Sharing a Song Our Tradition is Alive and Well - January 2021 Volume 15 - Issue 1 - Ohio Irish American News
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est. 2006
January 2021 • Volume 15 - Issue 1
Sharing a Song
Our Tradition is Alive and Well
with Cillian Vallely (Lúnasa) and Matt Mancuso (Eileen Ivers Band and Universal Roots)
The expected surge of COVID over the again. You won’t go home and isolate
Editor’s Thanksgiving holiday did not occur. for two weeks if you are only going
Corner
By John O’Brien, Jr.
Most credible experts attribute it to
most people acting responsibly, wearing
masks, keeping their distance etc. Even
home for five days. The same is true
in reverse. I have tried to help a band
or three with US visa apps, wanting to
We Get Letters
though 4.9 million people traveled, come here for their annual Christmas
January 2021 Vol. 15 • Issue 1
that’s way down from the 50 million Tours. The embassies in Ireland are Dear John and the parties! Such open support for Irish
Í @Jobjr
that usually do the extended Thanks- closed. Closed means no processing, Publisher
Editor
John O’Brien Jr.
John O’Brien Jr.
Ohio Irish American News, political freedom emanating from the
giving weekend. and therefore, no visas being approved. Design/Production Christine Hahn I had almost forgotten about Joe White House is a thing many of us had
Get up, Show
Many here in the US on Visas Even approved ones are sitting on desks Website Rich Croft Biden’s Irish heritage, until he became thought would never happen. President
couldn’t risk going home for Christ- idly waiting the resumption of service. Columnists a front runner during the last cam- Clinton is said to have broken taboos
Akron Irish Lisa O’Rourke
Up, Lift Up
mas, in case they couldn’t get back. I Christmas is family, tradition, An Eejit Abroad Conor Makem paign. After his victory, stories began to by letting Gerry Adams into the U.S.
remember the mad Dash in March as certainly, and home. So if you know At Home Abroad Regina Costello appear about things like a first Presi- We can hope this President-elect, will
bands here for their St. Patrick’s Day of someone isolated on this side of Behind the Hedge John O’Brien, Jr. dential overseas trip possibly being to follow through.
Blowin’ In Susan Mangan
I
tours and celebrations had to cut off the Atlantic, Irish or not, offer them a Cleveland Comhra Bob Carney Ireland. Boris has already introduced a bill
t’s time to get up; stay home; and and head home, smartly realizing that virtual home invitation if you can. It Cleveland Irish Francis McGarry Before long, it was reported that in English parliament declaring his
use the time there to improve they may not be able to go home at all doesn’t have to be a holiday to help out Columbus Irish Molly Truex President-elect Biden had already told intention to violate the agreements
Cooking Up a Hooley Katie Gagne
your future, whatever it may be. It if they didn’t get out before the lock- the lonely, the separated or the single. Crossword Puzzle Linda Fulton Burke
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson surrounding the GFA, which have the
appears we’ve avoided another shut- downs were mandated. We all need somebody … Somebody Fields of Glory Vincent Beach not to toy with the Good Friday Agree- force of international law. This could
down, for another week or who knows. Plus, Ireland has closed its borders like you. T Illuminations J. Michael Finn ment, nor to consider a hard border in get interesting.
Kids Craic Dottie Wenger Ireland. ‘Wow! We have it going now!’, Britain needs a new trade agreement
Madigan Muses Marilyn Madigan
Nuair a stadann an ceol, stadann an I thought. with the U.S. The leverage to keep
Off Shelf/On This Day Terry Kenneally
“Follow me where I go, rince Out of the Mailbag John O’Brien, Jr. It was reported today that the Irish Britain from doing such damage seems
what I do and who I know;” (When the music stops, so does the Speak Irish Bob Carney group, The Wolfe Tones, have been to be at hand. American Irish, whether
O’Bent Enterprises includes: dance) Terry From Derry Terry Boyle booked for one of the Inauguration Republicans or Democrats, should be
Toledo Irish Maury Collins
John Wise Craic Maury Collins full of hopeful apprehension. We have
www.twitter.com/jobjr seen hope evaporate in the past due to Learn More About Our Programming at:
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‘Troubles’, The Catholic solicitor, 30 January 1972 - Bloody Sunday - and Social Media! Sharing a Song –
Pat Finucane, was murdered by The British Army fires at unarmed Our Tradition is
Slots are filling up, so
gunmen in his own home in North civil rights protestors in the get your spots secured! Alive and Well
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2 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 3
Cleveland arrived in 1826, shortly after Society of Our Lady of the Lake for lots Father McLaughlin’s vision was American people from seeing his self- brave and land of the free.’ often fall short of our ideals, even
218 and 219 in Cleveland. The land was not realized by many Catholics, now ish, egotistical, need for popularity. Getting rid of one man in power when it’s right in front of our eyes.
Cleveland ground was broken for the Ohio Canal,
a gift from some Protestant fellows. numbering about 6,000 in the area, and Terry From He has shown his true colours during will not change this country if this We see that even in our own time.
which began in our city. It was later in
Irish 1826 that the first priest visited, Father
The Deal was that a Church had to the rift led to his request to be relieved Derry this pandemic. Instead of educating country does not face up to its own When it comes to the pandemic and
By Francis McGarry be built within four months of the land of his position. He left in 1846. Father and leading his people in a time of failings. We can continue to believe the crisis we’re currently undergoing,
Thomas Martin, he was a Dominican grant, and maintained. O’Dwyer hired Maurice Howard was his replacement,
By Terry Boyle
crisis, he has demonstrated a lack of in the lies we tell ourselves and lose there are still those who disbelieve
living in Perry county. a Catholic contractor named Golden, a and the Reverend Michael A. Byrne was compassion for the dying and dead. He out in an opportunity to make things the facts. Risking their own lives and
Father Stephen Badin also made a member of the congregation. his assistant, know to some as Padre. continues to lie and cheat in plain sight, better. the lives of others, they flaunt their
few stops. There is no historical record The Church was built, at least the In 1848, an additional five lots were and there are still people who believe We have a chance now to become disbelief in dangerous ways.
of another priest in the city until 1835,
The Lies We
outside, in a few months. Lack of funds purchased from Thomas May, adjacent his myth making. something different, something bet- Sure, we’d all love to think it’s all a
Day of Kings
when Father John Dillon was sent to prevented the completion of the Church to the previous lots, for $1,250. The ter, something more inclusive and less hoax, but that would be a refusal to be-
Cleveland by Bishop Purcell. Father and dissention in the congregation temporary structure built there was divisive if we can admit to ourselves lieve a denial of reality in the evidence
It’s never easy to face
Tell Ourselves
Dillon said Mass at people’s homes. led to the removal of Father O’Dwyer, known as the Church of the Nativity. the truth of what we are not, a fair that surrounds us. The conspiracy
My eye is not on the Holidays this My brother and I were both baptized some blamed Irish nationalism for his On Christmas 1848 the first Mass was up to the truth. We society. A change in government can theorists are like those who fixed the
year. We will not be getting together at home. Me in the dining room and demise. celebrated at the site. only work if there’s a change in atti- chairs on the Titanic as the ship was
this year as the world would have. After Sean in the living room, I don’t think love our lies. They tude. I would hope, as I’m sure we all sinking. They act as if all is well and
A CHURCH WITH NO PRIEST THE END OF ST. MARY’S Recently, I’ve been talking to some
do, that the newly elected president is there’s nothing to worry about.
a number of funerals this year without that happens much these days. In 1835, people about the genius of the Irish
a proper wake, the McGarry Clan is that was the only option and needless
Cleveland now had a Church but ON THE FLATS offer us a way to able to demonstrate a different kind The very fact that the former presi-
no priest. Member of the parish still The Cathedral was completed in playwright, John Millington Synge.
going to play it safe. to say, no online Mass by Father Dillon Writing at the beginning of the 20th overlook our failings of leadership. dent has opted out of every opportuni-
assembled on Sundays and recited the 1852, and it became the first Catholic
The real question for us is Mass. either. century, Synge challenged the prevail- Synge was not treated well by ro- ty to give guidance and leadership on
Rosary and read the Gospel. Priest or school in Cleveland, and the diocese.
Although properly dispensated, my Ma Cleveland Catholics rented a room ing perceptions Dubliners had of the personally and mantic Irish nationalists. They didn’t the pandemic means that we’re up to
not, the Church was completed and a As more parishes were formed in the
is ready for Mass. She grew up a block at Shakespeare Hall in the upper story West of Ireland. appreciate his suggestion that the our necks in water, locked in a third-
proper Mass was performed on June city for the Irish, Germans and French, collectively.
from Margaret-Mary’s and now lives a of the Merwin building on Superior For urban nationalists, the west was God-fearing men and women of the class cabin, while he and his business
7th, 1840. The Church was dedicated to St. Mary’s of the Flats did not have
half a block from St. Jude’s. My McGar- Street. Father Dillon’s Mass even at- always considered to be the ‘uncor- Irish west were duplicitous and less associates are manning the lifeboats.
Our Lady of the Lake but in response to enough members in the congregation
ry’s have always lived within walking tracted a few Protestant fellows. He was rupted heart of Ireland.’ Westerners America, during his presidency, has than saints. Indeed, in 1907, Dublin- Some lies are too costly to hold onto.
popular usage the name was changed to to maintain the parish. In the years
distance of the rectory. described as a cultivated and scholarly embodied the best of what it means to been forced to face the reality that all ers took to the streets after Synge’s If the master of deflection is focus-
St. Mary’s on the Flats. 1879 to 1886 St. Mary’s was abandoned.
priest with a good Homily. be Irish. Of course, nothing more could of what we have believed about this ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ ing his attention on his presidential
Notre Dame has a Mass online that It was the only Catholic Church until On the Feast of the Epiphany, Bishop
There were not many Catholics at be further from the truth. While it’s country is false. The United States has premiered, because they were unwill- loss, then we know there is an iceberg
passes the test, but it is not Mass. Those 1852. Members of the congregation Gilmour had High Mass celebrated at
the time. As Father Dillon grew his true that the Irish language and culture long been seen as a melting pot, pro- ing to accept anything but the myth. ahead, with all of our names on it. T
who know her know she dresses for include the names Golden, Wigmann, St. Mary’s. An opportunity was offered
flock, they moved to a cottage at Erie was preserved by those in rural areas, it viding sanctuary for those mistreated Their reaction to his truthful depic-
Mass to watch it on the computer. Feeley, Lawler, Toole, Duffy, Byrne, to all those in attendance to contribute
and Prospect, until they relocated to Fitzpatrick, Runcle, Alliwell, Detmer was also true that those who inhabited and unjustly discriminated against, tion of the west exposed how strongly Get More to the Story
The first documented Catholics in to raising $2,000. Cleveland Catholics a place where democratic principles they were attached to the lie. It’s nev- More pics, and larger print too!
Farmer’s Hall in Mechanics’ Block at and McCaffrey. raised less than $100. those areas were just as flawed as any-
are supported and upheld by those in er easy to admit that those we admire @www.ohioianews.com
Prospect and Ontario. Dillon died in Father Peter McLaughlin arrived in The heirs of the original Protestant one else; a fact Synge reiterated in each
1836 of a fever at 29 years old. He was of his dramatic works. government.
October of 1840, his first appointment. fellows who granted the land filed suit
buried in Erie Street Cemetery. The need to create myths to rein- What the former president has done
He spoke some German, which a fair to reverse the title to the lots for failure
Catholics in Cleveland did not have a force our ideological cause is not new. during his ineffectual time in office is
number of the congregation also spoke. to maintain the Church. The Court of
permanent priest for almost a year after Throughout human history, we have to reveal to the world how one man can
Father McLaughlin purchased four lots Common Pleas heard the suit in 1888
his death. continued to make up stories that, manipulate, bully, and lie his way to the
Father Patrick O’Dwyer was sent
from Quebec in 1837. A land contract
on the northeast corner of Superior
and Erie from Thomas May for $2,000
and the judge ordered the sale of the
lots with proceeds split equally with while they hold a grain of truth, are
greatly exaggerated for effect.
top without any fear of consequence. As
the president of a superpower, he has
SUBSCRIBE! Makes
was donated to the Roman Catholic
on January 22nd, 1845. The Cathedral the Diocese of Cleveland and the heirs.
For example, Patrick Radden Keefe’s blatantly demonstrated his misogyny, Receive the Ohio Irish American a GREAT
lots were criticized as being out in the Bishop Gilmour ordered the destruc-
country. tion of St. Mary’s in September of 1888. brilliant expose of the killing of Jean racism, and financial corruption. News in Your Mailbox! GIFT!
At the time, Cleveland listed fourteen My plan is for The Feast of the McConville during the Northern Irish Published 12 times yearly, the first of each month
other places of worship. These included ‘Troubles’, shows how callously people MYTHMAKING
Epiphany. It has always been one of my Yet, he still the hero of over 70
1st Presbyterian (1820) on Prospect; favorite holiday Masses. Regardless of reacted to McConville’s children after First Class Delivery:
she was murdered by the IRA as an million voters. Why? Because people
2nd Presbyterian (1844) on St. Clair; the quality of the Homily, I am remind- One Year $36 Two Years $70 Three Years $100
informer. Her children were shunned, want to believe his myth making.
Methodist Episcopal Church (1827) on ed to never leave a meeting early. T
alienated, at a time when they needed It’s never easy to face up to the Please start the subscription the month of:
Wood; Episcopalian on Clinton; Baptist
Francis McGarry holds undergradu- the support of their community. The truth. We love our lies. They offer us
Church (1844) on Ontario; Bethel Name:
ate degrees from Indiana University in myth that an oppressed community a way to overlook our failings per-
Church (1833) on Superior; German
shares its suffering by displaying acts sonally and collectively. If we look at
Evangelical Lutheran (1843) on Erie; Anthropology, Education and History Address:
of altruism is sometimes true but not the practice of the outgoing presi-
German Evangelical Protestant (1835) and a Masters in Social Science from the
always, as shown in how McConville’s dent we see that by def lecting reality
on Erie; the Anshe Chest Society (1842) University of Chicago. He is an assistant City: State: Zip:
children were treated by their Catholic we choose to delude ourselves. If
in the Farmer’s Block; and the Israelit- principal and history teacher. Francis is
community in Belfast. we continue to blind ourselves to
River Terrace Building ish Society (1839) on Seneca. Cleveland a past president of the Irish American Phone: ( )
Someone who knows how to exploit defending the myth our chances of
19111 Detroit Rd., Ste. 200 had one umbrella manufacturer, Peter Club East Side. He is the founder and
the need for mythologizing is the out- improving our lot is doubtful.
Rocky River, OH 44115 McCann, on Seneca; three breweries, past president of the Bluestone Division E:mail
going president. Throughout his presi- And, while I don’t believe the
440-333-8960 which produced 177,000 gallons of beer of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. former president has divided the
terry@tjkenneally.com and ale; four soap and candle factories, dency, he has lied, cheated, and un- Card# Expires CVC#
dermined the very ideals of American country or made it more racist.
which produced 450,000 pounds of Get More to the Story Contact: jobrien@ohioianews.com or
society by appearing to be an ideologue If anything, he has simply shown
*Board Certified by the soap and 300,000 pounds of candles; More pics, and larger print too! Mail to: 14615 Triskett Rd., Cleveland OH 44111-3123
National Board of Trial Advocacy for Christian morality. His diversion that these despicable elements have
and 9 liquor stores at the time, for those @www.ohioianews.com
tactics have repeatedly distracted the always existed in the ‘home of the
keeping score at home.
4 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 5
in The House is representative of the rise in same sex cohabiting couples since explains why Biden’s great-grandfather, After a time, it was established that worth reviewing. These are things we Remember the example shown for
At Home, diversity of the United States. There is
real hope for better days ahead for all
legalization of civil partnerships in 2011.
Without a doubt Joe Biden’s heart and
Edward was born in New Orleans. He
worked in construction and climbing the
Speak Ishi was the last survivor of a lost
tribe of Yahi, whose dialect was vastly
can use in our English conversations
with others on a daily basis, even if
yes and no is not always correct in an
Irish conversation, but will suffice for
Abroad of us, regardless of race, color, ethnici- path are heavily influenced by his family. ladder, he became the first Irish Ameri- Irish different from the other northern that other is four-legged. our purpose.
By Regina Costello ty, religion or persuasion. Many in the He speaks often and fondly about them. can to become Senator. He lived his Irish By Bob Carney Yahi dialects known. Ishi’s language
Cleveland Irish community exude great As Annabelle Timsit, a Geopolitics heritage by joining groups including the would have never been known had he IRISH PRONUNCIATION ENGLISH
pride in welcoming one of our own, reporter wrote in November 2020 “To Mayo Men’s Benevolent, Social Patriotic not made it to that corral. The book Sea (shah) yes
President Elect Joe Biden to the most understand Joe Biden….one has to know and Literary Association, the precursor to Í@BobCarneyGTR chronicles Ishi’s life before his con- Ní hea (nee hah) no
important House. The White House. his family history.” The great American the Mayo Society of today. tact with the modern world and his Go raibh maith agat (gorra mah ah-gut) thank you
East and West Ishi
Céad míle fáilte. tale began with his great-grandfather, The many personal tragedies President life after, very interesting if you wish Tá fáilte romhat (taw falcha roe-it) you’re welcome
The meat and potatoes of Irish roots James Finnegan, County Louth, who Elect Joe Biden has suffered, resulting to know more about Ishi. Le do thoil (leh duh hahl) please
in The House:
is the family. President Elect Biden is emigrated during The Great Famine. All in lifelong scars have greatly influenced In Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Dia duit (dee-uh gwit) God to you (hello)
deeply conscious of his Irish roots and is of his Joe’s maternal great-great grand- his life, creating in him a compassion, “Braiding Sweetgrass,” she speaks of
Dia’s Muire duit (dee-us morra gwit) God and Mary
proud of his family heritage. And while parents were born in Ireland between sympathetic ear and ability to comfort Tá súil agam, go bhfuil sibh go her quest to learn the language of her to you
The White House the Irish family dynamic is fluid and ac-
cepts social changes, the fundamentals
1800 and 1850. In 2016 he visited Ireland
as the American Vice President. On the
others in great pain, the latter which
is no stranger to him. After the Sandy
maith. November was Native Amer-
ican Awareness Month and public
ancestors. She tells of her experience
at a class that was held at a yearly
Gabh mo leithscéal
Maidin mhaith
(guh mo lesh-shkale)
(mo-jin wah)
Excuse me
good morning
remain the same and are evident in Joe eve of that trip he wrote a touching letter Hook elementary school tragedy, he television had extensive program- tribal gathering. There was a great
Oíche mhaith (ee-ha wah) good night
This New Year is greeted with new Biden. The family is still the dominant than included the following lines: made kind phone calls to parents. This ming in recognition of it. Many of deal of excitement since every native
guests in The House. One from the West influence on Irish people. The 2020 Irish “And it’s a trip I’m so deeply grateful year, America needs such traits in a the programs addressed the younger speaker of the tribe would be present. Ceart go leor (kyart guh lore) right enough ok
– Ireland; one from the East – Asian attitudes and values survey found 62% to be taking alongside my children and leader - an understanding demeanor, an people that are reconnecting with When they were called forward Maith go leor (mah guh lore) good enough
Afro Jamaican. Both Americans. I like considered the family and home as the grandchildren… open heart, and an objective mindset their heritage, through traditional “to the circle of folding chairs, they Is maith liom é (iss mah lum ay) I like it
to say that it mirrors my house. I made main influences that form their thinking …Over the course of my life…. I’ve been to propel the country forward in the skills, dance and language. moved slowly, with canes, walkers An bhfuil sé ceart go leor? (ahn will shay kyart guh lore) Is it ok?
my home as an Irish woman with an and opinions. An overwhelming 80% honored to have held a lot of titles. But I best interests of all American citizens. As I watched, I couldn’t help but and wheelchairs; only a few entirely Tá sé sin go maith (taw shay shin guh mah) It’s good
Asian man. We are both Americans. of respondents prized family support have always been and will always be the Senator Chris Coons said to Joe Trippi, notice many of the same things we’ve under their own power.” Nine speak- Tá an ceart agat (taw ahn kyart ah-gut) that’s right
Our different ethnicities initially formed over friends, health or employment. son of Kitty Finnegan. The grandson of (Democratic strategist) that Joe’s life dealt with as we attempt to further ers in all. Conas atá tú? (kun-us ah-taw too) How are you?
the building blocks of our relationship This anchor remains firmly embedded Geraldine Finnegan from St. Paul’s Par- experiences enable him to “heal our rela- our study of Irish. More important- Táim go maith (tame guh mah) I’m good
and to this day, we continue to celebrate in a modern Irish society of growing ish in Scranton; a proud descendant of tionships with the world….He can restore ly, it was easy to see the enthusiasm TIPS FOR PURSUING
Tá an lá go bréa (taw ahn law guh braw) It’s a fine day
and share both traditions with our ethnic diversity, increasing separation the Finnegans of Ireland’s County Louth. our position of strength and leadership in and urgency in connecting with their LEARNING IRISH
Dia linn (dee-uh lynn) a blessing when
growing family. The ethnic diversity and divorce numbers since 1996, and a The great-grandson of a man named the world. But he can also restore a sense language. Robin has taken the route that someone sneezes
Edward Francis Blewitt, whose roots stem of optimism about the American people Years ago, I happened across a book many of us have in pursuing Irish. An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? (ahn will gway-la ga ah-gut) Do you
from Ballina, a small town in Ireland’s and heal the incredibly deep divisions entitled “Ishi in Two Worlds” By Post it notes on items in the home, speak Irish?
County Mayo – sister city to my home- that were already there…” We can expect Theodora Kroeber, written in 1961. trying to incorporate words and Tá beagáinín agam (taw bee-ahgon-ing ah gum) I speak a little
town in Scranton, Pennsylvania. him to draw inspiration from his rich Ishi walked out of the wilderness phrases into daily conversation, she Cén scéal agat? (kayn shkale ah-gut) What’s up?
The depth of emotion for his Irish roots Irish heritage, traditional family values, in California in August of 1911. He speaks with her sister once a week on Maith thú! (mah who) good job!
and love of family are apparent in the let- and the poetry of Seamus Heaney that was starving, fatigued and injured the phone using as much Potawatomi An mhaith (ahn wah) very good
ter above. Let’s dive deeper into his Mayo he so loves, as he paves the stony road of when he was found in the corral of a as they can. Tóg go bog é (toeg guh bog ay) take it easy
roots which I know will touch the hearts the future. I look forward to my home slaughterhouse. She uses simple commands with her
Suigh (see) sit
of most of our readers. Megan Smolen- abroad providing “the shelter from the The local sheriff was called, and dog: sit, come here, be quiet. Robin
yak, American Genealogist provides storms, from all sorts of storms.” (Wil- took Ishi into custody as he tried to does however share the same lament I Síos (shees) down
much data about Joe’s ancestral roots. liam J. Bennett) that it once was for all figure out who he was and where he have made about teaching a dog who Suigh síos (see shees) sit down
Joe Biden’s mother’s (Finnegan) maternal of us. T came from. Local Indians, as well ignores you in English to be bilin- Madra maith (mawdra mah) good dog
family has ancestors in the Arthurs, Ble- as Spanairds and Mexicans were gual. Her teacher also encouraged her Tar (tawr) come
witt, Boyle, Roche, Scanlon and Stanton Regina is a Graduate from the Na- brought in, in an effort to communi- when she complained about having Tar anseo (tawr ahn-sho) come here
families. From his father’s side, one finds tional University of Ireland, Galway cate with him, but to no avail. no one to talk to by saying, “None of Bog (bug) move
ancestry in the Hanafee family. Immi- and a Post Graduate from the National When the news story about the us do, but someday we will.” Bí ciúin (bee ku-inn) be quiet
gration to American by his ancestors University of Ireland, Dublin. She is the “last wild Indian” being rescued, I find it encouraging to hear about Go mall (guh mall) slowly
occurred during the middle of the 19th former Curator of the Irish American reached a couple of anthropologists at others trying to learn the language Stad (stahd) stop
century primarily settling in Scranton, Archives at the Western Reserve Histor- The University of California, they re- of their ancestors, facing some of the
PA. Joe’s mother was born to Ambrose ical Society, former Executive Director alized the importance of finding out same obstacles and challenges that
Finnegan and Geraldine Blewitt. Edward of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument as much as possible about this man many of us have in our study of Irish. Slán go Fóill!
Blewitt brought the family to America. Commission and former Executive and his people. Professor Kroeber It is also easy to share in their joy at
This is Joe’s great-great-great grandfather. Coordinator of the Northern Ohio (the author’s husband) armed with being able to use their language and Bob Carney is a student of Irish history and language and teaches the Speak Irish
Per the ship’s manifest, aboard was his 18- Rose Centre. She serves on the Board of dictionaries of known native languag- be understood. I believe that all of us Cleveland class held every Tuesday @PJ McIntyre’s. He is also active in the Irish
year old son Patrick, and history suggests Directors of the Mayo Society of Greater es from the surrounding areas, spoke when we use these words and phrases, Wolfhound and Irish dogs organizations in and around Cleveland. Wife Mary,
he had already worked as a cabin boy Cleveland. She can be reached at rcostel- word after word with no recognition once so foreign to our ear, breath life hounds Morrighán and Rían and terrier Doolin keep the house jumping. He can be
and lived in Chile. It seems that may have lo@ameritech.net from Ishi, until finally uttering the into these languages that otherwise contacted at carneyspeakirish@gmail.com
previously lived in the U.S. Patrick made Yahi word for yellow pine; Ishi lit up might become lost, like Ishi’s.
Scranton his home, but employment of- Get More to the Story and banged on the pine table in front The vocabulary and phrase list be- Get More to the Story
fered him opportunities to live elsewhere More pics, and larger print too! of him repeating the word over and low contains many things that we’ve More pics, and larger print too!
@www.ohioianews.com @www.ohioianews.com
throughout America and even Brazil. This over. covered in the past, but I think it is
6 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 7
Damon Margida (Hurling Representa- again assembling their volunteer com- which needs work everywhere one looks.
Taking the Off the After
West Side Irish American Club
tive). After elections, discussion focused mittee to host clubs from around the long nights of hearing strange nois-
on recruitment. Midwest GAA, Heartland Division (In- es outside his house, Cal finally makes
Fields of Glory
The Midwest GAA will have a full dianapolis), Central Division (Chicago), Shelf contact with the person who’s been
By Vincent Beach schedule of games in the 2021 year. and Southeast Division (Charlotte). By Terry Kenneally stalking him, a thirteen-year-old named
To preserve and promote our rich
The new Midwest board has already We, the Cleveland Gaelic Athletic Trey from the wrong side of town.
assembled a committee to focus on Association, will have more news in Trey’s older brother, Brandon, has gone
Í@TerryKenneally
the fixtures for Ladies’ Football, Men’s
Football, and Hurling. The committee,
the coming months for youth, women,
men, supporters, and sponsors. The
missing and now the kid wants answers.
Trey’s family is a mess, with his father Irish cultural heritage in song, dance,
The Searcher literature, sports, and traditions.
Getting Ready
composed of hurler and footballers GAA will have live action in 2021 in long gone and his mother left to raise
– ladies and men, will be responsible Cleveland and we welcome all to get By Tana French Trey’s younger siblings.
for 2021
for drafting both league (summertime involved. Please reach out to the club, Viking Publisher ISBN Trey is definitely in need of some To provide a forum for the enrichment of our
play) and championship (MW finals) info@clevelandgaa.com, for more infor- 9780735224650 451 pp. 2020 parental guidance in the form of a father
formats. The proposals would then be mation. Until then, stay safe, stay fit, figure. Eventually, Trey begins to trust family and the enhancement of our friendships.
studied by each club and discussed in and stay tuned! Irish crime phenom Tana French Cal, who somewhat reluctantly agrees to
The Cleveland St. Pat’s – St Jarlath’s a division-wide conference call (per Fáilte (welcome) to all. The Gaelic has written her second standalone, help him find his brother.
Gaelic Football Club held their annual code) before a final schedule would be Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest after 2018s “ The As Cal investigates, unaided and
general meeting (AGM) remotely this released in late February. sporting organization and a bit of home Witch Elm” novel unhindered by a badge, he finds himself
year, on December 5th. There were only A blitz – multiple games and teams for the Irish abroad here in the US of that does not involve embroiled in local politics and a de-
two motions this year, both carrying at one location on one weekend – style A. Beyond sports, the Association also the Dublin Murder cades-old grudge of townspeople. French
unanimously. schedule was proposed last year and promotes Irish music, song and dance, Squad, which featured is well known when it comes to writing
The first motion was to update the still carries some favor, although the and the Irish language as an integral prominently in her pub scenes fraught with tension. Great live music
club name to Cleveland St. dynamics of which clubs part of its objectives. Cleveland GAA is first six books. One-night Cal is lured out by locals & food in The Pub
Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s Gaelic
Athletic Association under
will elect to play this year
may suite a home & away
open to all who want to play competi-
tive sports, meet new people, and join
The setting is a
small farming town
and plied by Irish moonshine, tricked
into enjoying the local power broker’s 440.235.5868 every Friday.
the motivation to be in- format better. We shall see. an athletic, fitness-minded club for all in the West of Ireland. company and then when he is sufficient- GENERAL MEETING Annual Raffle Tickets Available!
clusive of all Gaelic Games Either way, early in the ages. The protagonist of the story is a former ly loosened up, warned about minding 3rd Thursday of every month Contact Heather at 216-440-0801
Since 1931
(rounders 2025!). The sec- season, the Memorial 7’s Go raibh míle maith agaibh (thanks Chicago police officer, Cal Hooper, who his own business regarding the missing
ond motion was to expand tournament will be hosted y’all) to our readers and supporters. for reasons that emerge during “The Brandon. 8559 Jennings Rd., Olmsted Twp., Ohio 44138 | wsia-club.org
the board to include a hurling players’ by Cleveland at the West Side Irish We need your help and involvement, Searcher,” has moved to Ireland to re- The Searcher is slower than some of her
Live Music representative. American Club on May 8th. The one- but would most like to share the fun of start his life. The tiny fictional village of other books. It is unusually visual, as she
The 2021 board was also elected: day tournament is for junior football, Irish sport and Cleveland community Ardnakelty is the kind of place where displays her keen knowledge of the natu-
Live Sports Vincent Beach (Chair), Maura English men’s and ladies’, to kick off the season. with you. Consider getting involved at everyone knows everyone’s business ral history of the West of Ireland. While
Authentic
Irish Fare
(Vice-Chair), Amelia Kaylor (Sec-
retary), Tom Beach (Registrar), Dan
Kampman (Treasurer), Annie Coyne
The tournament became a Cleveland
Irish and Midwest GAA tradition
through the 1980s and 90s, only to
any level.
Follow @ClevelandGaelic on Face-
book, Instagram, and Twitter for the
and where Cal, who is a country boy at
heart, is happy to play along with the
locals.
not her most accessible book, it should
not be missed. I rate it a TOP SHELF
READ. T
C
(Public Relations Officer), Sarah Dunn be brought back recently by the many 2020 activities for Men, Women, and The book moves slowly for almost Trip Advisor s
CHAMBERS
2015 Cer tificate
(Ladies’ Representative), Chris Greggila GAA supporters and alumni of Cleve- Youth, or, visit ClevelandGAA.com. T the first 100 pages, as Cal acclimates Get More to the Story of Excellence
Have an Event (Men’s Football Representative), and land. Good on yah! Cleveland is once
Vincent Thomas Francis Xavier
himself to his new surroundings while
working on his ramshackle house
More pics, and larger print too!
@www.ohioianews.com
Closed on Sundays Winner
or Fundraiser? Beach is a proud Greater Clevelander
and emigrant of Michigan. He joined
T he Public Houses of Ireland are
steeped in tradition of hospitality.
They serve as a gathering place where peo- Funeral Homes
Host it in our beautiful the St. Pat’s Gaelic Football Club in
1999 and, with much help, is the cur-
ple come to meet and enjoy conversation,
food, drink, and, of course, the music. The
W
Artist Eileen Dorseys Full Service and Cremation
Bridgie Ned’s rent caretaker of the Cleveland GAA.
His Irish is a cross of dialects from New Mural
Pubs have become the focal point of their
communities, a place to celebrate life. That Services Pre-Need Specialists
Party Room! the University of Cincinnati and An The Home of Fine
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8 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 9
the Ladies Land League. She was a friend for some time. However, she remained an ning, women sat on its Committees and seats. Sinn Fein decided against taking
of Anna Parnell, founder of the League active member of the Dublin Women’s Executive, and helped to carry out the its seats at Westminster. Instead Dáil
Illuminations and an admirer of Anna’s brother, nation-
Suffrage Association, fighting for the right programs. The study of the Irish language Éireann was established. Republican
By J. Michael Finn alist Member of Parliament, Charles Stew-
art Parnell. The League’s main aim was to
to vote for Irish women.
Jennie opened a shop and restaurant in
1899 at 21 Henry Street in Dublin, called
was for all; the social side was almost
wholly in the hands of the women mem-
bers, who by absorbing the Irish tradition
courts were set up in opposition to the
Courts of the Crown.
Jennie served as one of the judges in
Providing nationwide property &
raise funds to provide relief and shelter to the Irish Farm and Produce Company. influenced in no small degree the growing North Dublin. She continued to assist
evicted tenants. This was a restaurant and shop that sold effort to wean the people from an Anglici- the nationalist cause during the War of casualty placement, life insurance and
Jennie O’Toole became an active mem- farm produce, honey and cakes – all zation that had gone all too far.” Independence.
ber and served on the Ladies Land League produced by Irish suppliers. Jennie main- The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed
executive committee. She soon found DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND employee benefits, as well as complex
tained a strict “all-Irish produce” policy in on December 6, 1921 and caused Jennie
Jennie Wyse
herself living back in her native Wicklow, In 1900, Jennie was elected one of the
her shop. much soul searching. She decided to
trudging through fields in wintry weather four Vice-Presidents of Maude Gonne’s foreign liability for domestic and international
Irish was always encouraged as the support it because she viewed it as a
organization Inghinidhe na hÉireann
Power
in order to reach the farms of distressed preferred language. The restaurant soon pathway towards achieving greater
tenant farmers. (pron: in-nyee na hare-un) (Daughters of
became a popular meeting place for many independence. Jennie was the only clients in commercial products, contracts and
During her time in the Ladies Land Ireland). This movement sought complete
of the cultural and political organizations leading member of Cumann na mBan
Formidable and League, she met her husband, John Wyse independence for Ireland, and the devel-
with which she was involved. to support the Treaty. As a result, she
Power, who was then editor of the Leinster opment of the Irish economy and culture. directors' & officers' liability.
felt obligated to resign from what she
CONRADH NA GAEILGE
Under-Estimated
Leader newspaper and a member of the It was formed to provide women with a
described as a “splendid force of women.”
Irish Republican Brotherhood. Jennie and her husband joined Conradh nationalist and activist platform.
They married on July 5, 1883. The na Gaeilge (pron: con-rah nah gale-ga) Sinn Féin (pron: shin-fain) was found- FIRST SEANAD
Jennie Wyse Power was born Jane family moved to Dublin in 1885 after (Gaelic League). She became a member ed in 1905. Arthur Griffith became its Jennie was nominated by William T.
O’Toole in Baltinglass, County Wicklow, John secured a position with the national of its executive in November 1900. Both first leader. Jennie became an executive Cosgrave as a member of the First Seanad
Ireland on May 1, 1858, the daughter of newspaper Freeman’s Journal. They had John and Jennie took classes to improve member of the National Council of Sinn (pron: shawn-ad) (Senate) which met in
Edward O’Toole and Mary Norton. Her four children. their Irish and their children participated Féin in 1906. December 1922. She was appointed as
father owned a leather and grocery busi- Charles Stewart Parnell died in 1891. in the various cultural activities of the By 1911, she had risen to the position of honorary Film Censor in 1922. Jennie
ness on Main Street in Baltinglass. In that year, Jennie published Words of League. Vice President, which ranked her second and her husband also appeared as fiction-
The family was strongly nationalist. As family to Dublin. the Dead Chief, containing a selection of The Gaelic League was the first major only to Griffith in the organization. A alized characters in the 1922 James Joyce
a youngster, Jane began using the name In 1881, at the age of 21, Jennie em- extracts from Parnell’s speeches. After his Irish organization to offer membership fellow member said of Jennie, “She was novel Ulysses.
the name Jennie. In 1860 her father sold barked on her first journey into the world death, Jennie and her husband became to both men and women. Jenny wrote a remarkably able woman, very brainy, Jennie’s husband John died in 1926. In
his business and property and moved the of activism and politics when she joined disillusioned and stayed out of politics of the Gaelic League, “From the begin- full of fun and a great teller of humorous 1934 she sat as a Fianna Fáil senator. Jen-
stories.” nie continued to sit in the Seanad until
her retirement from public life in 1936.
CUMANN NA MBAN Jennie Wyse Power died on January
In November 1913, the Irish Volunteers
5, 1941 at the age of 82. Her passing
were established and became an armed
was mourned by both sides of the Irish
military organization. Nationalist women
political divide. The huge turn-out for her
866.892.8306
soon followed suit in 1914 by organizing
funeral was evidence of the enormous re-
themselves as Cumann na mBan (pron:
spect and fondness in which she was held
cume-un na mawn) (The Women’s Asso-
by everyone. She is buried in the family
ciation). Jennie was one of the founders
plot in Glasnevin Cemetery.
and was elected as the organization’s first
A final word of praise regarding Jennie
president in 1915.
Wyse Power comes from the historian,
According to the memoirs of Kathleen
Ann Matthews, who in her 2010 book,
Clarke, Tom Clarke’s widow, the Procla-
Renegades: Irish Republican Women
mation of the Irish Republic was signed at
1900-1922, described Jennie as, “One of
a meeting, “… held in Mrs. Wyse Power’s
the most formidable and under-estimated
house in 21 Henry Street on Tuesday
women in nationalist history.” T
of Holy week 1916.” During the Easter
Rising, Jennie and her daughter Nancy J. Michael Finn is the Ohio State
carried food from her restaurant to the
Historian for the Ancient Order of
rebels in the General Post Office.
Hibernians and Division Historian for
LADIES LAND LEAGUE the Patrick Pearse Division in Colum-
Jennie’s home and business were de- bus, Ohio. He is also Chairman of the
stroyed when 21 Henry Street was burned Catholic Record Society for the Diocese
during the Rising. Also destroyed in the of Columbus, Ohio. He writes on Irish
blaze were the records of the Ladies Land and Irish-American history; Ohio histo-
League, which had been in her custody ry and Ohio Catholic history. You may
for thirty years. After the Rising, Jennie contact him at FCoolavin@aol.com.
provided aid to the families of Republi-
can prisoners and she and her daughter Thomas F. McManamon Todd McManamon
Get More to the Story
helped to re-organize Cumann na mBan.
mcmanamoninsurance.com
More pics, and larger print too!
The 1918 General Election saw Sinn @www.ohioianews.com
Fein win 73 out of the 105 parliamentary
10 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 11
of a live audience. This particular episode the fruit at her register. She was warned They had no money, but raised the funds know why.
was a repeat of a show that was recorded by management, but she chose not to in one night canvassing the pubs in
Akron in Dublin a few years back. I was hooked change her position and the strike was Dublin. Madigan Our tears represent all those we
have lost, and those who have suffered
Irish right there.
The story began with a young girl
born in that moment. Ten of her Dub-
lin co-workers followed suit, nine other
The trip was harrowing at the end of
it. After being detained and intimidated,
Muses during this pandemic. The tears are
By Lisa O’ Rourke
who was working in a Dunne’s Stores young ladies and one young gentleman. they were returned home without leaving
By Marilyn Madigan also for the change in our normal
on Henry Street in Dublin. The year was One of them was twenty-four years old, the South African airport. They had routines and how we want to return
1984. Unions were under threat around one of them was only seventeen, and the attracted media attention now though to some type of normalcy. But let’s get
the globe and were staunchly defended in others were twenty years old. They were and before returning home, they were back to When Irish Eyes Smiling.
spite of that. inner city story employees. asked to participate in a press conference There is hope in this new year with
Dunne’s Store When
This young girl, like the other trade Most of them still lived with their in London. the vaccine. As we sing the chorus,
union employees in that store and all- parents. They did not see themselves as “When Irish eyes are smiling, sure ‘tis
THE TURNING POINT
Girls Irish Eyes
around Ireland, had received a statement changing the world. Nor did they realize like a morn in spring.” We look forward
This was the turning point. Ten young to the springtime, so that we can finish
from their leadership that they were not how long, lonely and difficult the strike
Irish girls and one young man were a
to handle goods originating from South would be at times. with “When Irish hearts are happy, all
Are Smiling
threat to the government of South Africa.
Africa. The goods consisted mainly of the world seems bright and gay.”
Our collective “annus horribilis” has
now just passed, and from this position, it
fruit.
Apartheid was at one of its ugliest
APARTHEID
At first pass, it seems very confusing,
how could a place be further in terms
Momentum began to build against the
apartheid government globally. Ireland
was the first Western country to ban
Hopefully our world can have a new
normal. Our masks will be able to come Voted Best Stone Oven Pizza
Downtown Willoughby
would be hard for this new shiny year to junctions, clawing to hang on to an inde- off and our smiles can be seen again.
surpass it in the horrible. It is certainly a of geography and culture than Ireland South African goods.
fensible position. Nelson Mandela was in When Irish eyes are smiling. As we sing “For your smile is a part
year that future generations will wonder and South Africa? How could Irish shop Eventually, when Nelson Mandela was
prison on Robben Island. Sure, ‘tis like the morn in Spring. of the love in your heart,” it shows the
about; what did we do and how did we get clerks understand enough to be motivat- released from prison, he went to Ireland
Mary Manning, the Dunne’s Stores In the lilt of Irish laughter. love and concern for our fellow human
on with life? ed to take such a hard line? The Irish have and wanted to meet the Dunne’s Stores
clerk, is still not really sure why she did You can hear the angels sing. beings.
We hoarded and cooked and baked certainly suffered due to prejudice and a girls. He gave them his medal of freedom
it. She had heard things about South When Irish hearts are happy. With the new year and new leader-
and read and watched television. We system that seemed to be rigged against and told them how much it meant that
Africa on the news, but wasn’t a political All the world seems bright and gay. ship in our country, our smiles will
absorbed so much media that reruns be- person. She and the other girls were told them. people from the outside world cared
One anecdote that they shared was that about injustices going on in his country. What when Irish eyes are smiling. make our world bright. Our laughter
came a thing again. Ideally, a rerun offers not to handle produce from South Africa
they were educated about apartheid when The strikers eventually got to visit South Sure, they steal your heart away. and smiles can be shared with all of our
the opportunity for another, better look. and they generally tried to follow union
I encountered one of those better they met a South African man who had Africa as guests at Nelson Mandela’s loved ones and friends.
directives.
look stories on an NPR program, “The been living in exile in Dublin for years. funeral. As we begin the New Year, this song Hoping in 2021 that our eyes will be
On this particular day, a woman stood
Moth.” It is a program in which amateur in her checkout line with some South Af- He came to the picket line one day early One of the big takeaways from this year has new meaning to me. During this smiling, we will be laughing and can
storytellers tell a personal story in front in the protest, to support the girls and is that we have watched how our actions time of COVID-19 precautions, we see each other’s smiles again. T
rican grapefruit. Mary refused to handle
they admitted to him that they did not and decisions affect each other in real wear masks, we communicate so much
know much about apartheid. time. It is the “butterfly effect” on speed. with our eyes. Get More to the Story
CONWAY LAND TITLE COMPANY He explained the segregation and
prejudice by comparing it to a pint of
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a few months into the strike, they were world is still evident in the voices of girls
asked by Bishop Desmond Tutu to meet like Malala and Greta Thunberg. Like the TUESDAY
with him in London. Dunne’s Stores girls, they have a pas- 6pm-8pm: All Things Irish
They went of course, and their resolve sion that is born from an internal moral WOBC-FM 91.5 w/Anita Lock Great Harvest Bread Co.
was hardened for good; they were not compass. This is a time to listen to that (Located Next to the Wild Goose)
budging on the strike. At the time, they moral compass and consider how we are SATURDAY
Radio
were living on a quarter of the wages that going to respond to that voice from our 9am-11am: stonecoldbikini,
they had previously earned, and were hearts. T
getting little support.
WRUW FM 91.1 w/Christine Hahn
Lisa O’Rourke is an educator from 10am-11am: Johnson Brothers
WHEN FEAR MAKES Akron. She has a BA in English and a Irish Hour WKTL-FM 90.7
PEOPLE UNKIND Master’s in Reading/Elementary Educa-
It was far from support in some cases. tion. Lisa is a student of everything Irish,
The girls described times where they primarily Gaeilge. She runs a Gaeilge SUNDAY
encountered strong criticism and name study group at the AOH/Mark Heffernan 7am-9am: Sweeney Astray SATURDAY & SUNDAY
calling in Dublin. They described it as Division. She is married to Dónal and has WCSB-FM 89.3 12-6pm ET/9am-3pm PT on SiriusXM
fear making people unkind. two sons, Danny and Liam. Lisa enjoys
Watching some old newsreel footage, art, reading, music, and travel. She likes 10am-12pm: Gerry Quinn’s Irish Hours Classic Vinyl, channel 26.
440.352.0651 (Fax: 440.352.9261) the girls’ youth and innocence are heart- spending time with her dog, cats and fish. WHK-AM 1420 w/ Colleen
neil@conwaylandtitle.com•www.conwaylandtitle.com breaking. There is something so uncom- Lisa can be contacted at olisa07@icloud. Corrigan Day & Eddie Fitzpatrick iIrish: Songs, Stories
ERIN GO BRAGH
plicated in their passion; they were not com. 11:30am-1:30pm: Echoes of Erin & Shenanigans
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politicians, but young hearts that could
see simple truth.
They were asked by the anti-apartheid
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WCWA-AM 1230 w/John Connolly
6pm- 7pm: Songs of Britain & Ireland
Podcast posted every second Friday on
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Downtown Willoughby
2019 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR movement to come to South Africa to see
for themselves what life was like there.
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12 OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS We’ve Always Been Green JANUARY 2021 JANUARY 2021 WWW.OHIOIANEWS.COM OHIO IRISH AMERICAN NEWS 13
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