Our 14th Annual AOH 32 Irish Scramble is set for Friday, August 8, 2008. Price is $110 per person at Fort Cherry Golf Club in McDonald, PA. Hole-in-One Prize is a brand new Toyota car (model TBD) courtesy of Rohrich Toyota. Save the date and hit the driving range!
RESIDENTS GROUPS REJECT PARADES REVIEW PROPOSALS 04/29/08
The two residents groups in Northern Ireland at the centerof disputed loyalist marches on Belfast's Ormeau Road and Portadown's Garvaghy Road have rejected a review aimed at resolving the stalemate.
The review of parading has recommended the scrapping of theParades Commission and replacing it with a process involvinglocal councils.
Chaired by former Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown, its recommendations include new structures to sorting outparading. It meant local discussion - particularly at administrative council level - where interested parties are informed andconcerns raised.
If there is local agreement the march proceeds. If there is no agreement, there is mediation and once again if that works the parades proceed under agreed arrangements. If there is no agreement, it goes to a three-member adjudication panel appointed by the Office of First Ministerand Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).
An adjudication is issued and later there is a review of the process. However, the residents groups associated with Garvaghy Roadand Ormeau have rejected the review panel's plans saying that it is opening the door once again to making them apolitical football.
(The Irish American Information Service is a non-profit organization providing up-to-the-minute political news from Ireland to the world. The IAIS is funded entirely by your contributions. Please send your tax-deductible contributions to IAIS at 505 S East St, Culpeper VA 22701. You can visit us on the Web at http://www.iais.org)
Fr. Larry Richards is one of the wackiest people I know. I’ve never heard him speak that I don’t find myself asking, “Did he really say that,” just like 1,800 men did on April 12th, during the annual Gathering of Catholic Men at the A.J. Palumbo Center, when he asked them if they spend more time with their morning dump than they do in prayer! “That’s right fellas, you know what is more important to you than talking to God, huh!”
If you want to come to know Jesus, like you know your mother, spouse, sister, or brother, then, through the exceptional workings of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Larry can show you how.
Nobody brings you face to face with Jesus like Fr. Larry.
Come and experience the freedom and joy of having a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Holy Trinity Parish Mission 7PM on May 4, 5, 6, & 7 May 3-7, 2008What? Parish MisisonWhere? Holy Trinity Parish5718 Steubenville PikeMcKees Rocks, Pa 15136Contact: OfficePhone: 412-787-2140E-mail: htrobins@comcast.netWebsite: http://holytrinity-robinson.e-paluch.com/
Fr. Larry Richards, a popular Conference Speaker and pastor from Erie, PA, will conduct a four day mission in May here at Holy Trinity. The purpose of the mission is to help people grow in their love for God and give them hope and direction in their daily lives.
Fr. Larry has conducted hundreds of parish missions, conference’s and retreats. He is known to make the love of God real in his presentations. As the founder of “The Reason for Our Hope Foundation” he has many Media presentations on “The Truth;” “The Mass explained;” and “Confession” with hundreds of thousands of tapes distributed worldwide.
At all his parish missions Fr. Larry promises two things:
You will never be bored and your life will be changed forever.
Come and experience this truth for yourself. And it costs nothing but a little of your time!
Each night of the Parish Mission has a different theme:
-- Sunday( 5/4) Night is about knowing God’s Love and practical information on how to pray.
-- Monday (5/5)night, the focus of the night is the gift of the Mass, and the importance of family.
-- The center of Tuesday(5/6) Night is the passion of Jesus Christ and how because of that we have freedom from, and forgiveness of, our sins.
-- Wednesday(5/7) night, is the healing service and the new life of discipleship.
These are four nights that can change your life.
See you there!
To find out more about Fr. Larry Richards or to hear a recording of one of his homilies, go to: www.thereasonforourhope.org
On June 12, 2008, Irish citizens will vote "Yes" or "No" in a national referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon - the latest attempt to modernize the structure of the EU. Ireland is the only country in the 27-nation EU which, under its Constitution, must submit the ratification of the treaty to a national referendum. If Ireland votes no, the entire treaty - and the efforts to pass it - would fall apart.
Supporters and opponents are mounting campaigns in Ireland ahead of the vote, and opinion polls show that up to 60% of the Irish people are still undecided. Is it too much of a stretch that say that the Irish people hold the key to Europe's future?
Read about the treaty here. Or here in Gaelic if you like.
Two Irish companies were competing for a contract to put up telegraph poles. The authorities decided to test them, seeing which company could put up the most poles in an hour. The first company achieved twenty but when the second company's tally came in it was only two.
"I'm afraid you lost the job," the second company was told, "the other boys managed twenty to your two."
"Ah," came the reply, "but they cheated. Did you see how much they left sticking out of the ground?"
20th Anniversary Diane V. Byrnes DATELINE IRISH 778 GRANT AVE. April 27, 2008 PITTSBURGH, PA. 15223 PROGRAM # 1049 412.781.6368
Dateline Irish sponsored by BrandMill, LLC - marketing experts who will transform your business through fact-based processes and innovative marketing systems designed to achieve dramatic, measurable and profitable results.
Sunday, April 27
200th Anniversary Mass was to be held at St. Patrick’s Church in The Strip, 11:00AM; however due to the larger crowd anticipated it has been moved to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 21st Street in The Strip, still at 11:00 AM.
Echoes of Erin, The Ireland Report Mairtin O’Muilleoir, Belfast, Managing Editor, Belfast Media Group, www.apublishersblog.blogspot.com. Filling in is Ciara McGuigan.The Pittsburgh Celtics practice today at 1:00 PM Anderson Field, Shaler. The Men will practice every Tuesday and Sunday. The ladies Pittsburgh Banshees have training at 1pm at Carrick High School. You can get directions to the field on their website at www.pittsburghbanshees.com and the field address is 125 PARKFIELD STREET, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15210.The Irish Centre of Pittsburgh has raffle tickets for the month of May, $5.00. Contact Lois Longo 412.271.9229. Proceeds will benefit the renovation of the restrooms at The Irish Centre.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Potters Reel, 7 to 10 PM.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 24th St. & Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, features Acoustic Night with Marty, Paul & Mary, 8 to 11 PM.
Friday, May 2
The Annual Candlelight Memorial Service sponsored by The County of Allegheny Law Enforcement Memorial Association, the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge #1, Police Lodge #91 and the Auxiliary of Fort Pitt Lodge #1 will participate in the Annual Candlelight Memorial Service, 8:00 at the Memorial Site, North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Way. A Memorial Mass takes place on May 18, see below.
Pittsburgh Ceili Club is sponsoring their May Ceili at the Morningside VFW, 1820 Chislett Street in Morningside. Workshop with Liz Shovlin Grinko at 6:30PM, Ceili at 8:00PM with The Pittsburgh Session Musicians. Information 412.63.8686.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 24th St. & Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, features Gerry Timlin, vocals & guitar, from Philadelphia. It has been 3 years since Gerry has performed at the Harp. 9:00 PM.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Mark Guiser on vocals & guitar, 9:00 PM.
Echoes of Erin, The Ireland Report with Patricia Sharkey, Editor of the Donegal Newsletter. ‘An Inspirational Moment’ sponsored by Terry Callahan and the AOH Allegheny County Hunger Project.
Irish Session at Murphy’s Tap Room, So. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square at 8:00PM. All are welcome.
Monday, May 5
1st Annual April Shovlin Memorial Golf Outing at Churchill Valley Country Club, proceeds benefit the General Scholarship Funds of Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic High Schools. Shotgun Start 12:30 PM, Lunch served at 11:00 AM. Information Eddie Friel, 724.772.4626.
Wednesday, May 7
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Potters Reel 7-9PM.
The Youth Gaelic Football Team has practice at Trafford Middle School at 6:00 PM. Information Email: jconnolly71@comcast.net.
Thursday, May 8
University of Pittsburgh, Osher Institute Program Summer Session 1 – 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM, Irish Country (Ceili) Dancing. (2 hours / day, one day / week, for 5 weeks). No class May 15. Class Registration Required – Patricia at 412-624-7912 or Jack Webber at 412-758-5446. Classes conducted by Liz Shovlin Grinko, TMRF, and Susan Kozak.
Trivia Fundraiser at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 24th St. & Penn Ave. in The Strip, 7:30PM. Proceeds benefit The Youth Gaelic Football Club; conducted by Johnny Connolly. Entertainment to follow.
Friday, May 9
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 24th St. & Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, features The Michael O’Brien Band from Johnstown, PA. at 9:00 PM
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Sean McClorey, 9:00 PM.
The Irish football teams in Pittsburgh have taken part in the Race For the Cure for the past few years and this year is no different. You can register online and join us in the run under the team name Pittsburgh Banshees LFC or just type in the Banshees. http://www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org/index.html . While the title of the event is “race for the cure”, some people jog but most people walk the course.
Monday, May 12
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Acoustic Jam 7-10PM.
Wednesday, May 14
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Potters Reel, 7-9PM.
Friday, May 16
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle 24th St. & Penn Ave., 412.642.6622, features the ‘one and only’ Seamus Kennedy, singer, musician, storyteller, originally from Belfast, 9:00 PM.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Tony Egan on vocals & guitar, 9:00 PM.
Saturday, May 17
All Ireland Athletic Club presents ‘The Matt Cunningham Ceili Band’ direct from Galway at The Irish Centre of Pittsburgh, 6886 Forward Ave., Squirrel Hill. Tickets – $12 Advance, $15 at Door, Nellie Mannion 412.362.1963.
27th Annual Blue Mass at 10:00AM at St. Paul Cathedral with Bishop David Zubik. A Procession will form at Cardinal Dearden Center, 4721 Fifth Ave., across from Central Catholic HS at 9:15AM.
Echoes of Erin, WEDO 810AM at 1:00PM, The Ireland Report from Dublin with Ann Bray.
The Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh presents and “Educational Mini-Concert” by The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society, 2:30 PM, Synod Hall, North Craig Street, Oakland. Free-will donation accepted at door. Information: 412.758.5446.
Irish Session at Murphy’s Tap Room, So. Braddock Ave. in Regent Square at 8:00PM. All are welcome.
Wednesday, May 21
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Potters Reel, 7-9PM.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412.279.0770 features Tony Egan on vocals & guitar, 9:00 PM.
Sunday, June 1
The Grand Opening / Dedication for the Welsh Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh, 3:00 PM in Heinz Chapel. Reception in the Commons Room of the Cathedral of Learning and tours of the newly-finished room. Information: Dave Williams, peggie@nauticom.net.
Gaelic Storm in Concert in Pittsburgh. Details TBA.
The Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh presents an ‘Irish High Tea’, 1:30 PM, Epiphany Church McDowell Hall. Reservations required. Information: Earl McCabe 412.761.1844 by June 2; Donation $12.00 pp.
Friday, June 13
Round the House Band at Swisshelm Park Community Center, 1050 Windermere Drive, Swisshelm Park. Tickets at Door $8.00. Information: Dance Hotline 412.731.8661 or www.pittsburghcontra.org.
Saturday, June 14
Claddagh Irish Pub, South Side Works, 407 Cinema Drive, 412.381.4800, features Round the House Band at 8:30PM.
Sunday, June 15
Echoes of Erin, WEDO 810AM at 1:00 PM, The Ireland Report with Davy Kettyles, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.
Round the House Band conducting Music Workshops from 1:00 to 4:00PM; Details TBA.
House Concert with Round the House Band, information 412.343.0498.
Saturday, June 28
AOH Division 4, North Hills presents “A Day of Irish Entertainment” at Schitizen Park / The Croatian Center, Millvale, 12:00 Noon.
Wednesday, July 23 – Saturday, July 26
AOH National Convention in New Orleans.
Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27
Football News – CYC National Championships will be held in Philadelphia. Details TBA.
Friday, August 8
AOH Division 32 Golf Outing at Cherry Hills Golf Club.
July 2009 – The AOH Pennsylvania State Convention will take place at the Radisson Hotel in Monroeville. Information: Denny Donnelly, 412-276-9312, Email: ddon633@comcast.net and Patti Flaus, Email: pyecat54@comcast.net.
Pittsburgh Irish Sports Pittsburgh Irish Rowing Club http://www.pittsburghirishrowingclub.com/ Pittsburgh Banshees www.pittsburghbanshees@yahoo.com Pittsburgh Celtics www.pittsburghcelticsgfc.com/ 2008 Schedule June 1 St. Pat’s @ Founders Field June 7 Seven-Aside Competition @ Founders Field June 22 Wolf Tones @ Founders Field June 29 Pgh Celtics @ St. Jarlath’s in Cleveland July 13 Pgh Celtics @ St. Pat’s in Cleveland July 27 St. Jarlath’s @ Founders Field Aug 3 Pgh Celtics @ Wolf Tones in Detroit Aug 17 Midwest Final
Inspirational Moments Sponsored by:
April Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Maude Gonne Division 32, Carnegie; ‘The Brick’, ‘Ain’t That The Truth’, ‘The Easter Uprising’, ‘The Elderly Carpenter’
May Terry Callahan & AOH Allegheny County Hunger Project
April 27 1696 - Act 'for encouraging the linen manufacture of Ireland': Irish linen gains duty-free access to the British market on this date 1739 - Lord Barry of Santry is tried by his peers in the parliament house for the murder of his former servant Laughlin Murphy in August 1738. They unanimously find him guilty, but recommend him to the royal mercy. The Lord Lieutenant endorses this plea, and Santry is pardoned under the great seal on 17 June. His estates, which had been forfeited for life, will be restored in 1741 1827 - Mary King Ward, Irish naturalist and astronomer is born 1880 - The Royal University of Ireland is founded by charter 1891 - The first ever Irish musical comedy, The Irish Girl, written by Percy French and William Collisson, is staged at the Queen’s Theatre, Dublin 1904 - Cecil Day-Lewis, poet, novelist, critic, and Ireland's poet laureate from 1968 to 1972, is born in Ballintogher, Co. Sligo 1920 - Georgina Frost wins a legal battle to allow her to be clerk of the petty sessions for Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare; she is thus the first woman to hold public office from central government in the UK 1923 - De Valera announces end of operations against the Irish Free State, effectively ending the Irish Civil War 1937 - The Most Rev. Robert Eames, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, is born 1953 - Maud Gonne McBride dies in Roebuck, Clonskeagh, and is later buried in Dublin in the Glasnevin Cemetery 1966 - Farmers protest against low milk prices; 28 are arrested in Dublin 1998 - Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, forecasts an end to the RUC in its present form. His prediction comes following a 55-minute review with Tony Blair in Downing Street of critical issues arising from the Good Friday settlement 1999 - Legal history is made when the country's first ever convicted gangland murderer, self-confessed drugs dealer and gang boss Joseph Delaney, is jailed for life 2001 - Ireland's foremost literary town officially opens a permanent home for its famous wordsmiths and their works. A 19th century Georgian house, in the heart of Listowel, has become the Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre, where life-size models and audio-visual presentations help portray the personalities and output of various writers. The £1.5 million centre is appropriately named Seanchaí after the art of storytelling and in recognition of the folklore and traditions that inspire great literature.
April 28 1714 - Sir Wentworth Harman, MP for Lanesborough, 'coming in a dark night from Chapel-Izod, his coach overturning, tumbled down a precipice, and he dies in consequence of the wounds and bruises he received' 1794 - Rev. William Jackson, agent of French revolutionary government, is arrested in Dublin 1864 - Birth of William Ellison, clergyman and the sixth director of the Armagh Observatory. On his appointment in 1918, he donates the original late nineteenth-century telescope to the Observatory - an 18-inch Newtonian reflector, made by the famous English telescope maker George Calver; for many years it is one of the largest telescopes in Ireland. During the 1920s and 1930s, Ellison and others use the telescope for observations of the planets and for taking spectral images of the stars, using a spectroscope to split the starlight into its constituent colours 1875 - Teresa Kearney, better known as Mother Kevin, missionary and founder of Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa, is born in Knockenrahan, Co. Wicklow 1922 - Nicky Rackard, Wexford hurler, is born in Killane, Co. Wexford 1936 - The Daíl introduces a bill awarding pensions to the Connaught Rangers who mutinied in India in 1920 1943 - Andrews resigns as Northern Ireland Prime Minister and is succeeded by Sir Basil Brooke, later Lord Brookeborough 1969 - Terence O'Neill resigns as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. He is succeeded by Chichester Clark 1992 - Death of Dublin-born artist Francis Bacon 1998 - Some 30 years after waiting on Eamonn De Valera and literary luminaries of the day in the Great Southern Hotel in Galway, 57-year old Rita Gilligan from Bohermore is presented with an honorary MBE by UK Culture Secretary, Chris Smith,at London's Hard Rock Cafe where she has worked as a waitress for 27 years 1999 - Ireland's largest convoy packed with 200 tonnes of relief supplies for Kosovar refugees leaves Dublin for Albania 2000 - It is announced that 100 free bicycles will be placed on the streets of Dublin for the Heineken Green Energy Weekend. The free bicycles will be placed outside Trinity College, outside Dublin Castle and at the top of Grafton Street and will be available to anyone wishing to cycle around the city to take in the atmosphere of the Festival
April 29 1653 - Birth of John Whally, necromancer and charlatan 1665 - Birth of James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde and an ancestor of Princess Diana. The Dublin-born Irish general becomes one of the most powerful men in the Tory administration, governing England in the early part of the 18th century - from 1710 to 1714 1680 - The first stone of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham is laid by the Duke of Ormonde 1758 - Wide Streets Commission for Dublin is appointed by the Irish Parliament 1769 - Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, soldier and statesman, is born in Dublin 1803 - Paul Cullen, prelate, is born in Prospect, Co. Kildare 1874 - Conal O'Riordan (pseudonym 'F. Norris Connell), writer and theatre manager, is born in in Dublin 1916 - Pearse orders surrender of the Easter Rising rebels on this date. Approximately 64 rebels have been killed, 132 crown forces, and 230 civilians. 2,500 people have been wounded; the centre of Dublin has been devastated by the shelling 1938 - Birth of Ray McSharry, Fianna Fáil politician and EU Commissioner 1941 - Birth of Jonah Barrington, squash player, in Cornwall; a student at Trinity in the late 1950s / early 1960s, it's where he started to play squash; one of the greatest squash players of all time, he is considered to be the father of the modern professional game 1954 - Kevin Moran, football player for Dublin Gaelic, Manchester United, Sporting Gijon, Blackburn Rovers and Republic of Ireland, is born in Dublin 1957 - Daniel Day-Lewis, best actor Oscar winner for My Left Foot, is born 1986 - Seamus McElwaine, IRA-terrorist, is killed 1998 - Triple Olympic champion Michelle De Bruin comes out fighting in response to the most serious drugs-linked threat to her glittering swimming career 1999 - Governor General of Australia, Sir William Deane, is to be conferred with an honorary degree at Trinity, and is the guest of honour at the first state dinner held at Dublin Castle under President Mary McAleese's term 2001 - The Irish Council for Civil Liberties celebrates the 25th anniversary of its foundation 2001 - Des O'Malley pledges his co-operation to a new inquiry into the Arms Crisis of 1970 and challenges Charles Haughey to do the same. Mr O'Malley strongly defends his role as Justice Minister during the turbulent events surrounding the most controversial trial in the State's history 2001 - A monument is unveiled in Inniscarra, Co Cork, in honour of an Ulster chief who could have changed the history of Europe if he hadn't been killed in battle. Chief of Fermanagh, Aodh Mag Uidhir (Hugh Maguire) is shot dead during an ambush in 1600 at Carrigrohane before the Battle of Kinsale the following year, which sees the last struggle for an independent Gaelic Ireland fail. "Maguire was a great strategist, and some believe that had he survived, the result of the Battle of Kinsale might have been different, changing the course of European history. He was the Rommel of the 1600s," says Seán O´ Ceallacháin of the Hugh Maguire Commemoration Committee 2003 - Thornton’s Restaurant in Dublin ranks 25th in Restaurant magazine’s latest list of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
April 30 1428 - Sir John Sutton, Lord Dudley, is appointed lieutenant for two years from this date; he has some success against the various rebels 1795 - Rev. William Jackson of the United Irishmen returns from France, unaware that his travelling companion, John Cockayne, is a spy; Jackson is arrested and found guilty of high treason; he commits suicide in the dock by taking poison 1942 - Because of petrol rationing, all private motoring in Ireland is banned, and bicycle thefts soar overnight 1951 - The first demonstration of television in Ireland is held at the Spring Show in the RDS, Dublin 1970 - "B-Specials" reserves within the Royal Ulster Constabulary formed to contain violence in 1933 (but notoriously violent in their own right) are disbanded 1998 - Michelle de Bruin, whose career has been almost destroyed by claims of drug abuse since her Olympic wins, has never been under suspicion, FINA, the international swimming authority admits 1999 - Lord Killanin, the man credited with saving the Moscow Olympics in 1980, is laid to rest. Many of the leading lights of the world of sport, business and politics in Ireland are present as the remains are buried in the family vault at the New Cemetery in the Bohermore area of Galway city 2001 - According to Dr. Vincent Maher, consultant cardiologist at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, has the highest rate of heart disease in the EU - claiming up to 14,000 victims each year. Lower income households are particularly at risk because of their diet, he says 2002 - Hopes that 325 workers at the Ardagh glass plant in Ringsend, Dublin, could keep their jobs are dashed with a surprise closure announcement by management 2003 - The Russell family decide to sell Dunkathel House, situated on 150 acres on Cork city fringes. The 220-year-old Georgian-style mansion has been open to the public, and is one of the most prominently-sited period homes in the greater city area, overlooking the Jack Lynch tunnel and River Lee at Glanmire. It carries a €15 million price guide.
Happy First Day of the Celtic Summer! May 1 Beltaine 1169 - A small party of Normans arrives at Baginbun and establishes a bridgehead for further invasions 1170 - Arrival of Normans in Co. Wexford. Arrival of Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, subsequently known as 'Strongbow'. 1171 - Diarmaid MacMurrough, king of Leinster, dies in Ferns, Co. Wexford; Strongbow is his (disputed) successor (MacMurrough's remaining legitimate son, Connor, has been executed while a hostage of Rory O'Connor) 1316 - Records indicate that around this date, Robert Bruce has himself crowned king of Ireland near Dundalk 1654 - Transplantable landowners are ordered to move to Connacht by this date; this deadline is then put back to 1 March 1655 1650 - William King, archbishop, theologian and Williamite, is born in Antrim 1672 - Birth of Joseph Addison, poet and dramatist; Chief Secretary to Lord Lieutenant Wharton 1708-10; MP for Cavan Borough 1709-13 1697 - The Bishops' Banishment Act passed on 25 September,1696, requires most Catholic clergy to leave the kingdom by this date, and bans Catholic clergy from entering it - the Act will never be efficently enforced 1780 - Amhlaoibh Ó Súilleabháin, teacher and diarist, is born in Killarney, Co. Kerry 1794 - Catholics are enabled by law to attend Trinity College 1786 - The Belfast Academy is opened; it becomes the Belfast Royal Academy in 1887 1803 - James Clarence Mangan, poet, is born in Dublin 1823 - Oliver Harty, Baron de Pierrebourg, of Co. Limerick, Lieutenant-General in Napoleon's army, retires 1854 - Songwriter, entertainer and painter, Percy French, is born in Cloonyquin, Co. Roscommon. One of his many famous songs is "The Mountains of Mourne" 1919 -Birth of Dan O'Herlihy, actor; film credits include Fail Safe, Last Starfighter, Robocop 1975 - General election is held to a constitutional convention on Northern Ireland 1984 - Séan nos singer, Joe Heaney, dies 1998 - Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, urges Gerry Adams, to get the IRA to accept that there would have to be arms decommissioning if progress in implementing the Good Friday agreement was to be made 2000 - Nobel Laureate and SDLP leader John Hume is awarded the freedom of Derry at a reception in the city’s Guildhall 2001 - Limerick is tops for pub grub after one of the city's trendiest bars picks up the coveted Club Orange/Licensing World Pub Lunch award. In a business worth an estimated £1million a day, the Thomas Street premises, Auburs, beat off stiff competition from 11 monthly winners to become Ireland's leading purveyor of pub lunches 2003 - The month of April goes into the record books as one of the warmest for the last 100 years. At Valentia Observatory and Malin Head the temperatures recorded for the month were the highest since 1893.
May 2 1332 - Sir Anthony Lucy's campaign in Munster ends on this date 1656 - Birth of Sir Richard Levinge, Tory politician and Speaker of the House of Commons 1788 - An Act on this date repeals tests imposed on Protestant Dissenters 1794 - United Irishman Archibald Rowan escapes from custody and eventually makes his way to America 1806 - John Jones, sculptor, is born in Dublin 1858 - Birth of Edith Oenonne Somerville, novelist most famous for Some Experiences Of An Irish R.M written in collaboration with her cousin Violet Martin (also known as Martin Ross); in 1903, she becomes the first female Master of Foxhounds in Corfu 1884 - Birth of William Casey, dramatist and Times editor 1882 - Charles Stewart Parnell is released under the terms of the "Kilmainham Treaty"; writing off the debts of tenants in arrears. A landmark in the land agitation movement (and Parnell's career). 1921 - Lord FitzAlan of Derwent becomes the first Catholic lord lieutenant since the 17th century; he will be the last lord lieutenant 1923 - Birth in Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare of Patrick Hillery, surgeon, politician and former president from 1976 to 1990. He negotiates Ireland's entry into the European Community in 1973 and is later E.C. vice president for three years 1929 - The Fianna Fáil proposes a motion to retain the Land Annuities. It is defeated in the Dail 1945 - Eamon de Valera offers his condolences to the German Ambassador, Edouard Hempel, on the death of Adolf Hitler 1954 - Soccer great, Sammy McIlroy, is born 1957 - Death of Fr. Aloysius Roche, Irish patriot. During the 1916 Easter Rebellion, he and Frs. Albert, Augustine and Dominic bring spiritual aid to the Volunteers in the numerous garrisons and outposts throughout Dublin. Following Padraig Pearse's surrender on 29 April, Fr. Aloysius spends the next day carrying the surrender order to the main garrisons on the south side of the city. In the early hours of the morning of 3 May, Fr. Aloysius administers the last sacraments to Pearse, MacDonagh and Thomas, the first three leaders of the Rising to be executed; on May 7, Fr Aloysius accompanies James Connolly by ambulance from Dublin Castle to Kilmainham Jail for execution and stands behind the firing squad as they fire the final volley 1958 - Birth of David O'Leary, footballer for Arsenal, Leeds United and the Republic of Ireland footballer; Leeds United manager 1970 - Birth of soccer star, Steve Morrow 1982 -T he Irish government affirms its neutrality in the Falklands conflict between the UK and Argentina, and opposes EEC sanctions against Argentina 2000 - Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, arrives at Number 10 Downing St, London where he and Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair are hosting talks aimed at trying to breathe fresh life into the flagging Northern Ireland peace process. The two premiers will have separate meetings with the Ulster Unionists, Sinn Fein and the SDLP to see if they can find a way to overcome the deadlock over devolution and decommissioning 2001 - Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness confirms publicly for the first time that he was the IRA's second-in-command in Derry on Bloody Sunday. The admission prompts a swift call from the Ulster Unionists for Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to come clean about his IRA past 2003 - The Rolling Stones set a new Irish box office record when more than 16,000 tickets for their Dublin concerts sell within two minutes.
May 3 1714 - Sir Wentworth Harman, MP for Lanesborough, dies from the wounds he receives in a carriage accident on April 28 1785 - The Irish Academy, later to become the Royal Irish Academy, meets for the first time 1903 - Bing Crosby, descendant of Irish immigrants, is born in Tacoma, Washington, as Harry Lillis Crosby 1915 - Birth in Galway of novelist Walter Macken 1916 - Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Thomas MacDonagh executed by firing squad in Kilmainham jail 1921 - IRA troops under Tom Maguire fight off 600 English troops in Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo 1924 - The world premiere of Sean O’Casey’s Juno And The Paycock took place at the Abbey Theatre 1928 - Fianna Fáil petition with 96,000 signatures, calling for referendum to abolish the Oath of Allegiance rejected by Government which instead abolishes the plebiscite clause in the Constitution 1933 - Dáil passes an act removing the Oath of Allegiance from the constitution 1938 - Birth of Robert O'Driscoll, writer and professor of English 1999 - Swimmer Michelle de Bruin's hopes of salvaging her reputation and career nosedive with new allegations that a urine sample contains traces of a banned stimulant 1999 - RTÉ launches their 24-hour classical music station Lyric FM.
130th Anniversary of the Execution of 'Molly Maguires' Patrick Hester, Peter McHugh, and Patrick Tully following Pennsylvania Supreme Court trial in Pittsburgh
From western Allegheny County to eastern Carbon County, Pennsylvania's miners had frightful jobs in the 1800's. They worked 12 hour shifts by candlelight in mines without escape exits. Accidents killed hundreds annually. Miners earned under $2/day to pay expensive company stores and company homes, while bosses caned children sorting coal. Unions were illegal and companies blacklisted strikers, so miners formed the 'Molly Maguire' gang. From 1871-1875 Mollies burned 10 coal mines at Mount Carmel and Locust Gap.
The Reading Railroad owned most of those mines thanks to Frank Gowen and Pennsylvania's Supreme Court. In 1866 as its attorney, Gowen persuaded the Court to give it a vital rail system. Then the Reading fixed shipping prices, bought competitors, and acquired 125,000 acres of coal.
In 1867 Gowen litigated 'Philadelphia & Reading RR. v. Hummell” wherein a train started up against 8 homes without a warning whistle and severed a boy’s leg. Jurors favored the boy and Gowen appealed. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court decided trains had a right to presume nobody would trespass, didn’t have to whistle, and could run at full speed. (Later in 'Pennsylvania RR. v. Lewis,' the Court told the Reading’s competitor trains couldn’t travel at full speed disregarding likely trespassers). Gowen won, became the Reading’s president, and turned his legal skills on Mollies.
Gowen blamed Mollies' sabotage on the “Ancient Order of Hibernians.' The AOH was an Irish Catholic fraternity that had its first state convention in Pittsburgh's 'Emerald Hall' in 1870. On March 17, 1870 Very Reverend John Hickey, Vicar General of Pittsburgh's Diocese, welcomed the AOH to St Paul's Cathedral, granting ecclesiastical recognition. Miners, mostly Irish, favored the AOH because unlike companies it paid accident victims benefits. Locust Gap and Mount Carmel’s AOH president Patrick Hester was elected Tax Assessor- a miner now taxing companies.
In 1868, Gowen's police shot and jailed robber James Finnelly. Before dying in jail, Finnelly allegedly accused Hester and Ashland’s AOH president Tom Donahue of the Columbia County murder-robbery of mine boss Alexander Rea. Donahue was tried and acquitted. Hester was jailed past 2 court sessions and released untried.
Gowen hired Pinkerton's secret police, who investigated 'Mollies' in Carbon, Columbia, Northumberland, and Schuylkill Counties from 1873, and in Westmoreland County from 1875-1878. In 1876 the Reading conducted show trials resulting in convictions of over 40 Molly Maguires.
In 1876 Pinkertons promised Manus Kull, a homeless person jailed for countless armed robberies: accuse Hester of planning Rea’s death and go free. Kull agreed, and was pardoned so he could testify.
Pinkertons arrested Hester, AOH Delegate Peter McHugh, and Patrick Tully that November. Although Rea’s was the only alleged Molly murder in Hester’s Division, newspapers screamed Hester “waded in blood for years.” Judge Elwell picked a Columbia County jury with no Irish Catholics or coal town residents. The unpublished trial transcript in the state archives shows that: almost every juror heard or read about the case beforehand, and 2 jurors admitted they already had an opinion on the defendants’ guilt.
Kull testified Hester said Rea would carry $18,000 one Saturday and lent him a gun. Kull said Hester wasn’t at the murder, nor was Donahue involved. Kull said they didn’t discuss killing Rea. He said he, McHugh, and Tully drank whisky and robbed Rea. But trigger-happy Kull “couldn’t remember” if he or Tully shot Rea first. The first shot made Rea dash, so they killed him. Rea carried $60. They divided it, dealing Kull an extra share and Hester none.
Actually, Hester may not have planned it, because as tax assessor he knew Rea only delivered wages Fridays.
The Reading’s paid prosecutor, Francis Hughes, harangued 9 hours on Molly “terrorism,” calling Hester the “very devil.' Judge Elwell instructed that by law planners of unintentionally deadly robberies were guilty of murder. Jurors convicted the 3 prisoners in under 2 hours. Gowen remarked: 'The name of Molly Maguire being attached to a man's name is sufficient to hang him.'
On October 2, 1877, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court reviewed Hester’s case in Pittsburgh’s coal-blackened Grant Street courthouse. The Court was in Pittsburgh because that July Pittsburgh's militia refused to strikebreak. Governor Hartranft sent in the National Guard, which shot 49 civilians. Crowds burned trains for 3 miles. Allegheny County’s lawyers blamed the riot on soldiers. The New York Times reported 'not a stick of wood injured… up to the time the troops arrived at Pittsburgh.' But in “Gibson’s Son & Co. v. Allegheny County” the Court blamed Pittsburgh: “We see no evidence of any serious attempt upon the part of the local authorities to suppress it at the time of its commencement.” The Court made Allegheny County pay railroads and merchants $2,772,350.
Gowen personally joined Hughes to argue before the Court against Hester’s appeal. Hester’s lawyers showed the “1860 Two Term Act” protected prisoners jailed and untried within 2 court sessions. In 1869 the prosecution released Hester 3 days after his second session in jail without trial. Hester’s lawyers said if the Court wouldn’t call this acquittal, theoretically “a prisoner can be re-arrested and imprisoned for the same offence” and “perpetual imprisonment could follow without trial.”
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Warren Woodward, the presiding judge in Reading from 1861-1874, gave the court’s decision. He set legal precedent that the Two Term Act didn’t automatically protect prisoners. Woodward said Hester hadn’t asked to use it for his 1869 release, so prosecutors could re-charge him.
Next Hester's lawyers argued “At the time of this trial a strong prejudice existed in this community against the 'Ancient Order of Hibernians.' Molly 'trials in Schuylkill county had just been concluded and it was impossible to obtain an unprejudiced jury. All that seemed necessary was to find that a prisoner was a 'Mollie Maguire' and conviction followed.'
Woodward’s nearest response was: Judge Elwell's 'instructions upon legal questions were so intelligent and so clear as to make their apprehension and application by the jury free from the chance of mistake or doubt. In relation to the general features of the case, there is nothing, therefore, that requires remark.' Woodward was wrong. Clear jury instructions do not prevent a jury from making mistakes.
According to Pennsylvania Constitution Article 4: 'no pardon shall be granted...except... after full hearing, upon due public notice and in open session.' Hester’s lawyers said the Pardon Board announced it wouldn’t meet on the regularly scheduled hearing date when Kull announced he'd apply. Subpoenaed papers showed the Board didn’t certify any notice was given or meeting convened. Further, Kull’s pardon didn’t fully restate the penalty to be repealed, including returning stolen property. Hester’s lawyers claimed Kull’s pardon was void, so Kull couldn’t testify.
Woodward decided: 'Upon irregularities and omissions of form such as these, it was proposed that [County] judges... should... annul the deliberate action of the governor taken in the execution of a constitutional power expressly conferred. There was no allegation that the pardon was obtained by fraud.' Paraphrased: the Constitution allowed the governor to pardon Kull, so Columbia County judges couldn’t void this unconstitutionally enacted pardon. Woodward agreed with all Gowen's points.
Although the Court upheld Hester’s conviction, 2,600 petitioned for Hester's pardon because Kull’s testimony was uncorroborated.
The Pardon Board was chaired by Commonwealth Secretary Matthew 'Boss' Quay, for whom trains made special stops when he traveled near his Beaver County home.
During the 1877 strike, Quay ordered the National Guard to Pittsburgh while Hartranft was beyond telegraph communication in Wyoming. An Allegheny Grand Jury charged Quay with forging Hartranft's signature on the order, but Quay refused to appear. When RNC member William Kemble was convicted of bribing legislators to pay railroads $4,000,000 for strike damage, Quay called the BOP in extra session and pardoned Kemble in 20 minutes. At a legislative hearing, Kemble called bribery 'common aid,' and said: 'I know the Constitution has got a lot of stuff in it that none of you live up to.'
But Hester was a poor lobbyist. Quay denied his petition.
On March 25, 1878, 30 railroad police guarded Bloomsburg's jail. Hester comforted his wife and 4 daughters whose shrieks penetrated jail walls. Tully’s wife whispered, “I have nothing left now but me broken heart.”
At the gallows, Hester threw his chest forward, head back, and said “I did not plot the murder of Rea.” Gowen’s police strapped the 3 prisoners' legs, and a blindfolded man dropped them. But the drop was too short to break necks. Horrified spectators turned away as Hester breathed heavily, convulsing. Three hearts took 9-12 minutes to stop.
Gowen, hiding behind the trial's metaphorical blindfold, delivered Hester's body on a special train to a funeral attended by 2,500 miners. His brother Owen left the area and settled in McKeesport. Owen's great-nephew John Hester became a Superior Court judge and sought Hester's posthumous pardon like that of accused 'Molly' Jack Kehoe. 'At weddings and wakes, where all the relatives got together, they'd talk about Uncle Paddy,' Judge Hester recalled in his Pittsburgh office. None of them doubted that Hester hadn't plotted the robbery.
Pittsburgh’s courthouse burned and was demolished in 1882. Ten years later Homestead strikers fought off 300 attacking Pinkertons. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court, including judges who denied Hester's appeal, indicted the strikers for treason. It carried the death penalty, but an Allegheny County jury acquitted them. In 1924, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled that the Reading Railroad was a monopoly and broke off its coal business.
In 2005 and 2006, Pennsylvania’s House and Senate unanimously resolved that the Reading monopoly and pro-railroad judges deprived Mollies of Due Process and requested the Governor to do acknowledge it too. Allegheny County representatives Anthony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Harry Readshaw, and Don Walko, and Westmoreland County representative Joseph Petrarca are now sponsoring House Resolution 629 to remind the Governor of the violation of due process. Hester, McHugh, and Tully still await his recognition.
Division 1 is hosting its annual Night of Irish Music on Saturday, April 26, at Castle Shannon Fire Hall, Library Road at Grove Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment is by Corned Beef & Curry, plus Mike Gallagher and Step Dancers.
There will be an Irish auction and door prizes. Beer, set-ups and snacks will be provided.
Admission is $15. Tickets and details: Rich O'Malley at 412-401-3945.
Mr. Wayhart is always such a good lad to expose us to such nice, traditional (and sometimes sleep inducing) Irish music. However, for those of you who may like your Irish music a bit "edgier," we here at the AOH 32 Music Club seek to deliver.
Check out below for Boston's own Dropkick Murphys. For you movie buffs out there, you may recall this song was featured in "The Departed" starring Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, et al. Enjoy.
Please accept the invitation to join us by meeting at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at St. Patrick Church, 1711 Liberty Ave., Strip District. We need all of you who can spare a Sunday morning, with Mass built into the bargain. It's a great opportunity to carry our colors and demonstrate our Irish pride.
At about 10:20 a.m., we'll march with flags to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 57 21st St., and then through the church aisles before settling into pews reserved for us.
Bishop David Zubik will say the 11 a.m. Mass in celebration of St. Patrick Church's 200th anniversary.
According to The Washington Post, Ireland's newly-found affluence may be contributing to the decline of pub culture in rural Ireland. Check out the link to the story.
Tim Trant was walking along the shore notices an old lamp lying among the rocks. He picks it up, rubs the dirt off of it and a genie comes out of the lamp. The genie tells the Irishman he will grant him three wishes.
Timmy says, "Well first off, I'd like a bottle of Guinness that never goes dry".
"Done" says the genie, and the Irishman is holding a bottle of Guinness. The Irishman promptly drinks it down and watches in delight as it magically fills back up. Again he drinks it down and watches it fill up. A third time he drinks it down, and by now the genie is becoming impatient.
"So what do you want for your other two wishes"? asks the irritated genie.
"Oh", replies the Timmy, "Just give me another two bottles like this one".
April 20 1176 - Strongbow, Anglo-Norman lord, dies in Dublin 1608 - James I grants a license to the Old Bushmills distillery in Co. Antrim which is thought to date from at least 1276 - the oldest distillery in the world 1696 - The Guild of Brewers and Maltsters is founded in Dublin; Richard Forster, former MP for Swords and a Dublin brewer, is a member 1772 - William Lawless, surgeon, United Irishman and general in Napoleon Bonaparte's revolutionary army, is born in Dublin 1791 - William Tone, soldier, author and son of Theobald Wolfe Tone is born in Dublin 1812 - Maurice FitzGerald, MP for Co. Kerry, presents the Irish Protestant petition for Catholic relief and calls for measures against grain scarcity in Ireland 1829 - Margaret Anna Cusack is born to an aristocratic family of English origin in Coolak, Co. Dublin; she is the founder of the first Poor Clares convent in the west of Ireland and also a talented writer who publishes on the issues of social injustice. Her writings and actions focus on advocacy of women's rights including equal pay, equal opportunity for education and legal reform to give women control of their own property 1857 - Sir Thomas Myles, surgeon, is born in Limerick 1879 - Robert Lynd, essayist and critic, is born in Belfast 1896 - A demonstration of the cinématographe is held in Dublin at Dan Lowrey's Star of Erin theatre of varieties, now the Olympia Theatre 1912 - Death of Dublin writer Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula 1945 - Alan Dukes, politician and Fine Gael leader is born in Dublin 1954 - Michael Manning becomes the last man to be executed by the state in the Republic of Ireland: he is hanged on this date at Mountjoy jail, Dublin, for the murder of a nurse 1874 - The conflict in Northern Ireland claims its 1,000 victim, petrol station owner James Murphy of Co. Fermanagh 1991- Sean O'Faolain, writer, dies at 91; he is best known for his short stories, collected in such volumes as Midsummer Night Madness, The Man Who Invented Sin, The Heat of the Sun, and The Talking Trees (1971). Among his novels are A Nest of Simple Folk and Come Back to Erin 2001 - Two cases of suspected foot-and-mouth rock the North’s agricultural community. Stormont Minister Bríd Rodgers admits her department is concerned about symptoms in animals at Ballintoy, near Ballycastle, and in a herd at Ardboe.
April 21 1738 - A Mr Lorimer, receiver of Sir Arthur Acheson (MP for Mullingar), is killed in a duel 1816 - Daughter of an Irish father, Charlotte Bronte, eldest of the three Bronte Sisters and author of Jane Eyre, is born 1871 - John Fitzpatrick, Labor leader and Irish nationalist is born in Athlone, Co. Westmeath 1874 - Walter Wilson, mechanical engineer, designer of cars and tanks, is born in Blackrock, Co. Dublin 1875 - Michael, "The O'Rahilly," Irish Volunteers leader, is born in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry 1879 - Birth of novelist Maurice Walsh in Listowel 1901 - Death of James Stephens, Kilkenny-born founder of the Irish Republican Brotherhood 1907 - The nationalist groups, Cumman na nGaedheal and Dungannon Clubs, combine to form the Sinn Féin (Ourselves) League 1916 - The Aud arrives at Banna Strand, Co. Kerry, from Germany with 20,000 rifles for use of the Volunteers in the Easter Uprising; they are discovered by the British and the crew scuttles the ship. Roger Casement, who is following behind the Aud in a submarine, lands safely, but is captured later 1970 - The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland is founded on this date, with Phelim O'Neill as leader 1994 - 'Guildford Four' man, Paul Hill, wins his appeal against a conviction for an IRA murder in Northern Ireland 1998 - In its annual study, the International Institute of Management Development ranks Ireland as the 11th most competitive country in the world – ahead of global economic powers such as Japan, Germany and Britain 1999 - Paddy McDonagh, a former Irish soldier caught transporting a massive bomb across the border on the day the Good Friday Agreement referendum votes are counted, is jailed for six years by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin 2000 - Dissident republicans threaten fresh violence as Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams claim hope in Northern Ireland had plunged to an all time low 2001 - The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland orders Levi’s to remove posters featuring semi naked models from bus shelters and near schools 2002 - The IRA denies that it responsible for last month's break-in at Special Branch offices in Belfast. The organisation also insists it is not involved in targeting politicians and said its ceasefire remains intact.
April 22 1365 - Lionel returns to England, leaving Ormond as his deputy 1671 - An English Navigation Act prohibits direct importation of sugar, tobacco and other produce from the colonies to Ireland; act expires in 1681 but is renewed in 1685 and extended in 1696 1717 - John Marshall, a successful attorney and father of Robert Marshall, a future MP for Clonmel and an executor of Hester Vanhomrigh (Vanessa), commits suicide in Boate Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 1834 - Daniel O'Connell introduces debate on Repeal of Union bill in the House of Commons 1905 - Capt. William O'Shea, politician and accuser of Parnell, dies in Hove 1918 - A general strike takes place throughout Ireland against the British government's attempts to introduce conscription 1945 - Birth of Alan Dukes Irish President (Fine Gael) 1967 - Actor and writer, Walter Macken dies at his home in the gaeltacht village of Menlo, Galway. A prolific author, he is best known for his novel Rain on the Wind and his trilogy about the famine - Seek the Fair Land, The Silent People and The Scorching Wind 1999 - In Washington DC, the House International Relations Committee hears allegations of continuing abuses against citizens by security forces in Northern Ireland 1999 - Sinéad O'Connor is ordained in Lourdes by the dissident bishop Michael Cox 1999 - An historic meeting between David Trimble and the Pope takes place in Rome yesterday; careful stage-management ensures there are no public photographs of the two men close together. Mr Trimble is the first unionist leader to meet a Pope 1999 - Sir Peter Ustinov receives his 14th honorary degree — doctor of laws - from the National University of Ireland 2002 - Taoiseach Bertie Ahern sends a blunt pre-election warning to the Progressive Democrats that he is determined to have a national stadium and sports campus built if he is returned to power 2003 - It is announced that gardaí are to be given video cameras to record drink-related offences at pubs, nightclubs and takeaways, as part of a new clampdown on public order offences. Special units in 25 Garda districts will be provided with hand-held cameras.
April 23 1014 - The Dublin Norse and the king of Leinster, with Viking allies from overseas, are defeated by Brian Boru's army at Clontarf. Brian, now an old man, is killed. This thwarts the potential domination of Ireland by the Norse, but they are well established in the coastal towns, and will continue to have a major influence. Máel Sechnaill succeeds Brian as high king 1357 - Four days after the end of his campaign against the O'Tooles, O'Byrnes and O'Nolans in Leinster, justiciar Thomas Rokeby dies on this date at Kilkea, Co. Kildare 1723 - Mervyn Archdall, antiquary, is born in Dublin 1727 - Actress George Anne Bellamy is born in Fingal, Co. Dublin. The illegitimate daughter of Lord Tyrawley, British ambassador at Lisbon, her mother marries a Captain Bellamy and the child receives the name George Anne, by mistake for Georgiana. She grows up to become an accomplished actress and plays on the stage in London and Dublin. She is a contemporary of Sheridan and Garrick, and is patronized by aristocratic society. 1792 - Thomas Romney Robinson, astronomer and physicist, is born in Dublin 1805 - James Henthorn Todd, scholar, is born in Dublin 1918 - The Military Service Act18 April threatens conscription for Ireland: there is a one-day general strike in protest (except in Ulster) on this date 1926 - Son of irish immigrants, J.P. Donleavy, author of The Ginger Man, is born in New York; he emigrates to Ireland during World War II and becomes an Irish citizen. He now lives in Westmeath 1927 - Shamrock Rovers player Bob Fulham scores Ireland’s first international goal, against Italy 1947 - Birth of Bernadette Devlin McAliskey in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; she is the youngest MP ever to be elected to Parliament 1961 - A census shows the population of Northern Ireland is1,425,642; an earlier census on April 9 shows the population of the Republic to be 2,818,341 1967 - A local parish priest voices his extreme opposition to the appearance of Jayne Mansfield at the Mount Brandon Hotel in Tralee, and the concert is duly cancelled. Three weeks later, she is killed in a car accident 1998 - The Government's package of measures designed to dampen down rocketing house prices — particularly in the Dublin area — draws mixed reaction 1998 - The largest dry bulk carrier ever to dock at an Irish port, the 183,000-tonne Buccleuch, arrives at the deep-water jetty of the ESB's generating station at Moneypoint, Co. Clare 1999 - It emerges that detectives from outside the Royal Ulster Constabulary are being drafted into Northern Ireland to join the murder squad hunting the killers of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson 2002 - Just months after voting No to Nice, Irish support for EU membership hits a record high, according to the latest survey carried out among the 15 member States 2003 - Key questions to the IRA posed by British Prime Minister Tony Blair spark an angry reaction from Sinn Féin but are supported by the Government. According to Mr Blair, the deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace process is down to uncertainty over the IRA’s future intentions.
April 24 1596 - Pacificatie of Ireland drawn 1718 - Nathaniel Hone, portrait painter, is born in Dublin 1764 - Thomas Emmet, nationalist and brother of Robert Emmet, is born in Dublin 1857 - William Thompson, journalist, is born in Derry/Londonderry 1906 - Son of an Irish father, William Joyce aka 'Lord Haw-Haw'; fascist and broadcaster of Nazi propaganda in World War II is born in Brooklyn, New York 1912 - Irish novelist, historian and politician, Justin McCarthy, dies 1913 - Large supply of guns from Germany are landed at Larne for the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) 1916 - On Easter Monday, the Irish Volunteers and Citizen Army seize the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin and demand Irish sovereignty 1927 - Bishop Eamon Casey is born 1945 - Singer Johhny McEvoy is born 1948 - Birth of writer, Clare Boylan 1951 - Birth of Enda Kenny, leader of Fine Gael 1961 - Laura Magahy, head of development of Temple Bar, Dublin, is born 1993 - A massive IRA bomb rips through the City of London, killing one, injuring more than 40 1998 - The Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Freedom Fighters' Inner Council - the North's largest loyalist paramilitary group - backs the Stormont Agreement, saying it secures the state's place within the United Kingdom 1998 - The second-largest ever construction project in the history of the State, a £120m drainage system designed to make Cork's River Lee and Lough Mahon pollution free in four years time and create up to 500 jobs during construction, is announced 2002 - The IRA is accused of being part of a global terrorist network after a US inquiry claims the group has sent up to 15 members to Colombia to train Marxist rebels 2003 - The United States backs British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s demand that the IRA should clarify its commitment to the peace process.
April 25 1185 - Henry II sends his son John to Ireland; John lands at Waterford on this date to assert control over Hugh de Lacy, but he fails to achieve this. Henry still suspects that de Lacy wants to be king of Ireland 1681 - Count Redmond O'Hanlon (outlawed chief) is shot dead by his foster-brother 1707 - Thomas Erle, MP for Cork city, commands the centre at the Battle of Alamanza and loses his right hand on this date; David Dunbar, later MP for Blessington, is wounded and captured in the same battle, and John Upton, later MP for Co. Antrim, distinguishes himself 1819 - Vere Foster, philanthropist and educationist, is born in Copenhagen; he is the inventor of copy books used in schools throughout Ireland until the 1950s 1861 - William Ford, who crossed the Atlantic from Ireland by steerage, marries fellow country woman Mary O'Hern. Their son Henry Ford, pioneered the mass manufacturing of the automobile 1877 - Ralph Henry Byrne, architect, is born in Dublin 1918 - Irish Labour Party declares one-day strike in protest over conscription act Anglo-Irish agreements on defence, finance and trade (25 April) end the 'Economic War': the 'Treaty' ports are ceded by Britain; the Irish Government pays £10 million to settle financial claims; both sides repeal penal duties on imports 1938 - Anglo-Irish agreements on defence, finance and trade end the 'Economic War': the 'Treaty' ports are ceded by Britain; the Irish Government pays £10 million to settle financial claims; both sides repeal penal duties on imports 1946 - Birth of Peter Sutherland; in 1981, he becomes Ireland's youngest ever Attorney-General in the Fine Gael–Labour coalition government. In 1997, he becomes chairman of BP and when BP merges with Amoco in 1998 he becomes non-executive chairman of the new company. BP Amoco has a market value of about $40 billion. Sutherland is also on the boards of ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., Investor AB and Eriksson. He is chairman of the Overseas Development Council in Washington and the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates and awards in Europe and America. 1976 - About 10,000 people attend the Easter week commemorative rally at the GPO, convened by the Provisionist IRA, despite government prohibition 1998 - The first ever mass demonstrations against immigration laws and racism take place in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. At the same time, protests are staged by Irish people outside embassies all over Europe and the United States. Dublin edges close to a standstill as more than 1,000 protesters march from St Stephen's Green to the GPO 1999 - The RUC strongly denies fresh claims of police collusion and cover-up in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings that claims 33 lives in the Republic 25 years ago 2003 - Sinéad O’Connor announces her retirement from the music business.
April 26 1718 - Thomas St Lawrence, 13th Baron of Howth, receives £215 14s 1 1/2d for the expense he incurs in building a quay at Howth for landing coals for the lighthouse 1745 - On this date, John Allen (3rd Viscount Allen), former MP for Carysfort, kills a dragoon in a street brawl. ‘His Lordship was at a house in Eustace Street. At twelve in the night, three dragoons making a noise in the street, he threw up the window and threatening them, adding as is not unusual with him a great deal of bad language. The dragoons returned it. He went out to them loaded with a pistol. At the first snapping of it, it did not fire. This irritated the dragoon who cut his fingers with his sword, upon which Lord Allen shot him.’ The wound occasions a fever which causes Lord Allen’s death on 25 May 1756 - John Ponsonby is unanimously elected Speaker of the Irish parliament 1784 - Death of Nano Nagle, 'God's Beggar', founder of the Order of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1808 - Benjamin Burton, son of William Burton (former MP for Gowran and Co. Carlow) fractures his skull in a fall from his horse while hunting but, having apparently recovered, goes out again with the hounds and dies from 'brain fever' 1895 - The trial of Oscar Wilde for homosexuality, then a crime, begins at the Old Bailey 1904 - Edward VII begins a visit to Ireland on this date 1916 - Francis Sheehy-Skeffington, writer, suffragist, pacifist and patriot, is apprehended while trying to stop Easter Rising looting and is later executed by the British without a trial 1932 - Aengus Finucane, priest, and charity worker deeply involved with the organization, Concern, is born in Limerick 1998 - Catriona McKiernan becomes the first Irish woman to win the London Marathon 1999 - Former Supreme Court Justice, Hugh O'Flaherty, confirms he will give a full and frank account of his role in the Philip Sheedy affair before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights 2001 - Leading Sinn Féin members are among the 5,000 people who attend the funeral of former chief of staff of the Provisional IRA, Joe B. O'Hagan. Party president Gerry Adams gives the oration at the graveside when the leading republican figure is buried in Lurgan, Co Armagh 2002 - More than a million postcards are delivered to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Prince of Wales as part of an Irish bid to have the Sellafield nuclear installation closed down. People throughout Ireland posted the cards after weeks of campaigning, backed by celebrities such as soccer international Roy Keane and pop stars Ronan Keating and Samantha Mumba 2003 - The Government says a deal securing the future of the North’s power-sharing executive is now close following the latest statement from Sinn Féin. Irish and British governments hail a speech by the Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, as a significant advance 2003 - Police in North Belfast try to keep rival factions apart after rioting erupts in the Limestone Road area of the city
Thanks to brother Bill Carr for passing this along:
On his April 11 HBO show, “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the comedian went into an extended assault on Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows:
“Maher’s obsession with the Catholic Church continues, only this time there isn’t enough material for him to use as a club, so he literally makes things up. His lies include the following statement: ‘When the—when the current pope was in his previous Vatican job as John Paul’s Dick Cheney—he wrote a letter instructing every Catholic bishop to keep the sex abuse of minors secret until the statute of limitations ran out.’
“A similar lie was floated by an angry ex-Catholic bigot, Rosie O’Donnell. The fact is that before he was named pope, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger had absolutely nothing to do with policing allegations of sexual abuse until 2002, after the scandal erupted that January. And he certainly never counseled bishops to keep sexual abuse secret—this is a bald face lie. Indeed, a week before Pope John Paul II died, he addressed the scandal by saying, ‘How much filth there is in the church, even among those who, in the priesthood, should belong entirely’ to God.
“Maher also lied when he said the pope ‘used to be a Nazi.’ Like all young men in Germany at the time, he was conscripted into a German Youth organization (from which he fled as soon as he could). Every responsible Jewish leader has acknowledged this reality and has never sought to brand the pope a Nazi. That job falls to Maher.
“In 2005, after complaining about another bigoted outburst, I was told by Richard Plepler of HBO that ‘it’s a free country, and people are free to say silly things—even on HBO.’ Last year, after another assault, I was told by Jeff Cusson (replying for Time Warner’s CEO Richard Parsons), that Maher’s anti-Catholic remarks were a matter of ‘creative freedom.’ Well, folks, no one has the freedom to libel someone.”
If you'd like to offer a few words, contact HBO CEO Bill Nelson at bill.nelson@hbo.com.
The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh will perform at Baldwin High School Auditorium on Route 51 South at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Although not a specifically Irish event, one of the singers is a supporter of our fund-raisers.
It will be possible to attend the Mass at St. Stanislaus and still get to the Harmony Singers concert on time.
Admission is $10, or $8 for students and seniors. A collection for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank will be taken at the door.
For tickets and details contact Ed Blank 412.854.5555 who will play liaison for anyone in the AOH or LAOH who's interested.
On April 12 the Catholic Men's Fellowship sponsored A Gathering of Cathloic Men at Duquesne University's A.J. Palumbo Center. The event was held for Catholic men who desired ways to better understand their faith and to learn how to share that faith with others. Click here to listen to a special message from Fr. James Wehner about the event.
Our 14th Annual AOH 32 Irish Scramble is set for Friday, August 8, 2008. Price is $110 per person at Fort Cherry Golf Club in McDonald, PA. Hole-in-One Prize is a brand new Toyota car (model TBD) courtesy of Rohrich Toyota. Save the date and hit the driving range!
