Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the ceremony that Ireland’s accession to the EU ranks among the most transformative moments in the nation’s history, having “helped us grow our economy, invest in our communities and supported social changes.” He added, “Holding the presidency is an honor and a responsibility Continue reading
Posted in July 2026 …
FREMANTLE CATALPA FESTIVAL
The festivities commenced with the excellent play Catalpa: Flight to Freedom on the evening of 23rdh March, performed to a sell-out crowd at the atmospheric Fremantle Prison. Continue reading
How to say ‘hello’ in Irish and the curious origin of ‘playboy’
The Irish language is noteworthy in using religious terms for greetings: Dia duit ‘God with you’ is responded to by Dia is Muire Duit ‘God and Mary with you.’ The latter response is not as prevalent nowadays)….It is not clear what playboy means in the drama and it is not clear that playboy was used regularly in the English of the west of Ireland at that time. Why then did Synge use this word for his protagonist? Continue reading
Poetry/Filíocht: Michael Patrick Moore, Robyn Rowland, Julie Breathnach-Banwait
The Habit of Leaving by Robyn Rowland Commissioned by John Carty for his slow air/jig ‘Seanamhac Tube Station’ In the 1970–80s the Irish were the largest immigrant community in Britain. John grew up there and played in the pub, ‘The Good Mixer’. Multi-awarded Irish traditional musician on fiddle, banjo, flute and tenor guitar, he wanted … Continue reading
Going to London 1960
While there a fella walked in and prepared for bed. However, he first removed the biggest knife I ever saw and laid it beneath the mattress. We started walking the streets looking in windows but not seeing. We were pretty low but pretended not, to shield one another. Continue reading
Literary Facades and Emotional Resonances: Groucho Encounters Joyce
Director Renee Palmer grasps the various interconnections, time present and time past, where creative worlds meet. Continue reading
What we are reading, watching, at the moment
‘The Journey to Galway’ is a suitable beginning for a collection of stories about betrayal, deception, disappointment, and secrets. Many of these secrets are made possible because of distance. Continue reading
What’s on July/August and beyond
Irish in Australia: Irish-themed Movies, Tours, and Festivals Continue reading