Gaelic Sports
Handball
Very similar to American handball, Gaelic handball is a game where two players (singles) or four players (doubles) use their gloved hands to return a rubber ball against a wall, with scoring similar to volleyball. Depending on where the ball in hit, either the left or right hand can be used. Gaelic hanballers play against their counterparts in the United States.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Irish Thought for March 30....
Timeline of Ireland
Circa 700 BC
Celts arrived from parts of Gaul and Britain , and divided Ireland into provinces.
Circa 700 BC
Celts arrived from parts of Gaul and Britain , and divided Ireland into provinces.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Irish Thought for March 28....
Quotations
Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart.
-Margaret Jackson
That is why I love dancing so much!!!
Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart.
-Margaret Jackson
That is why I love dancing so much!!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Irish Thought for March 27....
Limericks
There was an old man who said, "Do
Tell me how I'm to add two and two?
I'm not very sure
That it doesn't make four-
But I fear that is almost too few."
There was an old man who said, "Do
Tell me how I'm to add two and two?
I'm not very sure
That it doesn't make four-
But I fear that is almost too few."
Monday, March 26, 2012
Irish Thought for March 26....
Learn Gaelic!
Táim i ngrá leat - "Tawim ing raw lath" - I'm in love with you
Táim i ngrá leat - "Tawim ing raw lath" - I'm in love with you
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Irish Thought for March 25....
Irish-American Writers
Flannery O'Connor
Born in Savannah, Georgia, the writer Flannery O'Connor often wrote in a Southern Gothic style and relied heavily on grotesque characters and an evocative sense of place in her two novels, Wise Blood and The Violent Bear it Away, and her short story collections, A Good Man is Hard to Find and Everything That Rises Must Converge. O'Connor's writing examined questions of morality and reflected her own Catholic faith.
Flannery O'Connor
Born in Savannah, Georgia, the writer Flannery O'Connor often wrote in a Southern Gothic style and relied heavily on grotesque characters and an evocative sense of place in her two novels, Wise Blood and The Violent Bear it Away, and her short story collections, A Good Man is Hard to Find and Everything That Rises Must Converge. O'Connor's writing examined questions of morality and reflected her own Catholic faith.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Irish Thought for March 24....
Irish-American Movies
The Brothers McMullen (1995)
Three Irish-American brothers lean on each other as they struggle with their romantic relationships after their father dies and their mother returns to her true love in Ireland. Starring Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, and Jack Mulcahy. Also directed by Edward Burns.
The Brothers McMullen (1995)
Three Irish-American brothers lean on each other as they struggle with their romantic relationships after their father dies and their mother returns to her true love in Ireland. Starring Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, and Jack Mulcahy. Also directed by Edward Burns.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Irish Thought for March 23....
Irish Trivia
In County Antrim, Ballygally Castle was constructed by Lord Shaw in 1625. He was rumored to have locked his wife, Lady Isobel Shaw, in her room and denied her food, until she threw herself out a window to her death. Ballygally Castle is now a chain hotel, and supposedly one of the most haunted places in Ireland, with Lady Shaw rumored to knock on doors and then vanish into the night.
In County Antrim, Ballygally Castle was constructed by Lord Shaw in 1625. He was rumored to have locked his wife, Lady Isobel Shaw, in her room and denied her food, until she threw herself out a window to her death. Ballygally Castle is now a chain hotel, and supposedly one of the most haunted places in Ireland, with Lady Shaw rumored to knock on doors and then vanish into the night.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Irish Thought for March 22....
Irish-American Facts
In 1855, nearly 17 percent of the New York City police department's officers were Irish born. By 1900, five out of six NYPD officers were of Irish descent. Irish-Americans still made up 42 percent of the New York City police force in 1960.
In 1855, nearly 17 percent of the New York City police department's officers were Irish born. By 1900, five out of six NYPD officers were of Irish descent. Irish-Americans still made up 42 percent of the New York City police force in 1960.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Irish Thought for March 21....
Irish Proverbs
Don't break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.
Don't break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Irish Thought for March 20....
Irish Curses
May his pipe never smoke, may his teapot be broke,
And to add to the joke, may his kettle never boil.
May he keep to the bed till the hour that he's dead;
May he always be fed on hogwash and boiled oil.
May he swell with the gout, may his grinders fall out;
May he roll, howl, and shout with the horrid toothache.
May the temples wear horns, and the toes many corns,
Of the monster that murdered Neil Flaherty's drake.
May his pipe never smoke, may his teapot be broke,
And to add to the joke, may his kettle never boil.
May he keep to the bed till the hour that he's dead;
May he always be fed on hogwash and boiled oil.
May he swell with the gout, may his grinders fall out;
May he roll, howl, and shout with the horrid toothache.
May the temples wear horns, and the toes many corns,
Of the monster that murdered Neil Flaherty's drake.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Irish Thought for March 19....
Timeline of Ireland
Circa 2000 BC was when Bronze-age prospectors and metalworkers developed in Ireland.
Circa 2000 BC was when Bronze-age prospectors and metalworkers developed in Ireland.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Irish Thought for March 18....
Irish Slang
ciotóg - (Kee-Oh-Toh-gh)
Actually means a left-handed person but can also mean a strange person.
ciotóg - (Kee-Oh-Toh-gh)
Actually means a left-handed person but can also mean a strange person.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
I hope everyone enjoys this grand day for celebrating the Irish in so many of us. Actually, you don't even need to be Irish to celebrate this day. You can just enjoy the activities and maybe learn a bit of what it means to be Irish. I hope you will look for my friends in the St. Patrick's Day parade. Remember, even if it does rain, you can still be outside - you'll just get wet too! Fair weather or foul, Irish or not, Catholic or not....you need only wear a spot of green to be included in this day. The best part of this day is that everyone gets to be friends and share this day.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Irish Thought for March 16....
Irish Proverbs
Both your friend and your enemy think you will never die.
Both your friend and your enemy think you will never die.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Irish Thought for March 15....
Irish Trivia
The sweaters of the fisherman of the Aran Islands are woven with different patterns for each family, as individual as fingerprints. This tradition resulted from fisherman drowning accidently and their sweaters being the only remnants that returned to shore. The individual weave helped identify the fisherman who had been lost to the sea.
The sweaters of the fisherman of the Aran Islands are woven with different patterns for each family, as individual as fingerprints. This tradition resulted from fisherman drowning accidently and their sweaters being the only remnants that returned to shore. The individual weave helped identify the fisherman who had been lost to the sea.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Irish Thought for March 14....
Irish Poets
Arthur O'Shaughnessy
Born in London to Irish parents, Victorian-era (of the 1800s) poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy published three volumes of poetry in his lifetime. By far his most noted and celebrated work is the beginning to his "Ode" from Music and Moonlight: "We are the music-makers/And we are the dreamers of dreams." These opening lines have been quoted by persons and characters as varied as Gene Wilder in the older version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks in a speech to the Olympic team before they beat the Russians in 1980, and Roger the alien in the tv cartoon American Dad.
We have some additional color contest winners. Congratulations to everyone who won!
Arthur O'Shaughnessy
Born in London to Irish parents, Victorian-era (of the 1800s) poet Arthur O'Shaughnessy published three volumes of poetry in his lifetime. By far his most noted and celebrated work is the beginning to his "Ode" from Music and Moonlight: "We are the music-makers/And we are the dreamers of dreams." These opening lines have been quoted by persons and characters as varied as Gene Wilder in the older version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks in a speech to the Olympic team before they beat the Russians in 1980, and Roger the alien in the tv cartoon American Dad.
We have some additional color contest winners. Congratulations to everyone who won!
Abby Scanlon Age 7 Leawood, KS
Jacob Cook Age 4 Overland Park
Ally Lovsky Age 8 Olathe
Olyvia Young Age 10 KC, MO
Shannon Padgett Age 10 St Joseph
Kate Gibson Age 8 KC, MO
Alessia Serra Age 9 KC, MO
Ezra Mitchell Age 2 Olathe
Brooklynn Stanton Age 1 Blue Springs
Alyssa Heiser Age 14 Camden Point, MO
David Allen Age 4, Blue Springs , MO
Sophia Griggs Age 4, Prairie Village
Gunnar Poland Age 5 Peculiar, MO
Grace Gengler Age 13 KC, MO
Hannah Patterson Age 13 Overland Park
Julie Griggs Age 6 Prairie Village
Molly Gengler Age 12 KC, MO
Danica Gall Age 14 St Joseph, MO
Abby Pearch Age 12 Stillwell, KS
Alex Danahy Age 9 Liberty
Kelly Sullivan Age 11, Olathe
Maggie Wolf Age 12 , KC, KS
Ashlen Boresow Age 9 Shawnee , KS
Aubrey Riddle Age 7 Blue Springs
Amanda Pritchard Age 12 Reading
Ying Bednar Age 8 Franklin, IL
Hannah Decker Age 12 Maryland Heights, MO
Couil McKee Age 9 OP, KS
Kayleigh Bednar Age 8 KC, MO
Flannery Simmons Age 7 Lee’s Summit, MO
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Irish Thought for March 13...
Irish Slang
Banjaxed
Broken, ruined, or shattered. Metaphorically, it can also mean exhausted.
I have a list of most of the winners for our coloring contest from Irishfest! Congratulations to everyone who did a beautiful job.
Banjaxed
Broken, ruined, or shattered. Metaphorically, it can also mean exhausted.
I have a list of most of the winners for our coloring contest from Irishfest! Congratulations to everyone who did a beautiful job.
Abby Scanlon Age 7 Leawood, KS
Jacob Cook Age 4 Overland Park
Ally Lovsky Age 8 Olathe
Olyvia Young Age 10 KC, MO
Shannon Padgett Age 10 St. Joseph
Kate Gibson Age 8 KC, MO
Alessia Serra Age 9 KC, MO
Ezra Mitchell Age 2 Olathe
Brooklynn Stanton Age 1 Blue Springs
Alyssa Heiser Age 14 Camden Point, MO
David Allen Age 4, Blue Springs , MO
Sophia Griggs Age 4, Prairie Village
Gunnar Poland Age 5 Peculiar, MO
Grace Gengler Age 13 KC, MO
Hannah Patterson Age 13 Overland Park
Julie Griggs Age 6 Prairie Village
Molly Gengler Age 12 KC, MO
Danica Gall Age 14 St. Joseph, MO
Abby Pearch Age 12 Stillwell, KS
Alex Danahy Age 9 Liberty
Kelly Sullivan Age 11, Olathe
Maggie Wolf Age 12 , KC, KS
Ashlen Boresow Age 9 Shawnee , KS
Aubrey Riddle Age 7 Blue Springs
Amanda Pritchard Age 12 Reading
Ying Bednar Age 8 Franklin, IL
Monday, March 12, 2012
Irish Thought for March 12....
Irish Proverbs
Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d’ór.
A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.
Thanks to everyone who came to cheer on my friends in the Brookside St. Patrick's Day parade. We had a wonderful time and love seeing all of our friends celebrating their Irish heritage.
Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d’ór.
A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.
Thanks to everyone who came to cheer on my friends in the Brookside St. Patrick's Day parade. We had a wonderful time and love seeing all of our friends celebrating their Irish heritage.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Irish Thought for March 11....
Irish Trivia
Why is the sky blue? Joy Tyndall, an Irish scientist, was the first to correctly explain. In 1859, he discovered that the sun emits a full spectrum of light, but our eyes see the colors blue and red more acutely. The sun's blue light is scattered by molecules in the air faster than they scatter red light. The sky during the day looks blue because less blue light has been scattered. By the time the sun sets, most of the blue light has been refracted away, so the color of the sky tinges with red.
Don't forget today is the start of daylight saving's time. I hate losing an hour. It makes me feel off for about a week.
Why is the sky blue? Joy Tyndall, an Irish scientist, was the first to correctly explain. In 1859, he discovered that the sun emits a full spectrum of light, but our eyes see the colors blue and red more acutely. The sun's blue light is scattered by molecules in the air faster than they scatter red light. The sky during the day looks blue because less blue light has been scattered. By the time the sun sets, most of the blue light has been refracted away, so the color of the sky tinges with red.
Don't forget today is the start of daylight saving's time. I hate losing an hour. It makes me feel off for about a week.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Irish Thought for March 10....
Limericks
I'm papering the walls in the loo
And quite frankly I haven't a clue;
For the pattern's all wrong
(Or the paper's too long)
And I'm stuck to the toilet with glue.
I'm papering the walls in the loo
And quite frankly I haven't a clue;
For the pattern's all wrong
(Or the paper's too long)
And I'm stuck to the toilet with glue.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Irish Thought for March 9....
Irish Movies
The Commitments
Based on a novel by Roddy Doyle, The Commitments centers around a soul band in Barrytown, a working-class town north of Dublin. As the band starts to climb to the top, internal personality clashes threaten their continued existence.
I love this movie. I even have the soundtrack to do some dancing to! The music shows that the Irish have soul, a music form which is very particular about who has the soul for the music.
Don't forget to be at Brookside on Saturday afternoon to start the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. I can't wait and I know my friends are excited also!!!!!
The Commitments
Based on a novel by Roddy Doyle, The Commitments centers around a soul band in Barrytown, a working-class town north of Dublin. As the band starts to climb to the top, internal personality clashes threaten their continued existence.
I love this movie. I even have the soundtrack to do some dancing to! The music shows that the Irish have soul, a music form which is very particular about who has the soul for the music.
Don't forget to be at Brookside on Saturday afternoon to start the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. I can't wait and I know my friends are excited also!!!!!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Irish Thought for March 8....
Irish Curses
May those that love us love us;
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
If He can't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles,
so we'll know them by their limping.
I almost forgot the most important detail of the Brookside parade....the parade is this Saturday, March 10. The Brookside people don't want to collide with the downtown parade, so Brookside makes their own day. So, we get an excuse to go to two different parades. Candy this weekend!!!
May those that love us love us;
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
If He can't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles,
so we'll know them by their limping.
I almost forgot the most important detail of the Brookside parade....the parade is this Saturday, March 10. The Brookside people don't want to collide with the downtown parade, so Brookside makes their own day. So, we get an excuse to go to two different parades. Candy this weekend!!!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Irish Thought for March 7....
Irish Food
Bangers
Another word for sausages, bangers are an Irish favorite in both pubs and homes. The name is rumored to date from World War II when pork was rationed, and so resourceful sausage makers supplemented their supply by adding breadcrumbs and extra water to the traditional sausage mixture. Because of the additional water, the sausages had a tendency to explode witha loud "bang!" when cooked. Now the name bangers has been expanded to include all Irish sausages, including those made with beef. Bangers are often served with mashed potatoes, creating the ultimate Irish comfort food combination, bangers and mash.
I have an exciting reminder to send out today. Don't forget that St. Patrick's Day is coming! Make sure you go and visit my friends from the Irishfest who will be marching in the Brookside parade. They will be handing out loads of candy to all the kids who are there to cheer my friends on! This is always a fun day and candy makes the celebration!!!
Bangers
Another word for sausages, bangers are an Irish favorite in both pubs and homes. The name is rumored to date from World War II when pork was rationed, and so resourceful sausage makers supplemented their supply by adding breadcrumbs and extra water to the traditional sausage mixture. Because of the additional water, the sausages had a tendency to explode witha loud "bang!" when cooked. Now the name bangers has been expanded to include all Irish sausages, including those made with beef. Bangers are often served with mashed potatoes, creating the ultimate Irish comfort food combination, bangers and mash.
I have an exciting reminder to send out today. Don't forget that St. Patrick's Day is coming! Make sure you go and visit my friends from the Irishfest who will be marching in the Brookside parade. They will be handing out loads of candy to all the kids who are there to cheer my friends on! This is always a fun day and candy makes the celebration!!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Irish Thought for March 6....
Glas Gaibhnenn
A sacred, fairy cow that appears to mortals on May Day to bring good fortune to farmers whose fields they cross, the Glas Gaibhnenn is usually described as milk white, studded with spots of bright green. In whichever fields she walks on, the crops are more bountiful, with larger potatoes and sweeter grass. Sometimes it is suggested that Glas Gaibhnenn resides in the sea for the rest of the year.
She does, of course, come out to play and dance with me on occassion. She is a sweetheart with only good and happy thoughts in her head - a great friend to have!
A sacred, fairy cow that appears to mortals on May Day to bring good fortune to farmers whose fields they cross, the Glas Gaibhnenn is usually described as milk white, studded with spots of bright green. In whichever fields she walks on, the crops are more bountiful, with larger potatoes and sweeter grass. Sometimes it is suggested that Glas Gaibhnenn resides in the sea for the rest of the year.
She does, of course, come out to play and dance with me on occassion. She is a sweetheart with only good and happy thoughts in her head - a great friend to have!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Irish Thought for March 5....
Quotations
Ireland is a peculiar society in the sense that it was a 19th century society up to about 1970 and then it almost bypassed the 20th century.
-Author John McGahern
He is a current Irish author, particularly of the short story as so many Irish authors use. In 2006, he was hailed by a magazine as one of Ireland's top living authors.
Ireland is a peculiar society in the sense that it was a 19th century society up to about 1970 and then it almost bypassed the 20th century.
-Author John McGahern
He is a current Irish author, particularly of the short story as so many Irish authors use. In 2006, he was hailed by a magazine as one of Ireland's top living authors.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Irish Thought for March 4....
Irish Trivia
In rural Ireland, a popular radio show is the broadcast of the local obituaries of the week.
My guess is because these passings give people a reason to get together and celebrate the life of their friends.
In rural Ireland, a popular radio show is the broadcast of the local obituaries of the week.
My guess is because these passings give people a reason to get together and celebrate the life of their friends.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Irish Thought for March 3....
Limericks
I'd rather have fingers than toes,
I'd rather have ears than a nose,
And as for my hair,
I'm glad it's all there,
I'll be awfully sad when it goes.
Hee hee. That one is silly. Of course, I would rather have toes than fingers because I need toes for dancing! But I would have to agree with the ears over nose. For I would much rather be able to hear wonderful music to which I can dance than smell someone's bad breath who doesn't brush his or her teeth.
I'd rather have fingers than toes,
I'd rather have ears than a nose,
And as for my hair,
I'm glad it's all there,
I'll be awfully sad when it goes.
Hee hee. That one is silly. Of course, I would rather have toes than fingers because I need toes for dancing! But I would have to agree with the ears over nose. For I would much rather be able to hear wonderful music to which I can dance than smell someone's bad breath who doesn't brush his or her teeth.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Irish Thought for March 2....
Irish Drink
Cavan Cola
Introduced locally in Cavan, Ireland in 1978, this dark cola had a dark brown, frothy head and a distinctive taste that set it apart from other sodas. Cavan Cola was so popular in the area that it went national in the early 1990s, becoming a nationwide phenomenon. In 1995, the business was bought by another (jealous) company, who began phasing it out. By 2001, Cavan Cola had disappeared, even in Cavan, despite various online campaigns currently endeavoring to resurrect the beverage.
Cavan Cola
Introduced locally in Cavan, Ireland in 1978, this dark cola had a dark brown, frothy head and a distinctive taste that set it apart from other sodas. Cavan Cola was so popular in the area that it went national in the early 1990s, becoming a nationwide phenomenon. In 1995, the business was bought by another (jealous) company, who began phasing it out. By 2001, Cavan Cola had disappeared, even in Cavan, despite various online campaigns currently endeavoring to resurrect the beverage.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Irish Thought for March 1....
Irish Blessings
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His Hand.
Happy March! The countdown to St. Patrick's Day begins. I have some news to get you excited for this holiday. My Irishfest friends have told me that they have held onto the winners of the coloring contest because the judge wanted to save the cheer until St. Patrick's Day. Now that we have gotten close, I am pleased to announce that letters to the winners will be arriving soon - and I will get to announce these winners soon. So, if you submitted a picture along with your name and address, then check the mail every day in the hope that you are on of the winners! Good luck!
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His Hand.
Happy March! The countdown to St. Patrick's Day begins. I have some news to get you excited for this holiday. My Irishfest friends have told me that they have held onto the winners of the coloring contest because the judge wanted to save the cheer until St. Patrick's Day. Now that we have gotten close, I am pleased to announce that letters to the winners will be arriving soon - and I will get to announce these winners soon. So, if you submitted a picture along with your name and address, then check the mail every day in the hope that you are on of the winners! Good luck!
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