Timeline of Ireland
Circa 100 BC
The first of the Gaels arrived in Ireland, thought to have come from the Iberian penninsula.
Historians are often left to estimate when events took place in the history of Ireland because the groups of people from that time did not keep records of their history. Their history and lore were only passed on orally amongst their groups. Only through finding buried artifacts or through accounts from the Romans are historians given a basis on which to estimate the history of the people of Ireland - and many other cultures. Furthermore, accounts given by the Romans can not be held as pure fact because the accounts were laced with the Romans' opinion of these groups of people who were thought to be barbaric. It would be like me writing a story about my friend Frank. The story would be held with only the information my own eyes and mind could gather. There might be more to events or actions that took place that only Frank would know. Plus, when we all see someone perform an action, the answer to why that person is performing the action is limited to why you or I might think that person is performing the action. We might even have different reasoning because our minds might think of the action in a different way.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Irish Thought for April 29...
Quotations
On she went, and her maiden smile
In safety lighted her round the Green Isle;
And blest forever was she who relied
Upon Erin's honor and Erin's pride.
-poet and songwriter Thomas Moore
On she went, and her maiden smile
In safety lighted her round the Green Isle;
And blest forever was she who relied
Upon Erin's honor and Erin's pride.
-poet and songwriter Thomas Moore
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Irish Thought for April 28...
Learn Gaelic!
madra : dog
cat : cat
capall : horse
uain : lamb
sionnach : fox
iolar : eagle
tarbh : bull
eala : swan
cearc : hen
neathar nimhe : viper
and, of course, bó is gaelic for a cow like me!
madra : dog
cat : cat
capall : horse
uain : lamb
sionnach : fox
iolar : eagle
tarbh : bull
eala : swan
cearc : hen
neathar nimhe : viper
and, of course, bó is gaelic for a cow like me!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Irish Thought for April 27
Limericks
There was a young fellow named Hall,
Who fell in the spring in the fall;
'Twould have been a sad thing
If he'd died in the spring,
But he didn't-he died in the fall.
There was a young fellow named Hall,
Who fell in the spring in the fall;
'Twould have been a sad thing
If he'd died in the spring,
But he didn't-he died in the fall.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Irish Thought for April 26
Timeline of Ireland
Circa 200 BC
The Celtic culture got control over all of Ireland.
Circa 200 BC
The Celtic culture got control over all of Ireland.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Irish Thought for April 25...
Quotations
O Ireland isn't it grand you look-
Like a bride in her rich adornin'?
And with all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you top o' the mornin'!
- John Locke
O Ireland isn't it grand you look-
Like a bride in her rich adornin'?
And with all the pent-up love of my heart
I bid you top o' the mornin'!
- John Locke
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Irish Thought for April 24
Limericks
There was a young woman named Sue,
Who wanted to catch the 2:02;
Said the trainman, "Don't hurry
Or flurry or worry;
It's a minute or two to 2:02."
There was a young woman named Sue,
Who wanted to catch the 2:02;
Said the trainman, "Don't hurry
Or flurry or worry;
It's a minute or two to 2:02."
Monday, April 23, 2012
Irish Thought for April 23
Learn Gaelic!
| zero | a náid | ||||
| 1 | a haon | 11 | a haon déag | ||
| 2 | a dó | 12 | a dó dhéag | 20 | a fiche |
| 3 | a trí | 13 | a trí déag | 30 | a tríocha |
| 4 | a ceathair | 14 | c ceathair déag | 40 | a ceathracha |
| 5 | a cúig | 15 | a cúig déag | 50 | a caoga/leathchéad |
| 6 | a sé | 16 | a sé déag | 60 | a seasca |
| 7 | a seacht | 17 | a seacht déag | 70 | a seachtó |
| 8 | a hocht | 18 | a hocht déag | 80 | a hochó |
| 9 | a naoi | 19 | a naoi déag | 90 | a nócha |
| 10 | a deich | 20 | a fiche | 100 | céad |
| 1000 | míle |
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Irish Thought for April 22
Irish Trivia
Sometimes known as "The Irish Fairy," Catherine Kelly is famous for being the smallest Irish woman who ever lived. Allegedly, she weighed only 8 pounds and was a mere 34 inches tall. She died in 1785.
Sometimes known as "The Irish Fairy," Catherine Kelly is famous for being the smallest Irish woman who ever lived. Allegedly, she weighed only 8 pounds and was a mere 34 inches tall. She died in 1785.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Irish Though for April 21
Irish-American Facts
Eight Irish-Americans signed the United States Declaration of Independence. Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith were all born in Ireland, and Thomas Lynch, Jr., George Read, Thomas McKean, Charles Carroll, and Edward Rutledge were descendants of Irish immigrants. Charles Thompson, the secretary who signed the document, was Irish-American, too.
I love the importance of these names to me. These names were not taught to me in American History because they were not the "big contributers" that people like Benjamin Franklin were. But even though they were not the most famous of the founding fathers, Irish-Americans were part of the elite group who were chosen to make a stand to the British. Those names might not be memorable to most people today, but they represent all of those Irish who came to America for whatever reasons they had. They represent bringing to America part of their history while creating American history. That dual citizenship is what makes remembering these people in events like Kansas City Irishfest so important. Irish or Irish-Americans were important to America, to Kansas and Missouri, to Kansas City, to our own families. Their legacy means so much in so many different, but equally important ways.
Eight Irish-Americans signed the United States Declaration of Independence. Matthew Thornton, George Taylor, and James Smith were all born in Ireland, and Thomas Lynch, Jr., George Read, Thomas McKean, Charles Carroll, and Edward Rutledge were descendants of Irish immigrants. Charles Thompson, the secretary who signed the document, was Irish-American, too.
I love the importance of these names to me. These names were not taught to me in American History because they were not the "big contributers" that people like Benjamin Franklin were. But even though they were not the most famous of the founding fathers, Irish-Americans were part of the elite group who were chosen to make a stand to the British. Those names might not be memorable to most people today, but they represent all of those Irish who came to America for whatever reasons they had. They represent bringing to America part of their history while creating American history. That dual citizenship is what makes remembering these people in events like Kansas City Irishfest so important. Irish or Irish-Americans were important to America, to Kansas and Missouri, to Kansas City, to our own families. Their legacy means so much in so many different, but equally important ways.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Irish Thought for April 20
Irish Trivia
An anomaly in Irish sports is the stardom of Sean Og O'Hailpin, who appears quite a bit more Fijian than Irish. The mother of this champion on the Cork County hurling team is from Fiji, and his father is Irish. Hailed at various times as "Sports Personality of the Year" and "Hurler of the Year," O'Hailpin was born on an isolated, tiny atoll called Rotuma, which is approximately 400 miles north of Fiji.
An anomaly in Irish sports is the stardom of Sean Og O'Hailpin, who appears quite a bit more Fijian than Irish. The mother of this champion on the Cork County hurling team is from Fiji, and his father is Irish. Hailed at various times as "Sports Personality of the Year" and "Hurler of the Year," O'Hailpin was born on an isolated, tiny atoll called Rotuma, which is approximately 400 miles north of Fiji.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Irish Thought for April 19....
Limericks
I wish that my room had a floor.
I don't so much care for a door;
But this crawling around
Without touching the ground
Is getting to be quite a bore.
I wish that my room had a floor.
I don't so much care for a door;
But this crawling around
Without touching the ground
Is getting to be quite a bore.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Irish Thought for April 18....
Irish-American Celebrities
Conan O'Brien
The television host and comedy writer Conan O'Brien started his career writing for the television series Not Necessarily the News, Saturday Night Live, and The Simpsons. In 1993, he was chosen to host the comedic talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien, where he gained acclaim until 2009, when he jumped over to the ill-fated and short-lived The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. He is now the host of the talk show Conan.
I remember that he lost his Tonigh Show because of Jay Leno, not because of Conan. When Jay's new show did not perform well (it bombed), the mean people at the network fired Conan so Jay Leno could have his old show back. I thought it was very mean. Besides, I think Conan is way more fun than Leno, not to mention that anyone who works on The Simpson already has a leg up on other people in my book. People agreed with me and started campaigning as Team Coco. Now, he has his humorous ways on TBS. TBS not only gave him his own show, but they have given him the leeway to hold the show however he wants. Plus, we gots to support fellow Irish. So, I don't know about you all, but I watch Conan's late night comedy show on TBS.
Conan O'Brien
The television host and comedy writer Conan O'Brien started his career writing for the television series Not Necessarily the News, Saturday Night Live, and The Simpsons. In 1993, he was chosen to host the comedic talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien, where he gained acclaim until 2009, when he jumped over to the ill-fated and short-lived The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. He is now the host of the talk show Conan.
I remember that he lost his Tonigh Show because of Jay Leno, not because of Conan. When Jay's new show did not perform well (it bombed), the mean people at the network fired Conan so Jay Leno could have his old show back. I thought it was very mean. Besides, I think Conan is way more fun than Leno, not to mention that anyone who works on The Simpson already has a leg up on other people in my book. People agreed with me and started campaigning as Team Coco. Now, he has his humorous ways on TBS. TBS not only gave him his own show, but they have given him the leeway to hold the show however he wants. Plus, we gots to support fellow Irish. So, I don't know about you all, but I watch Conan's late night comedy show on TBS.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Irish Thought for April 16....
Irish-American Writers
Henry James
Considered one of the most important writers of the 19th-century literary realism, Henry James wrote the acclaimed novels Daisy Miller, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, Washington Square, The Wings of the Dove, and The Ambassadors. Born in America, James lived in England for 40 years and became a British subject one year before his death.
All this mention of Irish or Irish-American writers makes me excited to see what my friends have to share with me in their stories. I hope everyone writes something because it is a great way for me to learn more about fans of Kansas City Irish Fest. And, because I am sure we have talent like that of a young Henry James in our clan. Most importantly, I hope you all have as much fun with writing as I will with reading!
Henry James
Considered one of the most important writers of the 19th-century literary realism, Henry James wrote the acclaimed novels Daisy Miller, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, Washington Square, The Wings of the Dove, and The Ambassadors. Born in America, James lived in England for 40 years and became a British subject one year before his death.
All this mention of Irish or Irish-American writers makes me excited to see what my friends have to share with me in their stories. I hope everyone writes something because it is a great way for me to learn more about fans of Kansas City Irish Fest. And, because I am sure we have talent like that of a young Henry James in our clan. Most importantly, I hope you all have as much fun with writing as I will with reading!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Irish Thought for April 15....
Irishfest News!!!!
The theme for the KCIF Childrens Area for 2012 is the Potato.
The theme for the KCIF Childrens Area for 2012 is the Potato.
In the view of the KCIF Kid's Club, the Potato represents the
stamina, and the resilience of a nation as the people of
Ireland faced what was known as the Gorta Mór (the Great Hunger).
Many of Irish Decent are in America, as a result of the
Potato Famine, which saw about 25% of the Irish people leaving their home
in pursuit of new ones. Again, the Irish that left Ireland, had
to show their courage and tenacity to succeed in their new chosen homes,
often facing difficulties like prejudices and starting their new lives in extreme
poverty.
What binds all of us together? Thomas Davis says it best with,
"It is not blood that makes you Irish but a willingness to be part of the Irish Nation."
That Irish Nation now stretches around the world as a people who are generally described as
talkative, inquisitive about people and places, helpful, open, good company, interested in sports,
with a love of all stories.
As the Irish Fest celebrates our 10th Anniversary, the Kid's Club, in recognition of
one important Irish trait, is sponsoring an Irish Storytelling contest this year, about what it
means to be Irish or what it mean to be "YOU".
Contest is open to all Irish Fest Kids up to 16 years old. We will have age group brackets for the
contest as follows:
2-5 years
6-8 years
9- 12 years
13-16 years
Information to include:
Name
Address
Age
Email or Phone Number
Please send your entries to
Kansas City Kid's Club
7605 Bradshaw St
Shawnee, Ks 66216
Email: kcifchildrens@everestkc.net
Entries must be received by July 15, 2012. Teachers, classrooms are encouraged to participate.
Winners will be announced at Irish Fest 2012 with wonderful prizes.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Irish Thought for April 14....
The Forge
By Seamus Heaney
All I know is a door into the dark.
Outside, old axles and iron hoops rusting;
Inside, the hammered anvil’s short-pitched ring,
The unpredictable fantail of sparks
Or hiss when a new shoe toughens in water.
The anvil must be somewhere in the centre,
Horned as a unicorn, at one end square,
Set there immoveable: an altar
Where he expends himself in shape and music.
Sometimes, leather-aproned, hairs in his nose,
He leans out on the jamb, recalls a clatter
Of hoofs where traffic is flashing in rows;
Then grunts and goes in, with a slam and a flick
To beat real iron out, to work the bellows.
I can appreciate when poetry is well-written, but I can't always understand all that they mean. But I know one thing, if you revisit and reread the words countless times, one day you will find meaning in a poem...granted often a dictionary in hand helps! It might not be the intention of the poet, but the wonderful thing about words is, you can always find your own way in the words. I read poetry and books constantly because you never know where you will find words that are important to you, but it never ceases to be important when you do. I can not recount all of the times the words of another have changed my life.
By Seamus Heaney
All I know is a door into the dark.
Outside, old axles and iron hoops rusting;
Inside, the hammered anvil’s short-pitched ring,
The unpredictable fantail of sparks
Or hiss when a new shoe toughens in water.
The anvil must be somewhere in the centre,
Horned as a unicorn, at one end square,
Set there immoveable: an altar
Where he expends himself in shape and music.
Sometimes, leather-aproned, hairs in his nose,
He leans out on the jamb, recalls a clatter
Of hoofs where traffic is flashing in rows;
Then grunts and goes in, with a slam and a flick
To beat real iron out, to work the bellows.
I can appreciate when poetry is well-written, but I can't always understand all that they mean. But I know one thing, if you revisit and reread the words countless times, one day you will find meaning in a poem...granted often a dictionary in hand helps! It might not be the intention of the poet, but the wonderful thing about words is, you can always find your own way in the words. I read poetry and books constantly because you never know where you will find words that are important to you, but it never ceases to be important when you do. I can not recount all of the times the words of another have changed my life.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Irish Thought for April 13....
Irish Writers
Seamus Heaney
Born in Belaghy, poet Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice and universal themes. In the United Kingdom, two-thirds of the sales of all living poets are of Heaney's works. In 1995, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 2006, he was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize. Heaney lives in Dublin.
Seamus Heaney
Born in Belaghy, poet Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice and universal themes. In the United Kingdom, two-thirds of the sales of all living poets are of Heaney's works. In 1995, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 2006, he was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize. Heaney lives in Dublin.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Irish Thought for April 12....
Irish Proverbs
He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed until midday.
He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed until midday.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Irish Thought for April 11....
Irish Musicians
Enya
Irish singer, composer, and musician Enya was born on May 17, 1961. Her musical career began in 1980 in her family's group, Clannad. Her solo music gained recognition in the 1986 BBC series The Celts, and her follow-up album Waternark, with its unique, ethereal sound and its soaring single, "Orinoco Flow," propelled her to international fame. By 2001, Enya became Ireland's best-selling solo musician and the country's second-largest musical export (U2 is the largest). Enya has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and earned four grammy awards.
Enya
Irish singer, composer, and musician Enya was born on May 17, 1961. Her musical career began in 1980 in her family's group, Clannad. Her solo music gained recognition in the 1986 BBC series The Celts, and her follow-up album Waternark, with its unique, ethereal sound and its soaring single, "Orinoco Flow," propelled her to international fame. By 2001, Enya became Ireland's best-selling solo musician and the country's second-largest musical export (U2 is the largest). Enya has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and earned four grammy awards.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Irish Thought for April 10....
The Celts
"Long, long ago beyond the misty space of twice a thousand years,
In Erin old there dwelt a mighty race, Taller than Roman spears;
Like oaks and towers they had a giant grace, Were fleet as deers
With winds and waves they made their 'biding place,
These western shepherd seers.
Their ocean-god was Manannan Mac Lir, Whose angry lips,
In their white foam, full often would inter Whole fleets of ships;
Crom was their day-god, and their thunderer, Made morning and eclipse;
Bride was their queen of song, and unto her
They prayed with fire-torched lips.
Oh, inspired giant! shall we e'er behold, In our own time,
One fit to speak your spirit on the wold, Or seize your rhyme?
One pupil of the past, as mighty souled As in the prime,
Were the fond, fair, and beautiful and bold They, of your song sublime!"
"Long, long ago beyond the misty space of twice a thousand years,
In Erin old there dwelt a mighty race, Taller than Roman spears;
Like oaks and towers they had a giant grace, Were fleet as deers
With winds and waves they made their 'biding place,
These western shepherd seers.
Their ocean-god was Manannan Mac Lir, Whose angry lips,
In their white foam, full often would inter Whole fleets of ships;
Crom was their day-god, and their thunderer, Made morning and eclipse;
Bride was their queen of song, and unto her
They prayed with fire-torched lips.
Oh, inspired giant! shall we e'er behold, In our own time,
One fit to speak your spirit on the wold, Or seize your rhyme?
One pupil of the past, as mighty souled As in the prime,
Were the fond, fair, and beautiful and bold They, of your song sublime!"
The Celts, D'Arcy McGee, 17th Century Irish Poet.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Irish Thought for April 9....
Quotations
Making peace, I have found, is much harder than making war.
- Gerry Adams
Making peace, I have found, is much harder than making war.
- Gerry Adams
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Irish Thought for April 8....
Irish Food
Dublin Lawyer
This traditional and delicious dish is a mixture of lobster meat, butter, heavy cream, and whiskey. The rather heavy and costly ingredients make it a treat rather than an everyday meal. One theory about the origins of the name is that it is a descriptive joke, as Dublin lawyers are supposedly often rich, fat, and intoxicated, which matches the dish's ingredients.
Happy Easter everyone!
Dublin Lawyer
This traditional and delicious dish is a mixture of lobster meat, butter, heavy cream, and whiskey. The rather heavy and costly ingredients make it a treat rather than an everyday meal. One theory about the origins of the name is that it is a descriptive joke, as Dublin lawyers are supposedly often rich, fat, and intoxicated, which matches the dish's ingredients.
Happy Easter everyone!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Irish Thought for April 7....
Irish Folklore
Leprechauns
The leprechaun is a solitary creature, focusing all of his attention on making shoes. He can usually be found holding both a shoe and a cobbling hammer. Leprechauns are the size of a bulky young boy, with wrinkled faces, gleaming eyes, and surprisingly graceful movements. They are also known for he love of beer, foul language, and smoking pipes called "dudeens." Besides making shoes, leprechauns guard fairy treasure from mortals, although their hidden stashes are revealed by rainbows. If a mortal cal catch a reclusive leprechaun and demand its treasure, the leprechaun has no choice but to comply, but this happens incredibly rarely.
Leprechauns
The leprechaun is a solitary creature, focusing all of his attention on making shoes. He can usually be found holding both a shoe and a cobbling hammer. Leprechauns are the size of a bulky young boy, with wrinkled faces, gleaming eyes, and surprisingly graceful movements. They are also known for he love of beer, foul language, and smoking pipes called "dudeens." Besides making shoes, leprechauns guard fairy treasure from mortals, although their hidden stashes are revealed by rainbows. If a mortal cal catch a reclusive leprechaun and demand its treasure, the leprechaun has no choice but to comply, but this happens incredibly rarely.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Irish Thought for April 6....
Irish Drinks
Irish Breakfast Tea
A brisk, strong blend of tea from the Assam region of India, mixed with other black teas (often highland Ceylon teas), this internationally popular brew has a rich, malted flavor. The brewed tea is generally colored dark red to brown, and is often served with a drop of cream and sugar, or sugar and lemon, to mellow out the intense flavor, although hardcore aficionados drink it straight. Despite the name, the tea is regularly enjoyed any time of the day. It is known in Ireland simply as tea, and sold under brand names such as Barry's and Lyons.
Irish Breakfast Tea
A brisk, strong blend of tea from the Assam region of India, mixed with other black teas (often highland Ceylon teas), this internationally popular brew has a rich, malted flavor. The brewed tea is generally colored dark red to brown, and is often served with a drop of cream and sugar, or sugar and lemon, to mellow out the intense flavor, although hardcore aficionados drink it straight. Despite the name, the tea is regularly enjoyed any time of the day. It is known in Ireland simply as tea, and sold under brand names such as Barry's and Lyons.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Irish Thought for April 5....
Irish-American Celebrities
Spencer Tracy
The actor Spencer Tracy appeared in 74 films in his lifetime, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor 9 times. He won back-to-back Oscars for his work in Captains Courageous and Boys Town. Tracy was also known for his on-screen (and off-screen) chemistry with Katherine Hepburn, with whom he co-starred in 9 movies, including Adam's Rib and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. The American Film institute has ranked Tracy ninth among "The Greatest Male Stars of All Time."
Spencer Tracy
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Irish Thought for April 3....
Irish Blessings
May the roof above us never fall in,
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.
May the roof above us never fall in,
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Irish Thought for April 2....
Quotations
Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.
-George Bernard Shaw
Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.
-George Bernard Shaw
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Irish Thought for April 1....
Timeline of Ireland
Circa 300 AD
Ireland was inhabited by tribes known as Scoti, Gaels who raided Roman Britian and settled.
Enjoy Palm Sunday!
Circa 300 AD
Ireland was inhabited by tribes known as Scoti, Gaels who raided Roman Britian and settled.
Enjoy Palm Sunday!
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