Tír
na mBláth
Irish Seisiún Newsletter
Thanks to our past editors - Mary Gallacher
and Bill Padden
Editor Tommy Mac 
............
....Today's date and new proverb
On May 1st.
Bealtaine shona dhaoibh!"
BEE-awl-tin-a OR be-el-ta-na in Cork
"Happy Bealtaine to you all!".
Read about this day in the "Stories and Tales" section below
A few more photos from the
North American Comhaltas convention in Orlando
Players Note:
A new tune has just been added to the "Ships In Full Sail" set.
Check it out here Ships in Full Sail Jig
Sunday's Seisiún
for April 27, 2025
‘Tá dúil ár n-anama sa cheol againn.’
Music is our soul’s desire.
.......Thanks again to
Bob Murphy, Pat Quinn, Randy Powell, Art Jacoby, and Kevin Westley
for supplying photos and info about our sessiuns.
Several of our players have left for the season. Our Pat Lyons just flew up north yesterday.
Slán abhaile to them all
Pronunciation: slawn a-wol-ya
Meaning: Safe Home
Tom,
We had a fine session today, just one fiddle, one flute, one accordion, one Bouzouki.
The snowbirds are "flew the coop", as they say and time to run through tunes old and newly learned. It was savage cabbage for a while there and we got the occasional break with Randy and Kevin giving us a song or two, thanks!
Rosemarie on flute and whistle, Grace on accordion, Randy on bouzouki and Bob on fiddle.
Some of the tunes were: Down the Broom, Gatehouse Maid / Rakes of Clonmel, Trip to the Cottage / Tatter Jack Walsh, Ships in full Sail, Old Joe jig / Dusty Windowsills, Rakes of Kildare, Humours of Kiltyclogher / Milky Way, Crock of Gold, Green Mountain / Tarbolton, Longford Collector, Sailor's Bonnet / The Virginia, Milliner's Daughter / Whistler at the Wake, the Old Flail, Sliabh Russell / Garret Barry's, Michael Hynes jig, Boys of the Town / Devaney's Goat, Galway Rambler, London Lasses among others.
Kevin's photo
Bob's photos
...........
.
Click any of the above logos to go to that site
.
"That’s
How I Spell Ireland"
Saturdays at 7 to 8 PM EST.
You can listen on 88.7FM or WRHU.org.
For a request please text me on 917 699-4768.Kevin and Joan Westley
Note: Show will be preempted whenever the NY Islanders have a Saturday game
Finnegan's Events
Check out their calender
They support us - Let's support them
E-Mails Received
Great job Tom, enjoyed the videos. It was so great to chat with your lovely wife, tell Donna to keep the jokes coming. Anne Creaney-Caulfield
Thanks Anne.....Tommy Mac
Happy Easter to you and all the folks at Tim Finnegan’s…..especially the musicians....John Spannbuaer
Fireny@aol.com
Old Ireland
Passage Tomb at Giant's Ring,
Belfast, Northern Ireland. 1960.
Ireland Travel
Note: Whenever clicking on a link you will be brought to another web-site. To return here you must click on the BACK arrow.
FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND
Ballycarbery Castle, County Kerry.
This 16th-century castle in County Kerry sits right on the edge of Ballycarbery Bay with stunning views of the Atlantic.
Once owned by the MacCarthy clan and inhabited by their constables, the O'Connells (read more about the bloody legend of the castle here).
Now it's just weathered stone walls wrapped in lush green ivy. If you're doing the Ring of Kerry drive, it's a bit off the tourist path but totally worth the detour.
Check out this video about the Ring of Kerry to see more about the area.
Travel Quiz
Can you identify this site and it's location in Ireland?
Answer in next week's Newsletter
Last weeks Travel Quiz answer
Greenhouse at Botanic Gardens
in Dublin
Irish Language
Submitted by our own Anita
HI Tom,
This is what I have for this week.
The Irish language, also known as Gaelic, is a Celtic language with a rich history, serving as the national and first official language of the Republic of Ireland.
It's a language with unique features like a Verb-Subject-Object word order, a case system, and a system where some words change at the beginning to indicate grammatical environment.
While learning Irish is mandatory in schools, most speakers are concentrated in Gaeltacht areas, which are Irish-speaking communities, mainly along the west coast.
For example:
I am at work
Ta me ag obair
( Taw may egg obir)
Am I At work
Verb subject. Object
How to introduce yourself:
Cad is ainm duit? Anita is ainm dom. Agus tusa?
(Cod is anam ditch) (Anita iss anam thom) (Agus thusa?)
What is your name? My name is Anita. And you?
Ca as duit? Is as Eirinn me
(Caw oss ditch?) (Iss oss airin may)
Where are you from? I’m from Ireland
Slan leat. Slan go foill
(Slawn lath). (Slawn guh foal)
Goodbye. Bye for now
Free Irish Classes
The classes are over zoom and are held at 12:00 eastern time the 1 st Sunday of every month.
It is basic conversational Irish and open to learners of all ages, especially beginners.
All are invited.
Hope to see you there!
slan go foill. Le dea ghui,
Anita
click here to register
..
Sausage Coddle
By:Michelle
This traditional Irish dish was originally prepared over a fire in a cast iron pot.
Ingredients
1 pound pork sausage links
1/2 pound smoked bacon, cubed
2 onions, thinly sliced
3 carrots, chopped
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
1 cup beef stock
1 1/2 cups Irish stout beer (such as Guinness(R))
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Place the sausages and bacon into a large skillet over medium heat, and cook until the sausages are browned on both sides, about 10 minutes. Slice the sausages into large chunks, and set the sausage and bacon aside.
3. Place a layer of 1/3 of the onions in a 9x13-inch baking dish, followed by a layer of 1/3 of the carrots and sliced potatoes. Arrange 1/3 of sausage and bacon in a layer over the potatoes; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parsley. Repeat layers twice more. Warm the beef stock in a saucepan over medium heat, and pour in the stout beer and cream. Pour the sauce over the casserole, and let the sauce fill in the spaces in the layers.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes and vegetables are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/216923/sausage-coddle/print/?recipeType=Recipe&servings=8&isMetric=false
Enjoy
If you have a cherished family Irish recipie share it with us.
And if there's a story that goes with it.....even
better! mail click here
Fireny@aol.com
filíocht pronounced FILL-ee-uhkht meaning Poetry
Now Comes the Spring --
'Anois Teacht An Earraigh'
The Blind Poet's Vision of Spring
by Antoine O Raifteiri
With the coming of spring the light will be gaining.
So after Brid's feast day I'll set my course -
Since it entered my head I'll never rest easy
Till I'm landed again in the heart of Mayo.
I'll spend my first night in the town of Claremorris
And in Balla I'll raise my glass in a toast,
To Kiltimagh then, I could linger a month there
Within easy reach of Ballinamore.
I testify here that the heart in me rises
Like a fresh breeze lifting fog from the slopes.
When I think on Carra and Galen below it,
On Sceathach a' Mhile or the plains of Mayo.
Killeadan's a place where all good things flourish,
Blackberries, raspberries, treats by the score,
Were I to stand there again with my people
Age would fall from me and I would be restored.
-- Anthony Raftery (1784-1835).
Translation by Michael Coady Below, the full Irish version of 'Anois Teacht An Earraigh' Cill
Aodáin Anois teacht an Earraigh,
beidh an lá dúl chun shíneadh,
Is tar eis na féil Bríde
ardóigh mé mo sheol.
Go Coillte Mach rachad
ní stopfaidh me choíche
Go seasfaidh mé síos
i lár Chondae Mhaigh Eo.
Fágaim le huacht é
go n-éiríonn mo chroí-se
Mar a éiréonn an ghaoth
nó mar a scaipeann an ceo
Nuair a smaoiním ar Cheara
nó ar Ghaileang taobh thíos de
Ar Sceathach an Mhíle
nó ar phlánaí Mhaigh Eo;
Cill Aodáin an baile
a bhfásann gach ní ann,
Tá sméara is subh craobh ann
is meas de gach sórt,
Is dá mbéinnse i mo sheasamh
i gceartlár mo dhaoine
D'imeodh an aois díom
is bheinn arís óg.
Bíonn cruithneach is coirce,
fás eorna is lín ann,
Seagal i gcaobh ann,
arán plúir agus feoil,
Lucht déanta poitín
gan licence á dhíol ann,
Móruaisle na tíre ann
ag imirt is ag ól.
Tá cur agus treabhadh
is leasú gan aoileach
Is iomaí sin ní ann
nár labhair me go fóill,
Aitheanna is muilte
ag obair gan scíth ann,
Deamhan caint ar phingin cíosa
na dada da shórt.
Antoine Raftery was born in an impossibly overcrowded
'tigeen' on a shared small-holding in Killaiden, near Kiltimagh in 1784. 
He
had 8 brothers and sisters, but an outbreak of small pox took the entire family
and left Raftery blind. He learned to play the fiddle and was a natural bard.
Blind Raftery became the wandering bard of the west in the early 19th century,
moving from parish to parish, leaning on the generosity of the local folk who
gave him shelter, food and drink, in return for his music and stories. Newspapers
were not common and news was spread by word of mouth back then, or in songs
and poems, as Raftery did. Like the bards of old he told and retold tales of
valiantry, victory, wrong-doings and tragedy to the farmers and anyone who would
listen, give him a bed for the night and share a jug of Poitin.
Raftery was well loved by the country folk. He was illiterate, and thus knew all his poems and songs by heart, recounting them at will, or composing new ones on the spot for a challenge or for sport. He had no end of inspiration, what with rebellions, hangings, murders and evictions being so commonplace in that turbulent time, post the bloody rebellion of 1798, the consequences of which he witnessed first-hand in Mayo. He walked a land that had seen terrible retribution, with gallows and gibbets at every crossroads. Later on he saw the rise of land agitation, the Whiteboys and the beginnings of the land league. He composed hundreds of poems, many of which, thankfully, have been handed down and saved. His tale of the tragic drownings at Anaghdown ( Eanach Dhun ) in 1828, is a classic even today.
Raftery stayed in houses he knew he would be welcomed in and looked after. They were not 'Big Houses' per se, but comfortable tenant farmers houses mostly that he stayed at. One such house was O'Dwyers in Duniry, near Abbey on the road between Loughrea and Woodford. Even today, the memory of his annual visits there is still remembered. He had many such stops along his well-travelled roads of east Galway where he spent much of his later life, but eventually he himself wore out. He was reputedly 'fond of the dhrop', and cranky, with a sharp tongue and caustic wit, so perhaps his true friends were few. Poor Ratfery fell ill and died in a cow-barn in the village of Craughwell one snowy winter's day in 1835. He was buried at night by torchlight, for reasons I still don't understand, in a small ruined church-yard cemetery between Craughwell and Labane. So much for his wish to go home to Mayo and 'be amongst his people'.
Were it not for the poems that have been handed down to us by people who cherished his wonderful words, and the collectors who wrote them down, we may never have had the chance to get to know again his poem about the approach of Spring.
Stories and Tales
"seanchaí"
(pronounced "shan-a-key")
comes from the Irish words "sean" meaning old and "caí" meaning to tell.
Five surprising facts about
some of the 1916 Easter Rising leaders
One was English-born, another played pipes for the pope.
James O'Shea @IrishCentral Apr 24, 2025
Irish Republican Army Wikimedia Commons
On Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, the Easter Rising, one of the most important events in Irish history, began. We count down to the 103rd anniversary with a look at the leaders of the rebellion.
Who were the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising? The rebellion is about to commemorate its 109th anniversary, and IrishCentral is taking a look back at its leaders in honor of the rebellion, a seminal moment in Irish history.
1. Thomas James “Tom” Clarke (1858-1916), one of the signatories of the proclamation, was actually born on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, where his father James Clarke, an Irish sergeant in the British army, was stationed. James practiced under the Church of Ireland, but Tom was reared in the Catholic faith of his mother, Mary Palmer. The family moved to South Africa and later to Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.
Thomas Clarke
2. James Connolly (1868-1916) was born in Scotland in an Irish slum in Edinburgh. He served in the British army in Ireland and hated it. He was in his mid-twenties before he moved to Ireland from Scotland to take up a union job.
6Gallery
3. Countess Markievicz (1868-1927) was originally from the Sligo-based Anglo-Irish Gore-Booth family. Having moved to Paris to further her studies, she met fellow art student Count Casimir Dunin-Markievicz, a Polish widower whose family owned land in Ukraine. She married him but there is a long-running dispute as to whether he was ever really a count. Eamon de Valera always called her Madame Markievicz.
Countess Markievicz
4. Éamonn Ceannt(1881-1916) was Edward Kent for most of his life. He was a master of the uilleann pipes and even put on a performance for Pope Pius X. Éamonn Ceannt6Gallery Éamonn Ceannt
5. Donagh MacDonagh (1912-1968), son of proclamation signatory Thomas MacDonagh (1878-1916), was a judge and prolific playwright. In 1946, he wrote "Happy As Larry," a ballad opera which became the most successful play in London in post-war years, though produced unsuccessfully in New York in an elaborate production by Burgess Meredith. It has been translated into a number of languages.
Donagh MacDonagh
Want to learn more about the 1916 Easter Rising? You can find it all here.
Bealtaine Traditions
Céad Míle Fáilte –
and welcome to your Letter from Ireland for this week.
It's the last week of April as I write this, and all around us in County Cork, the countryside is preparing for the great awakening that comes with Bealtaine (pronounced Ba-yowl-tanna) – the Celtic festival starting May 1st that marks the beginning of summer in Ireland.
I'm sipping on a cup of Lyons' tea as I write, and I hope you'll join me with whatever you fancy as we start into today's letter. The hawthorn has started to bloom, always a sure sign that Bealtaine is just around the corner. While the white blossoms of what we call the "May Bush" have always been a familiar sight growing up here in Cork, I've been thinking lately about how our ancestors celebrated this important time across the different corners of our island. So today, let's take a journey around "the four corners" of Ireland to discover the rich vein of Bealtaine traditions and how they varied from county to county.
Bealtaine Traditions: A Journey Around Ireland
I received a message last month from Anne in Brisbane, Australia:
"Mike, I've been following your letters for years and always enjoy reading about the Celtic festivals. My great-grandmother came from Donegal, and I wonder if Bealtaine was celebrated differently there than in your part of Ireland. Did all Irish people mark the occasion in the same way, or were there regional differences? Thank you for bringing our heritage to life each week!"
What a wonderful question, Anne! While the essence of Bealtaine – marking the transition to the bright half of the year – was universal across Ireland, the way it was celebrated certainly varied from region to region and with a lot of religious traditions layered over the older Celtic traditions. Let me take you on a tour of some of these fascinating local traditions.
Donegal's Unique Traditions
In your great-grandmother's native Donegal, Bealtaine had some distinctive customs. The people of Ireland's northernmost county were particularly concerned with protecting their butter-making during what they considered a supernatural time. They would place a red ember beneath the churn and a bit of lit coal on top of it, believing this would protect the butter from being stolen by fairies or ill-wishers.
In parts of Donegal, especially the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas, it is said that families would bake a special bread on May Eve, breaking it into pieces and scattering it in the fields to encourage fertility and good fortune. Some families would even keep a small piece of this "Bealtaine Bread" in the house throughout the year as a talisman of luck.
Kerry's May Morning Dew
Down in the southwest county of Kerry, young women would rise before dawn on May Day to wash their faces in the morning dew. This wasn't just a charming custom – the May dew was believed to have powerful properties, ensuring beauty, good health, and protection from the sun's burning rays for the entire year. In some parts of Kerry, women would even collect the dew in jars to use as a beauty treatment throughout the summer months.
Another fascinating Kerry tradition involved the first water drawn from the well on May morning. This water, called "the top of the well," was sprinkled on cattle, crops, and even on the threshold of the house to protect all within from harm. Some Kerry farmers would also lead their horses to the sea at dawn on May Day, believing that a bath in the salt water would protect the animals from illness throughout the year.
Clare's Lucky Snails
In County Clare, particularly around the Burren region, children would search for snails on May morning. Finding a snail was considered extremely lucky, and the pattern of its trail was believed to predict aspects of the finder's future. Young women might place a snail on a plate dusted with flour overnight, hoping to see the initial of their future husband in the snail's trail by morning.
Clare people were also known for their May Boughs – branches decorated with coloured ribbons, shells, and wildflowers that were placed outside cottage doors. Unlike other parts of Ireland where hawthorn was the traditional May Bush, in Clare they often used rowan (mountain ash), believing it had stronger protective properties.
Galway's Sea Rituals
For the coastal communities of Galway, especially in the western region of Connemara, Bealtaine was closely tied to the sea. Fishermen would decorate their boats with spring flowers and take them out before dawn on May Day, casting a symbolic net to ensure good catches for the season ahead. Some would bring home seawater on May morning to sprinkle around their homes and outbuildings, creating a protective circle against harm.
On the Aran Islands, families would leave offerings of milk or freshly caught fish at certain spots along the shore for the sea spirits, seeking safe passage for boats in the coming summer months. The islanders also maintained the tradition of quenching all household fires and relighting them from a communal bonfire – a practice that lingered longer here than on the mainland.
Meath's Royal Fires
In the ancient royal county of Meath, home to the Hill of Tara, Bealtaine celebrations had particular significance. While the Hill of Uisneach is best known as the site of the great Bealtaine fires, legends suggest that the High Kings at Tara also held important ceremonies at this time, reinforcing their sacred duty to ensure fertility and prosperity for the land.
In the farmlands surrounding Tara, farmers would drive their cattle not just between two fires but also around a single bonfire, following the path of the sun to ensure good fortune. They would then collect the ashes from these fires to scatter on their fields, believing they had special fertilising properties.
Wexford's May Bushes
In County Wexford, particularly in the southeast area of Forth and Bargy, the May Bush tradition took on a lively, competitive element. Communities would try to steal each other's elaborately decorated May Bushes, leading to good-natured "guards" being posted to protect them. The more decorations a May Bush accumulated, then the greater the honour for the community, and some families would even bring their Bush from house to house, collecting ribbons and shells from each.
Parts of Wexford were known for its "May Boys" – groups of young men who would travel from house to house performing songs and dances in exchange for food, drink, or small coins. They would carry a May Bush with them and often wore disguises or special costumes decorated with ribbons and flowers.
Back Here in County Cork
Here in Cork, as I've mentioned in previous letters, we had our own particular customs. Beyond the May altars erected in the home that I've written about before, Cork farmers would often drive their cattle to certain sacred wells on May morning, walking them around the well three times in a clockwise direction for protection. In West Cork, some will still tell you of how they would place yellow flowers – particularly primroses – on the threshold and windowsills to keep fairy mischief at bay.
Parts of Cork were also known for "rambling" on May Eve – young people would walk the boundaries of their townland, often stopping at neighbours' houses for music and refreshments. This practice reinforced community bonds while also marking territorial boundaries at this important time of year.
Connecting to Your Own Irish Roots
As I share some of these local traditions, I'm reminded of how deeply our ancestors were connected to the rhythms of the land and seasons. No matter where your Irish ancestors came from – Anne's from Donegal, or your own from a different county – they would have marked this turning point in the year with customs that reflected their local environment, needs, and an opportunity to ignite a community spirit.
Do any of these traditions resonate with stories passed down in your family? Or perhaps you've heard of other regional customs I haven't mentioned?
I'd love to hear about them - do email me at Fireny@aol.com and let me know. Tommy Mac
Wishing you all the blessings of Bealtaine, wherever you may be.
Slán for now,
Mike.
Irish Spotlight:
The Real Story of St. Brendan the Navigator
Long before Columbus was a twinkle in his Spanish mammy's eye, St. Brendan of Kerry was (allegedly) crossing the Atlantic in a leather boat.
Born around 484 AD, Brendan was a monk, seafarer, and probably mad altogether. Legend has it, he sailed from the west of Ireland to a mysterious land to the west - what some believe may have been North America. He wrote about sea monsters, volcanic islands, and talking birds. Was it fact? Fiction? Bit of both? Either way, if he did make it to America, he beat Columbus by nearly a thousand years. And sure, that wouldn't surprise you - the Irish are always early when there's a pint at the other end. St. Brendan the Navigator - The Irish Monk Who May Have Discovered America By: AuthorIrish Around The World Long before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, a man from Kerry may have beaten him to it - in a currach no less. His name? St. Brendan the Navigator. His legend? One of the most fascinating and mysterious in Irish history.
Who Was St. Brendan?
Born around 484 AD near Tralee in Co. Kerry, Brendan was a monk, missionary, and adventurer. Known in Irish as Bréanainn, he was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland - a group of early saints who helped spread Christianity throughout the island. But Brendan wasn't content to stay put. While most monks sought silence and prayer in monasteries, Brendan set his sights on the horizon.
The Voyage of St. Brendan
According to the 9th-century text "Navigatio Sancti Brendani" (The Voyage of St. Brendan), our saint embarked on an epic sea journey in search of the Promised Land of the Saints - a sort of paradise beyond the known world. Brendan and a small crew of monks set sail in a hand-built boat made of wood and oxhide, known as a currach. What followed sounds like something out of a dream: "
Islands with giant grapes and singing birds "
A sea creature mistaken for an island (possibly a whale) "
Encounters with sea monsters, volcanic lands, and angels in disguise
After seven years, he allegedly reached a mysterious land and returned safely to Ireland to tell the tale. ??
Did Columbus Read Brendan's Story?
Here's where the legend crosses into historical influence: It's believed that Christopher Columbus was aware of The Voyage of St. Brendan - and used it as a source of inspiration for his own westward journey. Columbus reportedly referenced Brendan's voyage in his writings and carried maps that included mythical islands based on early Christian accounts like Brendan's. To a man like Columbus, who was part navigator and part dreamer, Brendan's tale may have felt less like folklore and more like a clue. So, while Brendan's trip may have been driven by faith, not fame - it may well have helped ignite the journey that would "officially" discover the Americas nearly a millennium later.
Did Brendan Discover America?
Historians and adventurers have long debated whether Brendan made it to North America nearly a thousand years before Columbus. In 1976, explorer Tim Severin set out to test the theory. He built a traditional currach using materials and techniques from Brendan's time - and guess what? He sailed from Ireland to Newfoundland, proving such a journey was absolutely possible. So, could Brendan have been the first European to set foot in America? We'll never know, but the legend holds up surprisingly well.
Legacy of St. Brendan
St. Brendan is one of Ireland's most beloved saints, though he doesn't always get the spotlight like Patrick or Brigid. You'll find: " Stained glass windows in churches across Ireland "
A massive statue of him overlooking Fenit Harbour, Kerry "
Schools, boats, and even parishes are named after him worldwide "
A feast day celebrated every year on May 16th
And, of course, his legend continues to inspire explorers, dreamers, and anyone who's looked west and wondered, "What's out there?"
Final Thought on St. Brendan
A monument to the fearless Irish monk who may have reached the Americas nearly 1,000 years before Columbus. Holding the Gospels in one hand and pointing to the unknown with the other, Brendan reminds us that faith, courage, and a bit of madness can take you anywhere.
Whether St. Brendan truly reached the Americas or not, his story captures something that feels uniquely Irish - a blend of faith, fierce curiosity, wild courage, and, yes, a touch of madness. This was a man who looked out over the Atlantic and didn't see the end of the world - he saw possibility. He didn't have maps or modern navigation, just a deep belief that there was something beyond the horizon worth finding. And he set off in a boat made of wood and animal hide, not for glory, but for God, and for the mystery of it all. In many ways, Brendan's voyage reflects the soul of Ireland itself - a small island that has always looked outward, always produced wanderers, poets, saints, and storytellers. From the monks who preserved learning in the Dark Ages, to the emigrants who built new lives across the world, the Irish have never been afraid of a journey.
So even if Brendan's America was more spiritual than geographical, his story still stands tall. Because crossing the Atlantic in a leather boat, with nothing but prayers and stars to guide you, deserves legendary status - no matter where you land.
5-Tune Friday
Hi Thomas,
Paraic here with this week’s Five Tune Friday!
This week’s set is all about character, variety, and a few surprises, with everything from gourd banjos to Scottish bagpipes making an appearance.
Whether you’re looking for something to keep the energy high or a tune to break up the pace, you’ll find plenty to explore here.
Let’s get into it! border
"Nail The Catfish To A Tree" – Reel
We’re kicking off with a reel full of rhythm and personality—and a title that’s hard to forget. This week’s version is a real treat: played on a five-string gourd banjo by the exceptionally talented Noah Cline, giving us a unique and stunning take on this upbeat reel. A great one to lift the spirits.
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"The White Petticoat Jig" – Jig
Next up is "The White Petticoat Jig", a tune with a slightly more mysterious, sombre tone, perfect for changing up the pace in a session. This week’s rendition is played by Mandolinuk on mandolin and Irish bouzouki, giving it a lovely balance of delicacy and depth.
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"The Job of Journeywork" – Hornpipe
A classic with plenty of bounce and charm, this hornpipe has a cheerful lilt and a melody that’s hard to resist. It’s brought to life this week by the main man himself Fergal Scahill, whose version is perfect tune to put a pep in your step.
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"The Clumsy Lover" – Reel
If you’re after something to really keep the toes tapping, "The Clumsy Lover" is just the ticket. This week’s version by Franck Medrano is played on the Scottish bagpipes, giving this reel a bold, high-energy twist that gives us something different this week.
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"Paddy on the Turnpike" – Reel
We’re finishing up this selection with another classic reel, but this time with a more contemporary feel. Colin Botts gives us a more nuanced and slower-paced version of this tune that lets it breathe and shine in a new light. A lovely way to close out the set on a reflective note.
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That’s all for this week, folks! Whether you’re drawn to the familiar or the unexpected, I hope this week’s selection adds some variety and inspiration to your playing. If you need anything, you know where to find us.
Have a great weekend!
Slán go fóill,
Paraic McNeela
McNeela Instruments
I bought my Bodhran from Paraic and I am very satisified with the quality and the service.
If you visit the store please let Paraic know you heard about it
from Tommy Mac and the Tír na mBláth. Tim Finnegan's Pub, Irish Seisiún Newsletter
Ellen Hutchins:
Ireland’s First Botanist
Amanda O’Driscoll
Born on 17th March 1785 in Ballylickey, a small village located in a sheltered bay off the west coast of Ireland near Bantry, Ellen was a force who exerted herself with zeal and enthusiasm in identifying plant specimens in the area.
At the time, Bantry was isolated with little in the way of experts to examine the rare and unique flora that grew in the coastal village. At a young age, Ellen suffered from poor health and was sent to live with Dr William Stokes, a family friend. During her time with Dr Stokes who was an amateur botanist, Ellen was encouraged to pursue botany to exercise the body and mind. She would often spend hours in his library reading his botany books. However, family matters forced Ellen to return to Bantry to care for her ageing mother and return from Dublin to Bantry.
At the age of 20, Ellen already showed remarkable expertise and experience with the seaweeds of Bantry Bay. Being a native of the area, Ellen used her local expertise and curiosity to list and identify the various plants that grew in the area. Professor James Mackay of Trinity College Dublin encouraged her to pursue an education in the Cryptograms – these are the non-flowering plants of the seaweeds, mosses, lichens, and liverworts. His instrumentation in her scientific pursuit of Cryptograms is displayed in a letter to fellow associate Dawson Turner:
“I am a little proud of having been instrumental in setting her a going in a branch of botany in which she has made such a conspicuous figure – she had never examined nor dried a sea plant until I gave her the hint in the summer of 1805 when I had the pleasure of spending a few days with her at Ballylickey”
Thus began a lifelong career for Ellen as an active botanist which lasted from 1805 to 1813. Already by the age of 21 Ellen had over 1,100 samples collected – a feat for just one person. Her contribution to her science was remarkable and often she shared her research by way of correspondence with fellow enthusiasts and leading botanists of the time. She had correspondence with botanist Dawson Turner and a strong friendship resulting from their passion for plants, which lasted for 7 years up until her death.
He even tasked Ellen to record all plants in her area, which took about 3 years to complete with 200 plant species listed. She often sent samples collected from the area to her correspondents who would marvel at both her preservation skills and watercolour depictions of the plants.
However, poor health and duties of care to her elderly mother and disabled brother often took time away from her studies of Cryptograms. This is displayed clearly in her correspondence to Dawson Turner, in which she describes her difficulties. Their friendship was one of support and in times of difficulty, each would comfort the other and offer consolation. After her death, Ellen willed most of her collection to Turner where they remain in his herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London.
Contribution to Science
Ellen Hutchin’s identification skills were highly prized, her work was sufficiently renowned to be published in leading scientific papers and articles. Throughout her active years as a botanist, Ellen identified and discovered 17 new plant species. She also proved that one species of seaweed, the Velvet Horn (Codium tomentosus) was capable of fruiting bodies – something which botanists previously thought impossible in seaweeds. Her watercolours of specimens were highly detailed (see below) and used by fellow botanists to study the new specimens identified on the shores of Bantry.
Ellen was an avid Conchologist (shell collector). Through her work, Ellen identified at least 2 new species of shell, for example, she identified Lyonsia norwegica and would send boxes to her friend Turner and his daughter Maria. In a letter to Turner on 2nd Nov 1809 she said; “Though our shores are all rocky and not as rich in shells and plants, we have many species taken up with the local coral sand in a very perfect state. Perhaps no one spot produces a better variety”.
Honouring Ellen
She received significant recognition for her contribution to the study and discovery of Cryptograms. Much of her work was published in journals where she shared her discoveries with other botanists such as Turner. In fact, Turner describes the seaweed Huthinsinia in his book, The British Flora, which was named in honour of Ellen, mentioning his praise for the work she contributed to the field. There are many specimens which have been named after Ellen for both her discoveries and overall contribution.
Hutchin’s Pincushion moss (Ulota hutchinsiae) was named after Ellen Hutchin’s by Sir James Edward Smith, the founder of the Linnean Society. He said; “a lady whose numerous discoveries in the more difficult departments of Botany justly entitle her to commemoration in the specific name.
Every year in Bantry she is celebrated by the ‘Ellen Hutchins’ festival, which attracts many people to celebrate her work facilitated through a series of events and workshops. The impact she has had on Ballylickey is not forgotten. Her great-great-grandniece, Madeline Hutchins, researches and writes about Ellen and is organiser of the ‘Ellen Hutchins’ festival. On 21st September 2022, the Environmental Research Institute Building (ERI) UCC, which facilitates, amongst others, marine research, was renamed the Ellen Hutchins Building in her honour. Madeline Hutchins was also present at this event in her honour.
Ellen Hutchins died on the 9th of February 1815 at the age of 29 after suffering for nine months from poor liver as a result of Tuberculosis. She was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Garryvurcha Churchyard, Bantry where a plaque has been erected in her honour for the contribution she has made to botany.
Tommy Mac here.
For years I have been asking my readers to submit
some of their own memories on various subjects.
But, I have only had a handful of replies over all those years.
Come on now!
I'm sure many of you have recipies, memories of your own,
or stories handed down that would be of interest.
Please.....
Send in some of your actual memories of family stories to share with everyone.
If you don't want your name to appear the let me know.
Send them to me, Tommy Mac at Fireny@aol.com
News of Interest,,,,,
Ireland to be represented at Pope's funeral
by President, Taoiseach, and Tánaiste
Ireland will be formally represented at the funeral for Pope Francis, which Vatican officials have announced will take place on Saturday, April 26.
Kerry O'Shea @kerry_oshea Apr 22, 2025
August 25, 2018: President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins welcomes Pope Francis to Áras an Uachtaráín in Dublin.
President of Ireland President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris are all set to attend the funeral for Pope Francis this Saturday, April 26.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed with IrishCentral on Tuesday afternoon that Ireland will be represented at the funeral of Pope Francis by the President, Taoiseach, and Tánaiste.
The three Irish leaders are set to join a host of other world leaders who will descend upon Rome to pay their respects to the Pontiff, who died on Monday at 88 years old.
"Unfinished business"
Earlier on Tuesday, President Higgins and his wife Sabina signed the book of condolences for Pope Francis in the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin.
“I thought of the times we have met and the discussions we had, his ability to embrace the suffering, particularly those who are marginalised," the President said afterward, according to the PA.
“I noted in the way his vision was wider than many people in politics and public life.
The President described the Pope's 2018 visit to Ireland as “very warm."
“We were all very, very pleased, the President said, adding: "I think I met him five times, and I value and appreciate all of those conversations."
He added: “We were very fortunate in having such a wonderful pope.”
Higgins continued: “I think it’s very appropriate as president of Ireland that I would communicate the appreciation of all of the people of Ireland for the generosity of his life, given right until the very last moments of his life.
“For that reason, I will miss very, very much the statements, all of those documents, which were documents of inclusion. I did say, as well, there was unfinished business that I hope that those who follow him will build on the steps he was able to take.
“I remember, as we finished in some of the conversations, he would say that before asking for prayer and offer, he would say, it’s very difficult.”
In September 2021, Pope Francis described President Higgins as a "wise man of today" and said that Ireland was fortunate to have such a wise leader as its head of state.
'Led our Catholic Church with compassion'
Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Tuesday that on Saturday, he will join the official Irish delegation at the funeral for Pope Francis.
Harris said Pope Francis led the Catholic Church "with compassion."
Funeral for Pope Francis confirmed
On Tuesday, the day after the Pope's death was announced, Vatican officials confirmed arrangements for the funeral.
Pope Francis will lie in state for three days at St. Peter's Basilica, which will remain open to those who wish to pay their respects from 11 am to midnight on Wednesday, 7 am to midnight on Thursday, and 7 am to 7 pm on Friday.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held at 10 am on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter's Basilica.
The Vatican noted that Saturday is the first day of the Novendiali, the nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul.
According to the Associated Press, the night before the funeral, Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, a native of Dublin, is set to preside over the closing and sealing of Pope Francis' coffin, in the presence of other senior cardinals. A white cloth is placed over the Pope’s face.
On Saturday, the funeral liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops are permitted to concelebrate.
The Vatican said that at the end of the Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultimo commendatio, or concluding prayer, and Valedictio, or formal farewell, will take place.
The coffin of Pope Francis will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica, and from there to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, as per the Pope's indications.
Odds of border poll slashed following Sinn Féin remarks
Following Sinn Féin's calls for a border poll over the weekend, odds on one being held before 2030 have been cut by Ladbrokes.
Chloe OKeeffe @ Extra.ie Apr 22, 2025
November 28, 2024: Sinn Féin party leader Mary Lou McDonald with Matt Carthy outside Government Buildings on the last day of canvassing in the general election. RollingNews.ie
Odds of a border poll being held before the end of the decade have been slashed by bookmakers following Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s comments over the Easter weekend.
The President and the party’s Justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy, both spoke on different occasions on the need for a referendum on Irish unity by 2030.
This comes following An Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously ruling out such a poll pre-2030.
Speaking at Sinn Féin’s annual commemoration in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone on Easter Sunday, Ms. McDonald said the building of a "new and united Ireland" was the "most important task for a generation."
She said: "It’s not good enough for Taoiseach Micheál Martin to stick his head in the sand and stand against the momentum for unity."
The Dublin TD added that their sought-after united Ireland "belongs every bit as much to the families of Dungannon as it does to the families of Carrickmore; every bit as much to the families of Tyrone as the families of Dublin, Cork and Galway."
In Waterford, Carthy echoed McDonald, stating that Ireland "will be united."
"We will have a referendum on Irish unity," he said, "And we will win a referendum on Irish unity."
Following party members' calls for a border poll over the weekend, odds on one being held before 2030 have been cut by Ladbrokes.
Odds on a border poll taking place before the end of the decade are now at 7/4 with odds of a poll after 2030 currently at 2/5.
Ladbrokes’ Cal Gildart said: "Sinn Féin are pushing for a border poll to happen this decade and with Michelle O’Neill the First Minister in Northern Ireland and Sinn Féin now the most popular in the republic, there is still an appetite for a poll for a United Ireland this decade."
A border poll would have to take place in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The first poll of its kind took place in 1973, with 99% voting in favour of Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom
Turnout was just 59%, however, due to many nationalist communities boycotting it.
The Good Friday Agreement says that a reunification would be a "binding obligation on both governments to introduce and support their respective parliaments’ legislation to give effect to that wish."
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
Belfast-based Protestant group
'celebrates' Pope's death at shrine in Co Louth
A Protestant group that deemed Pope Francis the 'antichrist' celebrated his death with a stunt at the Calvary at Omeath in Co Louth on Monday.
Kerry O'Shea @kerry_oshea Apr 23, 2025
The Official protestant coalition Facebook page shared photos mocking the death of Pope Francis at the shrine in Co Louth. Officialprotestantcoalition, Facebook
A member of the Official Protestant Coalition, which is based in Belfast, went to the Calvary at Omeath in Co Louth to "celebrate" the death of Pope Francis on the day he died, Monday, April 21.
"Celebrating the antichrists [sic] death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath," the post on the 'Officialprotestantcoalition' Facebook page says.
"Took a few photos for our followers," the post continues, followed by laughing emojis as well as emojis of the British flag.
On its page, the group says: "The Protestant coalition was formed back in 2012 and is a British identity and cultural group for Northern Ireland."
The Facebook page, which was created in 2017, has 4.6K likes and 7.6K followers.
The photos in the April 21 post show a card bearing the 'red hand of Ulster' with the phrase "No no pope in Rome" written on it. Other photos show a card with the British flag, also with the phrase "No no pope in Rome" written on it.
(Officialprotestantcoalition, Facebook)
The Irish News reported on Tuesday that the ‘No Pope of Rome’ reference is thought to have been taken from a loyalist song of a similar name.
The song includes the words “No, no Pope of Rome, no chapels to sadden my eyes, no nuns and no priests, no Rosary beads, every day is the Twelfth of July."
It also includes the lines “oh give me a home where there’s no Pope of Rome, where there’s nothing but Protestants stay, where seldom is heard a discouraging word and flute bands play The Sash every day."
The photos were taken in various locations at the Calvary at Omeath, which has been a place of pilgrimage for many years, especially for people in need of healing.
The Calvary, in Co Louth, includes an oratory, the historic Way of the Cross, the Shrine of St. Jude, the Lourdes Grotto, the image of the Divine Mercy and the Fr. Gentili Crypt, and the Fr Luigi Gentilli Gardens.
A novena is held annually in the Calvary at Omeath.
Responding to the stunt, Sinn Féin Councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille, who lives in Omeath, said in a social media post on Tuesday: "Sectarianism and bigotry, driven by a small number of individuals, will never find sanctuary on our shared island of Ireland.
"Instead, unity and coexistence is what we all strive for!!"
On Monday, Mhic Conchoille had posted a message saying, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis."
In a longer statement, Mhic Conchoille told the Irish News on Tuesday: “I am appalled to see Calvary Shrine in Omeath being used as a platform for such despicable acts of sectarianism.
“It is deeply troubling to witness individuals mocking the death of a respected religious leader.
“This behaviour is not only offensive but also clearly shows their lack of respect for the values and beliefs of the Catholic Church.
“Such actions are a blatant display of disrespect and have no place in our society, which should be promoting understanding and tolerance instead.”
A Little Humor 
From John Spannbuaer
So, the only daughter of this Irish family was beginning to change shape and this was recognized by the mother as a possible pregnancy.
The mother and father talked and had a sit-down with the girl and asked if she was feeling alright and if she might need to see a doctor.
The girl broke down in embarrassment and shamefully admitted she had a one-nighter with a man she met at the pub, explaining that he was so handsome and so rich she trusted him, but shouldn't have.
The father was outraged that the pride of his life should be taken advantage of by a man of the world. He demanded this villain's name and had the girl call him and tell him that the family wanted to meet with him and assure that he realized his responsibilities.
Within the hour, a shiny new Ferrari pulled into the family's driveway and a dashing, impeccably dressed gray-haired man came to the door. The violated father brought him in and sat him down. He challenged this obviously wealthy lothario:
"Well, you know what you're here for…
What are you going to do about it?"
The man says,
"Well, if a girl is born, I will bequeath her two retail stores, a town house, a beach villa, and one million dollars;
if a boy is born, I will bequeath him two factories, and two million dollars;
if its twins, I'll bequeath each with a factory and a million dollars.
Now, if it is a miscarriage, what do you suggest I do?"
The father pulls the man aside, puts his hand on the man's shoulder and whispers,
"Then, you try again."
A few "One Liners"
I have many hidden talents. I just wish I could remember where I hid them.
My idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.
Exercise helps you with decision-making. It's true. I went for a run this morning and decided I'm never going again.
Blessed are the young for they shall inherit the national debt.
Church Bloopers
First day as a lumberjack
Stupidity has NO boundaries
Scottish Fire Truck siren
From my wife Donna
Only in Ireland
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(Land of Flowers)
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throughout the world of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) pronounced "kol-tus
kyol-tori air-in", the largest group involved in the preservation of
Irish music, dance and song.
Our board and membership is made up of Irish, Irish descendants, and all those who support, celebrate and take pride in the preservation of Irish culture.
We also aim to promote good will and citizenship.
Interested in belonging to Tír na mBláth? Feel free to download our membership form
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Our meetings and several events are held at Tim Finnegan's Irish Pub in Delray Beach Florida.
Well, that's it for this week.
Slán abhaile
Pronunciation: slawn a-wol-ya
Meaning: Safe Home
Fireny@aol.com
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Sláinte, Tom Guldner (Tommy Mac)
Slán agus beannacht, (Good-bye and blessings)
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