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2025 wasa rough year in many ways The political turmoil in Ireland and the UScontinuesand both of these nationsthat we cherish have some seriousproblems that need to be addressed. I think it isour DNA as Irish Americans to have a streak of faith in us that believesthat we can cope and succeed so that isthe horse that I am backing These are the times when our attitude and gratitude cardsmust be played. Bearing this in mind, let's all try to focus on what isreally good and positive and embrace and appreciate the true meaning of the upcoming Christmas Festivities!
In the November issue, we were going to publish a feature on the Christmas Markets in Ireland We even referenced it on the cover and I forgot to put it in We received a few emailsand callspointing out the error and we have the story in this issue on pages 25 & 26.
In my November letter, we mentioned that "our world ischanging drastically and at a pace that isboth amazing and unsettling" I certainly stand by that remark and I wassurprised by the response that I got from a few of our readers. It is nice to know that our readersagree that the "Irish Community isimportant because it can help create a reality and sense of belonging We all strive to make our coverage and features both entertaining and relevant. Our writer help make this happen and we are honored to have them help us Aswe have been saying, we are expanding our reach The Irish themed content that we offer has a wide audience; far beyond SoCal so we are confident that we have a market around the US. We already have readersand subscribers in 6 countriesand in 15 plus states Our mission isto continue to deliver a digital magazine that isfun, interesting readable and true to the cause Thecause being our shared love of Ireland and All ThingsIrish!
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AN IRISH CHRISTMAS D an ce T eam
AJBrainerd began Irish dancing at the age of eight, and it quickly became his passion.
seven years old. She isan Open Champion with the Clan Rince School of Irish Dance, and thisis her fourth tour with An Irish Christmas
Elizabeth graduated from UCLA thisspring and now is attending graduate school at Vanderbilt University.
Layla Gilesbegan Irish dance at the age of four and has been competing and performing for more than thirteen years
Training under Jeannie Thornton with Clan Rince School of Irish Dance in San Diego, she isa World Qualifier, Western Region USTop 10, and placed in the Top 40 at the North American Irish Dance Nationals. In addition to her competitive achievements, Layla isa featured dancer with the Na Scéalaithe Irish Dance Collective and made her debut with Kerry Productionsin the acclaimed St. Patrick?sDay in Ireland in March 2025.
Continuedonpage 6
From his 12 yearsof training, AJhasachieved much success in the competitive world of Irish Dance Currently, AJis third in the World, a National Champion, and 6-time Southern Regional Champion AJisincredibly grateful for the opportunity to take this step forward in hisdancing career He islooking forward to entertaining audiences acrossCalifornia and sharing his passion for Irish dance with audiencesof all ages in the production of An Irish Christmas Elizabeth Gerhard
Elizabeth hasbeen dancing since she was two and found her true passion for Irish Dance when she was
Layla Giles
Most recently, she traveled to Dublin to perform on the iconic Gaiety Theatre stage aspart of
the Riverdance Summer Showcase Thisseason, she is delighted to return to the stage with An Irish Christmas!
Ronan Kristufek began Irish Dancing at the age of nine with the Onórach Mulhern Geraghty School in Chicago. Since then, Ronan has become a four-time Mid-American champion, two-time North American champion, and a five-time world medallist, placing as high asthird. Professionally, he has performed around the world with Michael Flatley?s ?Lord of the Dance,? dancing in places such asAustralia, South Africa, and Taiwan
Ronan Kristufek
He has also performed throughout the USwith ?A Taste of Ireland?and isexcited to be joining Kerry Productions??An Irish Christmas? for his second time!
Ellie Mendler, Clan Rince School of Irish Dance
Ellie Mendler is an accomplished Irish dancer, from Clan Rince School of Irish Dance, where she has trained and competed for the past eight yearsunder the direction of Jeannie Thornton, Alisa Dosch, and Rori Ritchie. In November 2024, she placed 10th in the Western U.S. Region and has represented her school at prestigiousinternational competitions, including the CLRG World Irish Dance Championships. This summer, Ellie traveled to Ireland to perform with the renowned Fusion Fightersat Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Ireland?slargest traditional music and dance festival. Thisyear marks her debut performance in An Irish Christmas, and she isthrilled to be part of the production. Outside of dance, Ellie ispursuing a degree in Human Development at the University of California, Davis, with plans to become a physical therapist.
Kelly Pearson hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota,
and hasbeen Irish dancing for over twenty years, first with Scoil na dTri Irish Dance Academy and then with Corda Mor Irish Dance
During Kelly?scompetitive career she qualified for the World Championships five times, achieving multiple placementsin the top 10 in Mid-America and the top 20 in North
America While pursuing her competitive goals, Kelly attended the University of Minnesota and graduated summa cum laude with a B A in Philosophy
Kelly hastoured the U S and Europe with multiple productionsincluding Gaelforce Dance, Celtic Rhythms of Ireland, Dance Masters, and Celtic Illusion, as well as performing asa lead dancer for several years with Celtic Fyre, an award-winning production at Busch Gardensin Williamsburg, VA She isalso a certified Irish dance teacher (TC R G ) and a Barre instructor and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200)
Kelly Pearson delighted to return to AnIrishChristmas and isexcited to share her passion for dancing (and the holiday season) with audiences and performersalike
Cian Porter- Irish Dancer
Originally from Dublin, Ireland
Now based in Jacksonville, Florida, Cian Porter isa world-renowned professional Irish dancer whose career hasspanned stages across the globe. With numerous international titles to his name, Cian rose to prominence as a featured performer with Riverdance, touring extensively around the world. His career highlights include performing for the President of the United States at the White House as well as for the President of Germany. Beyond the spotlight, Cian isdedicated to passing on his craft to the next generation. Ashe helps out at his family?sacademy, Kavanagh Porter
Academy (USA & Ireland), he helps trains dancersboth competitively and professionally, instilling in them the same passion, discipline, and artistry that defined hisown career
This year, Cian isespecially excited to be back with Kerry Productions?An IrishChristmas, bringing hisartistry and energy to audiencesacross California during the holiday season.
Elllie Porter has shared the magic of Irish dance with audiencesaround the world. She has performed with celebrated acts such asCeltic Woman, Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, the High Kings, and many more Alongside performing, Ellie Porter remainsa dedicated competitor, proudly placing 10th in the world, sixth in the nation, and third in the region With a passion for tradition, precision, and storytelling through dance, Ellie isthrilled to be taking the stage again for her second tour with Kerry Productions?An Irish Christmas thisseason
Aubrey Stagnaro began Irish Dance at the age of four and hasbeen competing and performing for over ten years.
Dancing with Celtic Irish Dance Academy, under the direction of Maeve Coughlan she is a five-time World Qualifier, hasplaced in the Western Region USTop 10, and placed in the Top 20 at the North American Irish Dance Nationals. In addition to competing throughout the U.S. and Internationally, Aubrey hasperformed on national television, in the Hollywood ChristmasParade, the Jennifer Hudson Show, and in 2022 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of the 62 nd Annual Holiday Celebration.
Aubrey hasbecome a familiar face with Kerry Irish Productionsand this year she has taken on the role of Assistant Dance Captain in An Irish Christmasas well as continuing to featurein the show Aubrey isa Varsity Cheerleader for both Gameday and Competition Cheer, and a Gold Award Girl Scout.
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Aubrey Stagnaro.
An IrishChristmas Celebrates Traditions
Kerry Irish ProductionsAnnounces the 2025 West Coast tour of An Irish Christmas
Kerry Irish Productionsisback in 2025 with itsacclaimed production of An Irish Christmas These amazing shows feature an award-winning cast of dancersalong with an incredible group of musicians and singersto celebrate the holidaysasonly the Irish can Audienceswill enjoy all the holiday carolsthey know and love including Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, and The Twelve Days of Christmas plusa spectacular high-energy display of Irish dancing at itsvery best
An Irish Christmasisa celebration of family and community that showcases some of the great Irish holiday traditions
Segmentsof the show are based on centuries of Irish knowledge and tradition including, chasing the wren, butter-making, and dancing on the half-door
An Irish Christmas bringsthese timelesstraditions to life, celebrating the warmth, wonder, and spirit of the season through uniquely Irish customs
In An Irish Christmas, the holiday season unfoldsnot just with twinkling lightsand festive cheer, but with deep-rooted traditionsthat echo centuries of Irish heritage.
From candlelit windowsto spirited Wren Day parades, the show capturesthe heart of Ireland?syuletide customs? each one a thread in the rich tapestry of Irish culture.
The Candle in the Window: ABeaconof Welcome
One of the most poignant imagesin An Irish Christmas is the single candle glowing in a window on Christmas Eve Thistradition, still practiced across Ireland, symbolizes hospitality and remembrance? a silent invitation to travelersand a tribute to loved onesfar away or passed on Historically, it wasalso a sign that Mary and Joseph would find shelter there, blending faith with folklore
Butter Making AgDéanamh
In timesgone by, butter making wasa cottage industry in Ireland and an important task for many farming families It played an important role in the household economy. During the churning, everybody, young and old who entered the farmhouse, had to take a turn at the churn which lightened the labor of churning. There were many customsassociated with the production of the butter: salt or a drop of Holy Water wasadded to ensure that the butter wasprotected from those that would like to ?steal the butter?for their own use, Work songs were also an essential part of the magic of the ritual performed to ensure the successof the butter making (to get more butter, of course), and danceswere danced around the churn in a joyful expression of that success! Of note: Ireland wasthe leading exporter of butter to the known world in the 18th. century.
Dancing on the half door
AgDamhsa ar anLeathdhoras
The ?half door?wasan important part of Irish social life Placed in front of the front door it possessed no latch It would swing back and forth in free movement! It admitted light and kept animalsout It wasa wonderful center of ?gossip?and wasno doubt, the bearer of many secrets
It became the ?stage?when an evening of fun or competition wascalled in the community The half door would be removed from itsposition and dropped to the floor whereupon the dance challenge wasdelivered! Sometimes the half door wassoaped to make the competition more challenging!
HALFDOORfrompage3
It was said - ?a good dancer could dance on a tray, and an excellent dancer could dance on a half-penny? . The best dancersdanced asit were, underneath themselves, trapping each note of music on the floor, and as each dancer attempted to outdo the other with more intricate stepsthe fun knew no end. The dancers alwaysgathered at the end of the dance in one friendly step, much to the joy of the observer!
: Half Door Dancing from
Buachaillí Tuí
ABOVE: The Dancing STRAW BOYSfrom
An Irish Christmas In some versions,, the captain of the Straw Boysmight well, "kidnap" the bride, demanding a ransom of porter!
The Day of the Wren
Lá anDreoilín
The show?sdepiction of Wren Day, celebrated on St Stephen?sDay (December 26th), isa vibrant nod to one of Ireland?s oldest customs Traditionally, ?Wren Boys?dressed in straw and colorful costumesparade through towns, singing and playing music while carrying a symbolic wren bird
Thisancient tradition of acting out old storiesand songs had the men dressing in disguise and using stylized straw hats to hide their faces They would randomly appear at celebrationsto perform their songs and dances, and they usually requested and received food, money or some token of gratitude in return
In former timeswhen house weddings were the norm, it was common for Straw Boysto appear and they were alwayswelcomed and treated well!
This ritual, rooted in Celtic legends, mythology and medieval pageantry, honors community, mischief, and renewal.
More from Kerry Irish Productions: The 2025 Tour's AN IRISH CHRISTMAS MUSICIANS TEAM
Anna Colliton (Bodhrán, Perussion)
Anna Colliton?sdistinctive and imaginative playing hasmade her one of the leading exponents of the bodhrán, the traditional Irish frame drum Anna hasappeared with Eileen Ivers, Cherish the Ladies, Comas and the Paul McKenna Band among others, worked as a sub with the original company of the Broadway hit ?Come From Away,?and completed a three-year residency at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida She hasperformed and taught at dozensof festivals acrossthe country, including CatskillsIrish Arts Week, The Swannanoa Gathering Celtic Week, FairbanksSummer Arts Festival, The O?Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, The St Louis Tionól, CCEMAD Week, The Gulf Coast Cruinniú, Tune Junkie Weekend, and the North American Comhaltas Convention. Asa teacher dedicated to advancing the tradition of bodhrán playing, Anna inspiresstudents of all levels to incorporate both ?the old?and ?the new?into their playing, emphasizing the importance of personal style in traditional music Anna isalso the author of ?Hide and Seek: An ears-first approach to interpreting rhythm and variation in Irish traditional melody for the bodhrán,?which isa funny little bodhrán book for intermediate and advanced players
The An Irish Christmas Musicians
Colin Cotter (Guitar)
Colin isa multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, recording artist from the San Francisco Bay Area. He hasplayed gigs from coast to coast in the USA, toursinternationally and teachesregularly at some of the top folk music camps in the country. Colin grew up fully immersed in music. When he was four yearsold, his mom gave him a fiddle and began teaching him to play the tunesshe had learned herself as a child, building on several generationsof a family tradition in Finnish folk music He fell in love with the Scottish and Irish traditional tunesand songs along the way and Celtic music would come to play a leading role in his ongoing musical journey alongside Americana, rock, pop, funk, and a wide array of improvisational jam bands
COLIN Continued
He hasreleased several albums with the bands he co-founded, MAC(Perfectly Manufactured Reality, 2018) and A Thousand Yearsat Sea (4 releases between 2009-2014) and has multiple new releases in the works with his current projectswhich include an edgy, electro-acoustic adventure with fiddler / violist Ryan McKasson - Old Growth Graveyard; an intergenerational acoustic groove, energized trio called Joe Craven & Frisky! with Joe Craven and Sumaia Jackson; and duos with fiddlers Sumaia Jackson and Adrianna Ciccone ThisisColin?ssecond tour with AnIrish Christmas.
Alasdair White (Fiddle and Whistles).
Alasdair Whiteisanexceptional exponent of west coast Scottish andIrishtraditional musicandiswidely regardedasoneof the foremost Scottishfiddler playersof hisgeneration Hewasborn andbrought upontheIsleof LewisintheOuter Hebrides, a chain of islandsof singular importancetoGaelicScotland?smusical heritageandisperhapsbest knownashavingbeena member of Scotland?sseminal BattlefieldBandfor over 16 years, touring extensively inthat timethroughout North America, Europe, and Asia Now resident inNew York, Alasdair hasperformedand recordedasa guest withmany of thebest-knownnamesin Scottish, IrishandBretontraditional musicincludingKathleen MacInnis, JulieFowlis, EddieReader, Allan MacDonald, Manus Lunny, Nuala Kennedy, and Arnaud Ciapolino Current ongoing projectsinclude Daimh, the Alan Kelly Gang and of course, Battlefield Band Alasdair also recently premiered a major commission at the Hebridean Celtic festival in Stornoway, an hour-long original piece entitled An Iuchair
This isAlasdair?ssecond tour with An Irish Christmas
Alasdair Whit e
Irish Music with song and dance is the main reason AN IRISH CHRISTMASis so popular.
The singing cast membersin Kerry Irish Production'sAnnual Christmas Shows are some of the best in the world
One such example isJulie Hinton, based in Los Angeles She is the principal soprano for the 2025 An Irish Christmas Tour Julie Hinton isa multifaceted performer based in Los Angeles, excelling as a singer, actor, writer, and composer
This Holiday Season
Tr eat your self with som e Im por ted Bisquets, Candy & a gr eat selection of Ir ish and UK Tea!
The principal soprano this year for An Irish Christmas is Julie Hinton
Julie Hinton isa multifaceted performer based in LosAngeles, excelling as a singer, actor, writer, and composer
Hinton regularly lendsher voice to various performances throughout the greater LA area, working as a recording artist, church soloist, choir conductor, Christmas caroler, and more
Beyond performing, Julie?schoral arrangementsare sung by groupsaround the world, showcasing her talents asa composer and arranger
Her dynamic stage presence hasled her to star in numerous musical theater productions, and she co-wrote and recorded three albums of The Big American Winter Holiday Musical Spectacular.
Just in time for Christmasthis year, her first solo Christmasalbum ison sale!
Principal Soprano Julie Hint on
Celebr ati n g T r ad i ti on an d Excellen ce: Clan Ri n ce Sch ool of I r i sh D an ce
Since 1998, Clan Rince School of Irish Dance has been infusing San Diego with the joy, tradition, and boundlessenergy of Irish dance
We are more than just a dance studio; we are a true community In fact, our name, Clan Rince (pronounced clan rinka), literally translatesto ?dance family?in Gaelic
From our very first day, our mission has remained simple: to cultivate a welcoming, family-oriented environment where every dancer? from the recreational beginner to the competitive athlete? feelsinspired, supported, and successful We recognize that everyone learnsdifferently, which iswhy our teaching approach isasunique as our students.
At Clan Rince, we blend the grace of traditional Irish dance with the excitement of modern choreography We offer classesfor both children and adults, ages5 and up. Whether training for fun, fitness, and friendship, or aiming for regional, national, and international competition, our studentsfind their rhythm here Along the way, they participate in vibrant performances, parades, and community events, keeping Irish culture alive and thriving throughout San Diego
Founded by North American Champion Jeannie Thornton, ADCRG, Clan Rince quickly expanded from our original studio in historic Kensington to a second location in San Marcos, serving North County and coastal communities Jeannie was joined in 2006 by her former student Alisa Dosch, ADCRG, and in 2020 by the talented Rori Ritchie, TCRG Together, this passionate and highly qualified team teachesfull-time at both studios, sharing decadesof experience and a contagiouslove for Irish dance
As registered teachersand adjudicators with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha in Dublin? the global governing body of Irish dance? we uphold the highest standards of training and performance Whether you are stepping into your first classor aiming for the world stage, Clan Rince ishere to help you achieve your goals while celebrating the spirit, tradition, and joy of Irish dance.
Special Guest Dancers:
Ella Zabrosky
Ella Yerkes
Kily King
Kaya Fernandez
Jacob Kram er
Marie McCain
Alaina Haw k
Ava Schneeberger
Saoirse Law lor
Shay Reed
The Consulate General of Ireland of Chicago is collaborating with Irish Community Services to offer an information clinic on the services offered by both organisations.
Working Holiday Authorisation for third level students and recent graduates
Moving/studying or returning to Ireland
Your registration at link below is appreciated, but not necessary. We hope to see you there!
Ireland?s Sam hain and Mexico?s Día de los Muert
The Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland, hosted a celebration uniting two rich traditions that honor ancestors: Ireland?s Samhain and Mexico?sDía de los Muertos
Samhain, the Celtic precursor to Halloween, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the ?darker half?of the year? a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to grow thin.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertospays homage to loved oneswho have passed on, through vibrant altars, marigolds, and heartfelt offerings More than a remembrance, it is a joyful gathering where color, ritual, and affection intertwine, celebrating the eternal bond between life and death.
Although these traditionsemerged worlds apart, both reflect a shared belief in the enduring connection acrossgenerations Thisjoint event offered a unique opportunity to explore how different cultures honor the same universal experience. Held on October 30th at the Mexican Consulate in LosAngeles, the celebration featured lively Irish traditional music by The Lads; storyteller Lisa Dobbyn, who recounted the legend of Jack O?Lantern and traced Halloween?sroots back to Ireland; and a concluding performance by the Oaxacan ensemble MaqueosMusic.
Caitlín Higgins Ní Chinnéide, the newly appointed Consul General of Ireland to the Southwestern United States, previously served as Deputy Head of Mission at Ireland?s Embassy in Mexico
She holdsa BA in Modern History and Politicsfrom the University of Oxford, as well as an MPhil and PhD in Modern Irish History from Trinity College Dublin, and was called to the Irish Bar in 2014 A Dublin native, she is fluent in both Irish and Spanish
Los Angeles
Inthecenter above: Irish Consul General Caitlin Higgins Ní Chinnéide and Mexican Consul General CarlosGonzález Gutiérrez at the Samhain and Día de losMuertos celebration.
John McNally
Our frequent Contributing Writer is Insightful and well traveled He is very well known throughout Southern California as an Irish Community activist and organizer
John McNally, wearing a San Patricio Battalion shirt, and Sally McNally, dressed as a crow, at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles.
Joint Ofrenda, designed by Oaxacan artist Aldo Cruz, a symbol of cultural connection and remembrance included tributes to the late Manchán Magan and Sinead O'Connor
From the Claddagh to the Áras: The Rise of Ireland's President
Catherine Connolly
In late 2025, Ireland witnessed a historic shift with the election of Catherine Connolly Inaugurated on November 11, 2025, following a landslide victory, she became the tenth President of Ireland and the third woman to hold the office Her ascent to the Árasan Uachtaráin isa story of grit, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the "plain peopleof Ireland."
Born in 1957 in Shantalla, a working-classneighborhood in Galway City, Connolly?sbeginnings were humble She was one of 14 children raised in a social housing estate Her father
"My journey fromtheCladdaghtothePhoenix Park hasbeendrivenby onesimplebelief: --that thePresidency belongsnot tothepowerful, but totheplainpeopleof Ireland."
She wasnever a "party insider," running as an Independent who refused to toe a party line
CATHERINECONNOLLY
Personal Life and Wealth
Connolly is not considered wealthy She hasfrequently emphasized her reliance on her public salary and has pledged to return a significant portion of her presidential allowance to the state, consistent with her socialist principles. She hasbeen married to Brian McEnery since 1992, and they have two adult sons
While her official residence is now the palatial Árasan Uachtaráin in Dublin?sPhoenix Park, her heart remains in the West For over 30 years, she has lived in a modest home in the Claddagh, the historic fishing village in Galway City famousfor the Claddagh ring. It is expected she will return there frequently when not performing
wasa carpenter and shipbuilder who crafted the traditional Galway hookers, instilling in her a deep respect for Irish heritage and craftsmanship Tragedy struck early when her mother died when Connolly wasjust nine yearsold, a loss she hascited as a defining moment that shaped her resilience
Connolly isa brilliant woman with a career spanning psychology, law, and politics She first qualified as a clinical psychologist, studying in Galway and Leeds, before later becoming a barrister. She entered politics locally, serving on the Galway City Council and eventually as Mayor of Galway (2004?2005) Prior to her presidential run, she served for nearly a decade as an Independent Teachta Dála (TD) for Galway West She gained a reputation in the Dáil for her firm belief to hold the government to account, particularly during her tenure asLeas-Cheann Comhairle (Deputy Speaker) from 2020 to 2024.
TheView FromIreland President Connolly and the Irish Language
By Maurice Fitzpatrick
The role of the Irish language became prominent in the Irish presidential election, not least because only one of the three candidatesto receive nominations isa fluent Irish speaker ? the one who became Ireland?s 10th president, Catherine Connolly The debate about the importance of our Head of State having a command of the language took various forms but was largely reducible to the proposition whether fluency in Irish should or should not be a requirement for the holder of an office symbolising Ireland.
The word ?symbol?iskey because many supportersof the Irish language engage in the language in that way only; it is symbolic of Ireland, propped up by theoretical defences. In her inaugural addresson November 11th, President Connolly announced that she would make Irish the first language of Árasan Uachtaráin, and she also cited the old dogma, ?tír gan teanga, tír gan anam? / ?a country without a language isa country without a soul? . This may prove another instance of theoretical advocacy. Although the first and most authoritative language of the state ? judicially and constitutionally ? isIrish, there are extremely rare instances when the authority of the Irish language version of the constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, iscited as superseding the English language version. Contradictorily, English isin practice so preponderant in all aspects of Irish public life that it voidsclaims made for Irish (except in theory).
Connolly said: ?Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras; it will have first place asa working language? . What is the basisfor the implication that speakersof Irish are forced into speaking it in a ?low voice??The subtext is that the language continuesto be oppressed. Yet Connolly?s predecessor aspresident, Michael D. Higgins, who held the office for fourteen years, routinely interpolated Irish in his speechesand never faced censure for doing so.
Sounding that keynote for Irish asan
oppressed language isan anachronistic view, far truer in the 19th or 20th centuries than in thisone While the state could cite the primacy given to the language in the educational system and in the civil service since the state?s foundation over a hundred yearsago, a dominant attitude towards the language has been that the English language is infinitely more important Associationsof the Irish language with defeat and marginalisation prevailed The broad inability or unwillingness to rethink the language and embrace it as a beautiful addition to daily life has done far more to keep it down than anything else The challenges that Irish faces(and there are many) no longer stem from oppression, but from a lack of activism in using it at every level of Irish society
Connolly?swordschime with a march held in Dublin on September 20th in which over 25,000 people demanded increased support for the Gaeltacht ? the biggest march in support of the Irish language in our history. There was not a ?low voice?among the marchers The strength of the turnout bespeaksa growing confidence in expressing the language and itscentrality to our heritage. The immediate concern of the marchersisthat the housing crisis constitutesa particular threat to the Gaeltacht. When the next generation of an area whose language could disappear in daily use cannot afford to live in the Gaeltacht, an emergency is heaped upon an emergency. If President Connolly makes speaking out in favour of Irish a recurrent theme of her presidency, a focus on the new-found confidence in Irish that animatesthat organised activism would be a good place to start, swapping a vocabulary of affliction for a vocabulary of gain.
Our regular cont ribut or, Maurice Fit zpat rick is an Irish w rit er and film m aker w ho w as educat ed at Trinit y College Dublin.
Fit zpat rick aut hored t he book, John Hume in America: From Derry to DC and w rot e, direct ed, and produced t he docum ent ary film , John Hume in America. CLICK t o buy or m ore INFO
Acts of the Oireachtas even if the president signs a legislative bill in the English language only That paved the way for a move at a supranational level, in the European Union
ABOVE: EU HQ in Brussels
Irish speakers are accorded a legal statusin the state in the 21st century that wasbadly lacking for most of the 20th century. For example, in 2001, a landmark case in the Supreme Court, O?Beoláin v. Fahy (2001), established a precedent that the state must provide Irish-language translations of
Since 2022, Irish hashad parity of esteem with other EU official languages? and all EU documentsmust now be translated into Irish.
View conclusionnext page
View Continued
The view from the North is, asit tendsto be, a little more complex The flowering of the Belfast Gaeltacht, Irish-language hip hop and trad groupsare suggestive of a mini renaissance The Northern Ireland Assembly also managed to establish an Irish-language commission to support the language thisOctober Probably most remarkable isthe work of Linda Ervine in East Belfast in establishing community classes and now an Irish-language school (Gaelscoil) in an area traditionally hostile to the language Her premise isthat the Irish language pervadesour shared cultural heritage and our place names Ervine faces down threatsto her life to take those initiativesin unionist East Belfast, displaying an appreciation of the richness of Irish that is often forgotten south of the border where many take language rights for granted
Thisdebate ultimately goes back to reframing the language, to rethinking itsanchorsand associationsand envisaging a new trajectory for it There are definite stirrings of that happening in Ireland now So, perish the nonsense that recently arrived people to our island could feel excluded by our using Irish (that isnot something that keeps the French up at night when they speak Français) An act of espousal isworth a world of doubts, hesitations and objections Next time you are in Dublin and want to order a cup of coffee you could make a point of doing so in Irish: ?Tabhair dom cupán caife, le do thoil? . Whether the server has been raised in Ireland or isa foreign national they will probably decipher the order If you want an espresso (for which there isno distinct translation into Irish), why not make up your own translation??Tabhair dom caife luais, le do thoil?The server may well have arrived to work on the Luas(the tram system in Dublin) for years and never once wondered what the word ?luas?means It means?express?
Tír gan teanga in úsáid, tír gan teanga i gceart: a country without a language in use is a country whose language hasnot fully come into being
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Ireland's Chef Paul's Watters
Sliced pork filet on a rocket salad with pomegranate and a red pepper and a smoked paprika sprinkle with a pomegranate syrup drizzle
Serves 4
You will need
For the Pork Fillet
350?400gpork fillet
(Closetoonepound of tenderloin)
1 tspsmokedpaprika
½tspredpepper powder
½tspgarlicpowder
½tspcumin
Salt &black pepper
1 tbspoliveoil
For the Salad
1 carrot, julienned
½cucumber, sliced or ribboned
½small red onion, thinly sliced
6?8 cherry tomatoes, halved
Large handful rocket or mixed salad leaves
Fresh dill sprigs
Fresh mint (optional but great)
3?4 tbsp pomegranate seeds
ABOUTCHEFPAUL
Chef Paul Wattersis an international chef from Belfast, Northern Ireland, with nearly 30 years of experience in the culinary industry.
Hiscareer began at 17, and after formal training, he worked in several prestigious kitchens around the world, including The Savoy Hotel in London and the Sydney Opera House in Australia
After traveling and gaining extensive international experience, Wattershasreturned to his hometown of Belfast He is focused on making cooking accessible to home cooks by sharing his expertise
FoodColumn&OnlineWork
Food Column: In addition to his regular feature in thispublication, he writesa regular food column called "PLATINGUP" for Belfast Media belfastmedia.com
The column's goal is to "take the fear out of cooking" by providing easy-to-follow, accessible recipesfor home cooks
Online Presence: Asyou noted, he is active on Facebook, where he runsa page and blog called "Simple, Tasty, Healthy by PW . " Through this platform, he shares recipes, tips, and inspiration, often focusing on using local Northern Irish ingredientsand helping people cook delicious meals on a budget
For the Dressing
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
For the Finishing Sprinkle
Red pepper powder
Cracked black pepper
Optional: pinch smoked paprika
The Method
Prepare the Pork
Trim any silver skin from the pork fillet.
Rub with paprika, red pepper powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Heat a pan over medium?high heat.
Sear the pork fillet on all sidesuntil nicely caramelised (about 6?8 minutes).
Lower heat slightly and cook until just done but still tender ?
internal temp ~63°C(145°F).
Rest for 5 minutes, thenslicethinly
Prepare the Salad
Add rocket, carrot, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, dill and mint to a bowl.
Drizzle over the lemon?olive oil dressing. Tosslightly.
Scatter pomegranate seeds over the top
Followed by the pomegranate syrup over the top (available in all good stores and supermarkets)
ENJOY! ......Chef Paul
TheIrishLiteraryShowcase
Guising for Soul Cakes ---
By GregPatrick
"Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voiceswhisper in the trees, Tonight isHalloween!"
---Dexter Kozen
"Every partinggivesa foretasteof death, every reuniona hint of theresurrection."
---Arthur Schopenhauer.
Part 3
October 28 2019 Museum
Before leaving the train Michael looked over his notes "Our modern holiday of Halloween isbelieved to originate from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain Though itsexact ritesand ritualsare lost to time it is theorised that the ritualsconducted by ancient Celtic priests called Druidsmay have involved ritual sacrifice of animals and sometimes humans to ensure that all nature would not die without the renewal of spring"
Michael arrived at the museum and halted in the shadow of the glowering gothic building An ostentatiousbanner advertising the exhibit wasslung over the drab grey stoned entrance flanked by lion statues
The exhibit wascontroversial in itsland of origin excavation was confronted by protesters He watched a YouTube video of a protestor dressed as a Druid raving warnings about robbing the ancient dead and that the dead would return to reclaim their possessions. Michael watched footage of protestorsdressed in white robesjoining hands to protest and block the excavation dragged away by garda
"You don't know what you just brought back" the protestor stammered urgently with fear in his eyesthen pity for those who desecrated the sacred ground Inside the museum the passionate loquacious docent guided the patrons through the lavish exhibit regaling the guestswith encyclopedic knowledge about the ancient artifacts
"Any questionsso far?yes?" The docent asked the patrons
"So why human sacrifice anyway?"
"During timesof disease, war, and uncertainty, hunger..."
"Kind of like now?"
There wasscattered nervous laughter
"Were they sacrificed?"
"No We believe that they were massacred," the docent explained Michael sighed deeply at the trigger warnings that human remains are on display. Asthe docent and patronsswept by to a succession of displays Michael lingered at one artifact. A helmet illuminated in a glasscase. It had been excavated from a bog among other ornate grave goods and corpses of sacrificial victims.
Yet it wasthe mask that seemed to beckon Michael. It wasa striking piece compared to the ornately carved helmet wrought forged helm among other artifacts compared to the other artifacts yet he felt magnetically strangely drawn to it .
About the Author
A dual citizen of Ireland and the US, Greg Patrick isan Irish/Armenian traveler, poet and writer
Greg Patrick, pictured here with an Australian friend
He now writes and travels. His writing has appeared in several international publications including Celtic Nations Magazine, Lothlorien Press, Irish Arts and Entertainment, and Cannery Row Press
Heritage-wise, Patrick isthe son of a Navy man and a son of the Traveling People. His work experiencesare also quite interesting; he isa former Humanitarian aid worker who hasseen and helped in famine and war. In hisearlier life in Ireland, he worked with great horses for many years For inspiration, he dwellsin and loves the wildsof Connemara and Galway especially in the rain where he has written many stories Greg spent his youth in the South Pacific and Europe. He currently resides in Galway, Krakow, and sometimes the states
Continuedfrompreviouspage...
Was it made of animal skin---or wasit human more ancient than the druidsand donned by shamans on Samhain eve?A ritual mask that the corpse speaker necromancer used to see and speak to the dead
Disembodied chanting seemed to haunt the air ashe approached Or wasit a ritual mask from the eve of ancient battles Faded ancient markings could be seen Michael's lipsmoved soundlessly ashe read the cryptic Ogham runes
Michael wassuddenly jolted by histrance ?
"I see thisartifact really caught your eye, " the eager docent said
Michael looked transfixed at the enigmatic mask
"Itssignificance isa mystery," she explained "It It's a prophecy " Michael said dreamily ?You're quite a scholar if you can read that Prominent scholarshave struggled to decipher it, " the docent said patronisingly
He saw a warrior reflected in the mirror "Are you okay??the docent asked.
"Yeah yeah I just need some fresh air I think, " Michael stammered.
It wasalready getting dark as Michael left the museum. Brooding storm cloudswere massing ominously. A masked figure watched him from the window of a waiting car in a back alley.
Michael arrived home just as the storm broke. Lightning lit the mullioned windowsilluminated him ashe writhed in his sleep in an eerie spectral glow in the writhing throesof nightmare haunted sleep.
Meanwhile in the hallsof the museum a display case was shattered.
"Quick! Grab the mask and some of the old jewels! "
One of the robbershalted in front of the mask utterly spellbound
"Don't just stand there grab something and run! "
He didn't feel the shardsof the glassas blood ran through his fingers He clutched the mask and sprinted, hisboots crunching on the floor Alarm sirens blared asthey burst of out of the museum and their escape car Rain fell in a relentlesstorrent The morning seemed like an aftermath in a war with the dead Prop zombieswere ravaged by the storm as if by a mad poltergeist
The body bag waszipped over a horribly burned face the expression and eyesfrozen in a paroxysm of final horror The artifactswere unaccounted for
The heist and escape under the cover of the storm and darknessended in a pursuit and fiery crash. The loot was cached somewhere between the museum and the accident. The lone survivor raved in the hospital about ancient ghosts before dying and taking the secretsof the lost artifacts to his grave. A reward wasposted and a search wasconducted but the trove of artifacts remained elusive.
NEXT DAY NEWS
That morning hiseyescaught the newspaper headlines the museum he had just visited suffered a heist Robbers looted artifactsonly to die in a fiery car crash Many of the artifacts remained unaccounted for
Declining a ride that morning Michael strayed off path and wasjarred from hispreoccupied brooding when he was confronted by his old school It was shuttered since the shooting As he hurried past the graffitied gate crowsand ravensgathered perched along the roof and gate watching him intently Unnerved he quickened his pace alarmed by a parting rumble of thunder He abruptly changed his path passing a wooded area Then he heard it disembodied voicesbeckoning
Asif transfixed he followed their urgings He began digging impulsively His handsgrasped a strange object that he lifted in mysterious rapture The mask from the museum! And the ancient Celtic helmet
Michael closed hiseyesand donned the mask on impulse as the last red of twilight enflamed disembodied chanting ceased His senses sharpened almost Maddeningly He could hear small nocturnal creatures stirring under the leaves and the minute soundsof spiders weaving websand their ensnared prey struggling
Like a parasite claiming a human host the mask seemed to become a second skin He gripped itsedges and screamed in agony as he tore it off. The pain wasso terrible he expected to see blood on his palmsyet there was nothing. The mask seemed to smile back at him before disintegrating in his hands. He still felt the mask on hisface as if hisskin absorbed it
He took a short cut through a cemetery. A funeral wasbeing held. Suddenly he wasapproached by a pale young child who began talking to him cheerily.
"Who are you talking to?' a caretaker asked curiously. ?The boy next to me,?Michael replied casually.
?What boy??the bewildered caretaker replied.
All HallowsEve wasushered in by a shockingly chill wind caressing the skin. That wasbefore one donned a mask and flirting with the shadows. The night felt electric as if the fabric of darknesswasstretching like a black cat before the hunt. The streets were overrun with a ravenoushorde of trick or treaters, laying siege to the houses for candy like orcsstorming Helmsdeep.
Modern Day
October 24th 2019
Michael wassilhouetted against the vigil candles of a memorial to the shooting victims. His footstepssplashed on puddlesand soggy and crisp fallen leaves. He saw with disgust that an effigy of the accused shooter wasbeing beat and burned in effigy to cheers.
Ireland's Christm as M arkets
Amongthemall, wevisitedfour over theyearsandhereareour impressionsandsuggestions!
Galway Continental ChristmasMarket
The most famousand beloved Christmasmarket in Ireland. Eyre Square, Galway City (Right outside the train station)
Thismarket is only fifteen years old this year but Galway hasbeen hosting Fairs and Marketson religiousholidays since the Middle Ages! This Christmas gathering and market isheld for almost two monthsfrom November 7th. till Wednesday, December 31st It hasgrown from a small collection of stallsto a massive event drawing over 450,000 visitorsannually. The Big Wheel isa famous attraction, it is a massive 32-meter Ferris wheel that offers viewsof the city lights Another favorite isthe large German-style Bierkeller (beer tent) which isthe social heart of the market The Bierkeller serves steins of beer and this givesa nice Oktoberfest-style vibe
Foodiesalso rejoice when they find the Man of Aran Fudge which is a traditional Irish fudge makers
There are also numerousContinental Food Chalets, famousfor the European food offerings including giant German bratwursts, French crêpes, and Belgian waffles
More Entertainment & Traditions
Lighting Ceremony: The "Light Switch-On" (usually mid-November) isa huge tradition where the whole square lights up
Live Music: Choirsand DJs play daily, often creating a
Santa?s Polar Express Train:
A dedicated train ride for children through the market
Belfast Continental ChristmasMarket
The largest "International" style market, offering a taste of Europe.
Location: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square (10-15 min walk from Lanyon Place Station)
2025 Dates: Saturday, November 15 ? Monday, December 22
History: Started in 2004/2005, thisyear marks its20th anniversary. It brings authentic international tradersto Northern Ireland
Main Attractions:
Vintage Helter Skelter: A classic Victorian-style spiral slide that isa visual icon of the market
The Carousel: A beautifully ornate vintage carousel right in the groundsof City Hall
Famous& Unusual Vendors:
Dutch Pancakes (Poffertjes): Perhapsthe most famous stall; they serve tiny, fluffy pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar Meats of the World: A unique vendor serving exotic burgers, including Kangaroo, Wild Boar, and Ostrich meat Kochem Vineyard: A traditional German wine merchant selling hot Glühwein (mulled wine) and "hugsin a mug."
Belfast also offers an International FocusThe main
Waterford Winterval
Ireland?sofficial "Christmas Capital" and largest festive festival isspread acrossWaterford City (a short walk from Plunkett Train Station) It opened this year on November 15 and will close before ChristmasDay on Monday, December 23
The Winterval wastarted in 2012 to help revitalize the city center and it is distinct because it isa festival with a market, not just a market
The unique attractionsinclude Winterval Illuminateswhich isa spectacular light and music show projected onto the city'shistoric buildingsevery 30 minutes.
The Waterford Eye: pictured at the top pf thispage isa giant Ferris wheel on the quaysand iswell worth going on!
Famous& Unusual Vendors:
These include the Stable Yard Food Hall, located in a historic courtyard, featuring artisan makers like Carters Chocolate Café (famous for hot chocolate)
Seagull Bakery, a cult-favorite local bakery often present with sourdough and festive treats
Polish ChristmasVillage
Ireland ishome to thousandsof Polish
immigrantsso there isalso section dedicated to Polish crafts, food, and traditions
The massive Winterval Parade (usually early December) actually rivals the St Patrick's Day in scale
Finally, a very quirky tradition the TRASH MONSTER a talking "monster" that encourages kids to recycle their market rubbish!
Yulefest in Kilkenny
The most atmospheric "Medieval" market is held each yea at the The Parade (a plaza near Kilkenny Castle), Kilkenny City which isa (15 min walk from the MacDonagh Train Station
This YULETIDEFESTIVAL open this year on November 29 and closes before ChristmasDay on Tuesday, December 23. Also, please note that the Main events are on weekends.
This isa fairly new event, (rebranded as Yulefest around 2016), it focuses heavily on local Kilkenny craft and design Kilkenny Design Stalls: Kilkenny isthe craft capital of Ireland; look for high-end ceramics, wool, and jewelry rather than cheap trinkets.
Cakeface Patisserie isa local legend known for unusual and gourmet sweet treatsoften found at the market.
The market sits literally in the shadow of a massive 12th-century castle, providing the best atmosphere of any market in Ireland
Also quite different, "STARLIGHT", a projected light show inside St. Canice?sCathedral
Entertainment & Traditions:
Santa by Boat: In a unique local tradition, Santa does not arrive by sleigh; he arrivesby boat down the River Nore before marching to the castle.
Kilkenny Castle Backdrop
ED Note: You might see references to a Dublin Castle Christmas Market. Please be aware this hasbeen cancelled for 2025 due to government preparations for the EU Presidency
Kilkenny isthe best historical alternative
Celtic Yuletide Festival Set For Sher wood For r est Byr ne Br other s to Headline
The Celtic Yuletide Festival is coming to the Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, Texas from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14
Join in on the family fun at the Yuletide Festival and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with a full weekend of music, merriment, and Celtic traditions
Camping is available from Friday at noon through Monday at noon. Settle in and prepare for an unforgettable Yuletide experience vFriday night, gatesopen at 6:00 pm Enjoy live music, festive drinks, and the start of a weekend filled with celebration. Saturday and Sunday, explore the lively Sherwood Forest grounds as we open the full fairegrounds for our Celtic Yuletide Festival. Witness the thrilling Highland Games, where athletesshow off strength and skill at the Highland GamesArena
Sharpen your aim or admire the talent of othersasthe Sherwood Archershost competitionsin the Archery Village near the Lionheart Tavern
Stroll through the forest, shop hand-crafted goods, enjoy deliciousCeltic foodsand drinks, and celebrate a weekend of music, dance, and holiday cheer
Spotlight on KRIS COLT, t he Black Rose
One of t he m ost sought aft er singers and songw rit ers of t he past 20 years. Kris Colt brings an aut hent ic and passionat e presence t o her live show s. She is t he epit om y of a m odern bard, st oryt eller and sult ry songst ress rolled int o one pet it e person!
The Byrne Brothers, Next Generation Irish Trad are the headliners
The Byrne Brothersare a high-energy, traditional Irish music and dance band, originally from County Donegal, Ireland, and now based in Orlando, Florida. They are known for their blend of traditional Irish folk, dance music, and a modern twist that getsaudiences dancing
The Band Members consistsof three brothers: Luca (Button Accordion), Finn (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar, Irish Dance) Dempsey (Bodhrán, Whistle, Vocals) and Tommy (Uilleann Pipes, Fiddle, Guitar, Whistles, Bagpipes) - The father
Multi-Award Winning: They have won awards like the Young Artist Academy® Award for Outstanding Music Ensemble
They have a large social media following with well over 50 million music video views
Irish Dance: All three brothersare accomplished musiciansand champion Irish dancers, often incorporating spectacular step dancing into their performances. They were the youngest ever performers in the history of Walt Disney World when they first performed there
Sundays st art ing @ 4:pm
Irish Music Session Tradit ional m usic / No
Cover Auld
Dubliner Irish Pub . Long Beach w w w.aulddubliner.com EVERY MONDAY
CELTIC ARTS CENTER
Open Session, Irish Language
Classes & Socials Full Bar
CAC @ The Mayflow er Club 11110 Vict ory Blvd , Nort h Hollyw ood, CA
w w w celt icart s cent er com
Every Monday st art s @ 7:PM
Orange Count y Celt ic Jam
Players invit ed! St Paul's Episcopal Church 1221 Wass St ., Tust in Doors open at 6:30 pm . Music at 7:00 pm .
$3 donat ion for use of t he room
xw w w.facebook.com / groups/ OCCelt icJam
Trooper Thorn is playing at The Harp Inn on Sunday, December 7, 6pm to 10pm, and there will be all kindsof pints there There is also great food, a friendly staff, good music and dozensof Dad jokesfrom the band. So, come on down and start off your holiday month with the band who put the Chrisin Xmas See you there! Thisgig will also be their annual ChristmasParty, complete with a Toy Drive for the Boysand Girls Club So, please bring an unwrapped gift if you can
Saturdays@9:00pm
The Harp Inn Irish present s t op local bands
Check online! !Orange Count y's Most Aut hent ic Irish Pub! Weekly Live Music & Sport s Daily
Serving OC for 30+ years
HARP INN IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
130 E 17t h St , Cost a Mesa, w w w.harpinn.com
CRAIC HAUS are back w it h t heir original genre of Sham rockabilly!!
The Back Abbey Lively gast ropub offers creat ive burgers & Belgian brew s in a rust ic dining room or on t he pat io.
w w w t hebackabbey com
The Back Abbey Upland, 1902 Cam pus Ave. Upland CA
We are
Sundaysin December
7, 14 , 21 & 28
Starting at 4:00pm
KEN O'MALLEY
Irish balladeer, enjoy an afternoon/evening of story and song from one of the masters...
Appearing in Redlands, CA
@The Three Stags Irish Pub
FIRST TUESDAY of every month!
FRIENDS Of IRELAND
Breakfast
You're invit ed. Join t he craic and get t oget her w it h a great bunch of folks and share your love of Ireland and all t hings Irish.
Breakfast s are very good t oo!
Breakfast at 9.30 am
Kenos Rest aurant
2661 West La Palm a Anaheim
More info & t o get on t he m ailing list :
More From t he Publisher
Continued from page 2
St art ing t his m ont h, w e w ill be bringing our readers a lot of new advert isers, changes and feat ures We w ill finlly st art our CELTIC CROSSWORD PUZZLE w it h our Mid-Decem ber issue,
Also in Decem ber; our Mont hly Cont est kicks off! Every m ont h, draw ings and prizes w it h our Win Ticket s t o Ireland Grand Prize!
Ent ry Det ails in t he Decem ber issue! Our subscribers are im port ant t o us so you all w ill be receiving a series of survey quest ions over t he next few w eeks. The result s w ill help us shape t he cont ent and scope of fut ure issues That 's it for now , hope you enjoyed t his issue.
(Half
Christ m as Show
The Sham rock Irish Pub and Eat ery 951 696 5252 39252 Winchest er Rd #145 Murriet a, CA Hours: 12 Noon Till Lat e 7 Days
ht t ps:/ / t hesham rockirishpub andeat ery.com /
Join Eileen Ivers and her six-piece band asthey celebrate the gloriousstory of Christmas? thoughtfully, uniquely and with pure unbridled JOY - through their signature Irish and American rootsmusic, songs, stories and poems.
The2025 Tour:
Nov. 28: Towne Crier Cafe (Beacon, NY)
Nov 29: Homer Center for the Arts (Homer, NY)
Nov. 30: Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley (Utica, NY)
Dec 7: Southside Preservation Hall (Fort Worth, TX)
Dec. 9: Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX)
Dec. 12: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts (Bay Shore, NY)
Dec 13: JPT Film & Event Center (Newport, RI)
Dec. 14: Cary Hall (Lexington, MA)
Dec 19: Colonial Theatre Laconia (Laconia, NH)
Dec. 21: Weinberg Center for the Arts (Frederick, MD) For the most up-to-date information, ticket details, go to: www.eileenivers.com
Remember to check back for Calendar links and
Usually, we have been updating the Irish Arts around the middle of or 15th or 16th of each month so look for another issue in 15 days We will also update the Calendar again and do a BLAST to all subscribers usually on Wednesday afternoons Then again on Sunday evening (or possibly Monday by Noon) There is a lot going on thismonth so stand by for What'son tap!
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