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This site includes the postings from the Irish Aires email list. This includes a listing of Irish/Celtic events in the Houston area and other information that the Irish Aires radio program posts.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Current Events
In order to give a quicker reference to upcoming events, I have
changed the format of the upcoming events. From now on I will
list ALL the events at the top of the list. New Items will have*
an * at the beginning of the event. Jay)
ALL items (see details below)
*05/09/09 – Bill & Emily Host Irish Aires Funding Raising Show
*05/09/09 – Constant Billy at Bayou City Farmers Market (add info)
*05/09/09 – Jed Marum at Second Saturday Concert (add Info)
*05/10/09 – Constant Billy at Art Car Brunch & Awards Ceremony (add info)
-05/15/09 – Clandestine at the Mucky Duck
-05/16-17 – Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival
-05/21-23 – Lone Star Stout at the Angel & the Ox Irish Pub
-05/29/09 – Constant Billy at The Angel and the Ox, Katy, TX
-06/05/09 – Irish Echo Irish Texan Event in San Antonio (date corrected)
-06/04/09 – Brian McNeil & Ed Miller at the Mucky Duck
-06/13/09 – Blaggards at the Continental Club
-07/02/09 – Blaggards at Ashford Arms
-10/09/09 – Blaggards at R&R Sports Bar & Grill
-10/23/09 – Annual Irish Gala at Houstonian Hotel
---
New On Going events & Announcements:
Friends of Sabine Pass are seeking members (See Announcements below)
Bogside Artists Book Review & ordering info
ACROSS THE WATER with ED MILLER Sundays 7-8pm on KUT-FM 90.5 in Austin
University of St Thomas Plans Bill Flynn college tribute
Michael Wayne Davitt Obituary
-----
Jed Marum has posted a short documentary film made by Power Lunch Productions. The film
Is about my music and includes clips from live performances, in-studio music and
interviews. Please take a look and listen - and please rate and comment on the Youtube
page.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnY9SRoPF1U
------
Events you might want to Plan ahead for (details below):
-----
To see our playlist as we play it, go to:
http://www.kpft.org/studio/playlist.php
Archived shows
KPFT Archived Programs Sorted By Name
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*05/09/09 – Constant Billy at Bayou City Farmers Market
TOMORROW Saturday May 9, 2009, from 9-11am we return to the
Bayou City Farmers Market!
What's in season? Lots of fruit, including peaches, blueberries
& strawberries plus goat cheeses, yard eggs, grass-fed beef, Fair
Trade organic coffees, shelled pecans, fresh-baked breads, Gulf
shrimp, gelato, honey and beeswax products, gluten-free meals,
granola, floral herbal vinegars, and lots of GREAT MUSIC!
What: Constant Billy returns to Houston’s wonderful Bayou City Farmers Market. Where: 3000 Richmond Ave. at Eastside 77098 (enter on Eastside) in Houston (click here
for map).When: Saturday May 9, 2009 9-11am.How Much: Absolutely FREE!
***********************************************
05/09/09 – Jed Marum at Second Saturday Concert
08:00PM to 10:00PM
Price: $12
Event Notes: May 9 2009
VENUE DETAILS
Houston Folklore & Folk Music Society,
Email: bpangle@aol.com
Address: 1618 Earl Of Dunmore Lane
City: Katy
State: TX
Zip: 77449
Phone: 281 347 3235
Venue Notes: Second Saturday Concerts
From Jed:
I am playing a concert in Houston on Saturday night, May 9 at
the Second Saturday Concert Series. I hope to be joined by my
friend Hugh Morrison for some of the evening.
Here is the detail:
May 09, 2009 07:30 to 10:00
Price: $12
Event Notes: Tickets are sold at the door - adults $12, senior
citizens (65) $8, and children under 12 free with adults.
Second Saturday Concert Series
West University Community Center
6104 Auden (at the intersection of Auden and Rice Blvd)
Houston TX 77005
Phone: 281-495-2923
Email: bpangle@aol.com
Web: www.houstonfolkmusic.org/secsat.html
Venue Info: Second Saturday Concert is presented by the Houston
Folklore/Music Society
Venue Notes: 6104 Auden (intersection of Auden. and Rice Blvd.)
Phone Bob or Gay Pangle at 281-347-3235 or Chris Hartman at 281-495-2923
Please come out and join us if you can make it - and bring a friend!
Thanks and all the best!
- Jed Marum
***********************************************
*05/10/09 – Constant Billy at Art Car Brunch & Awards Ceremony
We'll be performing at the one and only Orange Show for the annual Art Car Brunch.
Come on out and meet the artists with their cars at Houston's world-famous folk art
environment, The Orange Show . If you've never seen the Orange Show or the Art Cars
up close, you don't know what you're missing. FREE and open to the public!
What: Constant Billy performs at the fabulous Art Car Brunch at Houston's Orange Show. Where: 2402 Munger St., Houston TX 77023-5140 (click here for map) or call 713 926-6368.When: Sunday May 10, 2009 from 11am-1pm. How Much: Absolutely FREE!
***********************************************
05/15/09 – Clandestine at the Mucky Duck
May 15, 7pm & 9:30PM, $15
Clandestine was well-known and well-loved from 1996 to 2003 for their
particular brand of Texas Celtic music. They were regulars at the
Texas Scottish Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival for many
years and had full houses at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston, the
Cactus Cafe in Austin and Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. The band toured
the US extensively and had successful stints in Canada and France
before breaking up in February 2003. Now Clandestine has re-formed,
with the blessing of former member Jen Hamel. The very versatile Al
ofrin adds his cittern, voice, and another set of bagpipes to the familiar
mix. Al and EJ are joining Emily on vocals, with many songs now set
in three-part harmony. Most of the group’s blasting tune sets remain
the same, complemented by some new ones in similar style.
***********************************************
05/16-17/2009 – Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Present by Houston Highland Games Association
at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club
The Houston Highland Games and Celtic Festival
is pleased to announce
an outstanding line-up of
traditional and rock Celtic music for the 2009 Games.
CLANDESTINE -
was well-known and well-loved from 1996 to 2003 for their particular
brand of Texas Celtic music. They were regulars at the Texas Scottish
Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival for many years and had
ull houses at McGonigel's Mucky Duck in Houston, the Cactus Cafe in
Austin and Poor David's Pub in Dallas. The band toured the US extensively
and had successful stints in Canada and France before breaking up in
February 2003. Now Clandestine has re-formed with percussionist and
singer Emily Dugas, fiddler Gregory McQueen, piper EJ Jones and a new
member, Al Cofrin. (Former member Jen Hamel is pursuing her Ph.D.
in Behavioral Ecology at University of Missouri-Columbia. ) Al adds
his cittern, voice, and another set of bagpipes to the mix. Al and EJ
are joining Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part
harmony. Most of the group's blasting tune sets remain the same,
complemented by some new ones in similar style.
JIGGERNAUT
is not your typical celtic band, nor are they your typical rock band.
Jiggernaut is a powerful combination of Celtic, rock and folk music.
Drawing from years of experience playing rock-n- roll, the rythym
section lays down a solid foundation allowing the bagpipes and vocals
to soar. Passionate, energetic and always fun, Jiggernaut appeals to
audiences from six to sixty, their tunes and songs tell ancient stories
and teach lessons of today's world, in a style entirely their own. What
is Jiggernaut? Celtic musicians with a rock sensibility? Rock musicians
with a Celtic sensibility? You be the judge...
TERIBUS
is a bagpipe and drum trio playing Celtic and Tribal music influenced
by musical traditions from around the world. Led by Kevin Hartnell,
Richard Kean, and EJ Jones the TERIBUS lineup has many years of experience
playing pipes and drums at outdoor festivals. Their love of performance in
a variety of settings is evident from the high energy and spirit of fun
they bring to every show. Although their classical training and desire
to please the musical academics in the crowd is always in the back of
their minds, TERIBUS is equally likely to engage in antics never
before seen in concert halls, creating the perfect combination for
any festive event.
ED MILLER
has been hailed as "one of the finest singers to come out of the
Scottish Folksong Revival" and as "one of Scotland's best singing
exports." Originally from Edinburgh, he has for many years been
based in Austin, TX where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore
and Geography at the University of Texas. Ed is available for
concerts, clubs, house concerts, festivals, Highland Games and Burns
Suppers, as well as for lectures and workshops and has recorded 7
CD's of Scottish songs.
The Games will be held May 16 & 17 at the Houston Farm and Ranch
Club, 1 mile north of I-10 on Hwy 6 N. All four attractions will
have several performances on the Main Stage both days of the
festival. Local and regional bands will be performing on the
Ceilidh Stage for continuous music with something for everyone.
Tickets for the Games are priced at $12 Saturday and $10 Sunday
with special pricing for children and Sr's. Advanced purchase
tickets will go on sale April 1 at www.houstonhighland games.com
**********************************************
05/21-23/09 – Lone Star Stout at the Angel & the Ox Irish Pub
**********************************************
*05/29/09 – Constant Billy at The Angel and the Ox, Katy, TX
**********************************************
06/05/09 – Irish Echo Irish Texan Event in San Antonio
The Irish Echo is proud to present
2009 Texas Top Irish American Leaders Awards
Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas,
June 5, 2009 at 7pm
The Irish Echo, the USA’s largest and most widely-read Irish American
weekly, is joining with the Harp and Shamrock Society of San Antonio
to host an awards evening for champions of Irish America in Texas on
June 5, 2009. The event will build on the rich Irish American heritage
of Texas while also celebrating the Scots-Irish links to the Alamo and
the Lone Star State. We plan to honor eight of the State’s leading Irish
American personalities at a prestigious event which will pay tribute
to the sterling work of those of Irish American heritage in Texas while
building dynamic bridges with Ireland. The Irish Echo (www.irishecho.com)
has hosted events celebrating Irish America across the nation and through
its sister group of newspapers in Belfast, Ireland, has forged fresh links
of commerce and friendship between the US and Ireland. Honorees at our
recent events have included the Comptroller of New York City, Bill Thompson,
the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange Duncan Niederauer, the Treasurer of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Tim Cahill, the President of New York City
Council Christine Quinn, Congressman Joe Crowley and authors Pete Hamill
and Jimmy Breslin.
Tickets $60
Table of Ten $550
CONTACT:
moboyle@irishecho.com
Tel: 212 482 4818
-------
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19079
Texas first for Irish Echo
By Irish Echo Staff
letters@irishecho.com
February 18, 2009
Remember the Alamo may well be the cry of Irish Echo readers
in Texas on June 4 when they come together for the first-ever
statewide celebration of Irish America. The brainchild of
Joan Moody of the Harp and Shamrock Society, the glittering
dinner in San Antonio will embrace Irish America's best
including the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hibernians, Irish
American Unity Conference as well as cultural, business and
sporting groups from across the Lone Star State.
"Texas is a big state but the Irish have played a big part
in its past and continue to play a leading role there today,"
said Irish Echo publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, who will
travel to San Antonio and Houston next week to meet with
local Irish American groups.
"There's always been a special link between Ireland and the
Alamo and there's huge interest in our planned event among
the Ulster-Scots groups in the north of Ireland and their
Scots-Irish counterparts in Texas. This gives us a unique
opportunity to bring these two powerful constituencies together,
in much the same way as is now happening in Ireland.
"In more recent times, some of the biggest business investments
to come out of the U.S. into Ireland have come from Texas and,
indeed KCI of San Antonio only recently made a substantial
investment in Athlone," said Ó Muilleoir.
The Irish Echo publisher said the breakthrough Texas celebration
would also be a fitting tribute to the foundation work of by Jim
Delaney, co-founder of the Irish American Unity Conference, who
hails from San Antonio.
"Those of us who supported the cause of peace and justice in
Ireland owe a special debt to the groundbreaking efforts of Jim
and his colleagues to unite Irish America under one banner in
the wake of the 1981 hunger strikes," Ó Muilleoir added.
Anyone interested in supporting the Texas events can email
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir at momuilleoir@irishecho.com
This story appeared in the issue of February 18-24, 2009
**********************************************
06/04/09 – Brian McNeil & Ed Miller at the Mucky Duck
7:30PM $15.00
***********************************************
06/13/09 – Blaggards at the Continental Club
The Continental Club
3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77006 (United States)
713-529-9666 Set: 10:00 PM
***********************************************
*07/02/09 – Blaggards at Ashford Arms
Ashford Arms Irish Pub
14605 Perthshire, Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-5316 Set: 9:00 PM
***********************************************
10/09/09 – Blaggards at R&R Sports Bar & Grill
R&R Sports Bar & Grill
3338 FM 528, Friendswood, TX 77546
281-996-8300 Set: 10:00 PM
**********************************************
10/23/09 – Annual Irish Gala at Houstonian Hotel
Friday, October 23, 2009
Annual Irish Gala
6:30 p.m.: Silent Auction
Dinner and Program thereafter
Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston
Honorees: Colleen and George McCullough
Chairs: Gayle and Bob Longmire
Benefiting the Center for Irish Studies
Individual Tickets: $250
Tables: $2,500, $3,500, $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000
Gather with the Friends of the University of St. Thomas Center for
Irish Studies for the 2009 Annual Irish Gala celebrating honorees
Colleen and George McCullough, who are Ambassador Members of
the University of St. Thomas Cultural Outreach Forum and Friends of
the Center for Irish Studies and the University. George McCullough
also serves on the Center for Irish Studies Advisory Board. Gala
chairs are Gayle and Bob Longmire.
Tables of 10 range from $2,500 to $10,000 and individual tickets sell
For $250. Funds raised support the UST Center for Irish Studies
academic, cultural and study abroad programs. For reservations and
more information, contact Abigail Showalter at 713-525-3173 or
schleua@stthom.edu.
**********************************************
ON GOING Events:
Note: Irish Aires can now be HEARD of DOWNLOADED from the Internet. ALSO,
there is a new link to hear KPFT Live
Internet listening (live) is available through our MP3 streams.
If you have Winamp, Media Player or iTunes installed on your
computer, you can connect HERE or
http://stream.kpft.org/streamkpft.m3u
Free Player Downloads:
Winamp
Windows Media Player
iTunes
----
Irish Aires is also podcast at:
http://archive.kpft.org/xml/eire.xml
Internet listening (live) is available through our MP3 streams.
If you have Winamp, Media Player or iTunes installed on your computer, you
can connect HERE or
http://stream.kpft.org/streamkpft.m3u
Free Player Downloads: Winamp
Windows Media Player
iTunes
----
Ireland 2007 Pictures
Part 1 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007
Part 2 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part2
Part 3 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part3
Part 4 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part4
Part 5 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part5
Part 6 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part6
Part 7 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part7
Part 8 - http://picasaweb.google.com/JayDooling/Ireland2007Part8ProbablyFinalUpload
New – A Compilation of All my 2007 Irish Pics with music & videos.
See instructions on how to see at Irish Aires Blog.
**********************
ACROSS THE WATER with ED MILLER
Sundays 7-8pm on KUT-FM 90.5
Long time KUT "Folkways" host Ed Miller moves to Sunday evenings to present a brand new
folk music show on KUT. Ed will take you "across the water" to enjoy the music of
Scotland, England and Ireland, as well as showing how the music of the isles has crossed
the Atlantic and taken root in this country.
The shows will usually have a theme. Sunday March 8th's edition, for example, will show
the connections between British and Irish songs and their counterparts in Texas and
Appalachia; while March 15 will highlight the Irish experience in America as a lead-in to
St Patrick's Day.
If you are outwith the KUT listening area, or would like to recommend the show to friends
anywhere in the world, go to KUT.org and click on the Listen Live connection.
*********************
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/02/03/woodlands_villager/lifestyles/wv-e_irish_dance_school.txt
Irish dance school celebrates 20 years in The Woodlands
The Woodlands School of The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas had several winning
teams at Southern Region Oireachtas in Orlando, FL in December. The Under 12 4-hand team A took 6th place out of 42 teams in their division.
Woodlands Villager
By SHARON SPOONEMORE
Updated: 02.02.09
The Woodlands School of The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas will set toes tapping
as they host a 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and Show at Dosey Doe in The Woodlands
on March 1 kicking off St. Patrick’s Day events throughout the community.
The group has received international recognition for developing North American and World
event qualifiers who have finished well in competitions. The dancers have performed at the
Houston Irish Society Emerald Ball, the Houston International Festival, The Woodlands
Waterway Arts Festival, and many other local events.
The McTeggart School of Irish Dance was founded in 1939 in Cork, Ireland by Peg McTeggart,
the oldest of four sisters —all champion dancers. In 1958 Maureen McTeggart immigrated
with her family to the United States where she established schools in California. Today
there are 12 McTeggart schools in the United States run by Maureen McTeggart Hall and two
of her children along with local teachers. The McTeggart School of Irish Dance ranks as
one of the most respected in the nation.
In 1989 The Woodlands School was started by three families who were local residents.
Twenty years later it has grown to over 70 dancers with its own studio.
When Jennifer Hale married and moved from Pennsylvania to The Woodlands, she was excited
to find The McTeggart School.
“I started with McTeggart School just to keep my roots,” said Hale. “I grew up dancing and
remember my great-grandmother dancing so it goes way back in my family. When I found that
Ms. Hall needed an assistant, I decided to work with her. I love the dancing and the
competing which spurred me on to get my TCRG instructor’s qualification in 2001.”
A former World Irish Dancing Championship competitor, Hale began as a practice instructor
at the school in 1996 and is now a certified instructor there.
“Irish dance is very aerobic dancing and very high energy with lots of hopping, jumping
and other moves,” Hale explained. “Choreography evolves as each school creates its own dances. Costumes are colorful and fun. The accordion is used as accompaniment for
competitions. Our students start at five years of age and we have some adult classes
scheduled periodically. Performing and competition may start as soon as they begin
dancing.
“One of the most delightful things for our students is that Ms. Hall and her daughter
continue to visit each school monthly to hold workshops, and they know each student by name. She’s truly amazing. Our students love it.”
Visit www.irishdancehouston.com for more information about show tickets and the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit school.
*********************
http://www.irishecho.com/newspaper/story.cfm?id=19159
Texas Irish plan Bill Flynn college tribute
By Máirtín Ó Muilleoir
momuilleoir@irishecho.com
March 25, 2009 Houston --- Legendary Irish American businessman and peace process
architect Bill Flynn has received just about every honor Ireland and the U.S. has to
offer for his contribution to Irish peace but now a Texas college plans to crown his
illustrious career by naming its center for Irish studies in his honor.
The University of St. Thomas in Houston has been earning plaudits in recent years for its
pioneering Irish studies center which has brought a new appreciation of Ireland and Irish
America to the southwest.
As well as hosting visits by a series of speakers who represent the cutting edge of Irish
culture and politics, the center now also offers classes in Irish language taught by a
native speaker.
Financial backing for the center's Irish programs have come in large part from the
generosity of the Irish Society of Houston but now director Lori Gallagher is
spearheading a $1 million fundraising drive to name the center after Bill Flynn, this
while simultaneously creating an endowment.
"Our campaign to honor Bill Flynn by naming the Center for Irish Studies after him not
only recognizes his contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, but also ensures
that we continue to promote the key elements of that process," Gallagher told the Irish
Echo. "That, of course, includes the importance of sitting everyone down at the
conference table to dialogue and to find common ground."
Contributions to the funds drive, which, despite the economic downturn, has passed its
mid-point, have come from across the country and from, according to Gallagher, people who
believe in the importance of promoting Irish heritage and culture and promoting peace and
reconciliation.
But the bulk of the subscriptions has been made locally, most notably by Irish community
stalwarts Colleen and George McCullough.
Viewed as the premier institution for Irish studies in the southwest, the center is
dedicated to the pursuit of truth and knowledge about Ireland and Irish history,
politics, literature, law, fine arts, culture, language and the Irish American
experience.
Launched in 2003, its academic program covers Irish history, politics, drama, art and the
Irish language while students also get an opportunity to travel to Ireland on a study
aboard course.
Over the years, the center has gathered an impressive collection of Irish materials in
the university library. Professor Aoife Ní Ghloinn, a native of Carlow and an
accomplished musician, teaches Irish and music at the university, under a scheme funded
by the Irish government.
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies and William J. Flynn Endowment for Peace
and Reconciliation will be a fitting acknowledgement of the Mutual of America powerhouse,
said Gallagher, who has set up the Friends of Bill Flynn to boost the funds drive.
"The Friends of Bill Flynn are a group of individuals who wish to see his legacy honored
through fostering the preservation of Irish heritage and culture in America, as well as
using the Northern Ireland model to encourage peace in the Middle East and other areas of
conflict."
University of St. Thomas president, Dr. Robert Ivany, echoed that view.
"The University of St. Thomas is dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character,"
he said. "Bill Flynn's leadership, his passion for peace and his commitment to social
justice, serves as an inspiring role model for students and faculty alike."
Certainly, Flynn, now retired but continuing to play a positive role in the still-fragile
peace process, is held in high regard by Irish Americans.
His crucial interventions in the early 1990s helped secure the breakthrough U.S. visa for
Gerry Adams. The Sinn Féin leader was invited to address a forum in 1994 chaired by
Flynn.
Later, at his own expense, Flynn took out full-page ads in the New York Times, hammering
home the message that peace was possible if the British and unionists would enter talks
with their republican and nationalist rivals.
As for the old warrior Flynn himself, he is bowled over by the recognition he is
receiving from the Irish Americans of Houston, a city that will in the near future host
an Irish consulate as part of an Irish government plan to expand diplomatic
representation in the United States.
"I spent a weekend there recently, addressing their body and meeting with many of their
key people including my old friend Dr. Ivany," Flynn told the Echo. "I really can't
speak highly enough about the quality of their programs or the talent of their staff.
They are a credit to Irish America and I'm proud to be associated with them." Anyone who
wishes to find out more about the fundraising drive can contact Lori Gallagher at
irishstudies@stthom.edu . This story appeared in the issue of March 25-31, 2009
*********************
Book Review: The People’s Gallery
Many of us can indeed make a difference, be it on a district,
local, national and even on a transnational level. Such an
aspiration surely applies to three fellow citizens, Tom Kelly,
Kevin Hasson and William Kelly-universally known as The Bogside
Artists- who have always been, and thankfully still remain, an
entirely free and independent group.
By Fionnbarra O’Dochartaigh
rights.civil@googlemail.com
Away from the paint-cans, brushes and outdoor scaffoldings this trio, and supporters, have taken to pen and ink to produce “The People’s Gallery”, an outstanding glossy, full-colour illustrated book of 13O pages plus, which captures not only the story behind their twelve most famous murals, but much more besides.
Those interested in art will no doubt hastily make it their business to obtain a copy at the earliest possible opportunity, while stocks last. So too should others interested in the lives of the artists themselves, the history of “The Maiden City” and that area known as The Bogside and pivotal events there in ’69; the specific and diverse culture of “The Swinging Sixties”; the upsurge of popular resistance that led to the birth of civil rights movements in America and nearer home, as well as references to many people, places and events both at home and across the globe, down the decades..
Independence
It is highly noteworthy that The Bogside Artists are not in anyone’s employ in so far as their work has never been funded by any political party, have no working relationship with Tourist Boards, North or South or with any similar local agency. The People’s Gallery is their vision and their vision entirely. Over the years this writer noted, as have no doubt the artists themselves, a definite hostility, often unexpected from certain quarters because of such a collective and dogged independence of spirit.
However, one feels that most fair-minded folk would view such a public stance as not only admirable, but should always be highly encouraged within and beyond that field of human endeavour known as “the arts”.
Such hostility may stem from such facts and misperceptions that:
(a) The gallery of murals are not a propaganda exercise for anybody or any organisation, nor are they Catholic as opposed to Protestant murals.
(b) The artists hold very different political and religious views and are obviously anti-sectarian. They therefore resent their work being classified as part or parcel of any supposed ‘sectarian divide’.
(c) The murals tell the story of “The Troubles” and that is their singular purpose. They form a coherent visual narrative that is One, Complete, Whole and Indivisible.
(d) Even a brief visit to The People’s Gallery at “Aggro Corner”– junction of William Street/Rossville Street- will quickly reveal that the trio have worked with a high degree of social responsibility, knowing that images of combat, guns, murder and mayhem, that some no doubt expected from them, they have avoided, viewing such as very irresponsible, inflammatory and antithetical to the needs of a community yearning for peace.
(e) The trio completed the bulk of their gallery in the summer of 2004 by which time their public works had long been established as a major tourist draw. An earlier publication, “Murals” appeared in 2001.
The artists, speaking on their work of several years, articulate a common strategy: “Our gallery was undertaken as a service to the people who fought for their democratic rights, as this latest book makes abundantly clear.” There is no doubt that as far as the three men are concerned they fulfilled their place in history to the very best of their abilities.
Tom Kelly puts it very well: “ The People’s Gallery is an utterly authentic record of a period of our history painted by us who have lived it and breathed it. We know the murals are in the best possible hands-the hands of those who value them, understand them and respect them. These are the people we painted them for. It is their enduring and unconquerable spirit that refracts from these images that we have created.”
Laureate’s Address
On a dry and surprisingly warm afternoon on the last Friday in February, our former MP and civil rights leader, Nobel Laureate John Hume, delivered a short address at the book launch of “The People’s Gallery”. John is depicted in a recent mural alongside other internationally-recognised figured such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa Of Calcutta with Nelson Mandela being the remainder of the quartet. As Bishop Edward Daly so fittingly reminded people as to why these four had been placed together: “They were primarily champions of the little people, the nobodies who were cast aside in most societies as of no worth. That is what makes these people great and joins them together”.
Hume told the invited gathering: “I feel very privileged and honoured to be with The Bogside Artists on this very important day for the launch of their book – “The People’s Gallery”.
“This book is a fascinating and entertaining read. As well as the accounts of each of the twelve murals, there is a short history of Ireland with special reference to Derry, an interesting look back at world events in the second half of the twentieth century especially in the struggle for civil rights in America and here in the North, and an insight into the different world famous artists who inspired them in the development of their own artistic skills and techniques.
“The chapters on the paintings reveal the sensitivity and empathy for each mural which the artists experienced. They had lived through these terrible times, but in the painting of each mural, they took the trouble to consult with relatives or people who were involved in the incidents. As Brian Friel, the world renowned playwright said: “The work of The Bogside Artists is celebrated locally and internationally, but it is their reputation that is important both to the artists and the locality. The work is remarkable in that it is simultaneously a vibrant response to events still vivid in the psyche of the community and, even as it testifies, it transcends those immediate passions and proposes an historian’s distance and objectivity. The work says: “You know the people in these pictures because they are your neighbours and your allies and you know what they endured; but have you thought about them in this way – as a people caught up in a chaos of tumultuous events and at the same time talking control of those events and shaping a new destiny? Because we, The Bogside Artists, believe that that is what has happened. That is what we are talking about”.
The Nobel Laureate continued: “Brian Friel recognised this sensitivity to the subjects and events which the chapters of the book reveal in great detail. This publication is an important record of a pivotal period of our history, and I have no doubt that it will make an enormous contribution to the respect for and interest in our city. I know it will be of great interest to our visitors, both national and international, and I heartily recommend it”.
John concluded: “My warmest congratulations again to The Bogside Artists on this outstanding work and I wish them every success”.
“The People’s Gallery” – available from Tom Kelly, 46 William Street, Derry City Bt48 9AD. £15.
Fionnbarra O’Dochartaigh, a local author and historian was a co-founder of Nicra in 1967. He is the current coordinator of the Derry & N-West Civil Rights Network.
Web Page: http://www.bogsideartists.com/index.htm
Order Book: http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=MBX_LIVE
*********************
The IAUC proudly presents our spring raffle drawing for a vintage
Irish Belleek china tea set. The tea set was appraised at between
$850.00 and $1,000.00.
Raffle tickets are $1 and can be ordered in packs from George Trainor,
our fundraising chair, by calling 209.482.5181.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the IAUC. The drawing will be
held at the NJ 5&9th chapter's annual literary luncheon on March 29,
2009 at 12pm at the Elks Club in Tenafly, New Jersey. You need not
be present to win.
If you're interested in buying or selling some tickets, please contact
George Trainor.
IAUC Fundraising Chair
209-482-5181
Steeler059@aol.com
The Irish American Unity Conference is a nationwide, nonpartisan,
nonsectarian, chapter-based human rights organization working for
justice and peace in Ireland. We are an American 501c(4) organization
which advocates the end of British colonial occupation and the peaceful
reunification of Ireland. We endeavor to achieve these goals by
working through the American democratic process. Individually, our
members represent every occupational and educational stratum in the
United States. Membership is open to anyone who shares our views.
For more information. Please go to your IAUC website. http://www.iauc.org/
*********************
Paisley Close Press Release
Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 20:28:16 -0600
Over the past few years, I have been asked time and again
"Why Paisley Close"? Like every tale you must start at the
beginning to get to the end. On November 24th 1861, at a
spot along High Street in Edinburgh 's Royal Mile, two
overcrowded and decrepit tenements collapsed. According to
legend, workers were clearing the debris away when they
heard a voice shout out "Heave awa' lads, I'm no deid yet!"
As a memorial, Paisley Close (the cul-de-sac) was built in
place of the collapsed buildings. Paisley Close (the
band) was built by resurrecting former bands-mates.
Paisley Close (the band) felt that the young man's luck,
tenacity and symbolism was a fitting name.
Now with a heavy heart I must announce the passing of this
great band. Paisley Close is going through a major
transitional period and collectively they have decided to
put the band on an indefinite hiatus. The members of
Paisley Close remain friends but personal commitments have
forced them to make this difficult decision. Through the
last three years they have had the opportunity to play on
some amazing stages at some of the best festival in the
county and for this they are extremely grateful. Even
more outstanding has been the people they have met and the
friendships forged. That is the biggest aspect that I will
personally miss the most. As the bands booking agent I
have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing
directors, coordinator and volunteers; who without you, the
show would literally not go on. Thank you for allowing us
the opportunity to grace your stages and share a pint or
two!
I speak for the entire band (Cidnie MacNamee, Bernard
Schreiber, Amy Price and Rabbit Boyett) in saying that it
has been an honor and a privilege!
Although this chapter may be over we raise our glasses to
everyone "were not dead yet!"
We wish you peace and joy and hopefully will see you all
sometime down the road.
Sláinte - Cheers,
Hopie Lopez-Boyett
Booking Agent
----
*************************
Wednesday Nights at 8ish PM. The Mucky Duck continues a
twenty-five year tradition, hosting Houston's Irish
Session. The Mucky Duck incarnation of the Session, if for
no other reason than the frequent participation of younger
musicians, gives a very real sense of tradition passed on
and history handed down. The most visible Celtic-influenced
traditional bands around Houston -- make participating in
the Session a regular, energy-charging part of their
regular routine.
What is celebrated is the whole of Celtic culture, and a
musical tradition that, over the centuries, has become as
much American roots music as bottleneck guitar. The drums
of western Africa are what gave American music its rhythm;
more often than not, though, the melody is Celtic. The
popularity of Celtic folk music is either a testament to
the timeless appeal of these sometimes haunting, sometimes
hilarious, sometimes jig-inspiring tunes, or perhaps an
argument in favor of the nebulous theory of racial memory.
Celtic blood-ties real, suspected and imagined have given
many the impetus to learn the folk-arts of the ancient
tribes; that's just one reason why the Wednesday night
Session at the ` is as much a school and tribal
gathering as a musical event. This is a great way to
explore Irish music and tradition.
Music starts at 8pm, and there is no cover charge.2425
Norfolk Houston, TX 77098 713.528.5999 Phone
Be sure to check our calendar in case we have booked a
special show that might preempt our regular Irish Session
----
1st & 3rd Saturdays
Celtic Voyage
Grant Dawson Toronto, Canada. Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Whistle
Sandy Dawson Anglesey, Wales. Vocals, Bodhran
Hector Carmona Mexico. Bass, Classical Guitar and Drums.
Phil Cavanagh - Tauranga NZ. Guitar
McClellans Scottish Pub
2107 N. Houston Ave Humble TX
Corner of Townsen Road & North Houston Avenue
Just one exit north of Deerbrook Mall, Humble
(281) 548-7273
8-11:30PM
An unforgettable Evening of Laughter & Song
$5.00 cover charge
----
University of St. Thomas Spring 2009 Irish Studies Courses
Now is your chance to learn the Irish language or more about
traditional Irish music or history!
Semester Opens Tuesday, January 20; open to audit and credit
students, with first priority given to credit students
Irish Language Courses:
Through the generosity of the Irish Government Department of Rural,
Community and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Center for Irish Studies offers
Irish language courses for credit and audit. The Irish Government
provided the Center with a grant to promote the Irish language, which
it is passing on to students through scholarships for Irish I credit-
seeking students and free books for both credit and audit students.
Classes start on January 20. Contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592
or irishstudies@stthom.edu or Professor Aoife Ní Ghloinn at 713-525-
3121, ext. 3, or ghloina@stthom.edu for more information on the Irish
courses and the scholarships.
Complete List of Spring 2009 Courses:
History of Ireland Since 1600: Dr. Lee Williames (Mondays, 5:30 to
8:15 p.m.) (course created by Dr. McFadden)
Irish I: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Mondays, Wednesdays, 3:10 to 4:25
p.m.)
Irish II: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:25 to 4:50
p.m.)
Intermediate Irish: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn (Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:15
p.m.)
Celtic Notes: Traditional Irish Music: Prof. Aoife Ní Ghloinn
(Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.)
Three UST Students Study In Ireland in Spring 2009
Three University of St. Thomas students will study at Mary
Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, for the full spring semester.
Mary Immaculate College is one of UST’s foreign exchange partners.
Lauren Cronin, Thomas Hrdlicka and Vanessa Snodgrass each
received $1,000 scholarships from the Bishop McCarthy Travel Grant
for Study Abroad in Ireland. Lauren and Vanessa also have received
$5,000 scholarships each from the Thomas G.F. Ryan Scholarship for
Study Abroad in Ireland.
The Center for Irish Studies and the students wish to thank Bishop
McCarthy, Thomas Ryan and others who have donated to these
scholarships and who made this experience possible. We wish these
students a wonderful study abroad experience.
We also would like to thank Thomas Ryan for $10,000 in scholarships
that sponsored two students from Mary Immaculate College to study
at UST in fall 2008: Martin Hayes and Conail O’Reilly. These
students remarked what an outstanding semester they had with us and
how valuable they found the experience. Thank you!
Call for Study Abroad Scholarship Assistance
In summer 2009, the Center for Irish Studies intends to lead another
study abroad trip to Ireland. We plan to take 20 students and two
faculty members. Each year, through the Bishop McCarthy
Scholarships for Study Abroad in Ireland, the Center for Irish Studies
offers scholarships to each of the students who study in Ireland.
With $40,000 as our target for 2009, we request your assistance in
raising these scholarships to help our students defray the cost of their
airfare and other expenses. Our students are finding it difficult to
raise the full $6,000 per student cost for the program.
Several years ago, the Center created a scholarship fund in honor of
Bishop McCarthy, who is a member of the Center for Irish Studies
Advisory Board, a UST alumni and a beloved member of our Irish
community. Please help us reach our goals and honor Bishop
McCarthy!
-----
Ar mhaith leat Gaeilge a labhairt?
Would you like to speak Irish?
Beginning Irish Conversation
Jason’s Deli
Westheimer & Shepherd
2611 S Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77098-1561
If you are interested in learning a little Irish then come
join us at Jason’s Deli on Wednesday evenings at 7:00
P.M.
This Irish class is tailored to the beginning student who
has had no prior exposure to Irish. You will learn basic
conversational greetings, helpful phrases, informative tips
for traveling through the Gaeltacht such as common signage,
asking directions and most important of all how to
pronounce those mystical Irish words.
Pocket phrase books do the tourist no good unless they know
how to pronounce what they are reading! This course
provides the beginning student with phonetically spelled
out Irish words, something most beginning tape and book
courses fail to offer.
If you have any questions please contact Tim Theisen
(tyson) at Jeaniebotl@aol.com or phone me at (713) 263-9691
If you are interested please come join us on Wednesday
evenings at 7:00 P.M.
There is a $5.00 donation to cover cost of the handouts.
Labhraímis Gaeilge is linne í !
Speaking Irish is cool!
----
Learn Irish Gaelic! (Katy Class)
SATURDAY - Beginning Conversational Irish (and every
Saturday for the next few months) Katy, TX 10 AM - Noon
Self-Study Group
Using Interactive CDs, Books, Tapes, and other materials
for spoken and written Irish.
Class moderated by an advanced American student of the
language.
$7 per class to cover costs.
$5 for Irish American Heritage Association members.
Call Pat McMahon at 713-271-0784 for location and
directions, or e-mail patpmcmahon@aol.com location: The
Carriage Inn, 1400 Katy- Flewellen Road in the Computer
Room
----
Wednesdays, 7-10 pm
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND MORE
http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/SCDM.htm
New Dancers Welcome - Families Welcome
(children must be accompanied by parent / guardian).
$5 for those 14 and over; $2.50 those under 14
($15 maximum per family) - fourth consecutive Wednesday
free.
1st Wednesdays: FREE at
Churchill Room, Black Labrador Pub
4100 Montrose Blvd. Map
(Montrose near Richmond)
2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Wednesday
Location: Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th St. (Heights),
Houston, Texas (3rd building on left traveling east from
Heights Blvd. - 2 story red brick - entrance recessed about
15 feet from street - dancing upstairs).
LINKS ON WEBSITE with map & photo (Map)
http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/MapOddfellows.gif
PHOTO OF HALL:
http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/OddfellowsHall.jpg
----
Men of Houston Morris Dancers
most Sundays Stag's Head Pub
Society for Creative Anachronism Dancing
1st & 3rd Sundays
------
The Irish American Heritage Association of Katy, Texas. We
meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at the
Municipal Utility District Building on Cimmaron Pkwy at
Hidden Canyon Rd (just west of S Mason Rd) in Katy, Texas
to enjoy speakers, performances, and presentations on
Ireland and the Irish. We also publish a monthly
newsletter,
The Irish Heritage News.
For more information or directions, please call:
Bridget Connelly . . 281-492-8780
Mike Long . . . . . . 281-395-3038
Dennis Donlan . . . 281-392-0894
OR
www.texirish.org
E-mail us at:
info@texirish.org
----
Thurs Night Irish Session @ Coffee Oasis on NASA Rd One
Session starts about 7:30PM every Thurs night
4650 NASA Road 1
Seabrook, TX 77586
281.532.1439
You are likely to see Laura (of Echoes of Ireland) or Tom
(of http://www.texasbagpipes.com/)
http://www.texasbagpipes.com/
http://www.bayoucitypipesanddrums.com/
----
CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON
Do you like to hum or sing along with the music played on
Irish Aires or The Three Irish Tenors? Then join us every
Thursday night at Black Labrador Pub, 4100 Montrose Blvd.
(Montrose near Richmond)
NEW TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
We will join together in a sing-a-long session and then
later those who wish to learn four part music may stay and
learn choral music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. If you
need more information contact Richard McGinty 713-943-9600
or e-mail r.e.hourich@excite.com
The mission statement reads in part: "to provide a
community meeting place for those interested in the Celtic
heritages." The first half of the evening focuses on
singalong songs and the second half on choral arrangements.
The singalong songs: Will You Go Lassie Go The Minstrel Boy
Sally Gardens Molly Malone (In Dublin's Fair City)
Finnegan's Wake The Foggy Dew Black Velvet Band Mcnamara's
Band Danny Boy When Irish Eyes Are Smiling The Unicorn Song
I'm Lookin' Over A Four Leaf Clover Whiskey In The
Jar The Wild Rover The Bard Of Armagh Choral Arrangements:
Danny Boy The Minstrel Boy An Irish Blessing My Wild Irish
Rose
----
New Galveston Session Starting: Poor Michael's Pub in Galveston (2007 Strand)
wants to start a regular session at their establishment. All levels of musical
expertise (including those who just like to listen) will be welcome! Contact
Michael at galvston@yahoo.com or call him at 409-762-1967 to get more details.
Also, Poor Michael's has some employment opportunity for bartenders.
----
"One hundred thousand welcomes!" This age-old Gaelic
greeting is a timeless _expression of Scottish hospitality
and goodwill. We can't think of a better way to welcome you
than to invite you to Houston's Heather and Thistle Society
(H&T). The Heather and Thistle Society was founded in 1953
by Scots living in Houston who wished to "cultivate an
interest in and fond recollections of Scotland, its history
and traditions, its literature and ideals, its minstrelsy
and song, its customs and amusements; and to provide
opportunities for good fellowship and social contact
through typically Scottish functions, so that the blessing
of our Scottish culture may never die in our new homeland".
The Heather and Thistle Society meets 10 times a year,
September through June. Programs include "ceilidhs",
lively lectures, slide shows and movies about Scotland. We
are an organization that promotes our Scottish heritage in
various ways.
Membership in the Heather and Thistle Society is open to
all with an interest in Scottish Heritage and Culture.
Annual Dues are $10.00 for an individual and $15.00 for a
family.
H&T meets the fourth (4th) Monday of each month, September
thru June, at 7:30 P.M. Current meeting location:
Auditorium of St.Thomas Episcopal School, 4900 Jackwood,
Houston, TX 77096 http://www.stes.org/contact.htm
----
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Dancing
General Class Mondays - 7:30-9:30 p.m In progress Classical
Arts Dance Studio, 530 N Illinois, League City - Contact
Moon Weiss, 713-465-9650, mland121@aol.com
Basic Class Tuesdays - 7:30-9:30 p.m. In progress DewAnn
Cotton Dance Studio, 9423 Glenfield Court (By S.
Braeswood/Hillcroft) South West Houston For info: Carol
Palmer, 713-776-8531, carolhpalmer@hotmail.com
General Class Thursdays - 7:30-9:30 p.m In progress DewAnn
Cotton Dance Studio, 9423 Glenfield Court (By S.
Braeswood/Hillcroft), South West Houston Teacher: Bill
Zobel, For info: Carol Palmer, 713-776-8531,
carolhpalmer@hotmail.com
----
Stepdancing & Ceili classes
O'Maoileidigh School of Irish Dance
Houston, TX
Sundays starting at 9:30 AM
For more information contact newmembers@omaoileidigh.com
http://www.omaoileidigh.com/
----
Step Dancing Lessons
Stepdancing Lessons
McTeggart Irish Dancers
The Woodlands, Texas
More info@
http://www.irishdancehouston.com/
936-321-6583
*With over 60 dancers and 21 Championship dancers McTeggart
Irish Dancers of South Texas have a lot to be proud of.
*Last year they had 6 dancers travel to Killarney Ireland
for the World's Championship in Irish Dancing. These
dancers faced up to 150 of the world's top dancers in their
age groups. Two of the dancers did very well: Zane
Glotzbach placed 24th and was 5th out of all the U.S.
competitors and Annelise Rubbo placed 33rd overall.
*Last year they had 21 dancers travel to Norfolk, Virginia
for the Southern Region Championships, also known as
"Oireachtas". Most of these dancers placed high in their
age groups, with 3 receiving first place: Annelise Rubbo,
Zane Glotzbach and Shannon Powell.
From this competition a dancer qualifies for the World's
Championship and Annelise Rubbo, Jaclyn Rubbo and Zane
Glotzbach achieved this accomplishment.
*Another well-known International competition is the All-
Irelands. Later in January 2004, Annelise Rubbo and Jenna
Pace will be traveling to Ennis, Ireland to compete.
*Also in 2004 several dancers are heading to Philadelphia
for the North American Nationals Competition, held each
July. In addition, McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas
hopes to have over 25 dancers travel to North Carolina for
the next Southern Region Championship.
*A new beginner class started Sunday, Jan. 11.For
information on classes or performances, go to
http://www.irishdancehouston.com/
or call 936-321-6583
----
"The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance"
Come join us at our first weekly class for our new school starting this Sunday
(12/16/07) Classes will be every Sunday from 4PM To 5:30PM at
Amy Blakes Academy Of Dance Located At The Intersection Of Thor St And Bay Area
Blvd. On January 13, 2008, there will be a Master Class from 1PM to 4PM (The
workshop cost is $40 for a 4 hour masterclass).
We are opening up in the Clear Lake area and would love to have all interested
in learning Irish dance, come and join our school.
About us:
Darren Maguire is a former lead male dancer in Riverdance the Show, world
champion level dancer, and fully accredited TCRG/ADCRG with the Irish dance
commission in Dublin, Ireland.
Richard Tew is a national, and regional champion level dancer, and regional
senior men's champion in 2003. Richard is also a TCRG candidate having already
taken and passed most of his requirements.
Amy Blake's Academy of Dance" located at:
2150 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058
Our weekly classes are being planned right now, and will be at the same location
as the workshops.
Please either email: rttew@yahoo.com or call 281-989-3575
Thanks,
Richard Tew
******************************************
Community Annoucements:
Wedding Announcement
Bill Galbraith & Emily Standish Have Announced Their MARRIAGE!
Bill and Emily play Celtic music as CONSTANT BILLY.
----
Support The Pat Finucane Centre Today!
(Poster's Note: This organization really needs the support
of all Irish & Irish Americans. The family has suffered so
much and the PFC has done so MUCH for MANY Irish causes.
TODAY, please write a check OR even better, go to their web
site: http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/
You can make a donation with PayPal online & it will only
take a minute. We should all try to make AT LEAST a $20
contribution (a $100 would be better. Jay)
******************************************
SUPPORT THE PAT FINUCANE CENTRE
From: "Pat Finucane Centre" info@patfinucanecentre.org
Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 15:36:49 +0100
Subject: Urgent Appeal To Friends & Supporters.
An Urgent Appeal To All Friends And Supporters Of The Pat
Finucane Centre.
Dear Friend of the PFC,
This is an urgent appeal for donations! We are in the red!
The Pat Finucane Centre, though Derry based, has had an
impact far beyond the north west of Ireland. Earlier this
year a reception was held at the Guildhall in Derry to
honour the work of the Centre. Families and individuals
travelled from 11 of the 32 counties in Ireland, and from
Scotland and England, in itself ample testament to the
respect felt in the wider community.
The work of the centre over the last year has included;
-organising public meetings with the Mayor of London on the
End Impunity Campaign,
- research on collusion that has resulted in a number of
cases currently being heard before the European Court of
Human Rights at Strasbourg,
-participating in the Advisory Group on the Sean Brown
murder investigation,
-logging all sectarian /racist incidents from June 2005 to
September 2005 (the log will be available soon)
-giving evidence to Committees of both the Irish and
British parliaments,
-initiating a number of investigations into conflict
related deaths by the Police Ombudsman's office,
-reenacting closed meetings of the Policing Board as street
theatre and
--applying to the Guinness Book of Records to have
Rosemount PSNI barracks logged as the least used police
station in the world!
The ongoing day-to-day advocacy on behalf of families is
largely confidential and hidden from view but the Centre
works with over 120 families who have lost relatives in the
conflict. In addition individuals approach the Centre with
complaints and are referred to solicitors and/or to the
Police Ombudsman.
Against this background it will come as no surprise to
realise that the centre deliberately steers away from
official funding that is linked to the NIO. Stubbornly
independent as it is the Centre is largely dependent on
individual donors. The Pat Finucane Centre website carries
the following quote from Geraldine Finucane,
'If you believe in shaping stronger human rights protection
then invest in the Pat Finucane Centre and those who find
themselves in the frontline in their work to defend human
rights. '
The Centre urgently requires donations in order to continue
that work.
There is no money in the bank! Please respond this week!
Note. Donations can be made by cheque or online (today!)
through the secure Paypal system at
http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/
Postal address:
The Pat Finucane Centre,
1 West End Park,
Derry,
BT48 9JF
Ireland (North).
Telephone: +44 28 71 268846
Fax: +44 28 71 266453
Email: info@patfinucanecentre.org
*******************************************
Michael Wayne Davitt Obituary
Biography
Michael Wayne Davitt, born August 7, 1951 in Ft. Worth, Texas, died March 20, 2009 in
Humble, Texas at the age of 57.
In Elizabeth, NJ Michael started an Irish folk band (The Freemen) with Tommy Shannon
which performed with many well-known Irish performers such as Liam Clancy and Tommy
Makem. He continued to perform as a solo Irish performer in Houston, TX. He was
responsible for the renaissance of Irish music in Houston and has been dubbed the “Father
of Irish Music in Texas”. Michael was a active member of the Ancient Order of
Hiberninans in both NJ and TX. In Texas, he served as state and local AOH President and
was honored as the St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshall in 1993 and co-Grand Marshall in
2009. Michael also founded the Irish Open Golf Tournament, organized the Houston Irish
Stew Cook-off and used his musical talents all to raise money to benefit numerous
charities.
Michael also volunteered many years at the Magdelene House (Social Services division of
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church).
He was the founder, owner of his local business, Michael W. Davitt & Assoc. and also
served as the statistician for the Houston Rockets for several years.
Mr. Davitt is survived by his wife, Maureen Davitt of Humble, TX; parents, James &
Dorothy Davitt; daughters, Erin Davies, Kathleen Davitt, Nancy Davitt and Colleen Lehman;
brother, Brian Davitt and his wife, Kris; grandchildren, Elizabeth Davitt, Caitlin and
Emma Davies, Craige Lehman, and Michael James Zavitsky.
Visitation will be 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24th & 25th at
Kingwood Funeral Home. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday,
March 26, 2009 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 527 So. Houston Ave., Humble, TX
77338 with Msgr. Paul Procella officiant. For those desiring, the family suggests
memorial contributions to The Magdalene House c/o St. Mary Magdalene Church. Find this
item and sign the guest book & leave a message at:
http://ww.mem.com/Story.aspx?ID=2926580
*******************************************
From: Cotham1025@aol.com
Here is the application form for the Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground. We welcome all
members and look forward to helping preserve and interpret the battleground.
Ed Cotham
3416 Tangley St.
Houston, Texas
77005-2248
FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
CHARTER MEMBERSHIP - 2009
Please enroll me as a member of the FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND for the current
calendar year.
Enclosed is $25 for an individual charter membership for the calendar year. Check or money
order should be made payable to FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND and mailed to the
address below. (Please print)
Name___________________________________________
Address____________________________Apt. No._______
City_______________________________Zip___________
Phone Number__________________________________________
E-Mail Address (optional)________________________________________
MAIL TO:
FRIENDS OF SABINE PASS BATTLEGROUND
130 Lena Lane,
Lumberton, Texas 77657
Membership is good for one year (January – December)
FSPB has applied to the IRS for 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6252905.html
Group aims to preserve Sabine Pass battleground site
Associated Press
Feb. 8, 2009, 2:26PM
LAKE CHARLES, La. — A new group is seeking members to support a historic Civil War
battlefield along the Texas-Lousiana state line.
The 58-acre Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site in Texas includes a statue of
Confederate Lt. Dick Dowling and an interpretive pavilion illustrating the story of the
Sept. 8, 1863 battle.
Control of the site was transferred from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the
Texas Historical Commission.
“With THC’s encouragement, we have now set up Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground to
help with the mission of preserving and interpreting the historical events in the Sabine
Pass area,” said Texas author and historian Ed Cotham.
During the battle, a fleet of Union gunboats and transports carrying 5,000 troops was
turned back by Dowling and 46 men of Company F, 1st Texas Heavy Artillery.
The Confederate force was comprised mostly of Irish dock workers and laborers from
Houston and Galveston.
The attacking gunboats fired from the Louisiana channel of the pass and from the Sabine
Pass Lighthouse on the Louisiana side of the river.
After about 45 minutes of gunfire, the Union invasion fleet retired. Two gunboats
surrendered and 50 Union troops were killed and 350 were captured. The Confederates
suffered no casualties.
The Friends group has applied for nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service and
is in the process of soliciting charter members. Its annual dues are $25.
“We hope to put out a newsletter and provide public input on the restoration of the
battleground and its monuments and markers, many of which were damaged by recent
hurricanes,” Cotham said.
Cotham is the author of “Sabine Pass: The Confederacy’s Thermopylae” (University of
Texas Press).
The battleground is about 1.5 miles south of the town of Sabine Pass, Texas.
******************************************
Ireland Photos
Pictures from Ireland in 2006
To See Irish pics, click the following:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/rdooling@swbell.net/album/1152921504621152084
----
:: Irish Aires Has A Brand New Blog!! (actually we have
two!)
http://irishairescurrentevents.blogspot.com/2005/01/irish-aires-has-brand-new-blog.html
Below are links to hear broadcasts & playlists. If you have
RealAudio, a soundcard & speakers on your computer, you
should have no problem listening to the shows, EXCEPT that
if too many people are trying to access the stations audio
files at once, you might get an error. Try back later.
----
Prayer Request for Michael Davitt
Michael has been active in the Irish community in the Houston area for many
years.
He & Jim Waters used to perform regularly at Kenneally's Irish Pub. He was a
regular singer at the Carr bother's pubs in Humble.
In addition, he was active in the AOH both on a state wide basis and as
president of the Humble Chapter. He ran the St Patrick Day parade for years &
was grand Marshal of that parade in 1993. He started the Golf tournament for
the parade.
Recently, he has annually hosted the Emerald Ball in Houston.
Dorothy (his mom) asked that I pass on the information that Michael is in need
of your prayers. He has been suffering with cancer for several years and he has
recently taken a turn for the worst. A prayer his family would also be helpful.
-------
:: Florence E. Beaton, RIP
Dear all, On behalf of our family, I would like to take this
opportunity to offer our deepest appreciation to everyone who
has responded to the notice of our Mother's death.
While this period has been very stressful to all of us, we have
taken much comfort from the kind words, wishes and prayers for
her, and it is reassuring to know that she was as appreciated
outside the family as she was loved within it. All your prayers,
gracious thoughts and gentle words will be fondly remembered.
The arrangements and details have been completed, and the obituary,
(below), was posted in the Galveston County Daily News this morning.
The memorial service for Mother will be held at the Crowder
Funeral Home in Dickinson, TX on February 21st, 2009, from 12
to 3 PM. There will be a visitation period from 1 to 2, followed
by a Rosary offered by Deacon Joe Hensley of St. Mary's Catholic
Church in Texas City, TX, and a Memorial Remembrance delivered by
Rev. Matt Tittle of the Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church in
Clear Lake, TX. Following the spiritual passages, I will be giving
the eulogy, followed by any who may wish to honor our Mother by
their memories of her. If you wish to send flowers, please send
only potted plants rather than cut arrangements. And in keeping
with Mother's wishes, a traditional Irish/Scottish wake will be
held following the Memorial Services. Directions will be available
to those wishing to attend. However, if laughter, music, dancing,
the consumption of adult beverages and open emotion in her memory
will upset you, it is probably good if you say your goodbyes at the
Funeral Home. Again, we appreciate the outpouring of condolences
and appreciate your sentiment. Thank you, y muchas gracias, and remember
to always tell your loved ones that you love them. You will never
know when it will be too late. With love and affection, Douglas,
David, Matthew,. Scott, Alice, Christopher, Nancy, Joanne and Dad
Florence E. Beaton
Surrounded by her loving family, Florence E. Beaton passed to eternal
rest on January 18th, 2009.
Born Florence Elizabeth Kerrigan on January 7, 1930 in Philadelphia,
PA, to Nathan, (dec. 1938), and Mary Johnston Kerrrigan, (dec 1985),
she was one of seven siblings, Selwyn, of Pt. Charlotte, Florida,
Douglas (dec.), Mary Miller (dec.), Kenneth (dec.), Vincent, (dec.),
and Daniel, of Lakeland, Florida.
Married to Alexander David Beaton, of Texas City, Texas, on June 3rd,
1948 in Dorchester, MA, their union produced eight children, Douglas,
David, Matthew, Scott, Alice Buttler, Christopher, Nancy Cain and
Joanne; her foster children, Neal and Robert Stimley; and twenty-six
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After attending the Del Mar College Nursing School in Corpus Christi,
Texas she was certified as a Registered Nurse in 1975. Until her
retirement in September of 2008, she was dedicated to the advancement
of her profession and an advocate of nursing rights in the workplace.
A lifelong proponent of child welfare, human rights and environmentally
conscious, she was a member of the Sierra Club and the Bay Area
Democrats. She was also a longtime member of the Clan MacLeod Society
and a Life Member of the Houston Highland Games Association
In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes distributed
among family members
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Published January 22, 2009
:: Rory Oliver Miggins, RIP
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=99249818
Rory Oliver Miggins
RORY OLIVER MIGGINS, 52, entered into life everlasting on
December 7, 2007, in his parental home in the shadow of St.
Anne's Church, after a valiant 3-month battle with
melanoma.
Rory was born in Houston, Texas on September 11, 1955, the
first-born of 12 children of Kathleen and Larry Miggins,
who survive him.
Rory was a natural competitor. He had a distinguished
athletic career at St. Thomas High School in basketball,
baseball, and, particularly, football, garnering All-
District, All-State, and All-American honors as running
back. Rory graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1974.
He graduated from the University of Houston in 1979 with a
BBA in Finance.
He was a lifelong athlete, playing baseball for 16 years
with the Houston Men's Senior Baseball League, most recently
with the Colt 45's during the spring of 2007.
During his 29-year career as a marine manager with ILA
Local 1351, Rory rose to Class A rank and served on its
Executive Board.
It was through his work at the Port of Houston that Rory
developed a love of the waterfront, prompting him to form
the Waterfront Association that sponsored the Waterfront
Fishing Festival for many years dedicated to cleaning and
beautification of the environment.
Rory's love of music, fostered by his Irish heritage,
inspired him to create an East End legend, Local Charm, a
venue for regional blues, rockabilly, country, and zydeco
bands where he lived by the motto "You are a stranger here
but once." His eclectic music bar launched many new talents
in the 80's and 90's.
He was recognized for these efforts and was appointed the
2008 Honorary Chair of the Musician's Benevolent Society
that he co-founded in the 80's. An example of Rory's
originality and creativity is the first ever St. Patrick's
Day Snake Races held at Local Charm.
Always interested in Texas history, Rory joined the Texas
Army and achieved the rank of Colonel. He was also
recognized as a Knight of Texas for his work in connection
with the annual Greening of the Bayou for St. Patrick's
Day.
In addition to his parents, Rory is survived by his 11
grieving siblings, their spouses, and his 15 nieces and 16
nephews to whom he was a terrific uncle: Eileen Hohlt
(John), Mary, John, and Annie Hohlt; John (Debbie),
Christine, Julia, and Matthew Miggins; Larry (Sherl),
Thomas and Laura Miggins; Maureen Swanson (Pat), Fiona,
Patrick, Brian and Kenneth Swanson; Noreen Gottschalk
(Stephen), Robert and Daniel Gottschalk; Matthew
(Penelope), Gabriella, John, and Maria Miggins; Kathleen
Hibbler (Jim), Elizabeth, Conor, Bridie, and Rory; Neil
(Serena), Charlie, Jack, and Adelaide Miggins; Robert
(Julie), Lily, Carlo, and Patrick Miggins; Patrick (Nancy)
and James Miggins; and Michael (Abby), Molly, Cate and Lucy
Miggins. Rory's surviving aunts and uncles include John and
Helen Miggins of Tunxis Village, CT; Rita Miggins of Boca
Raton, FL; Eileen (Rory's godmother) and Jake Hoppenthal of
Artesia Springs, CA; Thomas and Margaret McMahon of
Chicago, IL; Andy and Ann McMahon of Melbourne, Australia;
and Bridie and Jimmy Morrissey of London, England. He has
countless cousins, world-wide, who survive him, many of
whom supported him with visits and phone calls during his
illness.
In addition to his activities noted above, Rory was a
member of many other families including St. Anne's parish,
the Houstonian Club, Art Car Parade Commission (founding
member), the Orange Show Commission, the Waterfront
Association, the Texas Army, Slippery Rock Booster Club,
Idylwood Civic Club, St. Patrick's Parade Commission,
Houston Blues Society (founding member), Dick Dowling Irish
Heritage Society (founding member), The Irish Society, The
Seaman's Center, and St. Thomas High School Alumni
Association.
Never was Rory's loyal and diverse network of friends more
evident than during his illness when they kept his spirits
high and ministered to his spiritual needs. Rory wanted to
express his appreciation to the doctors and nurses at MD
Anderson who did their best to arrest his cancer. Showing
his indomitable spirit, just last Monday, Rory said "I'm
your man" if a clinical trial became available.
Neither the Miggins family nor Rory could have faced the
challenge of this vicious disease without the loving
expertise of Rory's brother-in-law and Noreen's husband,
Dr. Stephen Gottschalk, who tirelessly trouble-shot on
Rory's behalf.
The family will receive friends at St. Anne's Catholic
Church, 2140 Westheimer (at Shepherd) on Monday, December
10 from 5 8 pm, with the rosary recitation at 7 o'clock.
The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
December 11, with a light luncheon to follow in the parish
hall. Following the luncheon, Rory's remains will return to
his beloved East End for interment at Forest Park Lawndale.
Rory's pallbearers are his seven surviving brothers.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in
Rory Miggins' name to:
· The Hole in the Wall Gang (a fund for crippled children)
c/o ILA 1351, 7524 Ave. N, Houston, TX 77012;
· St. Thomas High School, Rory Miggins Memorial Scholarship,
4500 Memorial, Houston, TX 77007;
· St. Anne School Foundation, 2120 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77019;
· The St. Brendan Society, c/o Jeannie Kearns, 10220
Memorial Drive #131, Houston, TX 77024. "
Fare thee well, my child, forever. In this world we have
lost our joy. But in the next we will never sever. There
we'll find our darlin' boy."
Sign guest book at:
http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=99249818
:: George F. Little, RIP (Pete Little’s Father)
September 2, 2006, of Depew, NY, husband of the late Muriel
C. Little; father of Mary Catherine (James) Spilman,
Michael (Ann), David (Elisabeth Alvarsdotter), John
(Barbara), Margaret (Kevin) Craig, Anne Militello, Stephen
(Maureen), Jeanne (Paul) Konetzny, Peter, Teresa, Maureen;
brother of Eleanor Rigdon, Catherine Little; grandfather of
20; great grandfather of 18. Memorial Mass to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rapid Response Home
Care Program at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Gates Circle.
Published in the Buffalo News on 9/7/2006.
----
Nina Simon passed away. She was the mother Ciaran Simon's
(of Mr C's Pub in Houston) and the wife of Harry Simon of
Cleveland. The following obit was posted online at:
http://obits.cleveland.com/Cleveland/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=115892758
You can go there and leave a message for Ciaran.
Eileen "Nina" (Cooke) Simon
EILEEN "NINA" SIMON (nee Cooke), age 85, died Sunday, Aug.
17, 2008. Beloved wife of Harry; loving mother of Frances, Declan,
Melanie and Ciaran; grandmother to Daniel, Moira and Aislinn
(deceased); sister, aunt or cousin to the Cookes, the Foleys, Hills,
Synnotts and O'Sullivans. Nina was an avid gardener and loved
fashion and the theater. She had a special affinity for The Bard. She
was a member of St. Clement parish for 50 years and served as a
Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She volunteered many hours to
numerous charitable causes. She loved to sew and bake. A
Memorial Mass will be officiated by her dear friend Fr. Alfred
Winters at St. Clement, 2022 Lincoln Ave. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at
10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to the
Multiple Myaloma Foundation or to "Genesis Medical Education and
Research Institute" (MERI) in Memphis, TN. Special thanks to the
staff at Harborside Nursing Home and Cleveland Clinic Hospice for
their loving care. www.cleveland.com/obits
----
:: AL CAMPBELL (Houston Highlanders Bagpiper )(1931- 2006)
It is with great sadness that we inform our membership that
our friend and piper, Al Campbell, passed away last
evening. Over the years, we could always count on Al to
support H&T with all our piping requests. He gave
generously of his time, and was a very special contributor
to our Society. In addition to his dignified performances,
Al had great humor which he occasionally added for fun and
laughter. We shall miss him.
Our special condolences to his wife, Betsy, his family and
close friends.
----
:: PHILLIP JAMES CONNELLY, of Katy, passed away on
Thursday, August 11, 2005 in a Houston hospital at the age
of 74 years.
Phillip James Connelly was born on September 14, 1930 in
Tulsa, Oklahoma to Paul and Peggy Connelly. He graduated
from Holy Family High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the
University of Oklahoma. He served his country during the
Korean War as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army based out of
Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
On April 4, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Bridget
Imelda Corr. He retired from General Electric's Lighting
Division after 30 years of service.
Phil was a founding member and former president of the
Irish American Heritage Association of Katy and a member of
the Irish Society in Houston, Texas. He was a member of the
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, in Katy, and a member
of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, Assembly 2721. He
was also a friend of Bill Wilson.
He was a life long Democrat. Phil was an active participant
in the Forever Young Group in Epiphany, as well as many
other organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Bridget Imelda Connelly of
Katy; his sons, Mike Connelly of Keller, Texas, and Tim
Connelly and his wife Sylvia of Ardmore, Pennsylvania; and
his grandson, Sebastian Connelly. He was preceded in death
by his parents, Paul and Peggy Connelly; and by his
brother, Jack Connelly.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 5005 Mitchelldale, Suite 115,
Houston, Texas 77092-7230 or to your favorite charity.
-----
If you have nothing better to do, and I suspect you do, you can see our vacations
Pictures on line. Warning they are NOT from Ireland (unfortunately). This includes
All our pictures from our fall trip. We will be back home tomorrow.
ALL my pics at Flickr
Slide show for Pics from the Midwest (94)
Slide show for Pics from the West (61)
Slide Show for Pics from Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming (45)
Slide Show for Pics from Beartooth Mountains, WY & MT (17)
Slide Show for Pics from Montana (31)
Slide Show for Pics from Glacier Park (42)
Slide Show for Pics from Yellowstone (57)
Slide Show for Pics from the Grand Tetons (22)
Slide Show for Pics from Around Salt Lake City (35)
Slide Show for Pics from Nevada (15)
Slide Show for Pics from Yosemite Park (41)
Slide Show for Pics from N California (51)
Slide Show for Pics from San Francisco (58)
Slide Show for Pics from California (14)
Slide Show for Pics from Las Vegas (19)
Slide Show for Pics from Utah & Zion National Park (33)
Slide Show for Pics from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (61)
Slide Show for Pics from Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (41)
Slide Show for Pics from Monument Valley, AZ (16)
Slide Show for Pics from West Texas & McDonald Observatory (12)
OR you can see more details about our trip at
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 1 (Aug 7 – Sept 6, 2008) (226 Pics)
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 2 (Sep 6 – Oct 12, 2008) (304 Pics)
YAHOO Trip Fall 2008 – Part 3 (Oct 13 – Oct 31, 2008) (220 Pics)
(The pictures can be seen at the Yahoo site also. Click on the pictures directly
Left of the Fall 2008 title. You will see the pics here with labels.)
Post IKE pics from Shoreacres
Pictures from 2008 St Paddy's Irish Open Golf Tournament.
----
Other Irish Celtic Calendars & Sources:
Scottish Country Dancing & More:
http://home.att.net/~diannashipman/Calendar.htm
Houston Irish Development Assoc:
http://www.houstonirish.org/calendar/calendar.shtml
Texas Celtic Music Network Calendar
http://texcelt.org/Calendar.html
Southwest Celtic Music Association
http://www.scmatx.org/main.htm
Texas Scottish Heritage Society
http://www.txscot.com/
Houston Chronicle Search for World Music Local bands
http://www.chron.com/COMS/BandsPub/pub.mpl?actionfiltered=searchbands&nextview=bandsearch&submit1=&submit2=2&band_name=&genre=World
Houston Press World Music Listing
http://listings.houstonpress.com/gyrobase/Music/Results?genre=13765&keyword=&date=