Irish-American Heroes
At the Alamo, as many as 12 of the defenders who were slain could claim Irish ancestry, among them folk hero Davey Crockett.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Irish Thought for July 29...
Limericks
A shy girl was Molly McClure,
With a mind that was holy and pure;
She fainted away
In a delicate way
If anyone mentioned manure.
A shy girl was Molly McClure,
With a mind that was holy and pure;
She fainted away
In a delicate way
If anyone mentioned manure.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Irish Thought for July 28...
Irish Toasts
Here's to you and here's to me.
May we never disagree.
But should we start to fight and cuss,
here's to me.
Here's to you and here's to me.
May we never disagree.
But should we start to fight and cuss,
here's to me.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Irish Thought for July 27...
Quotations
To be Irish is to know that in the end the world will break your heart.
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
To be Irish is to know that in the end the world will break your heart.
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Irish Thought for July 25...
The Burren
Located in County Clare, the Burren is 50 square miles of bleak, irregular slabs of deeply cracked limestone, unspoiled since the Ice Ace, when the glaciers sheared off all the soil and carved up the rock. The name is from the Gaelic bhoireann, meaning "stony place." This damp, spooky moonscape is home to plants from various far-flung climates. There are a number of prehistoric gravesites, forts, and megalithic tombs, with relics of human habitations dating back almost 6,000 years. Spectacular caves have been found beneath the jagged rock surface. Legends connected to the Burren suggest that its sacred wells cure weak vision, its caves are inhabited by spirit horseman, and that its mysterious lakes move around the landscape without warning.
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| Burren landscape |
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| Burren landscape with Galway Bay in the Background |
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Irish Thought for July 24...
Irish Blessings
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Irish Thought for July 23...
Irish-American Facts
The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization established in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, today has over 1.8 million members worldwide. It was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney (who is being considered for canonization) to aid impoverished Catholics, many of whom came to the U.S. during the Great Potato Famine. The organization continues to provide charitable services, life insurance and annuities, and to defend the Catholic faith. The organization was named for Christopher Columbus, in honor of his bringing Christianity to the the New World.
The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization established in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1882, today has over 1.8 million members worldwide. It was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney (who is being considered for canonization) to aid impoverished Catholics, many of whom came to the U.S. during the Great Potato Famine. The organization continues to provide charitable services, life insurance and annuities, and to defend the Catholic faith. The organization was named for Christopher Columbus, in honor of his bringing Christianity to the the New World.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Irish Thought for July 22...
Irish Food
Boxty
In the past, these simple potato pancakes were make from a combination of leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes to which baking powder and sweet milk were added. Today, boxty is sometimes flavored with onions and garlic.
Boxty
In the past, these simple potato pancakes were make from a combination of leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes to which baking powder and sweet milk were added. Today, boxty is sometimes flavored with onions and garlic.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Irish Thought for July 21...
Irish-American Celebrities
Bill Murray
After gaining attention on Saturday Night Live, Bill Murray became successful in the movie comedies Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, and Groundhog Day. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 2003 for his role in Lost in Translation. Murray continues to act, notably in the films of Wes Anderson.
Bill Murray
After gaining attention on Saturday Night Live, Bill Murray became successful in the movie comedies Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, and Groundhog Day. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 2003 for his role in Lost in Translation. Murray continues to act, notably in the films of Wes Anderson.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Irish Thought for July 20...
Irish Etymology
"By hook or by crook"
coined when Oliver Cromwell planned to attack Waterford by taking ships around Hook Head or marching through the village of Crooke in 1649. These plans failed.
"By hook or by crook"
coined when Oliver Cromwell planned to attack Waterford by taking ships around Hook Head or marching through the village of Crooke in 1649. These plans failed.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
Irish Thought for July 18...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Meet one of our artists, Laura Oliver
"Hi my name is Laura Oliver with Face Fancies Face Painting of Overland Park and I'm pleased to be back again painting for this years super exciting KC Irish Fest! I love all the fun and festivities of Irish Fest but probably the thing I love most is seeing the expressions of the kids we paint when they get that first look in the mirror! Not only kids though----We paint the BIG kid in EVERYONE. So come on out for some fantastic food, music and Art among other things---- there's always something new to be experienced at Irish Fest! Be sure to stop by one of the painting tents when you come to have me or one of the other talented artists paint you up with clovers or rainbows --- or whatever you wish!"
Meet one of our artists, Laura Oliver
"Hi my name is Laura Oliver with Face Fancies Face Painting of Overland Park and I'm pleased to be back again painting for this years super exciting KC Irish Fest! I love all the fun and festivities of Irish Fest but probably the thing I love most is seeing the expressions of the kids we paint when they get that first look in the mirror! Not only kids though----We paint the BIG kid in EVERYONE. So come on out for some fantastic food, music and Art among other things---- there's always something new to be experienced at Irish Fest! Be sure to stop by one of the painting tents when you come to have me or one of the other talented artists paint you up with clovers or rainbows --- or whatever you wish!"
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Irish Thought for July 17...
Quotations
Billy is that sterotypical, lovable Irishman, drinks too much, talks too much, puts his arm around you at 3 A.M., when everybody else has gone home, and with tears in his eyes tells you how much he loves you. He's a great guy but also he's drinking himself to death, and no on can stop him.
-Alice McDermott, on the title character of her novel Charming Billy
Billy is that sterotypical, lovable Irishman, drinks too much, talks too much, puts his arm around you at 3 A.M., when everybody else has gone home, and with tears in his eyes tells you how much he loves you. He's a great guy but also he's drinking himself to death, and no on can stop him.
-Alice McDermott, on the title character of her novel Charming Billy
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Irish Thought for July 16...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Blarney and Beyond
It is with great pleasure that the Children’s Area of the Kansas City Irish Fest announces their first performer for 2014.
“Yvonne Healy is an Irish pixie of a performer!” She didn’t merely kiss the Blarney Stone; she swallowed it. Participatory kids’ tales, chilling and comic ghost stories, outrageous family lore, or thought-provoking adult fare: this diversely talented wordsmith opens windows to life, as real and touching as it gets. Funny, too! Writer, storyteller, and “gifted educator” in preschool through college and professional programs, her award-winning presentations address curriculum content expectations for grades K-12 (GLCEs, HSCEs). Michigan based and Midwest favorite, Healy is a born storyteller! When she talks, the wind forgets to blow and kids forget about TV.
Yvonne is the only US performer approved as an Irish storyteller by Ireland's cultural authorities, Glor na nGael and Oireachtas na Gaelige.
Blarney and Beyond
It is with great pleasure that the Children’s Area of the Kansas City Irish Fest announces their first performer for 2014.
“Yvonne Healy is an Irish pixie of a performer!” She didn’t merely kiss the Blarney Stone; she swallowed it. Participatory kids’ tales, chilling and comic ghost stories, outrageous family lore, or thought-provoking adult fare: this diversely talented wordsmith opens windows to life, as real and touching as it gets. Funny, too! Writer, storyteller, and “gifted educator” in preschool through college and professional programs, her award-winning presentations address curriculum content expectations for grades K-12 (GLCEs, HSCEs). Michigan based and Midwest favorite, Healy is a born storyteller! When she talks, the wind forgets to blow and kids forget about TV.
Yvonne is the only US performer approved as an Irish storyteller by Ireland's cultural authorities, Glor na nGael and Oireachtas na Gaelige.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Irish Thought for July 15...
Irish-American Writers
Alice McDermott
In her fiction, Alice McDermott has drawn from her family's Irish-Catholic background, creating working class characters, often in New York City, who struggle with faith, alcohol, and real life versus their dreams. In an interview after winning the National Book Award for her novel Charming Billy, McDermott said, "Being Irish-American myself, Irish-American material is readily at hand to me. I know Irish-American people. I know what their homes look like. I know what they have for dinner. I know how they turn a phrase."
Alice McDermott
In her fiction, Alice McDermott has drawn from her family's Irish-Catholic background, creating working class characters, often in New York City, who struggle with faith, alcohol, and real life versus their dreams. In an interview after winning the National Book Award for her novel Charming Billy, McDermott said, "Being Irish-American myself, Irish-American material is readily at hand to me. I know Irish-American people. I know what their homes look like. I know what they have for dinner. I know how they turn a phrase."
Monday, July 14, 2014
Irish Thought for July 14...
Irish Blessings
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty, and may our ale never turn musty.
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty, and may our ale never turn musty.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Irish Thought for July 13...
Irish Writers
Seamus Heaney
Born in Bellaghy, poet Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice. In the UK, two-third of the books sold by living poets are his. 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 Bellaghy, poet Seamus Heaney is a highly influential and beloved poet with a particularly Irish writing voice. In the UK, two-third of the books sold by living poets are his. In 1995, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in 2006 he was awarded the T.S. Eliot Prize. Heaney lives in Dublin.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Irish Thought for July 11...
Irish-American Heroes
Johanna Sullivan Macy, better known as Annie Sullivan, gained international fame as the tutor, governess, and companion of Helen Keller.
Johanna Sullivan Macy, better known as Annie Sullivan, gained international fame as the tutor, governess, and companion of Helen Keller.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Irish Thought for July 10...
Irish Musicians
The Cranberries
An Irish pop-rock band formed Limerick in 1989, the member of the Cranberries are Dolores O'Riordan (vocals), Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), and Fergal Lawler (drums) With their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? , the Cranberries achieved international fame. Since then the band has charted four Top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 40 million records internationally.
The Cranberries
An Irish pop-rock band formed Limerick in 1989, the member of the Cranberries are Dolores O'Riordan (vocals), Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), and Fergal Lawler (drums) With their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? , the Cranberries achieved international fame. Since then the band has charted four Top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 40 million records internationally.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Irish Thought for July 9...
Irish-America By the Numbers
When the next St. Patrick's Day rolls around, you might wast to head to Scituate, Massachusetts, the most Irish-American town in the country, according to data from the 2009 census, where 47.5 percent of its residents claim Irish blood. Next up are Braintree, Massachusetts, with Irish-Americans comprising 46.5 percent of its population; Milton, Massachusetts, at 44.6 percent; and Evergreen Park, Illinois, at 39.6 percent.
When the next St. Patrick's Day rolls around, you might wast to head to Scituate, Massachusetts, the most Irish-American town in the country, according to data from the 2009 census, where 47.5 percent of its residents claim Irish blood. Next up are Braintree, Massachusetts, with Irish-Americans comprising 46.5 percent of its population; Milton, Massachusetts, at 44.6 percent; and Evergreen Park, Illinois, at 39.6 percent.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Irish Thought for July 8...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
I am pleased to announce this year’s Story Contest:
Kansas City Irish Fest Shanachie Contest – 2014
Far Afield Story Contest
Our story this year is about the Magical Creatures out of the Irish Woodlands.
Contest Info: We are looking for a Shanachie. An Irish storyteller is called a Shanachie, pronounced sha na key. If you possess any Celtic blood (real or borrowed) - at all - then look to yourself, deep inside yourself, there you will hear the echoes of the voice of The Last Giant, the voice of Ossian, calling to you, telling you of the Times of the Giants and the Days and Nights of the Fairy Folk - the mythology and rich history that you humans love to hear. The fairies gave us laughter and the giants who have merged with nature taught us how to treat each other and the earth. And many of the ghosts that came from the forests taught us how to enjoy a good old fashioned thriller. So, you may want to give us a lesson or you may want to give us a fright with your story.
We will have winners from four age groups - 14-18 years old (high school), 10-13 (middle school), 7-9 (older grade school), and finally 4-6 (when the seeds of writing are just being planted ;)
The winners will be the special guests of the Children’s area at the Festival and there will be more for the age group winners once they are at the FEST. Prize day will be Sunday, August 31. More to come about prizes…
From the Fairy Queen
Monday, July 7, 2014
Irish Thought for July 7...
Kansas City Irish Fest News!
The Dryads - These are the happy, playful wood nymphs that dwell in the trees. Some say their favorites are willow trees, others say they prefer oaks.
Their job is to inspire. The Dryads have all gotten together to offer some wonderful prizes for the Costume Contest this year at Irish Fest. The theme is “OUT OF THE FORESTS OF IRELAND”. This may be something mythological, something or someone real or of nature, the possibilities are endless.
Costume Contest will be on Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 PM on the Children’s Stage. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you all!!!
The Dryads - These are the happy, playful wood nymphs that dwell in the trees. Some say their favorites are willow trees, others say they prefer oaks.
Their job is to inspire. The Dryads have all gotten together to offer some wonderful prizes for the Costume Contest this year at Irish Fest. The theme is “OUT OF THE FORESTS OF IRELAND”. This may be something mythological, something or someone real or of nature, the possibilities are endless.
Costume Contest will be on Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 PM on the Children’s Stage. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you all!!!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Irish Thought for July 5...
Quotations
The Irish don't know what they want are prepared to fight to the death to get it.
-Sidney Littlewood
The Irish don't know what they want are prepared to fight to the death to get it.
-Sidney Littlewood
Friday, July 4, 2014
Irish Thought for July 4...
Irish Symbols
Whorls
Representing the circular journey through birth, death, and spiritual rebirth, the convoluted spirals of Irish whorls suggest eternal life. Perhaps suggested by native seashells,t he whorls appear on the most famous of Ireland's artistic treasures and much modern Celtic-inspired jewelry.
Whorls
Representing the circular journey through birth, death, and spiritual rebirth, the convoluted spirals of Irish whorls suggest eternal life. Perhaps suggested by native seashells,t he whorls appear on the most famous of Ireland's artistic treasures and much modern Celtic-inspired jewelry.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Irish Thought for July 3...
Irish Blessings
May your trouble be as few and as far apart as my grandmother's teeth.
May your trouble be as few and as far apart as my grandmother's teeth.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Irish Thought for July 2...
Irish Folklore
The Dark Man
The Far Dorocha, also known as the Dark Man, is a powerful servant dedicated to the fairy queen. He might perform her menial domestic tasks, or, on the queen's orders, ride his black horse to our realm to capture a mortal who has taken her fancy. Although he is always silent, the Dark Man can make humans surrender their wills to his command, and they climb onto the back of his steed without protest. His fairy horse exhales fie from its nostrils as it races through the night, setting alight hedgerows as it gallops. A mortal's journey to the land of the fairies is almost always a one-way trip.
The Dark Man
The Far Dorocha, also known as the Dark Man, is a powerful servant dedicated to the fairy queen. He might perform her menial domestic tasks, or, on the queen's orders, ride his black horse to our realm to capture a mortal who has taken her fancy. Although he is always silent, the Dark Man can make humans surrender their wills to his command, and they climb onto the back of his steed without protest. His fairy horse exhales fie from its nostrils as it races through the night, setting alight hedgerows as it gallops. A mortal's journey to the land of the fairies is almost always a one-way trip.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Irish Thought for July 1...
Irish Proverbs
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money.
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money.
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