Quotations
In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs.
-Sir John Pentland Mahaffy
Happy Leap Day!!! Go do something fun on this extra day of life.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Irish Thought for February 28....
Gaelic Sports
Camogie
Camogie is the version of hurling for girls. It is very similar to the male version, with some minor rule changes, such as a lack of special rules for goalkeepers, the allowance of hand passing, the use of a smaller ball (or sliothar), and a 60 minute game instead of 70 minutes. Camogie players also generally wear skirts or skorts rather than shorts.
I don't understand why girl games have to be different from boys' games. Girls can play sports just as well as guys.
Camogie
Camogie is the version of hurling for girls. It is very similar to the male version, with some minor rule changes, such as a lack of special rules for goalkeepers, the allowance of hand passing, the use of a smaller ball (or sliothar), and a 60 minute game instead of 70 minutes. Camogie players also generally wear skirts or skorts rather than shorts.
I don't understand why girl games have to be different from boys' games. Girls can play sports just as well as guys.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Irish Thought for February 27....
Limericks
A mouse in her room woke Miss Doud,
Who was frightened and screamed very loud;
The a happy thought hit her -
To scare of the critter,
She sat up in bed and meowed.
Poor mice....Scared of kitties. Everyone should love kitties!
A mouse in her room woke Miss Doud,
Who was frightened and screamed very loud;
The a happy thought hit her -
To scare of the critter,
She sat up in bed and meowed.
Poor mice....Scared of kitties. Everyone should love kitties!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Irish Thought for February 26....
Irish-American Celebrities
Jackie Gleason
The larger than life actor Jackie Gleason was best known as his brashly comic character Ralph Kramden in the classis tv show The Honeymooners, but he was also noted for his work in film including his hilarious turn in the movie Smokey and the Bandit and his dramatic work in The Hustler.
Hey kids, I have exciting news. For all of you who turned in a coloring contest picture along with your contact information, we will be announcing the winner very soon!
Jackie Gleason
The larger than life actor Jackie Gleason was best known as his brashly comic character Ralph Kramden in the classis tv show The Honeymooners, but he was also noted for his work in film including his hilarious turn in the movie Smokey and the Bandit and his dramatic work in The Hustler.
Hey kids, I have exciting news. For all of you who turned in a coloring contest picture along with your contact information, we will be announcing the winner very soon!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Irish Thought for February 25....
Irish Writers
Neil Jordan
Born in the town of Sligo, Neil Jordan is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and novelist with an eccentric body of work, sometimes fanciful and sometimes realistic, and often with themes of childhood or the troubles of Northern Ireland. He won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The Crying Game.
Neil Jordan
Born in the town of Sligo, Neil Jordan is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and novelist with an eccentric body of work, sometimes fanciful and sometimes realistic, and often with themes of childhood or the troubles of Northern Ireland. He won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The Crying Game.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Irish Thought for February 24....
Quotations
I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish.
Marianne Moore
She is an Irish-American poet known for her wit.
I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish.
Marianne Moore
She is an Irish-American poet known for her wit.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Irish Thought for February 23....
Limericks
There was a young lady one fall,
Who wore a newspaper dress to a ball;
The dress caught fire
And burned her entire
Front page, sporting section, and all.
There was a young lady one fall,
Who wore a newspaper dress to a ball;
The dress caught fire
And burned her entire
Front page, sporting section, and all.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Irish Thought for February 22....
Learn Gaelic!
Is fearr Gaeilge briste, na Bearla cliste
Pronounced: iss far gale-geh brishteh naw bear-elh clish-teh
Translation: Broken Irish is better than clever English
Is fearr Gaeilge briste, na Bearla cliste
Pronounced: iss far gale-geh brishteh naw bear-elh clish-teh
Translation: Broken Irish is better than clever English
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Irish Thought for February 21....
Irish Slang
Dosser
Someone who is not working at his or her job; a slacker
Dosser
Someone who is not working at his or her job; a slacker
Monday, February 20, 2012
Irish Thought for February 20....
Irish-American Religion
By the late 19th century, the Irish had become very prominent in the American Catholic Church's leadership, with 7.3 million Catholics in the United States and the majority of bishops being of Irish descent. At the end of the 20th century, Irish-Americans comprised 35 percent of Catholic priests, although only 17 percent of American Catholics were of Irish descent.
By the late 19th century, the Irish had become very prominent in the American Catholic Church's leadership, with 7.3 million Catholics in the United States and the majority of bishops being of Irish descent. At the end of the 20th century, Irish-Americans comprised 35 percent of Catholic priests, although only 17 percent of American Catholics were of Irish descent.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Irish Thought for February 19....
Irish-American Movies
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
A wily old man matches wits with the King of Leprechauns and helps play matchmaker for his daughter and the strapping lad who has replaced the older man as caretaker of their land. Starring Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, and Sean Connery.
Yup, that is Sean Connery before his James Bond days made him famous everywhere. He even sings in this movie! Not only are there leprechauns, but a banshee makes her way toward the old man.
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
A wily old man matches wits with the King of Leprechauns and helps play matchmaker for his daughter and the strapping lad who has replaced the older man as caretaker of their land. Starring Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, and Sean Connery.
Yup, that is Sean Connery before his James Bond days made him famous everywhere. He even sings in this movie! Not only are there leprechauns, but a banshee makes her way toward the old man.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Irish Thought for February 18....
Irish Lore
Leprechaun
And, I know some leprechauns. They are sneaky and always succeed in getting someone to look away. But, they are fun friends when they are not working!
Leprechaun
Leprechaun
Irish fairy. Looks like a small, old man (about 2 feet tall), often dressed like a shoemaker, with a cocked hat and a leather apron. According to legend, leprechauns are aloof and unfriendly, live alone, and pass the time making shoes...they also possess a hidden pot of gold. Treasure hunters can often track down a leprechaun by the sound of his shoemaker's hammer. If caught, he can be forced to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure, but the captor must keep their eyes on him every second. If the captor's eyes leave the leprechaun (and he often tricks them into looking away), he vanishes and all hopes of finding the treasure are lost.And, I know some leprechauns. They are sneaky and always succeed in getting someone to look away. But, they are fun friends when they are not working!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Irish Thought for February 17....
Irish Proverbs
As the big hound is, so will the pup be.
I guess this is the Irish way of saying like father, like son. Only Irish people like dogs lots, so their proverb is based off dogs instead of people. That's just a guess...mainly because I know how much the Irish like cows like me!
As the big hound is, so will the pup be.
I guess this is the Irish way of saying like father, like son. Only Irish people like dogs lots, so their proverb is based off dogs instead of people. That's just a guess...mainly because I know how much the Irish like cows like me!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Irish Thought for February 16....
Irish Trivia
There are an estimated 70 million people in the world with Irish heritage.
I guess that is why so many people love all things Irish. With so many people who have a bit of Irish in them, I can understand why events like St. Patrick's Day and even our own Irishfest are so big and important. We all celebrate our relatives who came to America to start anew.
There are an estimated 70 million people in the world with Irish heritage.
I guess that is why so many people love all things Irish. With so many people who have a bit of Irish in them, I can understand why events like St. Patrick's Day and even our own Irishfest are so big and important. We all celebrate our relatives who came to America to start anew.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Irish Thought for February 15....
Irish Trivia
While scripture declares that Jesus Christ will judge all other people on Judgment Day, an old legend suggests that St. Patrick will be the one who evaluates the Irish.
And, of course, since he loves the Irish so much, he will go easy on them ;)
While scripture declares that Jesus Christ will judge all other people on Judgment Day, an old legend suggests that St. Patrick will be the one who evaluates the Irish.
And, of course, since he loves the Irish so much, he will go easy on them ;)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Irish Thought for February 14....
Happy Valentine's Day!
Irish Trivia
The harp is the official emblem of Ireland. The harp (although different from our harp) is believed to have been with the people of Ireland for as long as there have been people in Ireland. And, of course, there is a beer that was named after this national emblem.
Irish Trivia
The harp is the official emblem of Ireland. The harp (although different from our harp) is believed to have been with the people of Ireland for as long as there have been people in Ireland. And, of course, there is a beer that was named after this national emblem.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Irish Thought for February 13....
Irish Proverb
A silent mouth is melodious.
I guess this is saying not to yell. You will sound much more pleasant if you say nothing at all. Unless, of course, you need to sing. Then you are more melodious.
A silent mouth is melodious.
I guess this is saying not to yell. You will sound much more pleasant if you say nothing at all. Unless, of course, you need to sing. Then you are more melodious.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Irish Thought for February 12....
Irish Toasts
Health and life to you,
The mate of your choice to you,
Land without rent to you,
And death in Eirinn.
Eirinn is Ireland.
Health and life to you,
The mate of your choice to you,
Land without rent to you,
And death in Eirinn.
Eirinn is Ireland.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Irish Thought for February 11....
Irish Proverb
It is better to exist unknown to the law.
I guess that is because otherwise chances are you have done something bad.
It is better to exist unknown to the law.
I guess that is because otherwise chances are you have done something bad.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Irish Thought for February 10....
Irish Slang
Acting the Maggot
Behaving foolishly, annoyingly.
As many of you know maggots are a stage that flies go through. Before they have wings, they are these creepy crawly things. They are yucky and annoying and that is why the word made its way into Irish slang.
Acting the Maggot
Behaving foolishly, annoyingly.
As many of you know maggots are a stage that flies go through. Before they have wings, they are these creepy crawly things. They are yucky and annoying and that is why the word made its way into Irish slang.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Irish Thought for February 9....
Irish Trivia
In Australia, approximately 30% of the population has Irish ancestry.
I hope Australians celebrate their Irish pride like Americans do!
In Australia, approximately 30% of the population has Irish ancestry.
I hope Australians celebrate their Irish pride like Americans do!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Irish Thought for February 8....
Irish Proverb
All happy endings are beginnings as well.
I like this saying. I only have a year to be with all of my friends I met during Irishfest. With such short time, it is easy to look at the ending and think it was a wonderful year. However, I like to think of how magical the beginning was - seeing all the kids have fun with Irish culture, dancing to the music of so many great Irish bands, coming here brought me so much happiness.
All happy endings are beginnings as well.
I like this saying. I only have a year to be with all of my friends I met during Irishfest. With such short time, it is easy to look at the ending and think it was a wonderful year. However, I like to think of how magical the beginning was - seeing all the kids have fun with Irish culture, dancing to the music of so many great Irish bands, coming here brought me so much happiness.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Irish Thought for February 7....
Irish Musicians
Boyzone
After being formed in 1993, the Irish boy band Boyzone sold almost 20 million records, making them one of the most successful musical groups in the UK and Ireland. They racked up six #1 singles in the UK, and nine #1 singles in Ireland. Over the years the band was together, band members included Shane Lynch, Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, and Keith Duffy. They are like America's version of the Jonas Brothers.
Boyzone
After being formed in 1993, the Irish boy band Boyzone sold almost 20 million records, making them one of the most successful musical groups in the UK and Ireland. They racked up six #1 singles in the UK, and nine #1 singles in Ireland. Over the years the band was together, band members included Shane Lynch, Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, and Keith Duffy. They are like America's version of the Jonas Brothers.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Irish Thought for February 6....
Irish Movies
My Left Foot: The Stor of Christy Brown
This true story flashes back to the working-class youth of Christy Brown, a birlliant Irish wirter and painter born with cerebal palsy. Albe only to control movement in his left foot, Christy learns to handle life's physical tasks and psychological difficulties with the help of his strong-willed mother, a dedicated teacher, and his own steely determination.
My Left Foot: The Stor of Christy Brown
This true story flashes back to the working-class youth of Christy Brown, a birlliant Irish wirter and painter born with cerebal palsy. Albe only to control movement in his left foot, Christy learns to handle life's physical tasks and psychological difficulties with the help of his strong-willed mother, a dedicated teacher, and his own steely determination.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Irish Thought for February 5....
Irish Quotables
For those of us Americans with Irish Heritage, there is a reason why we seek to know of Ireland...
"The immigrant's heart marches to the beat of two quite different drums, one from the old homeland and the other from the new. The immigrant has to bridge these two worlds, living comfortably in the new and bringing the best of his or her ancient identity and heritage to bear on life in an adopted homeland."
- Irish President McAleese
Enjoy the Super Bowl today!!!
For those of us Americans with Irish Heritage, there is a reason why we seek to know of Ireland...
"The immigrant's heart marches to the beat of two quite different drums, one from the old homeland and the other from the new. The immigrant has to bridge these two worlds, living comfortably in the new and bringing the best of his or her ancient identity and heritage to bear on life in an adopted homeland."
- Irish President McAleese
Enjoy the Super Bowl today!!!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Irish Thought for February 4....
Irish Food
Drisheen - A type of black pudding, drisheen is made from a blend milk, salt, fat, herbs, breadcrumbs, and some other ingredients. This mix is stuffed into a type of mold to give it the shape of a horseshoe. The exact recipe varies from region to region, but the food is considered a delicacy. As many of you might have discovered in your travels, Ireland and England and other countries in Europe have pudding that is not what we consider pudding (nope, not like Jell-O) in America. Their pudding is more of a food that is eaten as a meal. It looks like sausage to me.
Here is it made all fancy for a party!
Drisheen - A type of black pudding, drisheen is made from a blend milk, salt, fat, herbs, breadcrumbs, and some other ingredients. This mix is stuffed into a type of mold to give it the shape of a horseshoe. The exact recipe varies from region to region, but the food is considered a delicacy. As many of you might have discovered in your travels, Ireland and England and other countries in Europe have pudding that is not what we consider pudding (nope, not like Jell-O) in America. Their pudding is more of a food that is eaten as a meal. It looks like sausage to me.
Here is it made all fancy for a party!Friday, February 3, 2012
Irish Thought for February 3....
Irish Symbols
The Claddagh Ring
Claddagh history begins with a group of rings called, "Fede rings", meaning, "faith rings". Dating back to Roman times, faith rings are distinguished by two hands representing trust and faith.
However, the Claddagh ring is a unique version of this design in which the two hands are holding a heart topped by a crown.
The traditional Irish wedding ring since the 17th century, the Claddagh ring is one of the most familiar symbols of Irish heritage. This intricately crafted tribute to friendship, loyalty and everlasting love is one of the most enduring emblems of all that love can be.
However, the ring also has a story thought to be true to explain the the origin of the ring.
The most common tale of Claddagh history begins with a young man from Galway by the name of Richard Joyce (no relation to the writer James Joyce!) leaving his true love to make his fortune in the West Indies. As he sailed toward his goal, his ship was captured by a band of pirates and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith.
Through the many years of service to the goldsmith, Richard perfected the art of jewelry making himself, eventually becoming a master craftsman and earning the respect and admiration of his master. When King William III negotiated the freedom of the slaves in 1689, the Moor offered Richard the hand of his daughter and a healthy dowry on top of that. But Richard refused....for his heart still lay in Ireland.
Returning to Galway, Richard found that his sweetheart had remained true to him through all those years. In a fitting tribute to his true love, he fashioned the Claddagh ring. The two hands represented their friendship. The crown signified their loyalty. The heart symbolized their love. Richard wedded his beloved and presented the first Claddagh to her as her wedding ring. And the two lived happily ever after....never to be apart again.
The Claddagh Ring
Claddagh history begins with a group of rings called, "Fede rings", meaning, "faith rings". Dating back to Roman times, faith rings are distinguished by two hands representing trust and faith.
However, the Claddagh ring is a unique version of this design in which the two hands are holding a heart topped by a crown.
The traditional Irish wedding ring since the 17th century, the Claddagh ring is one of the most familiar symbols of Irish heritage. This intricately crafted tribute to friendship, loyalty and everlasting love is one of the most enduring emblems of all that love can be.
However, the ring also has a story thought to be true to explain the the origin of the ring.
The most common tale of Claddagh history begins with a young man from Galway by the name of Richard Joyce (no relation to the writer James Joyce!) leaving his true love to make his fortune in the West Indies. As he sailed toward his goal, his ship was captured by a band of pirates and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith.
Through the many years of service to the goldsmith, Richard perfected the art of jewelry making himself, eventually becoming a master craftsman and earning the respect and admiration of his master. When King William III negotiated the freedom of the slaves in 1689, the Moor offered Richard the hand of his daughter and a healthy dowry on top of that. But Richard refused....for his heart still lay in Ireland.
Returning to Galway, Richard found that his sweetheart had remained true to him through all those years. In a fitting tribute to his true love, he fashioned the Claddagh ring. The two hands represented their friendship. The crown signified their loyalty. The heart symbolized their love. Richard wedded his beloved and presented the first Claddagh to her as her wedding ring. And the two lived happily ever after....never to be apart again.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Irish Thought for February 2....
Irish Writers
James Joyce
Born in Dublin, and widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, James Joyce is often credited for great leaps in the development of the modernist novel. Joyce has been celebrated for his experimental use of language and stream-of-consciousness narrative, especially in the novels Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Although more traditionally written, his short-story collection Dubliners and the novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man are also considered masterworks of literature. Another random fun fact about Joyce is that in the novel Finnegans Wake, Joyce used a word that he made up "quark." In 1963 a physicist proposed quark for the name of a yet-to-be named elementary particle. So, you can make up words! It just might take 40 years or so for someone to start liking the word enough for it to become a known word.
Modernist Novel - this brand of novel refers to a movement in which writers began to move away from the more romantic and uplifting style of writing. Instead modernists tended to go down a path of sad, depresssing thoughts of the main character. Theses writers tend to reflect that they are not satisfied with the path the world was taking. World War I played a role in writers having a more negative view of the world.
James Joyce
Born in Dublin, and widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, James Joyce is often credited for great leaps in the development of the modernist novel. Joyce has been celebrated for his experimental use of language and stream-of-consciousness narrative, especially in the novels Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Although more traditionally written, his short-story collection Dubliners and the novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man are also considered masterworks of literature. Another random fun fact about Joyce is that in the novel Finnegans Wake, Joyce used a word that he made up "quark." In 1963 a physicist proposed quark for the name of a yet-to-be named elementary particle. So, you can make up words! It just might take 40 years or so for someone to start liking the word enough for it to become a known word.
Modernist Novel - this brand of novel refers to a movement in which writers began to move away from the more romantic and uplifting style of writing. Instead modernists tended to go down a path of sad, depresssing thoughts of the main character. Theses writers tend to reflect that they are not satisfied with the path the world was taking. World War I played a role in writers having a more negative view of the world.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Happy February!
Irish-American Celebrities
John Ford
Born John Martin Feeney to parents who came to America from Ireland, John Ford was a popular and influential Hollywood film director known for his westerns, inlcuding Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Among the more than 140 movies he directed are The Grapes of Wrath and How Green Was My Valley. Ford won FOUR Best Director Oscars. Many of the Hollywood elite of the time including Orson Welles called John The Great American Director.
John Ford
Born John Martin Feeney to parents who came to America from Ireland, John Ford was a popular and influential Hollywood film director known for his westerns, inlcuding Stagecoach, The Searchers, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Among the more than 140 movies he directed are The Grapes of Wrath and How Green Was My Valley. Ford won FOUR Best Director Oscars. Many of the Hollywood elite of the time including Orson Welles called John The Great American Director.
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