Irish Musicians
Tommy Peoples
Born in 1948, the Irish fiddler Tommy Peoples has been a member of popular traditional Irish music groups, including 1691 and the Both Band, as well as a solo performer in the Donegal fiddle style, of which he is a virtuoso. He's currently the Traditional Musician In Residence at the Balor Arts Centre.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Irish Thought for August 30...
Quotations
Why should Ireland be treated as a geographical fragment of England...Ireland is not a geographical fragment, but a nation.
- Charles Stewart Parnell
Why should Ireland be treated as a geographical fragment of England...Ireland is not a geographical fragment, but a nation.
- Charles Stewart Parnell
Friday, August 29, 2014
Irish Thought for August 29...
Irish Blessings
May the lilt of Irish laughter
Lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic
Shorten every road.
And may all your friends remember
All the favors you are owed.
May the lilt of Irish laughter
Lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic
Shorten every road.
And may all your friends remember
All the favors you are owed.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Irish Thought for August 28...
Irish Movies
The Dead
Based on the great short story by James Joyce from his collection Dubliners, The Dead tells the delicate story of a husband and wife going to dinner at the home of the husband's spinster aunts; the secrets revealed that night shake their relationship. Starring Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann, and Dan O'Herlihy. Directed by John Huston.
The Dead
Based on the great short story by James Joyce from his collection Dubliners, The Dead tells the delicate story of a husband and wife going to dinner at the home of the husband's spinster aunts; the secrets revealed that night shake their relationship. Starring Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann, and Dan O'Herlihy. Directed by John Huston.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Irish Thought for August 27...
Irish Symbols
Claddagh
The claddagh, created with two small hands holding a crowned heart, is inspired by the warm, romantic spirit of the Irish people, and became a symbol of purity and loyalty in the royal courts. In modern times it has come to signify undying devotion and faithfulness, and rigs featuring the design are popular gifts for lovers to buy each other.
Claddagh
The claddagh, created with two small hands holding a crowned heart, is inspired by the warm, romantic spirit of the Irish people, and became a symbol of purity and loyalty in the royal courts. In modern times it has come to signify undying devotion and faithfulness, and rigs featuring the design are popular gifts for lovers to buy each other.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Irish Thought for August 26...
Irish Proverbs
What butter or whiskey won't cure, there is no cure for.
What butter or whiskey won't cure, there is no cure for.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Irish Thought for August 25...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Meet an artist...
HERYL NANCE-DURST
– Henna Art, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos
Sheryl has always loved anything that decorates people – henna, face paint, jewelry, costumes, you name it. She started practicing henna In 2001 and then added face painting and glitter tattoos to her repertoire. She has trained with nationally and internationally-known face painters and is one of KC’s top henna artists.
Meet an artist...
HERYL NANCE-DURST
– Henna Art, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos
Sheryl has always loved anything that decorates people – henna, face paint, jewelry, costumes, you name it. She started practicing henna In 2001 and then added face painting and glitter tattoos to her repertoire. She has trained with nationally and internationally-known face painters and is one of KC’s top henna artists.
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| This face painting would be perfect for this year's Irish Woodlands theme! |
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Irish Thought for August 24...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Here are hints of what we will get on stage when StoneLion Puppets are performing...
Shamrock Shenanigans
Travel to the mystical isle of Ireland in this Celtic cabaret marionette and rod puppet show. Dance a jig with leprechauns as dragons fly over head in the audience. Fairies, mermaids, selkies, and shamrocks with traditional and contemporary music will have your toes tapping and your face smiling.
Here are hints of what we will get on stage when StoneLion Puppets are performing...
Shamrock Shenanigans
Travel to the mystical isle of Ireland in this Celtic cabaret marionette and rod puppet show. Dance a jig with leprechauns as dragons fly over head in the audience. Fairies, mermaids, selkies, and shamrocks with traditional and contemporary music will have your toes tapping and your face smiling.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Irish Thought for August 23...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Who love you the most??? The Kid’s Club… we heard your need and this year we are delivering.
For the first time we have a combo wristband for each day that provides Face Painting and all day Bouncy!!!!!!!!!!!!
And yes, you can get this deeply discounted if you remind Mom and Dad to go online and buy the tickets before the Fest!
Buy them now, you will love them at the Fest and so will Mom and Dad because of the Savings!
Friday, August 22, 2014
Irish Thought for August 22...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Irish Stout continues his adventures and goes to find the new poor Nameless Cow. He tells the Cow to join him so that she will learn all of the Secrets to the Children’s Area.
They take off and find Colleen, Maeve, Erin, Kelsey, Maureen, Molly and Brendan. Wow, why so many? These kids are the Kid’s Club Members who perform Irish Dancing. And yes, they will be performing this year on the Children’s stage and on others including at the Feis.
Irish Stout says, “What would you tell the kids about this year?” They group all starts talking at once as they all have the same thought. The
Craft area this year is what they are excited about. We have gone green they all are saying. We have collected thousands of TP Rolls to make trees. We are celebrating Irish Forests and celebrating that the Forests are being worked on to add to their current glory. Maureen wants to make a couple of additions here, “And we have both Yvonne Healy who will be telling Ghost Stories on the last show on Saturday night, and Barry Fitzgerald who has some haunting information on the forests of Ireland coming on Sunday afternoon.”
Kelsey interjects here, “ Yvonne Healy is going to tell great stories each day in our area, just not scary ones until Saturday.” Colleen says,” Miss Yvonne is one of the most fun entertainers we have had in the Children’s Area.”
Megan and Michael run in at that moment and say, “Don’t forget Barry Fitzgerald, every year he always delights and entrances.”
About this time, Colleen, Maeve, Erin, Kelsey, Maureen, Molly and Brendan start smiling and tapping their toes.
Irish Stout walks away with the cow saying to the group of young people, “Look at you all there, happy out leaping about the place. Good luck at the Feis! We will be there watching.”
Irish Stout continues his adventures and goes to find the new poor Nameless Cow. He tells the Cow to join him so that she will learn all of the Secrets to the Children’s Area.
They take off and find Colleen, Maeve, Erin, Kelsey, Maureen, Molly and Brendan. Wow, why so many? These kids are the Kid’s Club Members who perform Irish Dancing. And yes, they will be performing this year on the Children’s stage and on others including at the Feis.
Irish Stout says, “What would you tell the kids about this year?” They group all starts talking at once as they all have the same thought. The
Craft area this year is what they are excited about. We have gone green they all are saying. We have collected thousands of TP Rolls to make trees. We are celebrating Irish Forests and celebrating that the Forests are being worked on to add to their current glory. Maureen wants to make a couple of additions here, “And we have both Yvonne Healy who will be telling Ghost Stories on the last show on Saturday night, and Barry Fitzgerald who has some haunting information on the forests of Ireland coming on Sunday afternoon.”
Kelsey interjects here, “ Yvonne Healy is going to tell great stories each day in our area, just not scary ones until Saturday.” Colleen says,” Miss Yvonne is one of the most fun entertainers we have had in the Children’s Area.”
Megan and Michael run in at that moment and say, “Don’t forget Barry Fitzgerald, every year he always delights and entrances.”
About this time, Colleen, Maeve, Erin, Kelsey, Maureen, Molly and Brendan start smiling and tapping their toes.
Irish Stout walks away with the cow saying to the group of young people, “Look at you all there, happy out leaping about the place. Good luck at the Feis! We will be there watching.”
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Irish Thought for August 21...
Quotations
Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.
-William Butler Yeats
Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.
-William Butler Yeats
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Irish Thought for August 20...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
New Tattoos!!!!
I got a hold of three new pictures for temporary tattoos that will be available to children (free!) at KCIF. In addition the pictures shown here, we have many other tattoos leftover from years past, and some that we like so much we keep ordering more!
New Tattoos!!!!
I got a hold of three new pictures for temporary tattoos that will be available to children (free!) at KCIF. In addition the pictures shown here, we have many other tattoos leftover from years past, and some that we like so much we keep ordering more!
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Fir Bolg pronounced fir bullug - a people who lived in Ireland for a time - sorry the picture didn't translate to well :(
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Clurichaun pronounced clurrickawn (an Irish fairy that looks like a leprechaun)
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| This year's yet-to-be-named-cow |
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Irish Thought for August 19...
Kansas City Irish Fest
The Adventures of Irish Stout
So Irish Stout (last year's cow) walks into area schools looking for a Member of the Kid's Club. Low and behold he finds Brendan.
Stout says, "What does all your guests in the Children's Area need to know this year?"
Brendan smiles and says, "They need to have so much fun!"
Stout, "Yes, that's true but what advice do we give them?"
About that time Kate walks up and says, "Well the parents need to go online NOW and buy combo wristbands for Face Painting and for the Bouncies, because they will save so much money and since all Irish Fest Kids come in free, it is the best deal to do everything the kid's area has!"
Stout, "Okay, thanks for that piece of advice, I am off to find more of the Kid's Club."
So watch out for more in the adventures of Irish Stout, he is not a beer, but the 2013 cow!
The Adventures of Irish Stout
So Irish Stout (last year's cow) walks into area schools looking for a Member of the Kid's Club. Low and behold he finds Brendan.
Stout says, "What does all your guests in the Children's Area need to know this year?"
Brendan smiles and says, "They need to have so much fun!"
Stout, "Yes, that's true but what advice do we give them?"
About that time Kate walks up and says, "Well the parents need to go online NOW and buy combo wristbands for Face Painting and for the Bouncies, because they will save so much money and since all Irish Fest Kids come in free, it is the best deal to do everything the kid's area has!"
Stout, "Okay, thanks for that piece of advice, I am off to find more of the Kid's Club."
So watch out for more in the adventures of Irish Stout, he is not a beer, but the 2013 cow!
Monday, August 18, 2014
Irish Thought for August 18...
Irish Food
Barmbrack
Generally served toasted with butter as part of an afternoon tea this leavened, flattened round bread in not quite as sweet as cake but has sultanas and raisins to add flavor and texture. As an Irish Halloween custom, barmbrack is baked with various small tokens embedded inside, and each charm found foretells the future for the finder. The name barmbrack comes from the Gaelic bairín breac, a combination of the word bairín, meaning "loaf" and breac, which means "speckled" referring to the raisins in the bread.
Barmbrack
Generally served toasted with butter as part of an afternoon tea this leavened, flattened round bread in not quite as sweet as cake but has sultanas and raisins to add flavor and texture. As an Irish Halloween custom, barmbrack is baked with various small tokens embedded inside, and each charm found foretells the future for the finder. The name barmbrack comes from the Gaelic bairín breac, a combination of the word bairín, meaning "loaf" and breac, which means "speckled" referring to the raisins in the bread.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Irish Thought for August 17...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
For all those attending Irish Fest...
Today, I am happy to announce that we are adding a way to receive a prize this year...with our first Facebook contest! We will have winners for three different pictures. The categories are 1. Best Face Painting Group Picture, 2. Best Tree Craft, and 3. Best Chalk Art Picture. For the face painting, all you need to is get your face painted and then take a picture with your friends or family. The tree craft is what you will be making in the Artrageous Area on the Terrace in order to add your flair to the theme of Irish Woodlands. Finally, the chalk art is part of the Kids' Area in the Park in which chalkboards will be set up for kids to draw a picture of anything, although I might suggest it represent something fun you saw or did at Irish Fest. I might add that although you do have to pay to get your face painted, you do not have to pay to chalk draw or make a tree craft. Those two activities are part of the Kids' Area that want you to express your creative side. After you take the pictures, post them on the Kansas City Irish Fest page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityIrishFest and the pictures with the most likes will win a gift card. Please add the picture and underneath type in which of the three categories your picture is to be entered. Then let the voting commence!
Even if you don't take pictures or participate in any of these activities, you can still go to Facebook and like pictures from the three categories to help someone win. You will have until the Friday after Irish Fest ends to vote or encourage your friends to vote for you.
Good luck all. I am so excited to see pictures of everyone having fun out there!!!!
For all those attending Irish Fest...
Today, I am happy to announce that we are adding a way to receive a prize this year...with our first Facebook contest! We will have winners for three different pictures. The categories are 1. Best Face Painting Group Picture, 2. Best Tree Craft, and 3. Best Chalk Art Picture. For the face painting, all you need to is get your face painted and then take a picture with your friends or family. The tree craft is what you will be making in the Artrageous Area on the Terrace in order to add your flair to the theme of Irish Woodlands. Finally, the chalk art is part of the Kids' Area in the Park in which chalkboards will be set up for kids to draw a picture of anything, although I might suggest it represent something fun you saw or did at Irish Fest. I might add that although you do have to pay to get your face painted, you do not have to pay to chalk draw or make a tree craft. Those two activities are part of the Kids' Area that want you to express your creative side. After you take the pictures, post them on the Kansas City Irish Fest page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityIrishFest and the pictures with the most likes will win a gift card. Please add the picture and underneath type in which of the three categories your picture is to be entered. Then let the voting commence!
Even if you don't take pictures or participate in any of these activities, you can still go to Facebook and like pictures from the three categories to help someone win. You will have until the Friday after Irish Fest ends to vote or encourage your friends to vote for you.
Good luck all. I am so excited to see pictures of everyone having fun out there!!!!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Irish Thought for August 16...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
As many of you know, the night before Irish Fest starts is my retirement day. I have had a great year sharing tidbits of information about Ireland and tidbits about Irish Fest, but I am getting ready to hand over the torch (don't worry - I will keep on keeping on until the very last day!). I'd like to introduce you to this year's KCIF cow!!!
However, as many of you know, she does not have a name. We look to all of you kids out there to help us on that account. I have gotten a picture of my new friend and need you to start putting your thinking caps on. Names are important. I am convinced that it was because I was named Irish Stout a year ago that the Irish Stout Guinness joined the offerings at Irish Fest (but, even if I don't drink, I will miss Boulevard's Stout). I think my name made magic happen!!!!
In the Children's Area , there will be a box, decorated like an Irish cow of course, near which you will also find pens and entry cards. I need your name, age, email, mailing address, and phone number on those cards along with your idea for a name. That way we can contact you if your name is chosen and we are able to mail the prize (a big cow) to you. This is a very important task because my friend in the picture looks like she is bursting with pride and being named soon!!!!
As many of you know, the night before Irish Fest starts is my retirement day. I have had a great year sharing tidbits of information about Ireland and tidbits about Irish Fest, but I am getting ready to hand over the torch (don't worry - I will keep on keeping on until the very last day!). I'd like to introduce you to this year's KCIF cow!!!
However, as many of you know, she does not have a name. We look to all of you kids out there to help us on that account. I have gotten a picture of my new friend and need you to start putting your thinking caps on. Names are important. I am convinced that it was because I was named Irish Stout a year ago that the Irish Stout Guinness joined the offerings at Irish Fest (but, even if I don't drink, I will miss Boulevard's Stout). I think my name made magic happen!!!!
In the Children's Area , there will be a box, decorated like an Irish cow of course, near which you will also find pens and entry cards. I need your name, age, email, mailing address, and phone number on those cards along with your idea for a name. That way we can contact you if your name is chosen and we are able to mail the prize (a big cow) to you. This is a very important task because my friend in the picture looks like she is bursting with pride and being named soon!!!!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Irish Thought for August 15...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
Who makes Irish Fest Rock every single year for the guests ages 1 to 19? It is the KCIF KID’S Club.
They are dedicated, bright, ambitious (have you see their tees?), and mostly just plain Fun! Every year right after Irish Fest this team decides what worked, what didn't, what needs improving, what needs expanding and what new things to add.
They work for months prior to Irish Fest, and then are there for most every minute of the best kid’s party of the year over Labor Day Weekend at KCIF. Some of them perform, but all of them are there to finish the year long plan to make this weekend a memorable one.
With that, we introduce the Irish Fest Kid’s Club! And their thoughts about why Irish Fest Rocks!
Brendan - You will know him because of his smile that melts your heart. Brendan is one of our younger members, and also one of our organized members. He is one I would ask what he is bringing, I have a feeling he would be ready to party. Meet Brendan in the Children’s Village, he is an expert at KCIF Bingo.
Here is what Brendan told me about Irish Fest.
"I like Irish Fest because of the kid’s area. I like the bounce houses and all the fun stuff there is! I like that all the kids can have fun at Irish Fest. I like all the food too!"
Brendan said rightfully that he has been at Irish Fest since day 1, he has been a member of the Kid’s Club for three years. His first Bingo was 3 years ago. Brendan is a Irish Dancer participating in his second Feis.
Patrick – He is a hard worker and takes his job at Irish Fest seriously. You will know him as the young man with a purpose. He is quiet, but when he speaks, it is with conviction, and his ideas are always fun. Patrick is a team player and will always help with the ‘yucky’ jobs like cleaning table last year in the rain blowing up balloons. Patrick may be anywhere in the Village, he helped a lot with the KCIF Children’s treasures to take home, and we spent significant time last year blowing up helium balloons together.
Patrick’s words of wisdom:
"I like Irish Fest because there is lots of fun stuff to do like the bounce houses and bungee jump. There is also lots of delicious foods to eat. I like to volunteer and help plan the kid’s area. It is really fun to hang out at Irish Fest!"
Colleen – I have had the pleasure of watching this young woman grow up in the Kid’s Club. Colleen was always ready to help, and very often would say yes when she should not in her sheer determination to help.
Colleen is an Irish Dancer, and has blossomed in that career as well. She dances at Irish Fest and does the Feis before and during the Fest, thus her ready to volunteer when she needs to be resting. Above all, Colleen is fun, you should see her Step Dance off a diving board; she has been working on that routine for years! Colleen has been with the Kid’s Club long enough that she could give some history of the growth of the area. When Colleen is not on stage, you will find her doing anything from handing out balloons to giving instructions on what absolutely needs to be done to have a wonderful Irish Fest Day!
Colleen is one of the Grand Dames of the Kid’s Club as this year she heads to High School and in Colleen’s words:.
"I love the music and how it is cultural and good to listen to. There is really good food. I also really enjoy performing Irish Dance every year at the festival and helping to volunteer. It is a great way to celebrate our culture and it makes me proud to be Irish!"
Yes, Colleen, Patrick and Brendan are related, look for these smiles at Irish Fest.
Who makes Irish Fest Rock every single year for the guests ages 1 to 19? It is the KCIF KID’S Club.
They are dedicated, bright, ambitious (have you see their tees?), and mostly just plain Fun! Every year right after Irish Fest this team decides what worked, what didn't, what needs improving, what needs expanding and what new things to add.
They work for months prior to Irish Fest, and then are there for most every minute of the best kid’s party of the year over Labor Day Weekend at KCIF. Some of them perform, but all of them are there to finish the year long plan to make this weekend a memorable one.
With that, we introduce the Irish Fest Kid’s Club! And their thoughts about why Irish Fest Rocks!
Brendan - You will know him because of his smile that melts your heart. Brendan is one of our younger members, and also one of our organized members. He is one I would ask what he is bringing, I have a feeling he would be ready to party. Meet Brendan in the Children’s Village, he is an expert at KCIF Bingo.
Here is what Brendan told me about Irish Fest.
"I like Irish Fest because of the kid’s area. I like the bounce houses and all the fun stuff there is! I like that all the kids can have fun at Irish Fest. I like all the food too!"
Brendan said rightfully that he has been at Irish Fest since day 1, he has been a member of the Kid’s Club for three years. His first Bingo was 3 years ago. Brendan is a Irish Dancer participating in his second Feis.
Patrick – He is a hard worker and takes his job at Irish Fest seriously. You will know him as the young man with a purpose. He is quiet, but when he speaks, it is with conviction, and his ideas are always fun. Patrick is a team player and will always help with the ‘yucky’ jobs like cleaning table last year in the rain blowing up balloons. Patrick may be anywhere in the Village, he helped a lot with the KCIF Children’s treasures to take home, and we spent significant time last year blowing up helium balloons together.
Patrick’s words of wisdom:
"I like Irish Fest because there is lots of fun stuff to do like the bounce houses and bungee jump. There is also lots of delicious foods to eat. I like to volunteer and help plan the kid’s area. It is really fun to hang out at Irish Fest!"
Colleen – I have had the pleasure of watching this young woman grow up in the Kid’s Club. Colleen was always ready to help, and very often would say yes when she should not in her sheer determination to help.
Colleen is an Irish Dancer, and has blossomed in that career as well. She dances at Irish Fest and does the Feis before and during the Fest, thus her ready to volunteer when she needs to be resting. Above all, Colleen is fun, you should see her Step Dance off a diving board; she has been working on that routine for years! Colleen has been with the Kid’s Club long enough that she could give some history of the growth of the area. When Colleen is not on stage, you will find her doing anything from handing out balloons to giving instructions on what absolutely needs to be done to have a wonderful Irish Fest Day!
Colleen is one of the Grand Dames of the Kid’s Club as this year she heads to High School and in Colleen’s words:.
"I love the music and how it is cultural and good to listen to. There is really good food. I also really enjoy performing Irish Dance every year at the festival and helping to volunteer. It is a great way to celebrate our culture and it makes me proud to be Irish!"
Yes, Colleen, Patrick and Brendan are related, look for these smiles at Irish Fest.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Irish thought for August 14...
Kansas City Irish Fest News
I just wanted to share this picture from our KCIF Kids' Club meeting on Sunday and write about what great workers they all are. They work year round, from the beginning stages of the theme for the Kids' Area to the final weeks when they work on making sure everything is in order for the big weekend. After discussing the layout of the Kids' Area, they got to work on jobs like pricing new fun things available at the merchandise tent to going through every marker to make sure it hadn't run out of ink - and tossing the ones that were dead. This group is that dedicated to ensuring that all kids have the best time possible at KCIF; they want an activity as simple as coloring to be in perfect order. Every year they share with the group ideas or concerns they have with me to help make the Kids' Area as safe, fun, and as problem-free as possible. I love that kids are representing kids.
Now that we are on our 13th KCIF, some of the Kids' Club have grown up and moved on to other areas of KCIF, but they still are happy to be a part of the event as long as college has not moved them too far away. That reason is why the Club members have t-shirts with "Future Board Member" displayed on them proudly.
This group, and every previous member, do an amazing job getting things ready for Labor Day weekend. I thank you all and look forward to more kids joining the group in the future!
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| Many of the KCIF Kids' Club |
Now that we are on our 13th KCIF, some of the Kids' Club have grown up and moved on to other areas of KCIF, but they still are happy to be a part of the event as long as college has not moved them too far away. That reason is why the Club members have t-shirts with "Future Board Member" displayed on them proudly.
This group, and every previous member, do an amazing job getting things ready for Labor Day weekend. I thank you all and look forward to more kids joining the group in the future!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Irish Thought for August 13...
Irish Blessings
May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.
May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Irish Thought for August 12...
Irish Proverbs
A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.
A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Irish Thought for August 11...
Kansas City Irish Fest News!
I've got the Kids' Stage Schedule! I am excited!!!!!!
I've got the Kids' Stage Schedule! I am excited!!!!!!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Irish Thought for August 10...
Irish Folklore
Blarney Stone
A block of bluestone known as the Blarney Stone, reputed to have magical powers, is set in a tower battlement of Blarney Castle in County Cork. The stone was placed in 1446, but its legends have been traced back centuries before that, even to biblical tales of Moses or King David, or to local stories of a king saving an old woman who told him about the stone's powers. Kissing the Blarney Stone supposedly bequeaths someone with the gift of gab, which has been variously described as eloquence, skill at flattery, or the ability to delude people without insulting them. Blarney Castle is a popular tourist site, attracting more than 300,000 people annually from all over the world who come to tour the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Blarney Stone
A block of bluestone known as the Blarney Stone, reputed to have magical powers, is set in a tower battlement of Blarney Castle in County Cork. The stone was placed in 1446, but its legends have been traced back centuries before that, even to biblical tales of Moses or King David, or to local stories of a king saving an old woman who told him about the stone's powers. Kissing the Blarney Stone supposedly bequeaths someone with the gift of gab, which has been variously described as eloquence, skill at flattery, or the ability to delude people without insulting them. Blarney Castle is a popular tourist site, attracting more than 300,000 people annually from all over the world who come to tour the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Irish Thought for August 9...
Irish Musicians
The Pogues
An Irish and English politically aware rock band formed in 1982, the Pogues have focused on creating traditional Irish music with punk rock and folk influences. Over the years, the band has been fronted by Shane MacGowan, Spider Stacey, and the late Joe Sturmmer. The Pogues are known for using traditional Irish instruments, including the accordion, mandolin, cittern, and tin whistle.
The Pogues
An Irish and English politically aware rock band formed in 1982, the Pogues have focused on creating traditional Irish music with punk rock and folk influences. Over the years, the band has been fronted by Shane MacGowan, Spider Stacey, and the late Joe Sturmmer. The Pogues are known for using traditional Irish instruments, including the accordion, mandolin, cittern, and tin whistle.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Irish Thought for August 8...
Quotations
I don't think there's any point in being Irish if you don't know that the world is going to break your heart eventually. I guess that we thought we had a little more time.
-Daniel Patrick Moynihan, after the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy
I don't think there's any point in being Irish if you don't know that the world is going to break your heart eventually. I guess that we thought we had a little more time.
-Daniel Patrick Moynihan, after the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Irish Thought for August 6...
Irish-American Movies
The Fighter
In the mid-1980s, boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) trains to become a professional with the help of his girlfiend (Amy Adams) and his difficult brother (Christian Bale). Christian Bale won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor, and Melissa Leo, playing Ward's mother, won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Directed by David O. Russell.
The Fighter
In the mid-1980s, boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) trains to become a professional with the help of his girlfiend (Amy Adams) and his difficult brother (Christian Bale). Christian Bale won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor, and Melissa Leo, playing Ward's mother, won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Directed by David O. Russell.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Irish Thought for August 4...
Irish Songs
The Wearin' o' the Green
Oh! Paddy, dear, and did you hear
The news that's going round,
The shamrock is forbid by law
To grow on Irish ground.
Saint Patrick's Day no more we'll keep
His color can't be seen
For there's a bloody law agin'
The wearing of the green.
I met with Napper Tandy
And he took me by the hand
And he said "How's poor old Ireland?
And how does she stand?"
She's the most distressful country
That ever you have seen,
They're hanging men and women there
For wearing of the green.
The Wearin' o' the Green
Oh! Paddy, dear, and did you hear
The news that's going round,
The shamrock is forbid by law
To grow on Irish ground.
Saint Patrick's Day no more we'll keep
His color can't be seen
For there's a bloody law agin'
The wearing of the green.
I met with Napper Tandy
And he took me by the hand
And he said "How's poor old Ireland?
And how does she stand?"
She's the most distressful country
That ever you have seen,
They're hanging men and women there
For wearing of the green.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Irish Thought for August 3...
Irish Blessings
Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day,
May the luck of the Irish
shine bright on your way.
Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day,
May the luck of the Irish
shine bright on your way.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Irish Thought for August 2...
Irish-American Celebrities
Wellington Mara
The son of Tim Mara, who founded the New York Giants in 1925, Wellington Mara was a co-owner of that team from 1959 until his death. Under his ownership and leadership, the Giants were one of the most successful NFL teams, but the League benefited from his vision as well: Wellington and his brother Jack, as the owners of the team in the NFL's largest market, agreed to a program that shared television revenue from major markets with smaller ones, thereby creating more parity among the teams. Among his 42 grandchildren are the the actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.
Wellington Mara
The son of Tim Mara, who founded the New York Giants in 1925, Wellington Mara was a co-owner of that team from 1959 until his death. Under his ownership and leadership, the Giants were one of the most successful NFL teams, but the League benefited from his vision as well: Wellington and his brother Jack, as the owners of the team in the NFL's largest market, agreed to a program that shared television revenue from major markets with smaller ones, thereby creating more parity among the teams. Among his 42 grandchildren are the the actresses Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Irish Thought for August 1...
Irish Writers
William Butler Yeats
Born in Dublin, the poet and dramatist William Butler Yeats is considered to be one of the most important writers of the 20th century literature. In 1923, he was the first Irishman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, although he is often credited with being one of the rare writers who composed his best work, including 1929s The Winding Stair and Other Poems, after receiving the award.
William Butler Yeats
Born in Dublin, the poet and dramatist William Butler Yeats is considered to be one of the most important writers of the 20th century literature. In 1923, he was the first Irishman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, although he is often credited with being one of the rare writers who composed his best work, including 1929s The Winding Stair and Other Poems, after receiving the award.
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