhattan accent not yet completelyconquered by Midwest meandering. Iproudly related that I had been hired bythe NBC affiliate in Norfolk, Virginiaand handed her my new business cardas I crouched down at eye-level facingher. “Yeah I’m off to see my folksfor Christmas then I’m co-anchoring(CBS) Morning News as a try-out onMonday.” She fingered my card and onebig green eye squinted as she said witha wry smile, “I dunno, NBC… you’rethe competition now.” I thought I bettergo before I wore out my welcome,feeling a bit stalker-ish to boot for mysuccessful guessing that she’d be there.As I stood up, Meredith did too. Shethen stood up on her toes and wrappedher arms around my neck, looked mein the eyes, brightly smiled and said,“Well… Merry Christmas, Kiddo!” andgave me a quick, first-ever and last-everkiss on the lips.Okay that’s enough, readers. No bigdeal, especially if you’ve since seen herkiss every contestant on Millionaire20 years later. But then again, I surehadn’t!I don’t remember much else. Theboys back in Evansville would havecheered in the newsroom. The boys inNorfolk still don’t believe it.She and I wouldn’t talk again as fatewould have it. I do recall wanderingin a blissful dreamlike state back tomy gate and my 737… and lookingacross the tarmac seeing Meredith’s 737getting ready to back out. Both of usheading to quite different futures thaneither of us pictured I’m sure.And then it started to snow. Bigfluffy flakes. There was just somethingabout it.IrishRoverJim@aol.com.

38 Irish American News “We’ve AlWAys Been Green!” August 2011Our Take on Social ServicesBy Paul Dowling, Director or Social ServicesChicago Irish Immigrant SupportAdvancingJustice for the ElderlyLast month I attended the IllinoisDepartment on Aging’s Elder RightsConference in Chicago. I was saddenedto learn about how often seniorsare the victims of abuse and exploitation.However, the general message ofthe conference was a very positive oneand I also learned about the great workbeing done to improve the quality oflife for all older adults. These effortsare far too many to be discussed inthis article so I have chosen to sharewith you just one development that Ifound particularly interesting.The Elder CourtDivision of the CircuitCourt of Cook CountyLast December Chief Judge TimothyC. Evans announced the creationof a new division within the CircuitCourt of Cook County. This divisionis to be focused on elder lawcases. In the coming months CookCounty will join only a handful ofcounties across the entire country tohave a senior division to their courtsystem. The announcement reflectsthe growing recognition that in orderto protect seniors the courts must beaware of the issues that impact olderadults. The Honorable Judge PatriciaBanks, who has been appointed as thePresiding Judge of the Elder Law andMiscellaneous Remedies Division,addressed the conference. She explainedthe benefit to seniors of havingtheir cases heard by judges with additionalknowledge and training aroundelder-specific issues. Judge Banksalso said that a number of practicalchanges would be made to the how thecourts are run in order to make themmore senior- friendly. These changesinclude scheduling courts to start laterin the morning, reducing wait timesat court houses, and holding court ateasily accessible venues. Judge Bankstold those present that she expects theelder division to be officially openedin the near future.Take Charge ofYour Health at the IAHCTaught by two trained class leaders,this workshop helps those withongoing health conditions, such asarthritis, heart or lung disease, asthma,etc, to regain control of their life todo the things that matter to them andhave more energy with relief fromsymptoms like pain and fatigue. Thisworkshop is a way to meet new people,share experiences, and learn ways toimprove one’s life.The Take Charge of Your Healthworkshop will run for two and ahalf hours, once a week, for six consecutiveweeks, at the Irish AmericanHeritage Center. The first session willtake place on Tuesday 23rd of August.If you would like to know more aboutthe workshop please come along toChicago Irish Immigrant Supportssenior group meeting on Thursday11th August when one of the workshop coordinators will be there toprovide more details and answer anyquestions that you may have. All arewelcome to attend this informationsession which will take place after ourscheduled programming.The topics covered include:• Coping with fatigue, frustration,pain and isolation that may be relatedto ongoing health conditions• Exercising to maintain and improvestrength, flexibility and endurance• Using medications and practicinggood nutrition• Communicating with family,friends and health professionals• Planning for future healthcareneeds• Goal setting and problem solvingto make positive changes in your lifeSpace is limited so registration isrequired. For more information orto reserve your place on this greatworkshop, contact Paul Dowling atChicago Irish Immigrant Support at773-282-8445.Got a Question?We want to make sure that ourmonthly column is giving you theinformation that you need. Any seniorwith a query related to social servicesis invited to contact us with their questionand see the answer featured righthere in this column. You can mailyour questions to us at Chicago IrishImmigrant Support, 4626 N Knox Ave,Chicago, IL 60647, or you can reachus by phone at 7736-282-8445. Wecan also be reached via e-mail at ciissocialservices@gmail.com.A Little HypocrisyI couldn’t help it recentlybut had to act likea hypocrite while attendinga summer party.There I was enjoying aglass of good wine andtasty food in an affluentsuburb and “Rose”(that’s not her real name)came to take a toddleraway for his nap. I discoveredthat “Rose” isan undocumented immigrantfrom somewheresouth of the border. Ilater heard one of thetoddler’s grandparentscomplain about all these“illegals” that continueto drain America’s resources.I had to bite mytongue and acted likeI didn’t know anythingabout the thousands of“Roses” and “Joses”, whodo such an enormousamount of work to helppeople in the city and inthe “burbs” to maintaina very comfortable standardof living.Hypocrite comes from theGreek meaning to be an actor. IfDon’t QuitWhen things go wrong as they sometimes will,When the road you’re trudging seems all uphillWhen the funds are low and the debts are high,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,When care is pressing you down a bit --Rest if you must, but don’t quit.Life is strange with its twists and turns,As every one of us sometimes learns,And many a fellow turns aboutWhen he might have won had he stuck it out.Don’t give up though the pace seems slow --You may succeed with another blow.Often the goal is nearer thanIt seems to a fair and faltering man,Often the struggler has given upWhen he might have captured the victor’s cup,And he learned too late when night came down,How close he was to the golden crown.Success is failure turned inside out --The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,And you never can tell how close you are,It may be near when it seems afar,So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, --It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.—Author Unknownwe are honest we are all hypocriticalfrom time to time. Wepretend to be someone else orhold opinions or at other timesgo along with opinions for thesake of being accepted or becausewe don’t want to upsetsomeone.Politicians are often accusedof being hypocritical in relationto their policies or statements onvarious issues. This hasbecome evident again inrecent time in relationto immigration reform.One has to wonder if thestatements of prominentcandidates (from bothsides of the isle) are reallygenuine or are theymade to placate a certaingroup of people whomthey think they need tokeep on their side if theyhave a real chance of beingelected.With that in mind, Itake the recent statementsof most of our candidatesand their stance on immigrationreform, with“a pinch of salt” knowingthat the chances of anyreal reform before the2012 general electionsare very slim indeed.Should you have anyquestions, concerns orsuggestions, please feelfree to contact me sliabhanoir@yahoo.comTel:773-282-8445.

August 2011 Irish American News “We’ve Always Been Green!” 39

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