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
Filed under Irish Studies …
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
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
Kitty Parker: Transnational-Composer and Concert Pianist and her Irish Rebel Ancestry
Here is a brief snapshot of Kitty Parker’s rebel ancestry: Michael Dwyer’s sister Sarah married Hugh Vesty Byrne, Dwyer’s Lieutenant. They had fourteen children. In 1825 a daughter Catherine Byrne married John Keirghan also a currency lad, or child of the convict Patrick Keirghan transported on Marquis Cornwallis, 1796, who married convict Catherine Kitts in Sydney. John Leary, convict on transport Prince Regent 1824, married convict Catherine Jones in Sydney 1825 Continue reading
My Kerry Blue (English and Irish versions)
I liked him because he wouldn’t back from anyone or thing. No. He’d rush headlong into whatever he perceived an adversary and flail away like a mad thresher. Continue reading
Antarctica – Ciorcal Comhrá: a traveller’s tale
Creidimid this is the most southerly Pop-Up Gaeltacht and Ciorcal Comhrá in the world. Continue reading
What’s on June/July and beyond
Irish in Australia: Irish-themed Movies, Tours, and Festivals Continue reading