Come to think of it, $2.35mm could probably buy all of Carnegie, Heidelberg - including Denny Donnelly's house - a good part of Bridgeville, PA and still have enough left over for for a lifetime of rounds of drinks at the Uke's.
I'd even be in favor of relaxing our AOH "Irish bloodline" membership rules if our "Flying Dutchman" would agree to be a "Buying Irishman" since there are so few little of them. Hah!
Get your Irish Up this Saturday, March 3rd during our annual AOH/LAOH 32 St. Patrick's Celebration and kick off the fun days leading up to St. Patrick's Day!
Here are the details:
March 3rd Party at the Uke's Club in Carnegie from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight
$7.00 per person (payable at the door) donation includes table snacks and food at 9:45 p.m. - Cash bar
Entertainment provided by the Irish duo of Laughrey Connelly and the Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band
For more information call Dennis Murphy at 412.279.8545 and leave a message - his dog never picks up the phone - we need to know if you're coming. Or simply email Murph.
Stop by and say "hello" and celebrate the start of the St. Patrick's Day season. Slainte!
"The first fish fry was a big success. We sold out of fish, the turnout was good, both customers and workers. It was pleasing to see that nearly all of the workers showed up and some members dropped in and offered to help. We must keep up the interest.
Thanks to everyone who helped make our first effort a huge success can contact me or Ed Blank and choose a date to work. With the great turnout of workers the clean up and other chores were much easier to accomplish."
In tribute to the young and old lads - FISH FRY MONGERS - who performed brilliantly at our Fish Fry last "Fryday" I give you Dublin's Barry Dodd singing Molly Malone.
February 26 1797 - The Bank of Ireland suspends gold payments 1854 - William Smith O'Brien, leader of the 1848 rebellion, is pardoned 1962 - Due to "lack of support", the Irish Republican Army ends what it calls "The Campaign of Resistance to British Occupation"; which is also known as the 'Border Campaign' 1978 - Film critic Ciaran Carty hails the Irish language film Poitín for its deromanticization of the west 1983 -Irishman Pat Jennings becomes the first footballer to play in 1,000 Football League matches 1998 - During talks at Downing Street, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern launches a bid to persuade British Prime Minister Tony Blair to sign up to an Anglo-Irish paper which would lay out the details of a final Northern Ireland peace settlement 1998 - An army recruitment programme to bolster the defence forces with 500 new members is officially launched with a commitment made to keep staffing levels at 11,500 by the end of 1998 1999 - During talks in Bonn, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair agree to push for implementation of the Good Friday peace deal by the March 10 deadline 2001 - The Government imposes a temporary ban on the country’s 120 livestock marts as the devastating foot and mouth disease spreads in Britain. Strict procedures are also implemented in airports around Ireland to keep the disease out of the country 2001 - Blizzards, gale force winds and driving hail sweep the country, leaving many householders without electricity or heat. February 27 1495 - Garret More Fitzgerald, Eighth Earl of Kildare, is arrested in Dublin by Sir Edward Poynings, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1760 - François Thurot holds the castle and the town of Carrickfergus until this date 1792 - The Irish House of Commons is partly destroyed by fire 1841 - William Bruce, Sr., the last surviving member of the Ulster Volunteer convention of 1783, a group that fostered efforts towards reform, dies 1907 - Coslett Quin, clergyman, scholar and linguist, is born in Derriaghy, Co. Antrim 1975 - Scotland Yard announces that the man who shot dead a police officer in London on February 26 had been staying in a flat used as a "bomb factory" by the Provisional IRA 1997 - After a contentious court battle contesting the referendum, the new divorce law in the Republic is enacted 1998 - A recruitment programme to bolster the defence forces with 500 new members officially launched with a commitment made to keep staffing levels at 11,500 by the end of 1998 2000 - President Mary McAleese and former Taoiseach Charles Haughey are among the many people to pay tribute at the funeral of North Kerry Fianna Fáil TD and former minister, Tom McEllistrim 2001 - In an effort to help prevent the spread of hoof and mouth disease, the Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland is cancelled and the Government has asked the Irish racing industry not to participate in the Cheltenham racing festival this year. All horseracing, including point to point events, and all greyhound meets are also cancelled until further notice 2001 - Blizzard conditions bring parts of Leinster to a standstill; all flights are cancelled at Dublin Airport and many roads are left impassable after heavy falls of snow 2002 - Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger visits University College Cork where he is confronted by more than 400 angry students protesting his presence 2003 - The funeral of former chief justice and government minister Tom O’Higgins takes place at St Patrick’s Church in Monkstown, Dublin 2003 - The European Commission confirms that new cars cost, on average, are 10% more in Ireland than the lowest pre-tax prices recommended by manufacturers in other eurozone markets. February 28 1713 - Henry Pyne, MP for Dungarvan, aged about 24 and the father of three children, is killed in a duel with Theophilus Biddulph at Chelsea Fields, London; Biddulph will later be convicted of manslaughter 1790 - The Northern Whig Club is founded in Belfast 1799 - William Dargan, railway engineer and philanthropist, is born in Carlow 1830 - Whitley Stokes, jurist and Celtic scholar, is born in Dublin 1884 - Seán MacDiarmada, revolutionary, is born in Kiltycolgher, Co. Leitrim 1929 - Poet John Montague, best known for his volume, The Rough Field, is born 1933 - Birth of Noel Cantwell, captain of Manchester United and Irish international 1938 - Alice Taylor, writer, is born near Newmarket, Co. Cork 1944 - John O'Shea, journalist, charity worker and founder of GOAL, is born in Limerick 1955 - Premiere of Sean O’Casey’s play The Bishop’s Bonfire in Dublin 1961 - Birth in Clones, Co. Monaghan of Barry McGuigan, "the Clones Cyclone", world featherweight boxing champion (WBA) 1985-86 1973 - General election in the Republic leads to a Fine Gael-Labour coalition government; Liam Cosgrave becomes Taoiseach 1998 - Death of one of TV's best-loved comedy stars, Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted in the hit Channel 4 show 1999 - Sinn Feín supporters rally in Belfast to urge an end to unionists delaying the establishment of a power-sharing executive 2001 - Economic disaster is threatened after the first case of foot and mouth disease for 60 years is confirmed in Meigh, South Armagh 2001 - Dublin Zoo and Fota Island in Cork are closed as a preventive measure designed to protect any animals that may be susceptible to foot and mouth disease 2002 - U2 and Enya lead the Irish victory celebrations at the Grammys in Los Angeles. Bono's boys scoop the best rock album title for All That You Can't Leave Behind, best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal for Elevation, and best pop performance by a duo or group for Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of. Donegal singer/songwriter Enya wins best new age album for A Day Without Rain 2003 - Soldiers add razor wire to Shannon Airport’s perimeter fences as the army and gardaí brace for trouble at anti-war protest 2003 - Bono is made a knight of the French Legion - France’s highest award. February 29 1888 - Birth of Thomas Paterson, historian and antiquarian 1948 - Dermot Weld, racehorse trainer, is born 2000 - The British and Irish governments come under fresh pressure from a range of political opinion in Northern Ireland to convene a meeting of the North’s parties to resurrect devolution 2000 - Army bomb experts recover a hand held rocket launcher in Co. Tyrone just hours after it is learned that large amounts of Semtex high explosive have been stolen from Provisional IRA hides 2000 - Hospital waiting lists soar to their highest level in more than a year 2000 - Claire McCollum,a newsreader at Downtown Radio in Newtownards, Co. Down makes headlines herself when she proposes on air to Dungannon and Ulster rugby star Alastair Clarke. Mr. Clarke said yes 2000 - After weeks of controversy over the level of troop cuts and the lack of consultation with military chiefs, the White Paper on Defence gains Cabinet approval 2000 - The plan to allow solicitors be appointed as judges in the High and Supreme courts is broadly welcomed by the Law Society 2000 - Live on Today FM, Claudette Campbell pops the question to Richard Walsh 170 feet above the city of Dublin. Together for 14 years, the childhood sweethearts are among the first to take in the spectacular view from the capital’s new observation tower. Richard accepts his sweetheart's proposal.
March 1 1703 - Birth of Philip Tisdall, politician and Attorney General noted for his lavish hospitality 1726 - Abraham Shackleton, a Quaker, opens a school at Ballitore, Co. Kildare. Edmund Burke will later be a pupil 1794 - Statutes of Dublin University amended to allow Catholics to take degrees 1848 - Augustus St. Guadens, Irish sculptor of Dublin's Parnell monument, is born 1905 - Birth of Nano Reid, painter, in Drogheda, Co. Louth 1949 - Birth in Donegal of guitarist Rory Gallagher 1953 - Birth of Martin O’Neill, international soccer star and manager of Celtic 1965 - Roger Casement's body is re-interred in Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin 1976 - "Special Category" status is removed from political prisoners in Northern Ireland 1981 - Bobby Sands begins his hunger strike at Long Kesh prison 1998 - President McAleese defends her decision to hold a reception to mark Orange Day celebrations in the face of mounting criticism from unionists 1998 - DUP councillor Nigel Dodds calls for security to be stepped up following an INLA bomb attack at a school used by Catholic and Protestant children 1999 - The heroic action of a pilot and the crew of a Channel Express cargo plane avert a major tragedy as they land the plane safely at Shannon after two propellers on their ageing aircraft disintegrated, disabling two of their four engines and leaving a deep hole in the aircraft's fuselage 2001 - Fears of a foot and mouth outbreak in Kerry are eased with confirmation from the Department of Agriculture that no animals checked on two farms near Castleisland show symptoms of the disease 2003 - According to a new global survey, Dublin is one of the safest cities in the world. March 2 1718 - Birth of John Gore. Baron Annal, lawyer, politician and Chief Justice of the King's Bench from1764 to 1784 1871 - Gladstone gives his first speech in the House of Commons on Home Rule 1888 - Birth in Dublin of Cyril Bentham Falls, military historian and journalist 1979 - Death of hurler Christy Ring 1996 - Thomas P. O'Neill, Irish historian, dies 1998 - The Kerry Bog Pony receives its "passport," from Weatherbys, which proves pedigree and opens up sales opportunities worldwide. The passport contains height, breeding details and blood type 2001 - In measures adding to the effects of Ireland’s countrywide lock up, the United States bans Irish meat, and the Philippine government returns 1,000 plus boxes of processed Irish beef just 24 hours after France bans Irish livestock 2001 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern presents Bill Whelan with the IMRO Lifetime Achievement Award at Dublin Castle 2001 - Three farms in Monaghan and one in Louth are sealed off in a bid to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease 2001 - The massive beef and lamb slaughtering facility at Kildare Chilling — capable of processing almost 2,000 animals a day is closed as a precautionary measure against spreading foot and mouth disease. March 3 1592 - A charter incorporates the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, near Dublin, later to become known as Trinity College 1766 - Four pirates are found guilty in Dublin of murdering on the high seas Captain Cochrane, Captain Glass and others, and of plundering and scuttling the Lord Sandwich; they are executed in St Stephen's Green on this date and later hanged in chains near the Liffey; complaints from the public lead to the removal of the corpses to Dalkey Island 1831 - In the 'tithe war', 120 police move in to Graiguenamanagh to seize cattle in payment of the tithe 1918 - Birth of Sir Peter O'Sullevan, "the voice of horseracing" 1954 - Birth of Ollie Campbell, rugby player, in Dublin 1977 - Birth of Ronan Keating of Boyzone fame 1998 - Two friends, one a Catholic the other a Protestant, are shot dead, after being ordered to lie on the floor of a bar in Pontyz Pass, near Newry, Co. Down 2000 - The hearing of the longest ever action in the High Court ends after a total of 281 days spread over a number of law terms since its 1997 opening 2002 - The Government has again refused to bail out RTÉ after a new consultants' report concludes that the national broadcaster will run out of cash by next year 2002 - It is anticipated that by 2035, total forestry production in Ireland will be €1.7 billion 2003 - According to a survey by the Dublin Institute of Technology's Tourism Research Centre, the US is the most desirable destination for Irish tourists. In second place is South Africa, while Italy is the favourite continental destination 2003 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair conduct talks at Hillsborough Castle in the latest bid to restore devolution and secure the Provisionals’ disarmament 2003 - Ambulance workers in Kilkenny abandon their fleets (responding to 999 calls only) in protest over changes in their working terms which they say are being enforced by their health board. March 4 1704 - Penal law 'to prevent the further growth of popery' restricts landholding rights for Catholics; gavelkind is reimposed on Catholics (unless the eldest son converts to Protestantism, in which case he inherits the whole); a 'sacramental test' for public office is introduced, directed mainly at Ulster Presbyterians 1771 - John Ponsonby resigns as Speaker of the Irish parliament for political reasons; Edmond Sexton Pery is elected to replace him 1778 - Robert Emmet, one of Ireland's most famous revolutionaries, is born in Dublin 1794 - William Carleton, novelist, is born in Prillisk, Co. Tyrone 1864 - Daniel Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne and advocate of Irish independence, is born in Charleville, Co. Cork 1867 - Fenian national uprising begins in Ireland 1888 - Grace Gifford Plunkett, Irish patriot, is born in Rathmines, Dublin 1902 - Ancient Order of Hibernians is revived at unity council 1916 - First Irish Race Convention is held in New York City. Serves as immediate call for the Easter Rebellion in Dublin 1923 - Birth of Sir Patrick Moore, broadcaster, astronomer and curate at the Armagh Observatory 1978 - Death of General James Emmet Dalton, aged 80 (today is also his birthday). Dalton led the bombardment of the Four Courts in what effectively is the start of the Civil War, and is with Michael Collins at Béal na mBlátha when they are ambushed and Collins is assassinated 1993 - U2 ties with REM as "best band" in a Rolling Stones magazine reader's poll 2001 - A car bomb explosion outside the BBC’s London headquarters on Wood Lane in west London is said to be part of an ongoing campaign of ‘‘murderous attacks’’ by the Real IRA 2001 - 300 sheep are destroyed and eight Irish farms are cordoned off as a precaution against foot and mouth disease. Despite 69 confirmed cases in Britain and one in the North, there is still no case of the disease in the Republic 2001 -The world’s largest car ferry arrives in Dublin Port. The £80 million Ulysses sailed from Finland following her construction for Irish Ferries. Once she has completed final sea trials the vessel will go into service on the Dublin-Holyhead route 2001 - After being left to rot for the last 22 years, the boat made famous for smuggling arms to the Irish Volunteers in 1914, the Asgard, is released from Kilmainham Gaol and moved to the Docklands where restoration, estimated to cost over £1 million, will take place 2002 - Fears of chaos around the country's schools prove to be unfounded as 2,500 non-teachers begin supervision and substitution duties in more than 600 schools 2003 - The North’s assembly elections look set to be delayed for weeks following failure to reach an early agreement on a deal to restore the power-sharing government.
Our third annual AOH 32 Fish Fry kicks-off TODAY, Friday, February 23rd at the Uke's Club at the corner of Walnut Street and Mansfield Boulevard in historic Carnegie, PA - God's little slice of heaven on earth!
Volunteers, friends, family and total strangers and even strange people (you know who you are) are welcome!
All fish fry's run from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. except Good Friday. All other dates are: March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Call-in orders to 412.276.9681. Here is the menu Fish Sandwich $5.75; Fish Dinner (sandwich/fries/cole slaw) $6.75; Mac & Cheese $1.75; Halushka $1.75; Soup $1.75; Fries $1.75; cole Slaw $1.25. The ladies of LAOH 32 will be holding their Bake Sale too!This is a great fundraiser for our Division and helps us continue to do our many good works. Please stop by and tell your friends and family. Also, we need 22 people each day to staff, so please...please email Bill Carr or Ed Blank to offer your services. It's a fun time and you'll be happy you helped this great cause.
Note: The following story is true. It happened in Alexandria, VA in 1999. Pat Troy, who came to America from Ireland and was running a successful Irish pub, lost a zoning battle that prevented him from relocating his pub to a building he'd purchased. The reason: the condo association next door didn't want a "dirty Irish pub" for a neighbor. Troy has since moved his pub to another location. Here's the link to his Web site.
The slogan wasn't "Irish need not apply." It was worse.
In OldTown, Alexandria, a stone's throw from Washington, D.C., a battle has raged. The battle involves a popular Irish pub called Ireland's Own and a condo association. Here's what's been going down.
After 19 years, Pat Troy's Ireland's Own pub must relocate; a new landlord is converting the restaurant's space into offices. So Pat Troy, an Irishman known for his many charitable causes, purchased a building two blocks from its current location – right across the street from the condo people.
That's when all hell broke loose.
Condo people despise pubs. They despise noise. They tend to be single middle-aged women with cats, and they'll do ANYTHING to keep Irish pubs out of their snug little existence. They launched a political attack that made Al Qaeda operatives look like Quakers.
First came their "NOLUV" slogan, which stood for "noise, overcrowding, litter, urinating and vomiting." Then came allegations about the pub's patrons – that they drink too many pints of Guinness, then sing the Unicorn song into the wee hours.
Then came the condo association letter. It read: "Pat Troy's Ireland's Own isn't just a bar, it's an IRISH bar. Having it as a neighbor will destroy our property values..."
The lousy condo-owner bigots.
My great great grandfather Thomas James Purcell came here from Ireland in the 1870's. He suffered similar indiscretions. That they're still occurring is no surprise. We Irish have suffered slander and humiliation for years.
But we can take it.
We can take the drinking jokes, such as, Why did God invent whiskey? To keep the Irish from taking over the earth. Or: What's a seven-course Irish meal? A potato and a six-pack. Or: What's the difference between an Irish wedding and an Irish wake? One less drunk.
We don't mind the one about Paddy finding a tea kettle in the woods. When he rubs it, a genie pops out and grants him three wishes. Paddy wishes for a bottle of whiskey; it appears in his hands. When he drinks it, the bottle automatically refills. He drinks it again, and it refills.
"What's that?" says Paddy.
"That is the bottle of infinity," said the genie. "Every time you empty it, it will be refilled. Now, you have two more wishes. What do you want?"
"Jaaasus," says Paddy. "I'll have two more just like it!"
We don't mind the lazy Irish jokes, such as the one about St. Patrick going to an Irish pub. Donovan, McNalley and Finnegan see him. Each buy him a beer. Before leaving, St. Patrick shakes Donovan's hand.
Donovan says, "My arthritis! St. Patrick, your touch has cured it!"
St. Patrick shakes McNalley's hand, and McNalley says, "My blind right eye! St. Patrick, you've cured it!"
St. Patrick goes to shake Finnegan's hand. Finnegan shouts, "Get away from me, St. Patrick. I'm on disability!"
We don't mind the Pat and Mike jokes, such as the one where Pat goes to Confession.
"Father, I've had an adulterous affair," says Pat.
"What is her name?" says the priest.
"I'm not telling," says Pat.
"Was it the McMannis Lass?" says the priest.
"No," says Pat.
"Was it the McAlister widow?" he continues. "We've been gettin' reports on her."
"No," says Pat.
"Was it the McGuinness harlot?" he demands.
"Father," says Pat, "I'm not going to tell you the lass's name."
"Then I'm not going to absolve your sins," says the priest.
Pat goes outside to Mike. Mike says, "So, Pat, did you get absolution?"
"No," says, Pat. "But I got three very good leads."
We Irish don't mind that so many jokes are told at our expense. We don't mind being slandered and stereotyped by uppity condo owners. Nor do we mind that the condo owners succeeded in thwarting the move of Ireland's Own to the building Pat Troy had purchased. (Alexandria's city council voted the measure down four votes to three).
Because we Irish don't get mad, we get even.
Pat Troy will find a new home, and he and his fine pub will succeed. As for me, I'll be patronizing Ireland's Own on St. Patrick's Day. I'll drink several pints of Guinness, then stroll over to a certain condo building, where, into the wee hours, I'll sing the Unicorn song at the top of "me" lungs.
Depending on how things go, I'll see how many of the other NOLUV activities I can fit in.
With the world in such a tizzy these days - with so many people ready to shout and argue and poke each other in the eyes - I can't think of a better time to embrace the Irish spirit.
It's my great good fortune to be a fellow of Irish descent. I share my good fortune with a quarter of all Americans, who can also trace their heritage to the rolling, green hills of Ireland.
As a lad, I remember my father the Big Guy sitting on the back porch on Sundays. Uncle Mike would sometimes visit for a couple of beers, and few things gave them more pleasure than swapping Irish jokes.
Such as the one about the fellow who was touring the Irish countryside. Hungry, he stopped at a farm and asked for refreshment. The lady of the house served him a bowl of soup. There was a pig in the house that kept running up to the fellow.
"That is the friendliest pig I ever did meet," he said to the woman.
"He's not friendly at all," said the woman. "That's his bowl you're using."
I know that I'm not really "Irish," but an American through and through. I know, too, that I'm also of German descent, and, much to my father's horror, my great-grandmother on his side turned out not to be Irish, but 100 percent French.
Still, in my family we idealize what it means to be Irish. Being Irish means to laugh easily, never to take yourself too seriously, to be cautious of getting stuck in the narrowness of your own point of view.
Which reminds me of the one about the German spy who is sent to Ireland during World War II. The German is instructed to meet an Irish spy named Murphy and confirm Murphy's identity by saying, "The weather could change by Tuesday."
After the German parachutes into Ireland, he sets off for town. Along the way, he asks a farmer where he might find a man named Murphy.
"Well, sir, it all depends on which Murphy," says the farmer. "We have Murphy the doctor, Murphy the postal carrier, Murphy the stone mason and Murphy the teacher. As a matter of fact, I, too, am Murphy, Murphy the farmer."
The German gets an idea.
"The weather could change by Tuesday," he says.
"Aye," says the farmer, "you'll be wanting Murphy the spy."
James Thurber, one of my favorite humorists, says the wheels of humor are set in motion by the damp hand of melancholy. Aristotle wrote that comedy and tragedy are close cousins. The Irish have long known that humor and laughter are our chief weapons for combating sadness and pain.
Which reminds me of the time a young Irishman tells his mother he's in love. Just for fun, he brings home three girls and asks his mother to guess which of the three he has chosen to be his bride.
After his mother interviews all three, she says, "Your fiancée is the one in the middle."
"That's amazing, ma. How did you know?"
"Because I don't like her."
British academic and joke theorist Christy Davies says a good joke can help clarify and express complex feelings. A good joke can cut to the heart of the matter better than any speech or law or government policy.
If only every country and every culture held such a point of view. How much better the world would be if all people responded to humor by laughing or at least by thinking -- instead of rioting and blowing things up.
These days, with all the conflict and disagreement going on, we could all profit from a better sense of humor.
Which reminds me of the time Pat explained to Mike why his valiant effort to scale Mt. Everest fell short.
"Aye," says Pat, "I would have made it to the top had I not run out of scaffolding."
Both of our sites, AOH Division 32 Web Site and Blog have been awarded Nancy's Celtic Award 2007. This award is not given lightly. As a prolific webmistress, graphic designer and author, it has always been Nancy's goal to increase awareness and appreciation for Irish and Celtic cultures. Her award is only given to sites that educate about and share the beauty of these cultures in a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Congratulations to AOH 32 brother Jim Lamb who is the Grand Marshal of the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh!
Jim joined the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh in January of 1992 as Director of Training. He was hired to manage the Institute's Internship Program for unemployed young adults from Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Prior to that he worked for seven years with abused and neglected youth and families at Try Again Homes, Inc. He held several positions there including Director of Foster Care and Director of Counseling Services. He also worked with disadvantaged populations at Goodwill Industries and the NorthernAreaMulti-ServiceCenter.
Jim holds a Masters of Science in Education from DuquesneUniversity and a Bachelor of Science from PennsylvaniaStateUniversity. He serves on the board of the South Hills Interface Ministries and the international advisory board of RobertMorrisUniversity.
He is an advocate for reconciliation in Northern Ireland and economic development in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Western Pennsylvania. His background, working with disadvantaged populations locally and abroad, and his understanding of the ever-changing social, political, and economic challenges in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Western Pennsylvania are important elements to his work at the Ireland Institute.
Jim, his wife, Ann Burns-Lamb, and son Ciaran reside in Pittsburgh.
Congratulations again Jim - you done us Carnegie boys proud!
Galway Bay is sung by Dolores Keane (born 1953) an Irish folk singer. She was a founding member and vocalist of De Dannan, an Irish folk music group. Great scenery and songstress.
1904 - Birth on the Great Blasket Island of writer Muiris Ó Suilleabhain who is best known for his book, "Twenty Years A-Growing" 1939 - De Valera states his intention to preserve Irish neutrality in the event of a second world war 1987 - A general election in the Republic returns a Fianna Fáil government with Haughey as Taoiseach 1992 - US government deports Joseph Doherty, volunteer Oglaigh na hÉireann 1999 - Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh launches an ambitious bid to cushion the impact on Ireland of huge cuts in EU beef subsidies as the deadline for sweeping CAP reforms nears 1999 - Families of missing IRA murder victims plead with Sinn Féin leaders to use their influence with the IRA to find out where the dead are buried 1999 - The hearing of an application by Sinn Féin for an injunction restraining the party's expulsion from the Northern Ireland negotiations resumes at the High Court 2000 - Four peacekeepers killed in an automobile accident in Lebanon - Privates Declan Deere, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Murphy and John Lawlor - are laid to rest in their native towns 2001 - According to the latest price survey, taxes make price of Irish cars highest in the EU 2001 - A 4ft limestone rock is unveiled at the entrance to Villierstown in west Waterford which is famous for the heroic exploits and achievements of John Treacy. Weighing a massive eight and a quarter tons, the stone, which came from the nearby quarry at Cappagh, bears the surnames of all 84 families living in the village and the immediate surrounding townlands as of January 1, 2000 2003 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says a second United Nations resolution before any military action against Iraq is a political imperative. But Mr Ahern is still refusing to state whether the Government will halt the use of Shannon Airport by the US military if the Bush administration undertakes unilateral action against Saddam Hussein without UN backing. February 20 1742 - James Gandon, architect and builder of the Customs House, the Four Courts and other Dublin buildings, is born in London 1794 - Birth near Clogher, Co. Tyrone of William Carleton, one of the most graphic writers about the Famine. He is best known for his Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry 1874 - Gladstone resigns; a Conservative administration under Disraeli takes over 1882 - Birth of Padraic Ó Conaire, writer and poet, in Galway 1892 - First performance of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan 1989 - IRA bombs Tern Hill barracks in Shropshire 1998 - In a face-to-face meeting with Northern Secretary Mo Mowlam and Foreign Affairs Minister David Andrews at Stormont, Gerry Adams is told that Sinn Féin is suspended from the peace talks for just under three weeks 1998 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern agrees to a demand from Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams for a crisis meeting next week, amid mounting fears that IRA 'hawks' will attempt to scupper any chance of Sinn Féin's return to the talks 2001 - Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne confirms that eighty publicans are to be prosecuted for serving drink to underage customers 2002 - After intense speculation that the Abbey Theatre would move to the southside of the Liffey to a completely new location in the Dublin Docklands, Arts Minister Síle de Valera informs the board of the theatre that the government has decided it is to be redeveloped at its present location 2003 - New figures compiled by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) show that Ireland has the highest death rate from heart disease in Western Europe. Finland is second and Britain is third 2003 - Sinn Féin chairperson Mitchel McLoughlin claim claims that the deadlock in the Northern peace process will only be broken by St Patrick’s Day if the British Government delivers on the outstanding promises of the Good Friday Agreement 2003 - The European Commission is accused of abusing private citizens’ right by conceding to American pressure on a data protection controversy. Transatlantic airlines such as Aer Lingus will be forced to provide US authorities with the names, addresses, phone numbers, itineraries and credit card details of all passengers flying to the United States. February 21 1775 - Edward Denny, MP for Tralee, commits suicide 1760 - François Thurot lands French forces at Carrickfergus in Belfast Lough, increasing English anxiety about an Irish-Catholic alliance with the French. 1822 - Birth in Dublin of Richard Southwell Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo; Viceroy and Governor-General of India 1893 - Peadar O'Donnell, revolutionary and writer, is born in Co. Donegal 1922 - The Garda Síochána na h-Eireann - Guardians of the Peace of Ireland - is founded 1999 - Seven men, including senior figures in the Real IRA. are arrested in connection with the Omagh bombing - five in the Republic and two by the RUC in the North, in a simultaneous operation 2000 - A new survey reveals that Dubliners have more disposable income than people living in other parts of Ireland 2001 - The country's multi billion pound livestock industry is on full alert for signs of foot and mouth disease after the first outbreak in Britain for twenty years is confirmed in pigs 2001 - Ronnie Drew becomes one of the first non-sportsmen to receive a Posthouse Legend in Life award 2001 - The British and Irish Governments are considering proposals for round table talks involving the Northern Ireland parties amid growing pessimism about the peace process 2001 - Desmond O'Connell becomes the first Archbishop of Dublin in over 100 years to be installed as a Cardinal. A large Irish contingent from Church and State, along with family and friends of the Cardinal attend the installation which for the first time takes place at the front of the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica 2003 - A rare political letter written by Michael Collins fetches a record price of €28,000 at an auction in James Adam showrooms on Dublin’s Stephen’s Green. Despite fierce bidding by the National Library, the letter is purchased by singer Enya’s manager Mickey Ryan who says he wants the letter to remain in Ireland.
February 22 1772 - On the first occasion of his attendance after the death of his only child (a daughter), Thomas Eyre, MP for Fore, dies in the House of Commons - 'suddenly taken with an apoplectic fit and dropt down dead in his place' 1797 -The last invasion of England: Small French force commanded by Irishman William Tate lands in Wales 1832 - The first burial takes place at Glasnevin Cemetery 1886 - At Ulster Hall in Belfast, Lord Randolph Churchill gives his destructive speech which includes the incendiary comment, "Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right." The speech instills fear of rule by Roman Catholics in Dublin and incites militant loyalists 1893 - Peadar O'Donnell, novelist, editor of the newspaper An Phoblacht (The Republic) and social reformer, is born in Co. Donegal 1900 - Birth in Cork of short story writer Sean O'Faolain 1921 - Cecil King, painter, is born in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow 1972 - IRA bomb kills six at Aldershot barracks in Surrey, including five women and a Roman Catholic army priest; 19 people are injured and one of these victims dies later 1995 - Death at the age of 76 of Dublin man Johnny Carey, soccer international, and one of Manchester United’s great captains 1998 - Republicans take to the streets in the first of a series of demonstrations in protest at Sinn Féin's suspension from the Northern Ireland peace talks 1998 - Opposition parties are claiming the Government may have breached the Constitution by allowing planes carrying US troops to refuel at Shannon Airport over recent weeks 1998 - Neil Jordan, director of The Butcher Boy, is awarded a Silver Bear for best director at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival 1998 - Cross-border cooperation between the Irish Marine Emergency Services and the Northern Ireland Coastguard is put to the test as emergency teams from the Ambulance Service, the RUC, Irish Marine Emergency Service, the Coastal Rescue Teams and others join forces for a spectacular drill on Carlingford Lough 1998 - Criminal and security sources confirm that the man believed to have masterminded the Omagh bomb massacre has escaped the country on a false Irish passport 1999 - Labour Party TD Pat Upton dies of a massive heart attack 2001 - Authorities begin placing a massive security cordon on sea and airports and along the 300-mile border with Northern Ireland in a determined bid to prevent animals infected with foot and mouth disease from entering the country 2001 - President Mary McAleese launches the Manchester Irish Festival and a website to provide a record of Irish family histories 2001 - The British Government unveils a £12 million aid package for victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland 2002 - A unique record of the life and times of Irish emigrant families throughout the world is launched by President Mary McAleese in Manchester. This first ever social history of emigrant activity will be set down by descendants and will detail the difficulties, frustrations and ultimate successes of ancestors in their adopted lands. February 23 1317 - Bruce's army marches south and reaches Castleknock, within sight of Dublin. The mayor of Dublin has imprisoned the Earl of Ulster, who is suspected of being sympathetic to Bruce. The citizens of Dublin destroy some of the northern and western suburbs, to prevent Bruce from using them as a base - to the later inconvenience of the administration, as many of the buildings it uses as law courts etc. are obliterated 1649 - Giovanni Battista Rinuccini returns to Rome. Originally from Rome, he takes his doctorate in law at the University of Pisa. During the next decade he wins distinction at the ecclesiastical courts in Rome and is made Archbishop of Fermo in 1625. In 1645, Pope Innocent X sends him to Kilkenny - then the capital of Ireland - to support the Catholics with arms, money and diplomacy. His determined support of the militant anti-English faction is doomed to failure, but gains him fame and infamy in Anglo-Irish history 1713 - Nicola Hamilton, widow of Tristram Beresford MP, dies on her 47th birthday. On the day of her death, she gave a party to celebrate her 48th birthday; one of those present was the priest who had christened her. He pointed out that it was in fact her 47th birthday - she had been born in 1666, not 1665 as she had always supposed. On hearing this she turned deathly pale; she sent for her children, told them the whole story, and died later that day. The Black Mark of Lord Tyrone 1935 - Thomas Murphy, a playwright best known for his portrayal of the people in the working class rural town of Tuam, is born 1943 - Thirty -five people die in a fire at St Joseph's Orphanage, Co. Cavan 1944 - Children's allowances are introduced in the Free State 1948 - Death of John Robert Gregg, Irish inventor of the Gregg shorthand system 1965 - Roger Casement's body is returned from England to be re-interred at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin 1998 - The Sinn Féin leadership takes to the stage at a Belfast hotel rally as fears grow that the party may not re-turn to the peace talks 2000 - According to a report released by the National Roads Authority, nearly half of Irish motorists never wear a seatbelt. Men are the worst offenders, with two-thirds admitting they do not strap themselves in 2001 - Measures to prevent livestock with foot and mouth disease entering Ireland are tightened as Britain halts all internal livestock movements amid fears that the outbreak there is spreading 2001 - A major recruitment drive for the Police Service of Northern Ireland goes ahead despite the refusal of the SDLP and Sinn Féin to support the new force 2002 - It is announced that Guinness is testing a new system that will slash the waiting time for a pint of the black stuff to 30 seconds. In an effort to combat declining sales in recent years, Guinness is hoping to appeal to people not prepared to wait the 1 minute 59 seconds for the traditional pint to be poured 2003 - Daniel Day-Lewis is named Best Actor for his role in Martin Scorsese’s epic Gangs of New York, the only prize which the film takes at the British version of the Oscars. February 24 1582 - Pope Gregory XIII announces the new Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar 1692 - The Treaty of Limerick is ratified by William of Orange 1780 - A British Act opens colonial trade to Irish goods 1797 - Birth in Dublin of writer, artist, musician and songwriter, Samuel Lover. To him is attributed the romantic proposal "Come live in my heart and pay no rent" 1841 - John Philip Holland, inventor and developer of the modern submarine, born in Co. Clare 1850 - Paul Cullen is consecrated Catholic archbishop of Armagh and primate of Ireland 1852 - George Moore, novelist, playwright and critic, is born in Ballyglass, Co. Mayo 1920 - Dublin Metropolitan District is placed under a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. 1948 - Birth of Dermot Earley, Roscommon Gaelic footballer and GAA administrator, in Castlebar, Co. Mayo 2000 - The Government calls for a full public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 2000 - The North’s precarious peace process moves closer towards meltdown as Sinn Féin threatens to end their role as mediators with the IRA on decommissioning and warns of dissident republicans launching a renewed campaign of violence 2000 - A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II stolen from Edinburgh University by three inebriated Trinity College is returned 2002 - The Catholic Church and Government clash over next week's abortion referendum as a poll highlights confusion among voters. While bishops support the Government campaign for a Yes vote on the substantive issue of abortion, they question the future protection of the morning-after pill 2003 - Iarnród Éireann announces that it will not proceed with its plan to charge commuters for parking at three DART stations in Dublin. February 25 1570 - Elizabeth I is excommunicated by Pope Pious V 1852 - Death of Thomas Moore, popular poet and editor of Irish Melodies 1891 - Edward "Ned" Daly, one of the leaders of the Easter Rising, is born in Limerick 1928 - Death of William O’Brien, architect of agrarian land reform 1934 - Ireland’s first ever World Cup match takes place in Dublin. The Irish draw with Belgium 4-4 1937 - The Imperial Airways flying boat Cambria is delivered to Shannon to begin the first trans Atlantic air service 1947 - The worst snow blizzard in living memory hits Ireland 1951 - Neil Jordan, writer and film director, is born 1952 - Joey Dunlop, motorcycle racer, is born in Armoy, Co. Antrim 1991 - Birmingham Six on verge of freedom. An announcement by the Director of Public Prosecution, Alan Green, says their convictions can no longer be considered safe and satisfactory. Hugh Callaghan, Patrick Hill, Gerard Hunter, Richard McIlkenny, William Power and John Walker were all jailed in 1975 for an IRA attack on two pubs in Birmingham in November 1974 in which 21 people died 1998 - Security is stepped up in both Belfast and Derry amid fears the cities are targeted for a new wave of bombing attacks 2000 - The faltering peace process in the North suffer a double body blow with a bomb blast at an army base in Derry and a threat by the Progressive Unionists to withdraw support for the Good Friday Agreement 2001 - British supermarket chains draw up contingency plans to source supplies of fresh meat in Ireland if the ban on livestock transport is not lifted 2001 - It is announced that the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, is for sale. The historic property at Carhan just outside Caherciveen, where O’Connell was born on August 6, 1775, is being put on the market by his descendants, a local family of O’Connells 2003 - The number of Catholics worldwide has exceeded one billion for the first time, according to figures released by the Vatican 2003 - North American Airlines and Miami Airlines, both charter troop carriers for the US military, end stopovers at Shannon because of recent security breaches 2003 - The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and the Northern Secretary Paul Murphy hold two hours of talks in Dublin. The talks centre on cross border co-operation and anti terrorist measures. Sources: Irish Culture and Customs, The Celtic League, Irish Abroad, The Wild Geese
Many thanks to our good AOH 32 brother Pat "My Man" McCann who did a great job organizing and cataloging our AOH Division 32 Irish Library which includes a variety of Irish videos, books, and publications listed below.
All of the items are stored in the filing cabinet at the Uke’s and are available to check out anytime or at our monthly meetings. There is a key available at the bar. See Pat McCann at the meetings, email him or call him at 412.343.7271. If Pat is not available see Denny Donnelly.
Item - Title - Copies
Video - Celtic Journey Through Time (A) - 1
Video - H Block - 1
Video - Invasion of Lower Ormeau Road - 1
Video - Road To Bloody Sunday (The) - 2 (2 missing)
AOH 32 proudly announces a memorable event you'll want to attend, From Long Kesh to the Good Friday Agreement. This speaking engagement features Terry Kirby and Bobby Lavery, two former Irish Republican Prisoners of War.
Join event sponsor, The Irish American Unity Conference in welcoming Kirby and Lavery as they share their experiences during the Hunger Strikes at Long Kesh as well as their views of the Good Friday Agreement and the Peace Process today.
When: Sunday, February 25, 2007 - 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 2329 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA (The kitchen will be open for your dining enjoyment)
Terry Kirby was interned at age 17 in Belfast’s Long Kesh prison. In the early years of his internment, he was a Special Category prisoner. On March 1, 1976, the British government eliminated that status and Terry became a “blanketman.”
He was present in 1981 as ten comrades died on a hunger strike. In September 1983, after years in the “escape-proof” Maze prison, Terry and 37 other republican prisoners escaped from the Maze prison, the largest prison break in British penal history. In 1994 Terry was arrested in California with three other escapees; they became known as the H-Block 4. Terry spent six years in prisons in California fighting extradition and was released in 2000 by the 9th Circuit Federal Court.
Bobby Lavery was interned for three years in Long Kesh prison. He was one of the first former POW’s who transitioned to politics. In 1985 Bobby was the first Sinn Fein member elected to a Legislative body in North Belfast and was re-elected for two more terms between 1993 and 2000. Serving as councilor, Bobby accomplished a number of firsts including becoming the first member of Sinn Fein to serve as the chair and deputy chair of a Council committee in Belfast. Tragically, Bobby’s son, Sean was murdered in 1993 when loyalist paramilitaries sprayed the family home with gunfire. Eight months earlier, Bobby’s brother, Martin was killed by loyalist paramilitaries in his home. Bobby sustained numerous attacks at the community center where he worked, on his home and has received a number of death threats. Bobby currently resides in the U.S.
Donations appreciated and will be directly contributed to the speakers.
For more information email Sarah McAuliffe-Bellin: or call her at 412.782.2715 or call Jim Caldwell: 412.580.3759.
On Friday, March 16 at Noon a special St. Patrick's Day Mass will be held at Old St. Patrick's Church in Pittsburgh's Strip District at 17th Street and Liberty Avenue.
Our presider will be Archabbot Lambert Reilly, O.S.B. who is a native Pittsburgher and the retired Abbot of St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana.
Parking and seating is at a premium so be sure to arrive early!
Archabbot Lambert served as the archabbot of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana from June 2, 1995, to Dec. 15, 2004. He was the eighth abbot and fifth archabbot in the monastic community's 150-year history.
Following his resignation as archabbot, he has returned to his work of preaching and retreats. For more than 40 years, Archabbot Lambert has distinguished himself as a retreat director and speaker on issues of spirituality and prayer. He has given countless retreats, especially to bishops, priests and sisters, and has conducted parish missions throughout the nation. He has been a frequent retreat master for Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in the United States and India. Archabbot Lambert is also an educator. He taught Latin and education courses at Saint Meinrad College, Mount Sacred Heart College in Hamden, CT, and Penn State University; he served as principal of St. Elizabeth High School, Pittsburgh, (1976-1978). He also served as a consultant to the Diocese of Peoria’s Office of Education. The 71-year-old native of Pittsburgh professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 1956 and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1959. During his 50 years of monastic life, Archabbot Lambert has held a variety of assignments within the monastery. In addition to his retreat work and teaching, Archabbot Lambert has assisted in parishes, worked in public relations, and served as guest master, assistant oblate director and assistant to the novice master. In the fall of 1993, Archabbot Lambert served the monastic community as pro-prior during the prior-s sabbatical.
Archabbot Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College, in 1955. He also holds master of divinity and master of religious education degrees from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, as well as a master of science in education from Duquesne University. In addition, he has undertaken graduate studies at The Catholic University of America, Georgetown University, University of Evansville and Arkansas State University.
He is the author of “Because There Is Jesus” (Abbey Press, 1997) a collection of his homilies and conferences; and “Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth” (Our Sunday Visitor Press, 2001), which offers spiritual reflections on some of Fr. Archabbot’s favorite Latin sayings and New Testament quotes.
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