Tír na mBláth

Irish Seisiún Newsletter

Thanks to our past editors - Mary Gallacher and Bill Padden

Editor Tommy Mac

................Today's date and new proverb 

COMHALTAS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

| NORTH AMERICA 2025

The next convention will be April 3 to 6, 2025,

in Orlando, Florida!

Click here for details

Lost and not found

Hi, Can you put a note in this newsletter that my red Hohner Accordion was lost at the December history of dance event.

It is in a light brown case.

Thank you,

Liam Eagan

williameagan1@yahoo.com To: fireny@aol.com

Sunday's Seisiún

for January 19, 2025

‘Tá dúil ár n-anama sa cheol againn.’

Music is our soul’s desire.

.......Thanks again to

Bob Murphy, Pat Quinn, Randy Powell, Art Jacoby, and Kevin Westley

for supplying photos and info about our sessiuns.

 

Tom,

The Ceili Dance today was a blow out. The pub was full, the dancers were plentiful and raring to go, and a nice session outside to boot!

I didn't have time to record the tunes, with all the activity going on, but will get back to it next time. Suffice to say, tunes flowed freely, songs were plentiful, dancers kept the place roaring and it was a successful and wonderful day all around the pub.

Thanks to the folks who keep the Tir na mBlath, basically the only Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in the Southeast United States, alive and thriving. I'm grateful for the folks that put in the time and effort that result in these super events. Thanks!

On fiddle were Art, Bob, Seamus Anita, Pat and Henry, Randy on Bouzouki, Rosemarie and Bernie were on whistles and flutes, Pat, Ann and Noreen were on Accordions and others coming in and out that I may have missed.

And thanks for the huge turnout of dancers, they made it happen!

Bob Murphy

Note.

These photos are always reduced in size here.

If you would like a full sized copy of any one of them, let me know.

 

Thanks to Art for these great photos

To see more about Art's phtos click here

...

..

....

Welcome back to Hector. who came with his lovely wife and children

.

 

............

Click any of the above logos to go to that site

.

"That’s How I Spell Ireland"

Saturdays at 7 to 8 PM EST.

You can listen on 88.7FM or WRHU.org.

For a request please text me on 917 699-4768.Kevin and Joan Westley

Note: Show will be preempted whenever the NY Islanders have a Saturday game

E-Mails Received

Fireny@aol.com

Old Ireland

Each week I will post a (new) OLD photo of what Ireland was like years ago. The photos are taken from a great website called Ireland in the Rare Auld Times. I highly recommend this site. You can sign up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/889110974518793/

If you have any photos of what things were like in old Ireland please send them in and include a story about it if appropriate.

Please don't send things from the above web site. I already have those.

click below to watch

Ireland Travel

Note: Whenever clicking on a link you will be brought to another web-site. To return here you must click on the BACK arrow.

FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND

The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Ireland

The Dark Ages, County Antrim.

(See it on a map here.)

Do these trees look familiar? The Dark Hedges in County Antrim is a mesmerizing natural tunnel created by beech trees and this atmospheric avenue has become famous worldwide after being featured in the TV series "Game of Thrones" as the Kingsroad. It simply looks like the stuff of fairy tales and fantasy - and has spawned many legends!

Check out this video about one of the spooky legends surrounding the site here.

Travel Quiz

Can you identify this site and it's location in Ireland?

Answer in next week's Newsletter

Last weeks Travel Quiz answer

Dromoland-castle-hotel

County Clare

I just wanted to add this.

How about a stroll down this wonderful lane?

I think I smell a turf fire.......

Irish Language

"Tar anseo"

Which translates to "Come here."

Bitesize Irish has many more useful dog commands, so you can teach your dog Irish as well!

Click here to listen to how a native Irish speaker would say it.

Free Irish Classes

The classes are over zoom and are held at 12:00 eastern time the 1 st Sunday of every month.

It is basic conversational Irish and open to learners of all ages, especially beginners.

All are invited either to participate privately or to meet at Tim Finnegans at 12:00 prior to the regular Sunday session.

Hope to see you there!

slan go foill. Le dea ghui,

Anita

click here to register

..

It's stew season!

Even in Florida

Culinary experts reveal their secrets for a perfect stew

HelloFresh Ireland shares their Ultimate Stew Builder along with five expert tips for creating the perfect stew.

IrishCentral Staff @IrishCentral Nov 01, 2023

Beef stew. GETTY IMAGES

Stew weather has arrived, and the culinary experts at HelloFresh have revealed the key to creating easy and delicious stew dishes.

It's officially stew season in Ireland, as searches for the famous Irish recipe have shot up 66% since the beginning of October.

To celebrate the cozy cultural dish and to help novice stew makers, the culinary experts are sharing their Ultimate Stew Builder, which uses data to pair popular stew recipes together to create the ultimate stew.

The Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland has also revealed the most common mistakes around stew making and tips on how to avoid them.

The Ultimate Stew Builder chart below identifies the best vegetables, sauces and side dishes to accompany various meats.

Simply choose your protein, veggies, sauce and sides according to the builder to create the perfect stew. All combinations have been selected by analyzing the highest-rated recipes from a range of sources, to see which ingredients are most popularly paired together.

Heavier meats such as beef and lamb are best paired with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and onions, steeped in hearty sauces like red wine and beef stock.

Meanwhile white meat is best paired with more tangier and creamy sauces like white wine, chicken stock and heavy cream.

Courtesy of HelloFresh

Alongside the data-led Ultimate Stew Builder, Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland, Hannah Duxbury, has revealed the most common stew mistakes as well as tips on how to make the dish even tastier.

Common Stew

Mistakes to Avoid

Not Searing the Meat Beforehand

"Stew is such an easy one pot meal, so it's no surprise that most people throw everything into the pan for ease. But actually, browning your protein before adding it to your stew can enhance flavor by caramelizing the meat's surface and creating a more varied texture," explains Hannah.

Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time

"One common mistake when cooking stew is not allowing it to simmer long enough. Stews benefit from slow cooking to tenderise the meat and develop flavours, so rushing the process can make it less flavourful and tender. I'd recommend simmering the stew for at least one to two hours for the flavours to really meld."

Adding Herbs Too Early

"Fresh herbs are delicate and therefore have a tendency to lose their flavour if cooked too long, so it's best to add these near the end of the stewing process. Add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, coriander and dill in the final minutes of cooking or as a garnish to help retain their vibrant flavours."

Ignoring the Resting Period Before Serving

"Rushing to serve your stew immediately after it's done cooking can be a common oversight. To allow your flavours to intensify, it's best to allow your stew to rest for a short period after serving. That's why stew can taste even better the next day - it's a perfect dish for batch cooking!"

Neglecting the Importance of Seasoning Throughout

"Seasoning isn't a one-time affair; it's an ongoing process that can significantly impact the final taste of your stew. Some cooks make the mistake of seasoning only at the beginning or end of the cooking process. However, regularly tasting and adjusting the seasoning throughout the simmering time allows you to build layers of flavour and ensure that every element of the stew is well-seasoned."

With HelloFresh's stew builder and five expert tips, creating the perfect stew is easy.

More delicious stews can be found on HelloFresh's recipe hub here.

Subscribe to IrishCentral

Enjoy

If you have a cherished family Irish recipie share it with us.

And if there's a story that goes with it.....even better! mail click here

Fireny@aol.com

filíocht pronounced FILL-ee-uhkht meaning Poetry

"Postscript"

By Seamus Heaney

And some time make the time to drive out west

Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore,

In September or October, when the wind

And the light are working off each other

So that the ocean on one side is wild

With foam and glitter, and inland among stones

The surface of a slate-grey lake is lit

By the earthed lightning of a flock of swans,

Their feathers roughed and ruffling, white on white,

Their fully grown headstrong-looking heads

Tucked or cresting or busy underwater.

Useless to think you'll park and capture it

More thoroughly. You are neither here nor there,

A hurry through which known and strange things pass

As big soft buffetings come at the car sideways

And catch the heart off guard and blow it open.

Isn’t that stunning? You can almost feel the Atlantic wind and see the swans. Heaney’s words remind us that some moments can’t be captured—they must simply be felt.

"seanchaí"

(pronounced "shan-a-key")

comes from the Irish words "sean" meaning old and "caí" meaning to tell.

Stories and Tales

Who knew the Romans named Scotland?

From Lawrence Mahoney

During Roman times, the Latin word Scotti (raider) was used to refer to the Irish.

This covered everyone in Ireland as well as the people speaking Old Irish who lived on the west coast of Scotland.

Culturally and linguistically, there were strong connections between Ireland and western Scotland during this period.

The Gaelic language and culture spread, particularly when the Scots from Ireland began to establish their own kingdoms in Scotland, leading to the term "Scots" being used to describe the people of Scotland.

Thus, the identity of the Scots evolved from their Irish roots into the distinct cultural group we recognize today.

Curious Irish Facts You’ll Love

The Rock of Cashel: Legend has it that the Rock was formed when St. Patrick banished the Devil, who spat out a chunk of a nearby mountain—leaving us with the famous Rock of Cashel.

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II visited the Rock of Cashel during her historic 2011 trip to Ireland? It was one of the highlights of her tour and a symbolic gesture of peace and reconciliation between Ireland and the UK.

St. Brigid’s Cloak: According to legend, St. Brigid asked a king for land to build a monastery. He agreed to give her as much land as her cloak could cover. When she laid her cloak on the ground, it miraculously spread across acres. Talk about making the most of what you have!

The Fighting Irish –

Is Your Irish Surname Mentioned Here?

We've often heard the phrase "The Fighting Irish". Here we have a letter all about how many of the "faction fights" in 1800s Ireland, went on to be subsumed into the modern Irish game of Hurling. Perhaps you can see some of your Irish surnames mentioned as part of this particular faction fight? Irish countryside

Céad Míle Fáilte– and welcome to yourLetter from Ireland this week. Well, the early summer is truly underway here in this part of Ireland. The cherry and apple blossoms are coming to an end, to be replaced by that beautiful light shade of green you see in the trees. A great time of year – full of promise! I hope the weather is treating you wherever this letter finds you today.

Speaking of the lovely green colour around us at this time of the year, just yesterday we drove through the nearby country village of Ballinhassig. As we went into the village shop for our daily usuals, we noticed a plaque on the wall with the following words:

Fighting Irish - Ballinhassig faction fight plaque

This plaque was erected in memory of Maurice Corcoran, Jeremiah Coughlan, Charles McCarthy, Cornelius Ford, John Kerrigan, Julia O’Callaghan, John Desmond, John Hourihan, John Walsh, Tom Delea and a man named O’Sullivan who lost their lives as a result of a Faction Fight which took place here in the village of Ballinhassig during a Fair Day on Monday June 30th, 1845.

An early recorded example of The Fighting Irish. This reminded me that a few weeks ago, one of our reader enquired about their ancestor who came from Ballinhassig originally.

The Fighting Irish of the 1800s.

Margaret Rose from Melbourne in Australia contacted me with the following:

My Great grandfather, Jeremiah Drummy, was born in 1835 in Ballinhassig and migrated to Melbourne, Australia in July 1860. I would love to see some photos of Ballinhassig and perhaps discover what life would have been like before he migrated to Australia.

Well, Margaret – we can work on the photos later, but for now we are going to look at a particular aspect of Irish life that would have been very familiar to your Great Grandfather at the time – the “Faction Fight“. Back in the early 1800s, a particular phenomenon came to prominence among the Gaelic Irish. Family-aligned gangs – or factions – would come together in their hundreds, around the time of Fair Days or Saint patterns, and a fight would ensue between these rival factions.

The weapon of choice would often be a blackthorn stick – what has become known as a “Shillelagh” over the years. These fights were highly ritualised – involving specific signals and cries of communication. Each faction dressed a particular way, swore loyalty to their brotherhood, and met on pre-determined dates. A bit like modern a sports fixture. Only a lot more vicious – and occasionally murderous. The earliest recorded faction fight was in Clonmel, County Tipperary, in 1805 – the authorities generally did not intervene as long as property and “civilised folk” were not placed under threat.

Clonmel, County Tipperary Clonmel, County Tipperary

The morning of Monday, June 30th was Fair day in Ballinhassig. The trading of the day passed without event and the tents and stalls were coming down before 7.30pm. A pre-scheduled faction fight got under way between two groups known as the “Neills” and “Sullivans”. It started with Ranter Sullivan throwing his hat into the fair green, whirling his stick, giving the faction whoop and calling his faction brothers around him.

This time, however, the police did intervene – and never allowed the fight to properly start. As a result, the crowd started to grow hostile to the police who in turn called for reinforcements. The day ended with the eleven people listed on the plaque losing their lives to gunshot wounds. It is entirely probable that Margaret Rose’s ancestors – the Drummy family – were present on that Fair day in 1845 in Ballinhassig, County Cork. Sullivan can be found on the front of many Cork and Kerry buildings.

Sullivan can be found on the front of many Cork and Kerry buildings.

The event was widely reported in the papers in Ireland and England, and probably put pressure on the authorities to control and eradicate these faction fights. However, you might notice the year this fight was reported – 1845 – and by October of that year a far greater challenge was presented to the people of Ireland with the first potato crop failure of what later became known as “The Great Famine”.

Faction fights did not really feature after that Famine – I’m sure that many factions had lost huge number of their members to starvation and emigration. By 1860, the Drummy family had made their way to Australia from their home in a corner of County Cork.

Would you like to see a Faction fight today? Well, in a way you can – the Gaelic Athletic Association was set up in 1884 in County Tipperary, the same county where those faction fights first appeared. One of the ancient Irish games that they brought back to life at that time was the sport of Hurling. It was a game where groups of men wore similar colours, armed themselves with sticks and went into battle against each other at a predetermined place and time. All surrounded by hungry spectators, each shouting off their own “faction” whoops!

GAA Headquarters in Thurles, County Tipperary on match day

The GAA at the time were very cognisant of layering this newly revived game over the existing urges and tribal instincts of the young men of Ireland. And they largely succeeded in replacing Faction Fights with the game of Hurling – now one of the most exciting games to watch and play anywhere in the world, and without the murderous intent of those old faction fights. You can see a clip of what I mean in the video below.

So, Margaret Rose – it might be time to head down to your local GAA playing fields in Melbourne and see the Fighting Irish in a game of hurling, a game that I’m sure your ancestors would have appreciated and enjoyed!

If you would like to say hello – or ask a question – please feel free to leave a comment . Slán for this week, Mike and Carina.

If you visit the site please let Mike know you heard about it

from Tommy Mac and the Tír na mBláth. Tim Finnegan's Pub, Irish Seisiún Newsletter

Did You Know?

A Peek into Irish History

On January 15th, 1922, the first official meeting of the Irish Free State government was held. Imagine the emotions in the room—a mix of hope, pride, and remembrance for the many lives that were lost in the pursuit of freedom.

Here’s an interesting nugget: the first act of this government wasn’t a grand speech or a major law, but the appointment of a clerk! Small steps often lead to great journeys.

Irish Quiz –

Test Your Irish Knowledge!

Let’s see how well you know your Irish history and culture!

1. What Irish saint is said to have rid Ireland of snakes?

a) St. Columba

b) St. Brigid

c) St. Patrick

d) St. Kevin

2. What’s the capital of County Clare?

a) Ennis

b) Limerick

c) Kilrush

d) Shannon

3. In Irish folklore, what creature is said to guard pots of gold at the end of rainbows?

a) Fairy

b) Leprechaun

c) Pooka

d) Banshee

4. What’s the traditional Irish instrument that features prominently in Irish music?

a) Banjo

b) Tin whistle

c) Fiddle

d) Bodhrán

5. Who is the famous High King of Ireland

who defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014?

a) Brian Boru

b) Cú Chulainn

c) Fionn mac Cumhaill

d) Niall of the Nine Hostages

Answers below

RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

"A Fiddler in Newbridge has a brother, who was a Fiddler in Naas.

But the Naas Fiddler has no fiddler brother in Newbridge.

How can that be?"

Click here to see the answer.

WATCH:

One of the best Irish movies ever

is now streaming for free on YouTube

The 1996 Irish film “Michael Collins” is now available to watch in its entirety, for free, on YouTube.

Kerry O'Shea @kerry_oshea Jan 07, 2025

"Liam Neeson in "Michael Collins." Warner Bros Entertainment

The full version of "Michael Collins" is now available, for free, on YouTube where it was uploaded by Warner Bros. Entertainment on January 1.

The award-winning Irish film has already racked up nearly 400k views on YouTube.

Directed by Neil Jordan and starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Julia Roberts, "Michael Collins" follows the early 20th-century Irish struggle for independence from Britain.

You can watch "Michael Collins," in its entirety, here:

In "Michael Collins," Irish actor Liam Neeson plays the titular role of the Irish revolutionary.

He's joined by Aidan Quinn as Harry Boland, Stephen Rea as Ned Broy, Alan Rickman as Éamon de Valera, and Julia Roberts as Kitty Kiernan.

Also in the film are Brendan Gleeson as Liam Tobin and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Collins' Assassin.

A still from "Michael Collins." (Warner Bros Entertainment)

A synopsis of the film states: "'Michael Collins' tells the powerful, turbulent story of one of Ireland’s most controversial patriots and revolutionary heroes, known as ‘The Lion Of Ireland’, who leads his countrymen in their fight for independence.

"Set in the early 20th Century, when a monumental history of oppression and bloodshed had divided Ireland and its people, the film covers the bloody 1916 Easter Uprising, when Irish revolutionaries surrendered to the overwhelming military power of the British forces and Collins was arrested.

"Upon his release, he takes leadership of the Irish independence movement and strives to create a free and peaceful country."

A still from "Michael Collins." (Warner Bros Entertainment)

"Michael Collins" debuted in August 1996 at the Venice Film Festival. There, the movie scooped the prestigious Golden Lion Award, while Neeson took home the Best Actor award.

The movie was later released in the US in October 1996 and in Ireland the following month.

The film, which had a budget of $28 million, broke all of Ireland’s previous box-office records, coming second only to James Cameron’s "Titanic" (1997) in the country’s all-time box-office list in 2000.

"Michael Collins" went on to land two Oscar nominations (Best Cinematography and Best Original Dramatic Score), two Golden Globe nominations (Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama - Liam Neeson and Best Original Score), and two BAFTA nominations (Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Alan Rickman and Best Cinematography).

Today, "Michael Collins" continues to receive favorable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes where it earned a 'Certified Fresh' distinction based on reviews from film critics, while 84% of fans rated the film positively.

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Quiz Answers

1. c) St. Patrick

2. a) Ennis

3. b) Leprechaun

4. d) Bodhrán

5. a) Brian Boru

If you missed the ones in red, you're not Irish!

Strange Irish museums -

including a leprechaun one

If your interests include copper mining, toy carriages and dolls, leprechauns, basketry, or fly fishing, these places are for you.

Bryan Fitzgerald @IrishCentral Jan 14, 2025

Quiet Man Cottage Museum, Cong, Co.Mayo...say what?! Tourism Ireland / Irish Content Pool

Ireland is steeped in history and amazing museums, but we decided to take a look at the truly surreal little museums around the country.

If your interests include copper mining, toy carriages, and dolls, leprechauns, basketry, or fly fishing, chances are there is a museum for you in Ireland.

Here, IrishCentral presents ten of the more unique and interesting museum experiences Ireland has to offer.

National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin City

This museum is the place to experience the sounds, sights, and stories and magic of the land of those miniature, mischievous, mythological figures.

Quiet Man Cottage Museum, Cong, Co.Mayo

If you are among the throngs who fell in love with the movie you are certain to fall in love with this Mayo attraction featuring an exact replica of the ‘White-O-Mornin’ cottage, furniture, clothing, and costumes as seen in the classic film shot in the village.

Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood (Powerscourt House) Co. Wicklow

This world-renowned 22-room dollhouse which took master craftsmen over 20 years to build is the main exhibit among others the “house in a bottle," “the smallest dollhouse in the world” and 300-year-old dollhouses.

Cork Butter Museum, Shandon. Co. Cork

Cork Butter Museum, Shandon. Co. Cork.

Located in what was the world’s largest butter market in Cork this museum traces the historical production and export of the dairy product in the economic and social life in Ireland. Butter-making equipment and storage containers are on display including a 1000-year-old keg of butter.

Greenan Farm Museums and Maze, Co. Wicklow

Greenan Farm Museums and Maze, Co. Wicklow.

The museum’s hub is the manicured Celtic hedge maze. Other highlights include a bottle museum showcasing 19th and 20th-century jars and the barn museum that served as a safehouse for Irish rebels and the home for Seanchai Tom O’Neill.

Arigna Mining Experience, Arigna. Co. Roscommon

Arigna Mining Experience, Arigna. Co. Roscommon.

The Mining Experience Centre was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future. During the underground tour, visitors will experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the Western world.

Museum of the Master Saddler, Co. Cavan

Corlough hosts the only museum in the world devoted to the art of the saddler and the harness maker. Museum exhibits include horsedrawn carriages and farm machinery and houses a workshop and publishing division. Many exciting events like hunting and miniature plowing are featured here.

Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Dublin

This museum, located in the Martello Tower, boasts an impressive collection of old radios, music boxes, and gramophones that also serves as an amateur radio station on Saturday nights.

Alliehies Coppermine Museum, Beara Peninsula, Co Cork

The former Methodist chapel built for miners in 1845 serves as this geological information center that through the use of large-scale models, diagrams, and maps tells the core history of mining.

Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

This restored farmhouse houses a startling array of rods, reels, guns, tackles, tools, bird and fish specimens and brutal “human traps” luckily outlawed in 1827. * Originally published in 2012, updated in Jan 2025.

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Hi Thomas,

Paraic here with this week’s Five Tunes!

This week, I’m honoring the legendary musician from Clare – Ireland’s whistling ambassador himself, Micho Russell.

For those who don’t know, Micho’s artistry and contributions to the traditional Irish Tin Whistle have left a lasting legacy.

Known for his soulful playing and unique interpretations, his influence continues to inspire tin whistle players around the world. I’ve chosen five tunes connected to his music that reflect his love for the tradition and his incredible talent.

Let’s get started with celebrating the magic of Micho’s music. divider

“The Fermoy Lasses" - Reel

We start with a lively reel, “The Fermoy Lasses”, a tune with a gorgeous melody full of triplets. It’s not the easiest tune to play by any means, but a great one to get the toes tapping at any session!

This rendition, played expertly by Micho Russell, shows off his flute-playing abilities. Despite being known as a master tin whistle player, his flute skills should be highly praised as well:

Sheet Music and ABC

“The Rainy Day" - Reel

This classic reel is one Micho played with soul and finesse, capturing its haunting beauty. “The Rainy Day” is a tune that challenges the range of the whistle, venturing up into those high notes in later sections while staying in the lower register most of the piece.

Micho plays this reel in his recording of The Names I’ve Forgotten with expert precision and timing. Interestingly, he jokes that he gave the album its title because he couldn’t remember the name of the tunes he played:

Sheet Music and ABC

"Timmy Clifford’s" - Jig

Micho was known for his jigs, and “Timmy Clifford’s” Jig is a perfect example of his ability to bring a tune to life. This jig is even sometimes referred to as the “Micho Russell’s” jig because of his fondness for playing it.

For a different twist, I’m sharing a fiddle rendition by Fergal Scahill. It’s a lovely take on the tune and adds some variety to this week’s selections:

Sheet Music and ABC

“The Steamroller MacTeige’s" - Polka

Polkas were a key part of Micho’s repertoire, and “The Steamroller MacTeige’s” Polka is one of those spirited gems. It’s a fun, energetic tune that’s guaranteed to get your toe tapping.

Micho’s sense of rhythm and phrasing really shine in this piece. If you’re looking for a polka with a strong, memorable melody, this one is a great choice:

Sheet Music and ABC

“The Boys of Bluehill" - Hornpipe

To round out this week’s selection, I’ve chosen “The Boys of Bluehill”, a timeless hornpipe that Micho played with elegance. Its steady rhythm and beautiful melody make it a favorite among musicians.

What makes Micho’s rendition unique is his slightly quicker tempo, giving the tune a feel closer to a reel while maintaining just a hint of hornpipe syncopation. It’s a lively piece that never fails to get people moving.

Sheet Music and ABC

That’s all for this week, folks!

I hope these tunes bring you closer to the incredible legacy of Micho Russell and inspire you to explore his music further.

As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help with your instruments or sheet music.

Have a great weekend!

Slán go fóill,

I bought my Bodhran from Paraic and I am very satisified with the quality and the service.

If you visit the store please let Paraic know you heard about it

from Tommy Mac and the Tír na mBláth. Tim Finnegan's Pub, Irish Seisiún Newsletter

50% Off Sale Throughout January

...click below

Calling all Banjo players

Bring your banjo to our next session!

Here's a short history of the Banjo

PBS Arts: Give Me the Banjo (2011)

This Week in the History of the Irish:

January 19 through January 25

Posted by The Wild Geese

LUAIN -- On January 20, 1771, Don Hugo O'Conor was named Commandant Inspector of New Spain (Mexico). O'Conor was born into a Jacobite family in Dublin in December 1734. The family name was most likely originally spelled O'Connor and changed as the result of frequent misspellings by Spanish speakers. One of Hugo's grandfathers had been forced to flee to Spain in 1652 and Hugo's father was also an Irish nationalist. By the time of Hugo O'Conor, Spain had a long tradition of taking in Irish exiles. The O'Conor family was related to two officers in the Spanish army, Colonel Don Domingo O'Reilly and Field Marshal Alejandro O'Reilly. In 1751, young Hugo followed his two cousins to Spain. He immediately joined the Irish Hibernia Regiment. Hugo served in Spain's war against Portugal in the early 1660s and then was sent to the New World, serving in Cuba under his cousin, Field Marshal O'Reilly. Hugo rose steadily through the ranks and in 1763 was made a Knight of the Order of Calatrava. In 1765 he was transferred to Mexico and served on the staff of Don Juan de Villalba. DeGolyer Library The signature of Hugo O'Conor from a report to his successor, July 22, 1777. Shortly thereafter, O'Conor was sent to temporarily command the northern presidio of San Sabá. He was then assigned to investigate a violent dispute between the governor of Texas and an army officer. The Viceroy of Mexico, Marqués de Cruillas, was so pleased with his handling of this assignment – which ended with the governor's removal – that this eventually led to O'Conor's promotion to the position of Commandant Inspector of New Spain. Utilizing a system of frontier presidios – one he built became the foundation of Tucson, Arizona -- Don Hugo fought a constant battle with numerous Indian tribes while helping reorganize and unify New Spain's northern borders. His most frequent opposition came from a tribe the U.S. Army would one day come to know well -- the Apaches. The Spanish had been fighting the Apaches since 1748 and O'Conor estimated they had killed over 4,000 Spanish subjects. In October 1776, O'Conor returned from the frontier and was appointed governor of the Yucatán. But at his station in Mérida, his health began to fail. On March 8, 1779, Don Hugo O'Conor died at Quinta de Miraflores, just east of Mérida. O'Conor was only 44 years old when he died and had already risen to the rank of brigadier general. Had he lived to old age, Don Hugo O'Conor may well have risen to the highest ranks of Spain's army or government. Hulton Picture Library 'Big Jim' Larkin in his prime.

MÁIRT -- On January 21, 1876, James 'Big Jim' Larkin, one of the greatest labor leaders of the 20th century, was born in Liverpool, England, the second son of a poor Irish couple. At 5 he was sent back to Newry, County Down, to live with his grandparents. He returned to Liverpool in 1885 and began to work as a laborer on the docks. After some time as a seaman, he returned to the docks and rose to be a foreman.

Left Hulton Picture Library 'Big Jim' Larkin in his prime.

When Larkin joined a strike by the men under him, he was fired from that position. He had lost a job, but he had found a calling. Larkin became an organizer for the National Union of Dockers Laborers. He was sent to Belfast in 1907 and organized a strike there, managing to get Catholic and Protestant workers to cooperate, rather than let those above them exploit their ancient animosities. So persuasive was Larkin that he even got the police to support his strike. But he was making enemies in high places, including the leadership of NUDL. They transferred him to Dublin, but his militancy caused him to be suspended from the NUDL.

In December 1908, he organized his own union, the Irish Transport, and General Workers' Union, the ITGWU, and through the force of his personality and oratory, the Union grew quickly. Most of the dock and factory workers he organized lived in some of the worst slums in all of Europe. In 1913 Larkin's successful organizing caused Dublin employers to move against him. They demanded that all employees quit Larkin's union. The workers refused, and, in August 1913, employers all over Dublin locked them out of their jobs. When other Unions supported them, over 100,000 workers ended up locked out. The employers ended the lockout at the end of January 1914. Many saw little if any gain for the workers as a result of the bitter fight, but others noted that with 'Big Jim's' leadership the workers had a solidarity not seen before. In August 1914, the British suppressed Larkin's paper, The Irish Worker, and he traveled to America to raise funds. He would not return for nine years, much of that time spent behind bars. Larkin found an America which was even more antagonistic to organized labor than Britain. In New York, in 1920, he was jailed and sentenced to 10 years for criminal syndicalism.' In 1923, Governor Al Smith had him released and he returned to Ireland. The Ireland he returned to had changed – for one, the British were gone from the Free State – and the tempestuous Larkin, still a committed Marxist, had not. He was expelled from the ITGWU after a bitter power struggle with the more moderate leaders who had rebuilt it in his absence. Nevertheless, 'Big Jim' continued to be active in the fight for worker's rights until his death on January 30, 1947. The world has seen many corrupt labor leaders whose only real agenda was lining their own pockets, but when 'Big Jim' Larkin died his estate consisted of a few personal items and £4.50 in cash.

AOINE - January 22, 1760, at Wandewash, India, General Thomas Arthur Comte de Lally's French army, including his regiment of the Irish Brigade, was defeated by Irish-born Sir Eyre Coote's English army. Coote was born in Limerick in 1726; his father's side of the family had come over during the reign of Elizabeth I and intermarried with the Irish. Lally was second-generation Wild Geese, born in France in 1701. His father was Sir Gerard Lally of County Galway. Lally's military career began early and rose ever upward. He first served with the regiment of his uncle, Arthur Dillon. At Dettingen, in 1743, he saved the life of his father and the following year he was promoted to Colonel and given command of his own regiment in the Brigade.

(Right: Thomas Arthur Comte de Lally)

Commanding his regiment at Fontenoy in 1745, the most famous action in the history of the Irish Brigade, his actions in deploying several cannons against the flank of the English advance may have been the turning point in the battle. Lally was involved in the planning of 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie's rising in England later that year but did not accompany him to Scotland. By 1756, when Lally was selected as commander-in-chief of the French expedition to India, he was one of the greatest living soldiers of France. Lally's force was delayed and did not leave France until May 1757. Further delays occurred on route and he finally landed at Pondicherry, India, on April 28, 1758. In less than two months, Lally cleared the English forces from a huge area around Pondicherry and captured almost 300 pieces of artillery. Lally next laid siege to Madras, but his naval support abandoned him and, in January 1759, the English were reinforced, forcing Lally to retire toward Pondicherry. Forces away from India were conspiring against Lally now, as the merchant fleets of the French had been rendered useless by England's navy. Thus in January 1760, as Lally made his stand at Wandewash, his troops had not been paid in six months, he had few supplies, and no hope of help from France. The morale of his troops could not have been high; still, they gave a good account of themselves until finally they were driven from the field by Coote's army. Lally probably should have sought terms from Coote then, but he held out in Pondicherry for another year until finally, with the garrison facing starvation, he surrendered. Lally had done all a mortal man could do with the forces available to him, now he was on his way back to Europe in a British ship. There were more tribulations ahead for this tragic figure.

DEARDAOIN-- On January 24, 1862, Miles Byrne, United Irishman and officer in Napoleon's Irish Legion, died in Paris. He was active in the 1798 Rising in Wexford and fought all its major battles, right through the rebels' climactic defeat at Vinegar Hill.

(Left: Miles Byrne (from his 'Memoirs".)

He escaped to the hills and served with Michael Dwyer until the failure of the rising led by Robert Emmet, a close friend of Byrne's, in 1803. Byrne traveled to France hoping to arrange for more French aid to Ireland but after failing in that he joined the Irish Legion being formed in the French army. He had a long career in the service of France. Byrne rose to command a regiment and was made a chevalier of the Legion of Honor. After his retirement, he wrote his Memoirs, which were published in 1863, a year after his death in Paris.

VOICES

'The narrative of the destruction, robberies, deaths and other types of damage that I then reported would seem at first glance too exaggerated either as the result of fear or of special purposes of the informants, but besides being based on their reality, they are all evident in very trustworthy documents that I have left in the Archive of Chihuahua.' -- From the report of Hugo O'Conor to Teodoro de Criox, his successor in northern New Spain, dated July 22, 1777.

'I would like to know . . . what Orangeism or Protestantism has got to do with men fighting for their just rights, when the issue lies not in religion but is a question of bread and butter, and shorter hours and better working conditions, which we should have had 20 years ago.' -- A Protestant supporter of Jim Larkin's in Belfast, 1906 Sir Eyre Coote

'Nobody has a higher idea than I have of General Lally, who, to my knowledge, has struggled against obstacles which I believe unconquerable, and has conquered them. There is certainly not a second man, in all India, who could have managed to keep on foot for so long a period an army without pay, and without any kind of assistance.' -- A written statement found in the papers of General Eyre Coote after Coote's death in 1783.

"Wright, as always, behaved well." -- From the report of Peruvian Admiral Guise (later to lose his life in a naval battle versus Wright) after the battle of Callao.

News of Interest

Derry nun begins path to sainthood after tragic death in 2016

Sr Clare Crockett had a perhaps unusual path to becoming a nun, but she is now on her way to sainthood.

Kerry O'Shea @kerry_oshea Jan 17, 2025

Sr Clare Crockett in 2012.

Sr Clare Crockett, a nun from Brandywell in Co Derry who died in 2016, is officially a 'Servant of God' following the opening of the cause for her beatification in a ceremony at the Cathedral of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain on January 12.

Ever since Crockett's tragic death during the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother have encountered people asking for the necessary steps to be taken to study the sainthood of the Derry nun.

The Sisters said in November that, "after praying and reflecting intensely on what we should do," they saw the inquiries as "a clear indication that the Lord was asking us to request the opening of the process for Sr. Clare Crockett at the diocesan level."

The Sisters announced that after receiving the transfer of powers and having carried out the investigation into the reputation of sanctity and all the required consultations, Monsignor D. Antonio Prieto Lucena, Bishop of the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares, accepted their request.

Sr Clare with in Ireland in 2011.

Monsignor Lucena presided over the opening of the cause for the beatification of Sr. Clare in Madrid on January 12.

In order to be canonized as a saint, Sr Clare, now a 'Servant of God,' will next need to be declared Venerable, then be declared Blessed through beatification, and finally be canonized.

The event was attended not only by the Sisters, but also by more than 100 people from her native Derry, including family, friends, and as well as Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown and the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, Cardinal Fernando Chomalí Garib.

Born in Derry in 1981, Clare Crockett was a "wild child" in her younger years with hopes - and promise - of going to Hollywood.

In 2014, Clare admitted in testimony that "Although we [her family] were Catholic, we’ve never been fervent in the Faith."

In 2000, Clare went on a trip to Spain with a friend under the impression that there would be sun, beach, and parties. The trip, however, was a Holy Week encounter in a small town.

Clare more or less 'went through the motions' through the trip - at least until Good Friday, when she attended Liturgy and partook in the Adoration of the Cross.

"To kiss the Cross - something that seemed so insignificant - had such a strong impact on me," she wrote.

She was changed, but not transformed. Clare later went on to attend World Youth Day in Rome. Though she admitted that she did not "live that trip very well," she recalled her testimony: "He searched for me until He found the perfect moment to say to me, 'I want you to live like them.'

"'They' were the sisters, and to live 'like them' meant being a nun!"

Clare Crockett in 2001.

When she returned home, Clare "continued to live as before," though she could not shake the thought of the nuns.

"Everything that I thought was going to make me happy and free only tied me down and deceived me," Clare wrote. "It was then that I said to God, 'That's enough!' The peace that I have found with You and in the Home, I can’t find anywhere else. I have to take this step and it's now or never.”

A brief biography of Sr Clare states: "Neither her family’s pleas, nor her manager’s promises, could stop her.

"On August 11, 2001, she gave her life to God as a candidate in the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother."

Clare Crockett in 2002.

Clare went on to take her first vows on February 18, 2006, taking the religious name of Sr. Clare Maria of the Trinity and the Heart of Mary. She later took her perpetual vows on September 8, 2010.

After her first vows, Clare went on to serve in the Servant Sisters’ communities in Belmonte, Cuenca (Spain), Jacksonville, Florida (USA), Valencia (Spain), Guayaquil (Ecuador), and Playa Prieta, Manabí (Ecuador).

Sr Clare in 2006.

On April 16, 2016, Clare, 33, was in Playa Prieta in Ecuador when the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck.

"Sr. Clare and the group of young women who passed away were on the first floor," her biography says. "They had had guitar class and were about to pray the Rosary with the rest of the sisters and girls.

"The heavy quake caused the building to collapse, with four Sisters and seven girls inside. Only five were rescued alive.

"Curiously enough, they had been talking about death during lunch that very day. Very convinced, Sr. Clare had said, 'Why should I be afraid of death, if I’m going to go with the One I have longed to be with my whole life?'"

Sr Clare in 2011.

Read more Irish nun killed in Ecuador earthquake is now a movie star

"Never in a million years did we think she was going to be a nun, never mind make her way to sainthood," Clare's sister Shauna Gill told BBC News NI this month before the opening of the cause for the beatification in Madrid.

"A lot of people have asked us about grieving for Clare, but I don't think we have ever grieved for Clare because she is talked about every day."

Recalling her sister, Shauna said: "Everything in Clare's life growing up was dramatic, nothing was plain sailing."

Clare was "always destined for a life in the spotlight," Shauna added.

"Our Clare would have loved all of this attention and the drama about her.

"But Sr Clare would have liked to be in the background – I don't think she would like all the limelight."

Sr Clare with her family in Ireland in 2011.

Shauna added: "We are immensely proud of her, nervous to the unknown as nobody has ever experienced this in our lifetime... but the support we have is unbelievable."

You can watch the Opening of the Cause of Beatification of Sr. Clare Crockett, SHM here:

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VotingRights.ie slams absence of referendum

in draft programme for Government

VotingRights.ie members tell IrishCentral of their disappointment with the absence of a referendum in the new draft programme for Government.

Kerry O'Shea @kerry_oshea Jan 17, 2025

The draft programme for Ireland's next Government that was agreed upon by coalition leaders on January 15 does not include a provision to hold a referendum on voting rights for Irish citizens abroad.

This is a marked change from the 2020 programme for Government which set out to "hold a referendum on extending the franchise at presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State."

Unlike citizens in other countries, Irish citizens who are no longer living in the Republic of Ireland cannot cast votes in Irish elections from abroad. This impacts not only Irish citizens who have left Ireland, but also Irish citizens who are living across the border in Northern Ireland.

VotingRights.ie, which was founded in 2016 to advance the cause of Irish emigrant voting, has now responded to the Irish Government's apparent u-turn on the long-simmering matter of voting rights for Irish citizens abroad.

Kevin Sullivan, co-founder of VotingRights.ie, told IrishCentral on Friday of his concern about Irish citizens in Northern Ireland still not being able to vote in Irish elections.

"Building a Shared Ireland is more than bricks and mortar," Sullivan said.

"Two astonishing facts speak volumes about the lack of voting rights for Irish-born citizens living just over the Border.

"First, there is not one Northern representative currently in the Seanad over 100 years after the partition. Second, there are now over 1 million Irish-born passport holders in the North who are denied the vote.

"How does one call for a Shared Ireland or a United Ireland and at the same time deny these citizens any form of representation such as voting for the Presidency?

"When it comes to democratic reform and voting rights for citizens living outside the State, the government excels at incrementalism at a slow pace."

Sullivan continued: "Irish citizens living abroad are diverse in their political thinking. They will not vote in lockstep for any political party which is a commonly held assumption in Leinster House.

"These are the same voters who came home by the thousands and twice created the #HometoVote movement to help pass two progressive referendums."

Sullivan added: "As a long-time friend of Ireland, I worry that Ireland is becoming a complacent and parochial democracy at a time when many other members of the EU see their institutions under constant threat and challenged by a growing authoritarian outlook. Ireland is not immune from these threats and should create new democratic bulwarks with some sense of urgency. Most recently, the vote of the citizens living abroad was absolutely critical to the election of pro-Western leaders in Poland and Moldova."

A voice at home"

Noreen Bowden, also a co-founder of VotingRights.ie, acknowledged that the new draft programme for Government "includes some gestures in the right direction regarding overseas citizens," including reducing barriers for returning emigrants.

However, Bowden said the "absence of any commitment to give overseas citizens a vote is glaring."

She continued: "Policies made in Ireland can have a real effect on the lives of citizens overseas; representation for ordinary citizens is important, so that they can articulate issues affecting them and raise awareness among policy-makers, the public, and communities overseas themselves.

"Irish citizens living abroad do great work as Ireland's informal ambassadors, encouraging business investment and tourism, supporting Irish industry and arts, and spreading goodwill for the country. "And still, Ireland continues to refuse to grant what almost every other country in the developed world gives their citizens: a voice at home."

"Why can't Ireland do the same?"

Roscommon native Hilary Bierne represents VotingRights.ie in New York, where he is the Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Foundation and Chief Administrative Officer of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Bierne, who is running for the Seanad as a candidate in the National University of Ireland (NUI) constituency, told IrishCentral: "This represents a huge loss of potential economic activity between Ireland and its citizens abroad, something that could help reduce the overdependence on multinationals when it comes to the Irish economy.

"After 300 years of Irish nationals leaving Ireland for opportunities abroad, one would think Ireland would be at the forefront of voting rights for its citizens living abroad.

"Over 2/3 of the nations of the world engage citizens living abroad and grant them the vote which benefits the nation. Why can't Ireland do the same?"

"Profound disappointment"

VotingRights.ie member Jackie Gilna, the Dublin-native founder of the Canada-based We Are Global Irish, said the absence of a referendum in the new draft programme for Government is a "profound disappointment to the global Irish community."

Gilna said: "For decades, Irish-born citizens living abroad have been unwavering in their contributions to Ireland’s economy, culture, and global influence, consistently working to strengthen economic ties and foster growth.

"This oversight disregards a promise made to Ireland’s citizens living away who have demonstrated immense loyalty and support for their homeland.

"Granting the right to vote in the Presidential elections would acknowledge the enduring connection of Irish citizens living abroad and empower them with a rightful voice in shaping its future.

"We ask the government to recognize the invaluable role of Irish citizens abroad and honor its commitment to inclusive representation."

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A Little Humor

Church Bloopers

From my wife Donna

submitted by John Spannbuaer

A couple is lying in bed.

The man says,

"I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world"

The woman says,

"I'll miss you."

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