Mayo Messenger 2012

q M E S S E N G E R

Illuminating THE PAST The Mayo Association bridges the gap between two countries and two eras.

Also Inside: Handing Down History page 16 Sounds Like Home page 20 Hail to the Queen page 60 From the Outside Looking In page 68 2 012

MAYO MESSENGER

The Irish American Business Chamber & Network, Inc. (IABCN) is a nonpartisan business organization promoting the interests of its members and the development of economic and educational relationships between the United States and the Isle of Ireland.

We provide growth opportunities through a series of networking forums for business executives, helping them to exchange information and ideas on doing business with one another. IABCN VIP Events are hallmarked by the appearance of top CEOs, government executives and directors who share similar interests and goals.

Save the Dates: Upcoming IABCN Events th

Sunday, the 13 of March Join the Irish Chamber in marching in Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thursday, the 1st of March Annual Ambassador’s Awards Luncheon The Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia

April, 2012 Conference with the Shannon Development Board June, 2012 IABCN’s Anniversary Reception For more information about the Irish Chamber or events, please contact Alanna Barry McCloskey at abarry@iabcn.org Visit our website at www.iabcn.org, or follow us on FaceBook and Twitter Members Only: Join our Linked-In group

Thank you to our Ambassador Club Sponsors

2

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

Jen agatone Graphic design

484.363.1078

web design

jen@jenagatone.com

www.jenagatone.com

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

3

MAYO MESSENGER

q Editor’s

Letter

The Making of a Magazine Dear Readers, Almost anyone I know can tell you at least two things about me—I love my heritage and I love storytelling. Creating this magazine gave me a unique opportunity to celebrate both. My parents emigrated from Ireland in the early 1960s but their home played a large part in our home growing up. They instilled in us an appreciation and a love for the food, the music, the stories, and the traditions of their homeland.

In 2008, I had the honor of winning the Miss Mayo pageant, a heritage competition that the Mayo Association of Philadelphia has held annually since 1963. Over the course of the year, I began to discover a whole new side to the Irish community in Philadelphia. As I added more Irish events to my calendar, friends and coworkers started asking what I did at all these “Irish things.” As I talked about the singing and dancing, the camaraderie and charity, the traditions and tales of people who left their homes in Ireland and made new ones here, I realized just how many untold stories there were to tell. And so the idea for this magazine was born.

I wanted to create an avenue for new people to explore a fascinating community they may have never known existed and a map for those who belong to this community to rediscover the trails they have blazed over the years. In the cover story, you’ll take a walk down memory lane, looking back at the early days of the Mayo Association and following its twists and turns over the past century.

You’ll share in the singing and dancing of the Mayo Ball, the traditions that pave the route of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the faith and devotion that bring the Irish together. In these pages, I hope you will get to know some of the people in this tight-knit community and to get a glimpse of the courage and strength and awe that they inspire in those around them.

q M E S S E N G E R EDITORIAL PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Colleen B. Mullarkey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amanda Koehler Iesha Lewis Lauren Lobano Lauren Brianna Schwartz EDITORIAL ADVISOR Tenaya Darlington

ART & PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jennifer Agatone PHOTOGRAPHER Joseph Boyle

A very special night for my family at the 2008 Mayo Ball (from left): my brother, Pat Mullarkey; my niece, Kelsey Moran; my sister, Ann Marie Mullarkey Moran (Miss Mayo 1988); myself; my mother, Eileen McNally Mullarkey (from Ballinamuck, Co. Longford); and my father, Martin Oliver Mullarkey (from Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo).

Sincerely,

Colleen B. Mullarkey, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

like us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/MayoMessenger

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS After five years of writing and editing for trade magazines, I knew creating a magazine was no small task—but it was surely an adventure. And it wouldn’t have been possible without a number of very special people. My very first readers, Tenaya Darlington and Danielle Bullen, offered their guidance and suggestions. My extraordinary staff gave freely of their time and talents—Jen Agatone shared her creative vision and stunning graphic design, Joe Boyle contributed his wonderful photography, and a handful of promising writers helped weave these beautiful stories. My friends and family offered support, encouragement, and patient listening throughout the process. Most importantly, the members of the Mayo Association and the Irish community provided inspiration, along with their time, their photos, and their stories.

4

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

5

MAYO MESSENGER

Contents

Cover story

32 Illuminating the Past

The Mayo Association bridges the gap between two countries and two eras.

features

to 44 Out Have a Ball

For more than a century, the Philadelphia Mayo Ball has brought the Irish together for a night of camaraderie, culture, and good craic.

54 Marching with Honor The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade still honors the values and traditions of the Irish who walked the city’s streets more than 200 years ago.

to 60 Hail the Queen 32

6

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

The Mayo people have always had a special place in their hearts for Our Lady of Knock, but now she has a special place in the Irish Center as well.

M

H G B R A O T S R . IN U

MAYO MESSENGER

C.

EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS STUCCO/STONE REPLACEMENT WATER INTRUSION

(610) 359-1979 www.murtaghconstruction.com 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

7

MAYO MESSENGER

Contents

Departments

the 4 From Editor The Making of a Magazine

10

News Take Me Home to Mayo, Old Becomes New Again, Mayo Members Honored

26 On the Pitch For Love of the Game

28 On the Fry for 30 Home a Holiday The Real Deal

Off the Beaten Path

Down 16 Handing History 64 Recipe Corner An Interview with Sean McMenamin

18

Dare to Ask Why Not A Few Words with Attracta O’Malley

Let Them Eat Cake

66 Trivia/Games Crossword Puzzle

68 Page Turner

From the Outside Looking In

20 In Session

Sounds Like Home

22 A Step Ahead A Shoe In for Success

8

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

70 Ad Index

MAYO MESSENGER

“Connecting the Global Irish Community” www.RoseofTralee.ie

The Rose of Tralee International Festival celebrated 50 years in 2009, and is one of Ireland's longest running festivals. It is based around the selection of the Rose of Tralee, an international event that encompasses young women of Irish descent from Ireland and around the world.

Every year more than 30 International Roses come to Tralee, supported by friends and family. The Festival comprises Rose Selection, family carnival, fashion show and live concerts, in addition to welcoming visitors and delegates from regions worldwide represented by each Rose. During this time the town's streets are transformed into a feast of parades, music, circus, funfair, and live performances.

All eyes are on the Roses, who travel from the UK, America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and of course Ireland, to compete for the coveted title of Rose of Tralee (the essence of which is based on the popular song of the same name). Philadelphia is proud to be part of this wonderful tradition.

WWW.PHILADELPHIAROSE.COM

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

9

MAYO MESSENGER

News

Take Me Home to Mayo

A new web initiative aims to virtually connect the millions of people across the globe who have Mayo heritage.

The site covers a wide range of aspects in Mayo from business and social interaction to genealogy and local history.

Users can register for free on Mayo.ie and create their own personal profiles, outlining where they are in the world and what their interests are. They can then share and access information about their localities, using maps, pictures, videos, and more. While many social networking sites are available, this is the first website that has been designed specifically for the people of Mayo across the globe.

Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager; Michael Ring, Minister for Tourism; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny; Michael Burke Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; and Martina Hughes, Mayo.ie Project.

“

The site is designed to provide a central hub for information on all things Mayo.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re living in Ballina, Bangor, Boston, Brisbane, or Birmingham—this website is a place for you to share what’s going on in your community and to keep in touch with the extended Mayo family all over the globe,” said An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, who hails from Islandeady, a small village outside of Castlebar. He formally launched Mayo.ie at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough, in June 2011, highlighting the importance of such efforts in helping Ireland to connect with its global diaspora and to re-establish links with friends and family members.

”

“No matter where they are now based, people with links to County Mayo can play a key role in positioning the county and the wider Western Region for economic recovery,” said Gillian Buckley, acting chief executive of the Western Development Commission. “Partnering with the Mayo County Council strengthens our work in attracting business, investment, and people to the West and we believe that this new initiative will reap great rewards for the county.”

For more information, visit mayo.ie or email diaspora@mayococo.ie.

10

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

mayo county council

Long ago when emigrants left the shores of Co. Mayo, they didn’t know if they would ever see their homeland again. With today’s technology and a new web initiative launched by the Mayo County Council and the Western Development Commission, Mayo expats can now connect with others from their village or townland with just the click of a button. Mayo.ie aims to reach the three million people worldwide who originate from Mayo, along with those who currently live there, work there, or simply have a love for the county.

“In addition to the local communities, we are also working with our international communities, recruiting ‘International Champions’ who will work with us to keep us up to date on what’s happening in the major cities around the world,” said Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager. Currently, eight global communities have already been established on the site—Auckland, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, London, Manchester, New York, and Philadelphia. They have been sharing details about local Irish events, places to connect with others in the Irish community, and even where to get a good pint.

MAYO MESSENGER

Experience Ireland Westminster Travel is proud to present our 2012 brochure to provide you with excellent vacation choices. When you combine the great scenery and history of Ireland with the hospitality of its people, you’ll see there is no place on earth like the Emerald Isle!

Let us plan your dream trip!

Call Mike Concannon at (610) 328-5300.

Or visit us at:

Westminster Travel 1001 Baltimore Pike Springfield, PA 19064 www.wtvacations.com

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

11

MAYO MESSENGER

The Theresa Flanagan Band Irish and American Music Available for Dances, Parties, and Special Events For booking: Call (610) 496-7390 or (610) 891-6565 Email tmf98irish@yahoo.com.

MCKENNA’S IRISH SHOPS Havertown, Pa. (610) 853­2202  Sea Isle, N.J. (609) 263­0166

Visit one of our full‐service Irish shops to browse our selection of unique Irish imports, including: Hanna Hats  Crana Knit Sweaters  Hard and Soft Dancing Shoes  Fragrances 

Belleek  Galway Crystal Jewelry by Solvar, T.J.H., Fado, Amethyst, Shanore, and Boru.

Don’t forget to check out our large collection of wedding rings.

www.mckennasirishshop.com

12

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

News

OLD Becomes new again

Club Cultúr introduces American kids to a traditional Irish curriculum.

Sixty children ages 5 to 14 filled a handful of tables in a one-room “schoolhouse,” echoing a chorus of Irish numbers with a bit more confidence than they had a few days before… a haon, a dó, a trí, a ceathair. A familiar scene for many who left Ireland’s shores decades ago, this was a new experience for the Irish-American children who signed up for the first-ever Club Cultúr in Havertown, Pa., last August.

MAYO MESSENGER

law, Una, used her skills as a preschool teacher to bring Irish history, stories, and geography to life. All of the children received a notebook where they wrote their names in Gaelic and stored all of their “lessons” from the week. The hope is that they will pick the book back up long after the camp ends.

But the kids certainly didn’t spend the whole week with their noses in a book. Ciaran, the games development officer for the Philadelphia Gaelic Athletic Association, gave them a feel for Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie; while Una’s niece, Fiona Bradley, a champion Irish dancer, got the kids on the floor for a few ceili dances.

On the last day of camp, the children were allowed to wear their county jerseys for the small graduation ceremony. Quite a few Donegal and Tyrone GAA jerseys stood out, and a handful of campers wearing local Delaware County Gaels gear. They all received a hearty “Comhghaírdeas” and a certificate to recognize their participation in Club Cultúr.

The idea came to Tina McDaid, Ciaran Porter, and Una McDaid while they reminisced about their schooldays in Ireland. When Una emigrated to this country from Ra- Instructor Fiona Bradley, wearing her Donegal GAA jersey, helps campers to write their names in Gaelic. phoe, Co. Donegal, more than a decade ago, she was surprised to The four teachers would love to see the camp continue, talk with Irish Americans who didn’t know much about their but they need to explore their options to see if that’s a heritage. However, after settling here and having children of possibility. All in all, they were blown away by the experiher own, she realized that if she didn’t teach her kids about ence. “We really had nothing to lose. Even if we had five their Irish roots, they’d never know. “It’s our responsibility to kids show up and they learned a few words and a few talk to them about these things or the culture will be lost,” songs, it would have been an accomplishment,” Tina said. she said. “Our whole idea was to give the kids the type of “They know a wee bit more than they did last week so I’d natural exposure you have in the primary schools in Ireland. consider that a success.”

You don’t appreciate that until you’re away from it.”

colleen B. mullarkey

A few months later, they transformed Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Everett Hall into their schoolroom for a week-long primer in Irish language, geography, music, mythology, sports, and games. They worked hard to create a curriculum that would engage the children. “It’s not going to work unless the kids enjoy it,” Tina said. “The response from the parents and the kids has been phenomenal.”

Back to Basics A fluent Gaelic speaker, Tina introduced the kids to the Irish language—the basics of conversation, counting numbers, the parts of the body, and everyday objects. Her sister-in-

Now You’re Speaking My Language The Gaelic language is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, dating back to about 300 BC. Though it’s not widely used in Ireland today, about 1 percent of the population speaks native Gaelic, and there’s been a renewed interest in the language, evidenced by a number of Gaelic TV and radio stations, newspapers, and magazines that have cropped up.

The Gaeltachts are native Irish-speaking regions sprinkled throughout Ireland, with major concentrations on the West coast. Co. Mayo has the third largest Gaeltacht in the country, boasting nearly 11,000 inhabitants. Over on this side of the Atlantic, Gaelic is alive and well with many classes and camps throughout the country. To find a Gaelic teacher in the area, visit www.daltai.com/classes/pennsylvania.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

13

News

Murtaugh Inducted Into Hall of Fame More than 400 people gathered for the 11th Annual Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame on Nov. 13, 2011 at the Irish Center. Along with Tom Farrelly from the Cavan Society and John Donovan from the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Mayo member Kathleen Gavin Murtaugh was inducted into the Hall of Fame. “Kathleen has been a member of the Mayo Association since 1985 and those who know her will agree she is so deserving of this great honor,” said Rosaleen Megonegal, president of Mayo Association.

Born in the village of Carracastle, Co. Mayo, Murtaugh emigrated to Philadelphia with her parents in 1949. She met Jack Murtaugh at a Sunday dance, married him in 1955, but tragically lost him in 1971. She carried on, raising their six children—Jack, Brian,

Along with Tom Farrelly (left) and John Donovan (right), Kathleen Murtaugh was inducted into the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame this year.

Kevin, Maureen, Helene, and Kathleen, who have blessed her with 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Besides Murtaugh’s long-time participation in the Mayo Association, she is president of St. Bernadette’s Senior Citizens Club in Drexel Hill, Pa., an

Saxon Receives 2011 President’s Award Maureen Brett Saxon’s enthusiasm, love of her Irish ancestry, and team player approach were just a few of the reasons Rosaleen Megonegal chose her as the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award. Honoring the memory of Mary Henry Brady and Bridie Henry Cawley, the award is presented each year to a member who has given outstanding service to the Mayo Association of Philadelphia.

Saxon was president of the Mayo Association from 2007 to 2010 and now serves on the Board of Directors. She is a realtor with RE/MAX Services in Blue Bell, Pa., a member of the elite RE/MAX Hall of Fame, serves on the Board of Directors at the Irish Center, and is vice president of the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame.

14

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

active member of the Irish Immigrating Club, and a volunteer for St. Patrick Fathers and the Holy Rosary Sisters.

“Our mom is and has always been a woman on the go—with a schedule jam packed with events, meetings, parties, and outings. She loves to be a part of the action,” her children said.

“And yet over the years she still has found time to volunteer and serve her community.”

She participates daily with St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, assisting with church services and helping senior citizens within the parish. “She always encourages prayer and strong faith, in the good times and bad, when you will usually hear her say ‘this too shall pass,’” her children said. “Her faith is momentous and her love of the Lord is apparent in her values, her commitment, and her daily lifestyle.”

bound to brighten someone’s day,” said Megonegal, as she presented Saxon with the award at the 2011 Mayo Ball.

Growing up in a traditional Irish family in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Saxon was the youngest member of the Brett clan, with four sisters and two brothers. She and her husband, Bernie, have two sons (Brian and Bernie), a daughter (Tara), and 10 precious grandchildren.

President Rosaleen Megonegal presented Maureen Brett Saxon with the 2011 President’s Award, as well as Mayo crystal and a piece of Newbridge silver jewelry.

Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to be thoughtful of others through her kind words and deeds. “In her spare time, she sits down each day and writes a note to someone who’s feeling down because amidst the bills and the junk mail, a personal note is

Even those who aren’t related by blood find themselves welcomed into Saxon’s home and heart as if they were. “Whenever you visit Maureen, she always serves you a hot cup of tea from one of her many beautiful teapots and a few slices of fresh Irish soda bread,” Megonegal said. “I’ve always felt Maureen’s home is a reflection of her personality— warm, comfortable, and cozy.”

JEFF MEade; Joe Boyle

MAYO MESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

15

MAYO MESSENGER

Profile

Handing Down History

q An Interview with Sean McMenamin

By Lauren LeBano

In 1972, Sean McMenamin and his friend, Billy Brennan, gathered a pile of Irish history books in a cardboard box and decided that simply sharing them among friends wasn’t enough. Instead of a book exchange limited to a select few, the men envisioned a library for the entire Irish-American community.

McMenamin, a member of the Mayo Association for more than 40 years, is a passionate historian who advocates teaching the next generation about the lessons of the past. “If you don’t understand history,” he said, “you’re doomed to repeat it.”

Born in 1941, McMenamin spent his early years working on the family farm and helping his father build roads throughout Co. Mayo. He also attended a one-room schoolhouse in the village of Killadangan on the outskirts of Westport. “There were about 18 or 20 kids in the whole school,” he said.

Although students were allowed to drop out at age 14, McMenamin chose to continue with his education, spending four years at the Westport Christian Brothers School and two years at a technical school, studying carpentry.

When he turned 18, McMenamin knew he needed to look for

16

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

opportunities abroad. His decision to leave Ireland didn’t shock his family.

“Parents were resigned that it was going to happen to a lot of Irish people,” he said. “There were six of us kids, and at one time, none of us were in Ireland. You were conditioned that that’s what you were going to do.

There was very limited opportunity in Ireland.”

“

I always did change by evolution because it lasts longer than revolution.

”

McMenamin initially settled in England to complete a carpentry apprenticeship, but six years later, he took advantage of one of the last opportunities for unlimited Irish immigration to the United States and, in 1966, bought a ticket bound for New York City. He ended up taking a permanent

detour to the Philadelphia area after he visited his cousin there and met Johanna, his future wife, on the way home from a dance.

The pair married in 1968 and raised four children in the Philadelphia area.

Eventually, he made the difficult decision to go back to school for a degree in engineering. During what he calls “one of the most challenging times of my life,” McMenamin worked full time and went to school at night while his wife cared for their children. “We figured we’d reap the rewards later,” he said. “We lived in an apartment for six years or so with three kids. Today, people would say that’s crazy.”

In addition to family, the Mayo Association and Irish-American community as a whole have had a constant presence in McMenamin’s life. He joined the association in 1966, on the first day that they admitted women members, and he began contributing to its frequent charity work, including sponsoring nights out for local children at the orphanage and helping Western Care, an organization that focuses on special needs children in Ireland.

“In Ireland at the time, people with disabilities were shunned,” McMenamin said. “Western Care was

Profile one of the first organizations [in the country] related to special needs.”

He also worked to promote the Mayo Ball, the association’s yearly charity fundraiser, and he was president of the Mayo Association in 1972, secretary of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Philadelphia, and the recipient of the Mayo Association’s award for outstanding service. In 2009, both McMenamin and his wife were inducted into the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame. Although Johanna passed away recently, McMenamin carries on her legacy and remains an active historian and member of the Mayo Association, while continuing to contribute to the library he started back in 1972.

Today, that single box of books has grown into the Commodore John Barry Memorial Library at the Irish Center, a full collection of volumes showcasing Irish history and literature. And while McMenamin values the past, he’s also a firm believer in the necessity of change.

After completing his hard-earned college degree, he switched careers and became an engineer and, eventually, a manager at DuPont, a chemical company in Delaware. “I always did change by evolution,” he said, “because it lasts longer than revolution.”

Today, years after his retirement, former employees still call

MAYO MESSENGER

McMenamin for advice, and he tells them to continually adapt and lay groundwork for the future. That’s also his wish for both the Mayo Association and the Irish Center—to evolve by engaging the next generation and passing on the valuable history.

“With Ireland, we sometimes aren’t proud of our past,” he said. “Yes, we had tough times. We had famines and adversity, and we came to America and had tough times, here, too. But it’s an achievement to get to where you are. And rather than hide it, I think we should be proud that we came through and flourished.”

YOUR HOME OF ALL THINGS MAYO www.mayo.ie • Irish news from around the world • Irish event listings from around the world • Genealogy resources • Discussion boards • Global business listings • Social networking so you can link to others on the site • Formal and ad hoc group listings • Sporting results from Mayo and abroad • Wiki guide to Mayo and Mayo communities worldwide • And More

Log on to www.mayo.ie today.

For further information about this site contact info@mayo.ie 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

17

MAYO MESSENGER

Profile

Dare to Ask

Why Not

q

A Few Words with Attracta O’Malley

r

By Colleen B. Mullarkey and Amanda Koehler O’Malley was raised in Lowpark, Charlestown in Co. Mayo and lived a “typical farm life,” she said, with her parents, two sisters and two brothers in a thatched cottage that had a kitchen, back kitchen, and two bedrooms. “We had no bathroom, no electricity, and no running water,” she said. “But we never missed any of it—we were as happy as Larry.”

But despite the old-fashioned way of life in Ireland, O’Malley remembers her mother as a “very modern woman for her era.” She encouraged her children to speak their minds, stand their ground, and never let anyone push them around. “I wasn’t afraid to speak up—I would always ask questions,” O’Malley recalled. “In school, when teachers would tell us we couldn’t do something, I would always ask, ‘Why can’t we?’” That inquisitive spirit is the spark that led her to blaze many paths in Philadelphia’s Irish community, where she has become an innovator, a visionary, and an inspiration for many.

AMERICAN DREAMS

Attracta Moffitt O’Malley (front right) with her mother and siblings in Charlestown, Co. Mayo, in 1947.

When Attracta Moffitt O’Malley boarded a plane for New York on a cool day in April 1961, she began her journey from the small Irish village where she grew up to a new world and a different era. America saw a revolution stirring in the early 1960s, but just across the pond in Ireland, little had changed since the beginning of the century.

18

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Like many Irish who grew up in the 1950s, O’Malley always had dreams of coming to America. When she was eight years old, her oldest sister Mary, 16, emigrated to live with an aunt in Philadelphia. “We hated to see her go, but we were delighted at the same time because we knew that she would send us packages,” O’Malley said. She especially looked forward to the Chiclets gum, a hot commodity in the schoolyard.

“We would wait for the postman’s bicycle at the top of the lane—that was one of my fondest memories, getting parcels from America,” she recalled. She loved to take in as much of American pop culture and style as she could. When John F. Kennedy became president, she watched the

Profile inauguration on television through a neighbor’s window, with eyes pealed to see what Jackie was wearing.

One by one, her siblings all left Mayo and so in 1961, at the age of 17, she took the journey to Philadelphia to join her brother Tommy and sisters Kathleen and Mary. She took a hackney car from Charlestown to Shannon, where she got the plane to New York and then another plane to Philadelphia. She met her family at the airport, and then they took the subway, another bus, and the 23 trolley home to Germantown.

MAYO MESSENGER

meetings and we used to think it’d be great fun if we could get up there.”

She talked to a few other Mayo women who all agreed it wasn’t fair they couldn’t attend the meetings. Soon a group of them began sitting in the club area at the Irish Center while the men gathered upstairs for their monthly meeting. Each time they asked to join, they were rejected. And each time they asked for the reason, the men simply said it was against the bylaws.

The women submitted official applications to join, but they were never put on the record. There also wasn’t any Sisters Kathleen Boyle, Mary Moffitt, and Attracta O’Malley at the mention of them 2011 Mayo Ball. wanting to apply Because of her tireless efforts and in the Mayo minutes. (O’Malley later selfless attitude, O’Malley has been found out that a certain “young fella,” the recording secretary [her future hus- honored with many awards, including the 2002 President’s Award (with husband], Tom O’Malley was told to put band, Tom), in memory of Mary Henry his pen down whenever the women Brady; a spot in the Delaware Valley came up.)

Irish Hall of Fame in 2007; and the Finally, in 1966, the group officially 2010 Mary O’Connor Spirit Award. changed its name and amended its But it’s not the accolades that motivatbylaws to admit women on a trial ed O’Malley, she really loved getting basis. At first, the newly coined Mayo involved on committees, “especially Association of Philadelphia only alwhen there was a challenge,” she said. lowed three or four ladies to join at a time at each meeting. But soon that all One committee was trying to raise money for a one-year-old Dublin girl changed. “The women had plenty to who needed a bone marrow transplant say, they started being vocal and getin 1987. “At the time, no one had even ting things done,” she said. “We just heard of that, and everyone thought loved getting involved with fundraiswe were crazy. They thought she was ing, the fun and the camaraderie of it. going to die anyhow,” O’Malley said.

We were always in recruiting mode, But the committee raised $30,000; the looking for new members.” little girl got her transplant and has been healthy ever since.

Taking the Lead

“We were sick and tired of hearing about the bylaws. We didn’t even know what the bylaws were no more than the man in the moon,” she laughed. “They’d brush us off but we’d keep annoying them. There was a good group of young fellas going up to the

Over the years, O’Malley has taken on many roles in the Irish community, but they all boil down to service—whether she’s running a meeting, selling raffle tickets, or visiting the sick in hospitals.

She was elected as the Mayo Association’s first woman president in 1981, a position she held again in 1998.

No Women Need Apply O’Malley’s brother Tommy belonged to the Mayo Association, and soon after she arrived, she said she’d join him for the monthly meeting. He told her no women were allowed. “I was only 17, but I just couldn’t understand so I kept asking, ‘But why?’” O’Malley said. “He kept saying that’s just the way it is, and I told him, ‘It’s our county, too!’”

“I was always happy to be involved in good, worthy causes. I found it very, very rewarding when you would see the results of your labor,” she said.

“I can honestly say that nearly every benefit or cause that I worked on was a success, and I never, ever regretted working on any of them.”

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

19

In Session

MAYO MESSENGER

away and never returning,” he said.

“Most of the stuff is basically true to life.” Concannon believes “songs are good stories” that carry on the centuries-old tradition of Irish storytelling.

He often plays rebel tunes, spanning the hunger strikes to religious conflicts, to keep the history alive. “People want to know the stories from the past, and those songs tell them,” he said.

q

A long-time tradition in Philadelphia, Irish radio shows carry music from Ireland’s shores over America’s airwaves every weekend.

By Lauren LeBano For many in Philadelphia’s Irish community, Irish radio shows are one part of the weekend that can’t be missed. Some go to Mass early on Saturday evening to clear their Sunday morning schedule. Others demand silence from the whole family when the radio crackles to life. Mike Concannon, host of “Irish Hours,” has heard from listeners who sing along while they do their housework, keeping one radio playing upstairs and a second one blasting downstairs. “That way,” he explained, “no matter what floor they’re on, they can hear the music.”

In addition to helping people connect to the cultural experience of music, the shows serve as a lifeline for the Irish community, especially for older, longtime listeners. Each week, MacDonald announces concerts, fundraisers, and other community events—some of which aren’t listed in the newspaper.

“The older community really counts on the shows to hear announcements,” she said noting that people who don’t leave the house anymore are especially reliant on Irish radio to stay connected to the community.

Gallagher, whose show airs live, has forged a similar connection with listeners, sharing news from Ireland as well as births, deaths, weddings, and events. “All listeners have to do is call

The authentic Irish songs filling local homes on weekends cater to a variety of tastes. Concannon plays ballads and rebel songs, including artists like the Furies and the Wolfe Tones, as well as tunes from new, local bands. “Vince Gallagher’s Irish Hour” highlights Irish country music, while Marianne MacDonald favors traditional Irish dance, instrumental pieces, and ballads on her show, “Come West Along the Road,” which she named after her favorite reel.

Concannon, Gallagher, and MacDonald all inherited their shows from previous hosts, so the programs have been on the air for nearly half a century. Gallagher believes nostalgia for a lost home country spurred demand for local Irish radio.

“Fifty years ago, you didn’t jump on a plane and go back from America,” he said. “Back then, 90 percent of the time, people never went home again.”

Gallagher feels the music reflects universal experiences. “A lot of Irish songs are very sad; they’re about people dying and wars; and they’re about people going

20

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

A musician himself, radio host Vince Gallagher often sits in on local sessions as well as playing with his band at Irish affairs.

JEFF MEade

Community Lifeline

In Session

MAYO MESSENGER

she said, so donations and fundraising often make the difference. “We have a very dedicated base of people who donate to the show.”

Gallagher agrees that listener support has been vital. “The community was unbelievably good to us, and that’s not something you can forget,” he said. All three hosts admit that Irish radio is a labor of love. They don’t get compensated at all, as any funds go right back into the show.

me or send me an email, and I’ll put the announcement on next time I’m on the show,” he said.

MacDonald’s show is also live, and she monitors Facebook, email, and her cell phone for incoming messages while on the air. “It’s important to reach out to the audience and make sure you’re playing the music they want to hear,” she says. “I’m trying to bring in a lot of new musicians. John Byrne is one example. I play a lot of younger traditional groups as well.”

A Labor of Love

JEFF MEade

Still, the three hosts acknowledged that younger listeners are currently the minority, making it questionable whether the shows will continue as the older population dwindles.

However, Concannon believes younger people will eventually reconnect with their Irish culture and tune in. “I think at age 15 you’re not listening to Irish music, you’re listening to whatever the hot songs are right now,” he said. “But eventually, when you grow up and want to know more about your heritage, you come back to it.” Concannon prerecords his show and takes requests via phone at his travel agency, Westminster Travel, which people often use to arrange visits back home.

Funding the programs presents another challenge.

MacDonald must pay for her air time, which she accomplishes through advertising and donations. “Advertising has gotten really hard with the downturn in the economy,”

Gallagher is honored to be a part of his listeners’ weekend routines, and MacDonald frequently hears from grateful listeners. “People write beautiful letters when they send their donations,” she said. “They tell me to keep up the good work and that they love the show and don’t ever want to see it go off the air.”

Concannon believes spreading the word is the best way to ensure traditional Irish music continues to fill local living rooms and cars. “Every week on the show, I say tell a neighbor, tell a friend there’s Irish music on,” he said. “Spread the word so it’s around for our kids and grandkids.”

TUNe IN

Marianne MacDonald (left) often invites guests like Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame President Kathy McGee Burns to help her host “Come West Along the Road.”

When money allows, Concannon hopes his show will eventually be available through podcasts and the Internet, allowing him to reach a wider audience. MacDonald’s show is currently accessible on the Internet and has listeners throughout the United States and Ireland. Both she and Gallagher maintain active Facebook pages to connect with the community.

vince Gallagher’s Irish Hour HOST: Vince Gallagher Sunday 11 Am WTMR 800 AM Irish Hours Host: Mike Concannon Saturday 12 pm to 2 pm WVCH 740 AM Come west along the road HOST: marianne macdonald Sunday 12 Pm WTMR 800 AM

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

21

A Step Ahead

A Shoe In for

Success q

Rince Rí teaches students skills and principles that benefit them long after the dancing shoes come off.

By Iesha Lewis

Inspired by her lifelong devotion to Irish step dancing, Olivia Hilpl decided to start her very own school eight years ago in Southampton, Pa., a small suburb of Philadelphia. Since she opened the doors to the Rince Rí School of Irish Dance, she’s seen students of all ages cultivate self-esteem, friendships, and a sense of accomplishment while learning hornpipes, slip jigs, and reels. It’s an experience the Sligo-born director knows firsthand—she laced up her dancing shoes for the first time at age 4 with the Gillespie School of Irish Dance in her native Ireland. Today, Hilpl’s award-winning school allows her to pass that experience along through authentic instruction and to nurture her love for dance.

As a teacher, Hilpl says Irish dancing is not only her livelihood, but also her passion. She considers her students extended family, a connection that fuels her desire to provide them with the best instruction possible. She will go to any length to enhance their educational experience—including flying 3,000 miles to obtain qualification through Cumann Rince Naisiunta (CRN), one of Ireland’s global professional dance organizations. “It was really important to me that I was qualified in order to teach the children who come to me,” she said. After studying, training, and sitting for an intensive five-part examination on Irish dance technique, Hilpl received her O.D.C.R.N. credentials in 2010.

Along with just a handful of other Irish dancing schools in the United States, Rince Rí is CRN qualified, which gives students the opportunity to compete in CRN-sanctioned open platform feis (fesh) and feile (fay-luh). A feis is a dance competition that includes events and contests in other Gaelic arts, such as baking, art, language, and poetry, while a feile technically only includes Irish dance and music. However, these terms are often used interchangeably in America. Because CRN has only been in the States for eight years, judges travel from Ireland for the competitions to ensure authenticity and adherence to Irish standards.

22

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Up to Standard While the Rince Rí School currently provides lessons to more than 100 students, ages 5 through adult, Hilpl maintains small class sizes and a personal atmosphere. She believes one-on-one teaching provides a more effective learning experience and ensures a better quality of instruction.

As main elements of step dancing, carriage and poise become innate for Irish dancers as they progress. In addition to better posture, Hilpl said parents can also expect their children to gain a new confidence, more discipline, and a sense of accomplishment as they participate in group performances.

“While some beginners are intimidated at first, you see a glint in their eye that shows they really want to be there,” Hilpl said. “It’s my job to draw out that shy child.”

Outside of the classroom, regular competition reinforces technique and enables students to build expertise and showcase their talents. “Some of my best memories as a kid, were the years I spent dancing, traveling, and entertaining,” Hilpl said. Her students enjoy the same opportunity to entertain—performing dance routines

The Rince Rí School, directed by Olivia Hilpl (left) won the top award for children’s Irish dance schools. Local weatherman Doug Kammerer poses with Olivia and two of her dancers, Katie McGlynn and Marielle Baird.

JEFF MEade

MAYO MESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

J

K A N E I NS U R A N C E & PL A NN I N G PRODUCTS OFFERED: • Individual and Group Life Insurance • Long-Term Care Insurance • Health Insurance • Disability Income Insurance • Fixed Immediate & Deferred Annuities

PERSONAL PLANNING FOR: • IRA Funding • College Funding • Estate Conservation • Mortgage Protection • Life Insurance Needs

Call Today (610) 585-1964

Thomas Kane, J.D.23 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

MAYO MESSENGER

A Step Ahead

With a flash of their feet and a bounce of their curls, Rince Rí dancers mesmerized the audience at the 2011 Mayo Ball with an impressive performance.

The performance group participates in eight to 10 regional and national Irish dance competitions per year. While these events are wonderful opportunities for students to engage in professional competition with peers, they are also excellent bonding experiences for dancers and their families. Competition trips turn into family vacations— when the shoes come off, many Irish and American families get time to bond and forge lifelong friendships.

On these travels, students broaden their horizons and sometimes their dance cards as well.

Fifteen-year-old Kerry Freas, who has been a Rince Rí dancer for nearly five years, recently competed in the North American National Championships in Chicago with a routine choreographed by Hilpl and qualified for the 2012 World Championship freestyle competition to be held in Co. Wexford in June 2012. “I love competing so much

24

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Rince Rí dancers recently entertained attendees at the106th Mayo Ball at the Irish Center in Philadelphia and made an impressive showing at the CRN USA Regional Championships in Harrisburg in January, where additional dancers qualified for the Irish Open in May 2012, an all-Ireland event historically held in Dublin. “To know that someone is recognizing all of your hard work, in my opinion, is the best part of it,” Freas said. “Knowing that you have a chance to go up against the best dancers in the world opens up a door of opportunities.”

put on your dancing shoes.

Visit www.rinceri-irishdance.com to get more information about the Rince Rí School, including tuition rates, class offerings, and schedules.

JEFF MEade

Out and About

because of the thrill of it. You practice for months and months, and for the 50 seconds you get on stage, every second has to count,” Freas said. “No matter who your competition is, if you even want a shot at the prize, you have to give it everything you have.”

info

at parades, fairs, festivals and weddings, as well as a host of other private and charity events. All students are invited to join the school’s performance group as their skill levels and knowledge of Irish dance fundamentals improve.

Farrelly Brothers

MAYO MESSENGER

Landscape Contractors Inc.

Tom J. Farrelly, Sr. (610) 527-2406 (610) 896-0815

Thomas J. Farrelly, Jr. (610) 527-5296 Email: tjfcavan@aol.com

Where Service Never Stops..

Serving the Delaware Valley since 1963.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

25

On the Pitch

For Love q of the Game

Gaelic sports find a renewed fan base in Philadelphia, as the GAA games development program ramps up its efforts.

By Lauren Briana Schwartz As players wield their wooden hurleys and swiftly maneuver the sliotar ball through the opposing goalposts, enthusiastic crowds try to keep up with the “fastest game on grass” from the sidelines. This isn’t an unusual sight in Ireland, where hurling has been a beloved pastime for centuries, but it is a new experience for many. “Without a doubt, here in Philadelphia, the interest has really skyrocketed,” said Ciaran Porter, the games development officer for the city’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

“We’re getting more people approaching us every week hoping to set up GAA clubs, and we’re finding new avenues to make it happen.”

Something of a Gaelic lacrosse, hurling is the national game of the Republic of Ireland. It holds a special Young members of the Delaware County Gaels fiercely place, along with Gaelic run after the ball. football, at the heart of Irish athletic pride. The two sports are as popular and well-known in Ireland as baseball is in the United States; however, they’ve had a largely niche following on this side of the Atlantic. But the tide is beginning to turn, with a growing number of enthusiastic Gaelic players emerging in the Philadelphia area.

Getting the Word Out When waves of Irish immigrants arrived decades ago, many players brought the sport with them—but as immigration waned over the years, so did the number of Gaelic clubs in the area. With the guidance of the GAA over the past five years, more and more youth leagues for Gaelic football have sprung up locally. In this fast and furious rugby/soccer hybrid, players guide a mid-sized ball across the field with kicks and punched hand passes toward the opposing team’s goalposts.

“Once the kids kick a ball, they want to sign up,” said Anna Bonner, chairperson of the GAA’s North American board. “The sport sells itself.” Teams for hurling and its female equivalent, camogie, have started to gained attention as well. The long Gaelic history and uniqueness of these games have piqued the interest of

26

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

many Irish-American youths and their parents. They’ve even started taking up a place alongside Philadelphia’s traditional mainstays like soccer and Little League teams.

Gaelic football, in particular, has gained a foothold in the region because of its close resemblance to soccer. Porter recalled a local under-14 Gaelic football team whose successes took them to Ireland, albeit with a few positions unfilled. “They went to a soccer game and picked up a goalkeeper who became one of their best players,” he said. “Another soccer player just took to the game like he was playing it all his life. I think the skills are there.”

Exploring New Paths This past year, Porter began introducing a new audience to Gaelic games through the education system, particularly Catholic schools because they showed enthusiasm from the get-go.

“We started in the one school and it almost created a domino effect,” he recalled. “We had schools coming to us looking for us to come.” Between January and May 2011, they went to eight schools and attracted a few new players. Many of those kids got into the game through friends. “There might be someone with an Irish mother or father or grandparent, and they would talk to their friends about it in the classroom,” Porter said. “Some of them have no Irish background at all but they just love the sport and the community spirit within the club.”

Fortunately, the GAA is aware that many Americans are unfamiliar with Gaelic sports, and so it offers introductory courses to students who have no experience with Gaelic football or hurling to teach them the basic rules and skills.

dee higgins

MAYO MESSENGER

On the Pitch Parents also often play an instrumental role in introducing their children to Gaelic games. “Everybody gets to know everybody—it’s a real family sport,” Bonner said. She has been amazed by the dedication of several parents who have pitched in with coaching duties and familiarized themselves with the logistics of the game.

Getting this type of buy-in from parents and keeping up with a regular practice and game schedule is crucial to the development of Gaelic clubs. “If you want to legitimize the sport, it has to be treated like any other American sport,” she said.

Graduating to the Next Level It seems that all of this groundwork is paying off because it’s sparked an interest across age levels. Recently, university students have added their own fuel to the fire, particularly where Gaelic football is concerned. The game has started to gain a spirited following among local university students, with intramural clubs developing at Drexel University as well as two of Philadelphia’s Big 5 Schools, Saint Joseph’s University and Villanova University. Right now, these

MAYO MESSENGER

programs are primarily student-led and in their infancy, but with the students’ enthusiasm, they’re likely to hit the ground running. The club at Saint Joseph’s University, the first in the city, is poised to become an official intramural university team in the spring of 2012.

More than anything, the GAA stresses that Gaelic games are about fostering community, both among those with Irish heritage and those without. Rather than nurturing fierce competition and rivalries, Gaelic games emphasize teamwork and a sense of unity. Whether at the youth level or in university clubs, these sports embody an Irish warmth, pride, and inclusiveness that has been handed down through the centuries.

Porter believes Gaelic games could be a great success if given the chance to develop and take hold. “It’s fantastic seeing some of the kids that had never even seen the sport before, just picking up a Gaelic football, soloing it, being so proud of how they did it,” he said. “We’re not necessarily looking for the superstars—anyone that plays it does it for the love of the game.”

Andrew Sullivan (610) 710-9643

Good Man Sealcoating Periodic sealcoating with a quality pavement sealer is the key to a long life and attractive blacktop.

Every driveway is applied by brush, which lasts longer than spraying.

Crack filling seals out damaging moisture that can erode base materials and helps to prevent damage caused by frost and freezing.

Seal the Deal... Call for a free estimate today!

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

27

MAYO MESSENGER

On the Fry

The Real Deal

q

Cawley’s Pub serves up a mean Irish breakfast with friendly service and a smile.

r

By Iesha Lewis

Crossmolina-native Sean Cawley and his wife, Ann (who hails from Donegal), who hails from Donegal, opened “the original pub on the Pike” in 1974 and they’ve been offering guests a hearty meal and a hearty welcome ever since.

pudding, fried tomatoes, home-fried potatoes, Heinz baked beans, and toast. I was glad I brought my appetite for such a spread.

Our waitress set down a pot of tea and shortly after, arrived with piping hot plates heaped with generous portions. The colorful dish before me was a far cry from the bland meat-and-potato meal I had expected. My friend decided to let me sample the black and white pudding before revealing the ingredients, which was probably for the best.

Turns out, black pudding is a mixture of pig’s blood, bread, oatmeal and beef suet, while white pudding substitutes liver instead of blood. Suffice it to say, though the The family-run restaurant and bar ingredients later gave me pause, I sits on West Chester Pike in the enjoyed both breakfast puddings. heart of Upper Darby, amid a large community of Irish immigrants and A traditional Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, Any scrapple-loving Philadelphian will understand these sentiments Irish Americans. Some stop in for rashers, bangers, eggs, beans, and a fried tomato.

I’m sure. The pudding’s flavor can a pint and a taste of home, and be compared to the spiciness of sausage, though the texture others, like myself, are there to sample something new. is more smooth than meaty.

The knotty pine walls and green upholstered booths added Next, I tried the Irish bacon, which was quite similar to to the warm and cozy atmosphere. A friendly young server greeted us with a smile and gave us our choice of seating in standard American fried ham steak, thick and meaty with very minimal fat. Then I moved on to the plump, brown the casual dining room. sausages, which had nice seasoning and flavor with no Once we had been seated, I noticed the dining area extend- gristle. I finished with the most familiar—scrambled eggs ed into an adjacent room with an expansive bar surrounded with a dash of Tabasco. by flat screen TVs. A number of patrons crowded around, The breakfast was a nice way to start my day and my foray watching a heated football match and enjoying friendly into Irish food. My next adventure might include a pint and conversation, a few good laughs, and the jukebox playing one of Cawley’s traditional dinners, like bangers and mash in the background. with peas, fish and chips, sausage rolls, or Shepherd’s pie.

The breakfast menu included a nice mix of American and Call (610) 449-1149 for hours and more information, or Irish fare at reasonable prices, but I bypassed the standard visit www.cawleysirishpub.com. Or take a trip down to American staples and set my sights on the authentic Irish 7915 West Chester Pike in Upper Darby and taste the breakfast I came to sample. It included two eggs, bangers difference for yourself.

(Irish sausage), rashers (Irish bacon), black and white

28

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Anula’s Kitchen

While I’ve always prided myself on having a diverse palate, Irish cuisine is something I’d never thought to explore. I’ve enjoyed a nice, warm stew on a chilly night, but until recently, I wasn’t aware that there was more to Irish fare than your typical meat and potatoes. So when a friend and I took a trip to Cawley’s Restaurant and Pub in Upper Darby, Pa., for a Sunday breakfast, I opened the door to a new cultural and culinary experience.

MAYO MESSENGER

“Come West Along the Road” TUNE IN Live Every Sunday at Noon Hosted by Marianne MacDonald On Your Radio: WTMR~800 on the AM Dial On the Web: www.wtmrradio.com

• Traditional Irish tunes, songs, recitations and more

• Announcements of events & community happenings

• Irish news from here & abroad

• Dedications & requests welcomed

• Live interviews & performances

• Reasonable advertising rates

• Engaging in-studio guests

• Sponsorships available

Trad Tours Presents Cork-Dublin Oct. 4-11, leaving from Philadelphia to Dublin • $2199 p/p (plus $195 departure tax) • 6 Nights lodging- River Lee Hotel/Burlington • Daily breakfast, four dinners, all admissions • Sightseeing to breath-taking locations, including W. Cork, Beara, Kilkenny, and Avoca • Daily entertainment, music, dancing, sessions • Deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout For more information, please contact: Marianne MacDonald (856) 236-2717 or rinceseit@msn.com Visit www.tradtours.com.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

29

MAYO MESSENGER

Home for a Holiday

Off the

Beaten Path

q It’s worth taking a detour to visit these five fabulous spots along the breathtaking coastline of Northern Mayo.

2

1

3

2

Céide Fields

Great Western Greenway

Ballycastle Preserved beneath a blanket of peat and spanning several square miles, the remains of stone field walls, prehistoric dwellings, and megalithic tombs make up Céide Fields.

More than 5,500 years old, this site is one of the most extensive Stone Age monuments and contains the oldest known field systems in the world. Guided tours provide a unique window into the everyday lives of the Neolithic farmers who inhabited this land, their organized society, their spiritual beliefs, and their struggle against a changing environment. The multi-award winning Visitor Centre has exhibitions, an audiovisual show, and tearoom where visitors can enjoy a snack. It is located beside some of Ireland’s most spectacular cliffs and rock formations, with a viewing platform perched on the edge of a cliff more than 350 feet high. Céide Fields is open for touring from Easter to early November, with group bookings available by reservation in the winter months. Visit www.heritageireland.ie or email ceidefields@opw.ie.

Achill to Westport The longest off-road walking and biking trail in Ireland, the Great Western Greenway follows the route of the former Achill to Westport railway line, which closed in 1937.

Along with the Mulranny Park Hotel, Loop Walk, and the Mulranny Causeway, it was awarded a European Destination of Excellence Award for sustainable tourism from the European Commission in 2011. The trail links Mulranny and Newport to the Westport and Achill cycle hubs, which gives visitors access to a network of spectacular biking trails. It covers more than 26 miles and some of most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland, offering views of Furnace Lough and Lough Feeagh, Bengorm and the Nephin Beg Range, and the seascapes of Clew Bay. The Great Western Greenway passes through a number of picturesque villages and towns, where plenty of accommodations and bike rentals are available. For more information, visit www.greenway.ie or email info@mayotrails.ie.

30

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

castlebar.Ie; michael Mc Laughlin

1

Home for a Holiday

MAYO MESSENGER

3

Hennigan’s Heritage Cottage

Killasser, Swinford Hennigan’s Heritage Centre sits on the unspoilt countryside overlooking Creagaballa Lake. Until 1970, Tom Hennigan’s family lived in this two-room, thatched cottage, which was built in the 1870s.

He talks about how his family survived on this land, tells comical stories about local characters and their customs, and encourages visitors to share stories of their own. He maintains the farm and complex as a way of preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Mayo that it embodies. The authentic cottage and its contents offer the perfect backdrop to hear stories about life during the Irish Diaspora, and offers guests a richer view of life as it was in times past. The Centre is open daily from March to end of September; visit www.hennigansheritage.com or email tomhennigan@hennigansheritage.com to schedule special tours and activities.

4

5

Pamela Norrington; doutsje nauta; mulranny.ie

4

5

Achill Secret Garden

Mulranny

Atlantic Drive, Achill Island This seaside garden lies beside a small bay on Achill Island, offering a magnificent view of the Curraun Pennisula and the waters of Achill Sound. The three acres of gardens belong to Bleanáskill Lodge, which was established around 1870. The most westerly public garden in Ireland, its mixture of mature trees, colorful borders, art, and vibrant wildlife creates a haven of tranquillity and peace. Willem van Goor, a fine artist and expert gardener, emigrated from the Netherlands in 1997 and transformed the land into a beautiful, romantic shrub garden. For a small admission fee, visitors can meander through the garden’s 13 chambers, each with its own atmosphere. After the tour ends, coffee, tea, biscuits, and cake are served in the boathouse on the grounds. Achill Secret Garden is open from March through August. To schedule a garden tour with an expert, visit http://achillsecretgarden.com or email info.achillsecretgarden@gmail.com.

Outskirts of Achill Island Nestled on the rugged Atlantic coast, Mulranny offers stunning views of Clew Bay, its archipelago of drowned drumlin islands, the vast Nephin mountain range, and Bellacragher Bay. This seaside village is located just 25 minutes from Westport and 15 minutes from Achill Island and has restored many of its historic landmarks in recent years. The Mulranny Park Hotel unveiled massive renovations that still retain the charm and character of the original design from 1897. The Mulranny Loop Walk revamped the old hotel walks on Look Out Hill and the unique Mulranny Causeway, which was built in 1899. Visitors will find a wide range of activities to enjoy, such as walking, golf, sea kayaking, surfing and swimming on the blue flag beaches, and shore and sea angling. To plan your stay, visit www.mulranny.ie or visit info@mulranny.ie.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

31

MAYO MESSENGER

Cover Story

ILLUMINATING s

The Mayo Association bridges the gap between two countries and two eras.

By Colleen B. Mullarkey 32

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

33

MAYO MESSENGER

t the turn of the 20th century, thousands of Irish immigrants endured the grueling journey across the Atlantic to Philadelphia, with the hope that life in this unfamiliar country would be better than the poverty that had become all too familiar in their homeland. It has been recorded that as early as 1901, Mayo men in the City of Brotherly Love began working together to help each other as they adjusted to life in America. At the docks on Washington and Front Streets, they greeted fellow countrymen who had no friends or family here and offered them a warm welcome, a warm meal, and a warm bed.

seconds whether it’s via email, webcam, cell phone, or social media. Today, the association’s membership looks very different than it did in the early days, with a large number of women and Irish Americans involved. Their work now is less about helping the Irish transition to life in America and more about helping those in America maintain a connection with the old country. Yet, some things still remain the same. “The association opened up to a wider range of membership, but their goals and desire to help the Irish community in Philadelphia has never changed,” said Tom Staunton, who joined his father and uncles as a member in his teenage years. “They continue to follow in the footsteps of the men who started this society so many years ago.”

In 1905, three men banded together to create an official organization—the Mayo Men’s Association of Philadelphia. John O’Neill Taking Care of of Foxford, Martin Clarke of Our Own Castlebar, and John Green Keeping that history alive is of Newport wrote the conimportant to the members stitution and got the of the Mayo Association. fledgling society off the Over the years, they have ground with the help of amassed meeting minutes, members from the Mayo ledgers, photographs, and Society of New York. They event souvenirs that date vowed to help each other back as far as 1917, painting find employment, to ena very clear picture of who courage each other in busithe early members were and ness, and to preserve a spirit Tom O’Malley, Jr., age 4, with his mother and father at the 1949 Mayo Ball at the Broadwood Hotel at Broad and Vine Streets. what challenges they faced. of charity, unity, fraternity, “Those records were handed and patriotism among all down through the generations, and it’s a credit to the peoIrish men and women. By 1914, their membership grew to ple before us,” McMenamin said. “We consider ourselves more than 500. “The common ancestry gave them a sense lucky to have an archive for the Mayo Society.” of family and comfort here,” said Sean McMenamin, archivist for the Mayo Association of Philadelphia. “The societies became their villages, the center of their social lives.”

With the vast changes in technology over the past century, people in America can connect with Ireland in a matter of

34

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Early ledgers meticulously document each member’s contribution of 50 cents a month, which entitled them to $5 a week in sick benefits for up to six weeks a year and $100 in death benefits for the family if a member passed away.

We’ll take you back to Mayo... without leaving Philadelphia.

MAYO MESSENGER

If you or your spouse have roots in County Mayo, Ireland or a county that does not have representation in the Philadelphia area, you’re welcome to join us. Please fill out the form below and we will review your application at our next monthly meeting.

Email mayoassoc@att.net with any questions.

Complete this form and fax or mail it to: Mayo Association of Philadelphia Commodore Barry Club 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119 Fax (215) 355-7802 Please select one:

Full membership Entitles you to attend meetings, vote for the election of officers, and on motions that come up during the meeting, plus all social privileges. Dues: $24.00 per year.

Associate membership

Same privileges as Full Membership except for voting rights, holding an elected office, and social privileges.

Dues: One-time $100.00 fee

Basic Information First name:

Last name:

Address: City: Phone:

State:

Zip:

Email:

Background Information Country of Birth: County or State: Occupation:

Town: Employer:

Please give brief explanation of your Co. Mayo heritage:

Signature:

Date:

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

35

MAYO MESSENGER

John O’Neill, Martin Clarke, and John Green write the constitution of the Mayo Men’s Association in Philadelphia

Mayo wins the All-Ireland football championships and travels to America for a visit.

1905

1932

1950s 1917 11th Annual Ball of the Mayo Men’s Beneficial, Social, Patriotic, and Literary Association of Philadelphia is held at Mercantile Hall on January 22.

To ensure financial survival, the original bylaws limited membership to males between ages 18 and 45. “It was the only form of insurance these people had—there was no unemployment or Social Security,” McMenamin said. “It’s forgotten in today’s world but that was the purpose of many societies of the time: to take care of ourselves.”

For more than 40 years, Tom O’Malley, Sr., served as the association’s steward, which meant it was his responsibility to visit the sick members and pay them their benefits. “Many a Sunday afternoon, we took a trolley, subway, or the El to

36

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Philadelphia’s Mayo football team boasts an impressive membership.

visit the members,” Tom O’Malley, Jr., recalled. “When it was too far or not ready accessible by public transportation, our neighbor would drive us to visit them. That was always considered a real treat since nobody had a car, and we got to see parts of the city and suburbs that seemed far away.”

Being a part of the Mayo Association shaped young Tom’s early life and left him with many fond memories. He remembers going to monthly meetings with his father at the old Irish American Club on Broad Street, a large, three-story Victorian building with stone steps leading up to the door.

MAYO MESSENGER

Miss Bridie Henry is crowned as the first-ever Philadelphia Miss Mayo.

1964

Attracta O’Malley becomes the first woman president.

1981

Mayo Association World Convention is held in Philadelphia at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.

1995

Mayo commissions statue of Our Lady of Knock and installs it in the Commodore Barry Club.

2011

2005 Mayo Association celebrates Centennial Anniversary.

1986

1966 The society’s name is changed to the Mayo Association of Philadelphia and women are admitted as full members.

Knock International Airport officially opens on May 30, 1986, after the great efforts of Monsignor James Horan.

Mayo Association takes Centennial Tour to Ireland.

Mayo Association of Philadelphia wins International Mayo People of the Year Award.

Members who arrived late for the 3 p.m. Sunday meeting had to walk up to a table in the middle of the floor and give the password before they could take a seat. The meetings were always on the second floor, with live Irish music and dancing downstairs where they also held quarterly socials.

Time for a Change As immigration surged through the 1940s to the early 60s, the Irish community in Philadelphia grew larger and it became clear they needed a central meeting place. A large

property at Emlen St. and Carpenter Lane in Germantown was for sale, and Mickey Cavanaugh, a Mayo man, convinced the community of the need to buy the place and worked with individuals, businesses, and organizations to gather the funding. The Mayo Society was a major investor at the time, contributing $7,000. The purchase went through in 1958, and the Commodore Barry Club (fondly known as the Irish Center) was born.

Staunton remembers walking in the Grand March at the first ball held at the new center, the 1958 Mayo Ball, which

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

37

MAYO MESSENGER drew about 1,400 attendees. “The Irish needed a home here, and the Irish Center provided a place you could bring people to and be proud of,” he said. “It facilitates everything that we need to have—it offers us a place to get together for our meetings, social gatherings, and masses.” It was also a central meeting place where young Irish could make connections and take a look at posted job openings.

As revolution stirred in early 60s America, changes started cropping in the Mayo Association as well. “The membership was getting younger, and we had new ideas,” said O’Malley, who officially joined the association in 1961 at age 16, and held his first office as recording secretary just three years later. “The older members, while hesitant with change, were willing to go along with our ideas.” One of the first big changes had to do with the bands playing at the ball. “The younger crowd was used to Irish country music and rock n’ roll. They would go up to New York and hear all these Irish show bands, and they decided it was time for a change,” O’Malley said. “They brought in Paddy Noonan and that changed the whole atmosphere of the ball.” They

38

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Back (left to right): Kathleen Henry Ryan, Attracta Moffitt O’Malley, Mary Henry Brady, (front) Maureen Hunt Horan, and Kathleen Moffitt Boyle. Taken at the Charlestown Reunion in 1995, this photo includes five of the original ladies that applied for membership in the early 60s. Horan resides in Galway, Brady passed away in 1998, and the other three women are still active members in the Mayo Association.

MAYO MESSENGER

The ultimate protection for your ideas, so that you can preserve and continue to grow your business.

CREATE. PROTECT. ENFORCE.

There’s a world of ideas out there.

And a world of experience in here.

Volpe and Koenig employs over 40 attorneys, patent agents, and technical advisors to form an intellectual powerhouse with expertise across the globe.

Volpe and Koenig brings efficient, effective, and responsive representation to your domestic and international intellectual property matters.

Gerald B. Halt, Jr. John J. O’Malley Ryan W. O’Donnell Shareholders

PHILADELPHIA United Plaza 30 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Ph +1 215 568 6400

PRINCETON One Palmer Square Suite 315 Princeton, NJ 08542 Ph +1 609 924 7900

ContaCt us today and experienCe the differenCe. VKLaw.Com 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

39

MAYO MESSENGER

At the Mayo Centennial Celebration Dinner, past presidents with Eddie Staunton, chairman of the Mayo County Council, Austin Baughan, head librarian of the Mayo County Council, and Vera Tuffy McNicholas, Miss Mayo 1967.

began booking bands like Noel Henry, who continued to play some of the traditional Irish waltzes to keep the older crowd happy, but also played more current music to keep up with the times.

Soon Tommy Horan suggested having a pageant to attract more young people to the ball. “The thinking was if you bring a lot of young girls, a lot of young guys are bound to follow,” O’Malley chuckled. Horan and Cavanaugh got the Miss Mayo contest up and running, with about 20 to 25 girls in the competition. At that time, every ball attendee received a ballot and submitted their vote for the Miss Mayo (that later changed to the judging system used today because it took so long to tally all the votes). The crowd cheered with excitement when Bridie Henry from Charlestown was crowned the first Miss Mayo for 1964.

Look to the Future While this was an exciting time for Mayo women, they still weren’t allowed membership in the all-male society— despite their numerous requests to join. “At the time, the older men said you can’t,” O’Malley said. “Through the strong leadership of Bob Gillard, we were able to change the minds of enough members to get a vote of approval to

40

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

bring women into the association.” It began in 1964 with the creation of a women’s auxiliary, and then as president, Horan appointed a committee to review the bylaws in 1965, recommend changes, and propose a new name for the association. “The changes took effect in 1966;

s An excerpt

from the September 5, 1905 edition of the Catholic Standard and Times: The Mayo Men’s Society was organized Sunday at a meeting held in Dougherty’s Hall, 1630 South St. Eighty-nine members were enrolled and temporary officers elected. Meetings will be held on the second Sunday of each month. At the next meeting, Sunday, October 8, permanent officers will be chosen, and at the November meeting, they will be installed by officers of the Mayo Society of New York.

MAYO MESSENGER

Your home is your castle...

Let me help you find yours.

Maureen Brett Saxon (610) 825-6788 Re/MAX Services Blue Bell, Pa.

• More than 30 years of real estate experience • Helping more than 1,200 families buy and sell homes • Proud member and past president of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia, currently serving on the Board of Directors 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

41

s Charity Begins at Home

MAYO MESSENGER

Throughout the years, Philadelphia’s Irish have given to hundreds of causes here and abroad—and they’ve always had a good time doing it.

The Mayo Association changed gears with the new generation of Irish who came in the 1960s, arriving on airplanes and securing jobs with benefits and pensions. With the members’ needs taken care of, they began sponsoring more charities and organizations stateside and abroad. “The Mayo men and women generously dedicate themselves to ease the burden of those who experience difficult times,” said Sister James Anne, chaplain of the Mayo Association. “This has been evident from the early days of welcoming immigrants to adjust to a new life in America to the presentday tasks of assisting others with different problems—whether it’s illness, hunger, poverty, homelessness, or the loss of a loved one.”

The Mayo Association has helped many people and causes over the years, including St. John of God’s School in New Jersey, Aras Attracta in Swinford, Western Care in Castlebar, the Knock Shrine, and the Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing. “We got very involved with benefits—any family that had a tragedy or anyone that was in need, we always got together and raised money for them,” Attracta O’Malley said. She remembers them bringing kids from local orphanages to the Irish Center in the 60s for Christmas parties with Santa and trips to the Ice Capades.

Many were also involved with fundraising for religious organizations at the time, including the Columban Fathers, the Sisters of the Holy Rosary, and the St. Patrick Fathers. “We were all brought up in Ireland to help the poor. We were poor ourselves, but at the same time, my mother and father would give to the missions,” said Margie McGee Howley, who came from a family of 13 in Co. Donegal. “When we came to this country, we were always trying to help, especially when it had to do with foreign missions. We were happy to raise money for it—it was a part of our upbringing.” And they had a lot of fun doing it too. The St. Patrick Fathers held a 32-County Ball in April 1961, and she and

Many Irish were members of the St. Patrick Fathers Group, shown here in 1967.

42

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

her future husband, Tommy Howley, attended various fundraising events like dances, card games, and parties. “It was a lot of fun—a lot of wholesome fun,” she said. “We went there to dance and meet people, and we didn’t need any alcohol or anything to have fun.”

That may come as a surprise to many who associate the Irish with drinking. “A lot of Americans couldn’t figure out an Irish person being a non-drinker; many of them still can’t today,” said Pat Ryan, from Waterford, who has proudly worn a pioneer pin on his lapel since 1958. It indicates membership in the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart, an organization Father James Cullen founded in Dublin in 1898.

The association Many young Irish women got involved with promotes spirifundraising, selling tickets to benefits and social tual growth through events that raised money for charitable causes. complete abstinence from alcohol, and gained a large following in Ireland and other parts of the world, claiming 500,000 members in 1960.

Ryan, met his future wife, Kathleen Henry, when she sold him two tickets to a Pioneer Communion breakfast at Good Shepherd Parish. It was just one of many social events the Philadelphia Pioneer Total Abstinence Association had, and there were plenty of people attending. “When I came to this country, a lot of people my age were pioneers. I guess we took it for granted,” said Carmel Farragher King, who has been a pioneer for nearly 60 years.

“When Americans looked at the Irish as drunks, I remember feeling insulted because most of my friends and family didn’t drink at all, and those who did, didn’t drink much.”

In fact, the Immaculate Conception Shrine in Germantown, where they had the Miraculous Medal Novena on Monday nights at 7 p.m., was just as much of a social hotspot as the Irish dances in the VFW and the Crystal Ballroom on Saturdays or at Connolly’s on Sundays. And most weekends, there was some sort of social event or fundraiser to benefit a charitable cause. “When you got involved with these different organizations, it made you feel good that you were helping others,” Howley said. “For a lot of us, it wasn’t so much about religion, it was more about helping the poor and helping the hungry—that was our goal.”

nonetheless, 1964 was the year that changed the Mayo Association of Philadelphia forever due to the leadership of its officers and willingness of the older and younger members to work together,” O’Malley said.

“Mayo was the first county organization to do that.”

After immigration laws tightened up in the late 1960s, more Irish Americans began taking part in the society—a trend that continues today. “The immigration of the 50s and 60s is not going to happen again, so the future of our societies is based on how we transition and attract the second, third, and fourth generations,” McMenamin said. Considering that four of the five most recent presidents elected have been Irish American, it’s safe to say the Mayo Association has been doing a pretty good job. One of those presidents, Pat Sweeney, is a perfect example of the way the association connects people from two different countries and two different eras.

In the late 90s, Sweeney began researching her heritage because she didn’t know much about her grandparents who came from Ireland. She uncovered her grandfather’s death notice from 1927, which mentioned his membership in the Mayo Men’s Association. After some more hunting, she got the name of a contact: Attracta O’Malley. “I told her I was looking for information about my grandfather, John O’Neill,” Sweeney said. “When I told her his name, she near dropped the phone.”

That’s because he was the very same John O’Neill who served as the association’s first president as well as a founding member. O’Malley invited her to a meeting that Sunday night, and the members welcomed her with excitement. “I was floored when I found out about my grandfather,”

she said. “It was like I became a celebrity overnight.” After four years as a member, Sweeney was elected president in 2002.

“It wasn’t something that I ever thought I could do, but I thought my grandfather would have wanted it,” she said. “The last 13 years have been

MAYO MESSENGER

a wonderful journey—I’ve met many treasured friends and I realized I came from a group of people that were faithful and caring, who didn’t just think of themselves but always reached out to help others. It’s given me something I never dreamed of: a sense of ownership and belonging to Ireland.”

Dorothy Parker has become a nosy parker…

Algonquin Round Table Mysteries A critically acclaimed, new mystery series!

“Dorothy Parker—satirist, poet, and one of the great wits of the twentieth century—is the feisty heroine of this delightful mystery . . . I loved it!” — Suspense Magazine

Available now in paperback and e-format, in bookstores and online! www.RoundTableMysteries.com 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

43

MAYO MESSENGER

Feature

Out to

SOCIETY

Have a

Ball e

For more than a century,

the Philadelphia Mayo Ball

has brought the Irish together for a night of camaraderie, culture, and good craic.

44

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

W

hether the venue was a church hall, a community center, or a neighbor’s kitchen, local dances played a central role in the social scene of every town and village in Ireland well into the 20th century. When thousands emigrated to America, they brought the dances with them as a means of celebrating their culture and establishing a tightknit community in a country that was new and unfamiliar.

In Philadelphia’s early Irish community, the Mayo Ball emerged as one of the social events of the year. For more than a century, it has continued to bring together friends— both old and new. While the number in attendance has dwindled with changes in the economy, the age demographic, and immigration laws, hundreds in the Irish community still enjoy making a night of the Mayo Ball.

“I think it’s still very important for socializing—you’ll see people at a ball that you won’t see year round,” said John Tuffy, who served as the ball’s master of ceremonies for a number of years. “The Irish love to hang onto tradition, and this is one we’ll certainly hang onto for years to come because it’s a celebration of who and what we are.”

MAYO MESSENGER

A Cultural Celebration While most of the early attendees had come from poverty in Ireland, the photos from the balls in those days paint a picture of pure sophistication. “There’s a great story behind why they spent the money to rent tuxedos and ball gowns for the night, even though it must have been hard for them financially,” said Sean McMenamin, the Mayo Association’s achivist. “It wasn’t just about fashion—they were making a statement that they were just as good as the society people of the time. These events played a great part in promoting self esteem and establishing their identity.”

The Mayo Ball has seen many changes since it was first held in 1905, but it continues to be a celebration of culture through lively music, dancing, and camaraderie. The 106th ball, held at the Irish Center on November 5, 2011, was no different. “We’ve engaged some of the finest local talent this side of Mayo, and we’re proud to say that the bandleader is a Mayo member,” said President Rosaleen Megonegal when introducing the entertainment for the night.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

45

MAYO MESSENGER

The Theresa Flanagan Band drew a good crowd to the dance floor with a set that included newer favorites as well as some old-time ballads and waltzes. Traditional ceili dances like the Haymaker’s Jig and the Siege of Ennis had many kicking a leg up, including Philadelphia’s reigning “Irish princesses” of 2011—Rose of Tralee, Beth Keeley; Miss Mayo, Kathleen Paulson; and Mary from Dungloe, Stephanie Lennon.

Later in the night, everyone took their seats as a bagpiper dressed in full regalia led the award-winning Rince Rí dancers down the floor. The troupe, directed by Mayo member Olivia Hilpl, lit up the room with their stunning orange costumes, bobbing curls, and a flash of their nimble feet.

Their hard-toed shoes echoed in unison with the beat of the music and mesmerized the audience with two numbers that blended contemporary choreography with traditional step dancing. “I loved the dancers, they were fantastic—as good as any I’ve seen in Boston or New York,” said Tom Gallagher, who originally hails from Bellacorick, Co. Mayo, a small village outside of Belmullet.

e

Making Connections

It was the fourth Mayo Ball that Gallagher and his wife, Margaret, have attended since they moved to Philadelphia in 2007, after living in Boston for decades.

“We quickly felt at home here—the ball was very familiar for us because we always attended dances and céilís in John Hancock Hall,” he said. “The ball is a nice way to meet new people and get to know different people from Mayo.” One year, Gallagher even ran into someone who was visiting from Belmullet and the two had a long chat about things that were going on at home.

Philadelphia’s reigning “Irish princesses” of 2011, Mary from Dungloe Stephanie Lennon, Rose of Tralee Beth Keeley, and Miss Mayo Kathleen Paulson, were proud to represent on the dance floor.

For Irish Americans whose roots to Ireland may stretch back a few generations, the ball offers a unique opportunity for them to discover their cultural identity. “It’s a way for people whose parents and grandparents may have no connection to the associations, to make a bond with their heritage and their ancestors,” said Helen Henry DeGrand, chairperson of the 2011 Mayo Ball.

The annual Miss Mayo pageant encourages young women in the Philadelphia area to foster and celebrate that connection in a very special way. (See “Brains Before Beauty,” p 50.) Each with an impressive resume and charming personality, eight lovely lasses vied for the crown and title of Miss Mayo 2012. The judges certainly had a tough decision to make this year, but at the end of the night, they gave first place to Stephanie Miller and recognized Megan Richardson and Erin McGluckin as runners up.

It was a busy night as the Mayo Association also presented Maureen Brett Saxon with the coveted President’s Award (read more on p 14) and granted educational scholarships from the Robert and William Gillard Scholarship Fund to four young people with Mayo heritage—Drew Merschel, Mikayla Jackson, Patrick Diehl, and Nora Elizabeth Hill.

Since moving from Boston four years ago, Tom Gallagher, and his wife, Margaret, have enjoyed going to the Mayo Ball to meet other people in Philadelphia’s Irish community.

46

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Coming up on its 107th year, the Mayo Ball remains the association’s top social event as well as the biggest fundraiser for its charitable works. “Because of the community’s continued presence at the ball, we are able to carry on with the great work we’ve done to help the homeless, the hungry, and special needs children and adults,” Megonegal said. “It’s not only a great time, but a great cause.”

107t h

MAYO MESSENGER

Annual

MAYO BALL Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Irish Center 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, Pa.

8:00 pm to Midnight Doors open at 7:00 pm $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door www.mayoassoc.com

Hosted by the Mayo Association of Philadelphia 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

47

MAYO MESSENGER

Reign

Handing Over the e

Kathleen Paulson

To my friends in the Mayo Association of Philadelphia,

I would like to thank each one of you for including me in your family. I enjoyed so much wearing my sash and representing your association throughout the year at all the Irish events in Philadelphia, especially the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Being with all of you will be a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I will also never forget seeing the Our Lady of Knock statue go up in the Irish Center in all of her glory and how proud all of you were to be a part of it. You all are so generous and so hospitable to everyone around you, and you all are examples to me of the person I hope to become. I would like to especially thank Rosaleen for always keeping me in the loop on what I needed to know. Your smile lights up a room almost as much as your voice does. You are one truly amazing woman.

“

I have had a year to remember, filled with moments that I will never forget, because of each and every one of you.

”

I would also like to thank Miss Mayo 2010 Caitlin Lotty for leading by example and encouraging me to enter the Miss Mayo pageant. Everyone should have a best friend like you.

To the King family, thank you for introducing me to the Irish community of Philadelphia. You all know how to have a great time, and I love being around each and every one of you.

Finally to my parents and my brother, thank you all for being my biggest fans. Words cannot express how much it means to me for all of you to be here with me through this journey.

And to the Miss Mayo of 2012, get ready to meet some incredible people and to have the time of your life!

Gratefully, Kathleen Paulson Miss Mayo 2011

48

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

While she was visiting Ireland over the summer with her family, Miss Mayo 2011, Kathleen Paulson got to see plenty of the green and red of Mayo.

MAYO MESSENGER

o s r P h o g i n u t o L

Landscaping & Hardscaping Vincent Gallagher

Fully Insured Residential and Commercial

Serving the Philadelphia area For a free estimate, call (610) 220-4142.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

49

Brains Beauty MAYO MESSENGER

before

e

The eight lovely ladies who vied to become this year’s Miss Mayo looked just as good on paper as they did in person.

Don’t let the crown and sash fool you, the annual Miss Mayo pageant is not about fashion or who has the most impressive tap-dancing skills—it’s about values, tradition, and heritage. While the competition does draw a bevy of beautiful, talented Irish Americans from the Philadelphia area, the judges focus on how these young women carry themselves rather than who has the most glamorous gown.

With the crowning of the first-ever Philadelphia Miss Mayo, Bridie Henry, in 1963, a tradition was born—and ever since, the Mayo Association has sponsored the annual pageant at its Mayo Ball. The aim of the competition is to encourage cultural and charitable development in young women in Philadelphia’s Irish-American community. Miss Mayo is a young woman of Irish descent or birth who reflects the spirit and purpose of the Mayo Association.

You won’t see a talent showcase or any swimsuit modeling, the actual judging takes place behind closed doors before

50

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

any of the ball attendees arrive. Each contestant interviews with a panel of three carefully selected judges, who consider their character, integrity, poise, community involvement, appearance, and awareness of their cultural identity.

This year’s panel included Marybeth Phillips, Miss Mayo 1972, who teaches Irish step dancing and just recently purchased a home in Mayo; Brian Grady, the assistant district attorney of special projects in Philadelphia, who has strong Mayo roots; and Meghan Sweeney Gillespie, Miss Mayo 2005 and the great-granddaughter of John O’Neill, one of the association’s founders.

The winner is awarded a $1,000 cash prize and is responsible for representing the Mayo Association throughout the year, particularly at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Mayo Christmas Party, the Mayo Social, the Our Lady of Knock Mass, and other events sponsored by the association.

MAYO MESSENGER

M eet the Contestants (from left to right): 4 7 5 9 e 2 if the crown fits 3 Stephanie Miller, 20

Current Miss Mayo

Erin McGLuckin, 22

West Chester, Pa. Nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh Heritage: Co. Cork

Kathleen Paulson

Northeast Philadelphia Graduate of Holy Family University Heritage: Co. Wexford, Co. Donegal, Co. Tipperary, Co. Mayo

Megan Richardson, 26

Philadelphia, Pa. Graduate of University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University Heritage: Co. Tyrone

Molly Fee, 20

Havertown, Pa. Nursing student at La Salle University Heritage: Co. Mayo, Co. Galway

Laura Clinton, 25

Fiona Farrelly, 21

6

Drexel Hill, Pa. Civil engineering major at Temple University Heritage: Co. Cavan

Erin Carroll, 21 Oreland, Pa. Political science major at La Salle University Heritage: Co. Mayo

8

Havertown, Pa. Graduate of Muhlenberg College and graduate student at St. Joseph’s University Heritage: Co. Mayo

Mary Catherine O’Reilly Gindhart, 21 Villanova, Pa. Graduate student in theology and religious studies at Villanova University Heritage: Co. Tyrone, Co. Mayo

Even for those who don’t consider themselves the “pageant” type, the Miss Mayo competition offers participants an opportunity to connect with their Irish roots and meet others in the young Irish community. For many, it’s more about the experience than winning the crown. For more details on how to enter the pageant, visit www.mayoassoc.com.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

51

AndWinner

MAYO MESSENGER

the

e

is…

Meet the newly crowned Miss Mayo 2012, Stephanie Miller, in her own words.

As a nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh, I have been blessed with the wonderful opportunity to go to school where I can learn how to save people’s lives and help them on the road to recovery. I have discovered that nursing is my passion, and I have definitely chosen the right professional path. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the importance of helping other people. Although I am only one person, I am one person who can— and will—make a difference. I have had the opportunity to participate in service projects throughout the Philadelphia area during my grade school and high school years.

dancing for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year, and performing with a number of Irish bands and singers, including Blackthorn, Dervish, and our family friend, Tommy Moffit.

Not only has my dancing career introduced me to many people and places, it has helped shape me into the woman that I have become. These years have been filled with wonderful memories; however, with every good memory, there are reminders of the hard work, dedication, struggle, and disappointment.

Whether it is the calluses or blisters that have permanent residence on my feet or those hard Saturday morning practices, University of Pittsburgh student, Stephanie Miller, from West Chester, Pa., was thrilled this journey has left its mark on my soul.

I have to thank my parents because to be crowned Miss Mayo 2012.

Irish dancing has taught me that I have it was through their wisdom and to work for what I want; things will not be handed to me. guidance that I learned to look beyond myself at the bigger It stresses the importance of dedication, commitment, and picture. They have demonstrated the values of hard work perseverance, especially during hard times. and sacrifice. As I grew up, they stressed the importance of family. I have two younger sisters—two best friends.

Irish dancing also introduced me to Kathleen Paulson Throughout my life, my family has celebrated our Irish (Miss Mayo 2011), who can brighten up a room and is heritage. When I was 5 years old, my mom took me to my an absolute joy to be around. She can always bring a first Irish dance class at Helene Campbell’s basement in smile to my face, and it will definitely be a challenge to Havertown, and I was hooked. Not only did I love the girls fill her shoes. Thank you so much for selecting me to in my class, the traveling throughout the country, and the represent the Mayo Association of Philadelphia as Miss thrill of winning a competition—but I loved the excitement Mayo 2012. It is an honor and a privilege and I cannot and the happiness it brought to the community. wait for all the fun to start!

I have had the privilege of dancing throughout the PhilaSincerely, delphia area at many events, and these opportunities have Stephanie Miller introduced me to the Irish community and many influential Miss Mayo 2012 people. Some of the events that I readily recall include

52

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

MAYO MESSENGER

Serving Bucks County N.E. Philadelphia

Irish dance classes from age 5 to adult: • • • •

Solo Classes Ceili Classes Summer Camps Private Lessons

For more information about classes, call (215) 715-8778 —or— visit www.rinceri-irishdance.com

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

53

MAYO MESSENGER

Feature Culture

marching with

honor q

The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade still honors the values and traditions of the Irish who walked the city’s streets more than 200 years ago.

54

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

W

hile marchers suit up with their sashes and pins for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, director Michael Bradley and a few other volunteers will already be on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway hard at work. Each year, one of their first tasks is to set up a flat wooden stage so that viewers at home will be able to hear the drumming of the Irish dancers’ hard shoes through their television sets. “That part has to go right because the dance groups are such an important piece of the celebration,” he said. “Viewers love the

MAYO MESSENGER

traditional dresses, the dancing, and the music—they want to hear the noise and see the colors.”

But many aren’t content just watching from the couch.

Thousands of spectators from every race and creed of Philadelphia’s melting pot brave the elements to experience the festivities firsthand. “People love to come out regardless of whether the weather is beautiful or terrible because they admire this kind of display of culture—they get a real kick out of it,” said John Tuffy, who has been marching with the Mayo Association since the early 1960s. “When you’re walking in the parade, the enthusiasm in the streets makes you feel there are people out there that support you and

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

55

MAYO MESSENGER

enjoy the tradition of what you’re doing whether they’re Irish or not.”

Each year, that tradition seems to grow stronger. The costumes have become more intricate, the floats have grown in size and level of detail, and the sheer volume of groups has increased from about 60 to more than 200 in just a few years. “It just seems to be getting bigger and better every year,” Bradley said. “But at the end of the day, it’s about being with your family—these are the memories that people will carry with them all their lives.”

CBM Creative For all your writing and editing needs...

Follow the Leader That’s certainly been the case for Sister James Anne Feerick, whose parents fostered a love for Irish heritage and tradition in their children that included going to the parade each year. “As a family, we would go downtown to cheer on the bands, dancers, and floats, and we had a great time with all the people there celebrating with us,” she said. In the early 1950s, she began performing in the parade with the Sean Lavery School of Irish Dance, and she has been involved with it in some form or another ever since. She has helped pick award-winners as a judge for the parade for 25 years and marched proudly as the chaplain of the Mayo Association with fellow members.

SPECIALIZING IN: • • • • • • • • • •

Blogging Copyediting Editorial consulting Feature Writing Profiles Promotional pieces Proofreading Resumes Technical writing and editing Web editing

Call or email for a free estimate today!

Colleen B. Mullarkey

Freelance Writer and Editor

2011 Grand Marshal Sister James Anne was proud to lead the parade, a celebration of Irish heritage that she has treasured since early childhood.

56

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

21 N. Eagle Rd. Havertown, PA 19083 (484) 636-6756 cbmullarkey@gmail.com

Last year, she added Grand Marshal to her resume. The Parade Association asked Sister James Anne to assume this role because they felt she embodied the spirit of the 2011 parade theme—St. Patrick, bless our religious Sisters who serve, inspire, and educate. “This was definitely a high point in my life, as I was proud to represent the religious Sisters and their contributions to our society,” she said. “It was definitely a spirit-filled day for me, as I recalled many happy memories from my childhood, and then realized I was leading thousands of people marching up the Ben Franklin Parkway.”

MAYO MESSENGER

about his grandparents who emigrated to this country. “This summer, we’ll be taking them to Ireland for the first time to show them the bog where we came from,” Tuffy chuckled.

“They’ve become interested in who they are, and I’ve tried to give them as much about my background and the culture and the history as I can.”

The parade is an integral part of passing on those lessons.

The line-up of groups that participate are truly an embodiment of the values and traditions the Irish have held dear since the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick instituted the parade more than 200 years ago.

She also led Fraternal groups another generastress the importion of her family tance of camarato embrace the derie; faith-based tradition, folorganizations lowing in the underscore the footsteps of her celebration’s reliparents. “I was gious roots; bands walking directly and dancing behind Sister schools highlight James Anne, and Sean McMenamin, Rosaleen Megonegal, and Attracta O’Malley welcome the arrival of officials the prominent from the Mayo County Council who flew in to join the festivities. she was holding role of music and my granddaughdance; and unions and labor organizations exemplify the ter’s hand all the way up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” strong work ethic that the Irish used to help build this city. said her cousin, Cathy Rhoades. “We are all so very proud of her—it was a great day for our family.”

Unsung Heroes Recognized Pass the Torch The parade is also a family affair for Tuffy and his wife, Eileen, who have brought their son and grandchildren to march with them for many years. “I don’t think enough people bring their children around. I bring the kids to as many events as possible, including the parade, because I believe it’s important for them to participate in things like this,” Tuffy said. “I want them to know about this stuff because it’s who I am, it’s who my wife is—we’re Irish. This is one of the most important things you can pass onto the generations after you.”

His 12-year-old grandson, Declan, is often asked to speak about his Irish heritage at school on St. Patrick’s Day each year, and he’s proud to tell his teachers and classmates

Those labor unions will play an especially significant role in this year’s parade, given that the theme is St. Patrick, Bless the American Worker. “With the way that the economy is right now, we felt it was particularly important to recognize the American worker at this time in our country,” Bradley said. “Not only are people unemployed but many are underemployed, and most of those who still have their jobs are doing more for less money. It just seemed like the right time to recognize them.”

He nominated John J. Dougherty to lead the way this year—and the 26 board members who unanimously voted Dougherty as Grand Marshal agreed. One of the most powerful unelected officials in the city, the business manager of IBEW Local 98, will lead thousands of marchers up the 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

57

MAYO MESSENGER

q

A history of tradition

q

By the time America’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, the Irish had already established a growing community in the City of Brotherly Love. In 1771, they held the first documented St.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1959: (left to right) Mary Gavin, John Durkan, Paddy Morley, Bridie Jordan, and Carmel Farragher.

Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade in Philadelphia, and they continue that tradition today nearly two and a half centuries later.

Considering that the city has one of the largest Irish populations in the United States, it’s no surprise that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is its largest parade—with an average of 20,000 participants representing 200-plus groups. As the second oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in America, it’s not only a significant part of the city’s history but the nation’s as well.

Through the efforts of the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Committee, established in 1952 as a non-profit organization, it has developed into one of the most outstanding parades in the

parkway on Sunday, March 11. Running one of the largest labor unions in the state definitely makes him more than qualified for the job, but his constant service work and selflessness really won the board members over.

Dougherty is known for helping others, whether it’s through charitable organizations or his active role in his South Philadelphia community. “Every time I’ve ever asked him to help somebody, he always says yes but he asks me not to say anything,” Bradley said. “It’s always a pleasure to see someone like that being honored. He’s just that type of guy; he never looks for the limelight.”

The Parade Association’s choice isn’t surprising, considering it’s made up of those of type of people. Bradley and the

58

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 1966: (left to right) Kathleen Henry, Sean McMenamin, Johanna McMenamin, Pat Ryan, Attracta Moffitt, Mary Moffitt, and Mary Henry.

country, featuring musical groups, floats, dancers, Irish organizations, and even a few bands and groups who fly in from Ireland just for the event.

Source: www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com

legion of volunteers who work behind the scenes to make the parade a success each year are unsung heroes themselves.

“The parade is such a great tribute to the Irish community,” Sister James Anne said. “And it’s all made possible through the efforts of the Parade Association, who have sacrificed many hours over many years to keep our heritage alive.”

There are a lot of downsides to running a parade—there’s a ton of pressure, a lot of grief, and an unbelievable time investment required. “Nobody would do it unless they loved the parade,” Bradley said. “But when you see the enthusiasm of the little kids running down the street, getting excited about the day, it’s worth every hour invested because they are our future.”

MAYO MESSENGER

q

A FAMILY AFFAIR

A

round 1960, four brothers, the sons of Irish immigrants from Co. Mayo, started to march in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Even before they officially started marching in the annual parade, the brothers had always met for breakfast at a Philadelphia restaurant or tavern on the Sunday before March 17. One year, they decided to head to Philadelphia’s Center City, and find the start of the St. Patrick’s Parade.

Veterans of World War II and the fathers of their own growing Irish-American broods, the Cassidy brothers passionately believed in the American dream.

Nevertheless, they regarded their parents’ native land with affection and warmth. And they appreciated the many sacrifices their parents had made when, as mere teenagers, they bravely left all they had known in Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic to begin new lives in the New World.

q The four Cassidy brothers who started it all (from left): Joe, John (Chick), Vince, and Phil.

For John (fondly known as Chick), Phil, Vince, and Joe Cassidy, marching in the St. Patrick’s Day would become not just a way of honoring Ireland, but a tradition honoring their beloved parents.

On that momentous day, when they first marched in the parade, they established a family tradition that would last for more than 50 years and still continues today. Over the years, they were joined by sons and nephews and grandsons from the Cassidy and Winning branches of the family, and eventually, in the 1980s, their daughters and nieces and granddaughters began to march, too.

Members of the Cassidy family at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1994.

The Cassidy brothers are no longer living, but their descendants march on in their memory—no fewer than two dozen Cassidys and Winnings march every year, as scores of additional family members cheer them on from the sidelines, ensuring they keep a straight line.

The family now meets for the St. Patrick’s Day Mass in Philadelphia and boards a bus to the parade route. The Cassidys say the Mayo Association doesn’t merely provide the green satin sashes they wear in the parade, but the organization is essential to making the day so special for them, from start to finish. With the help of people such as Kathy Magee Burns, the family now has two to three pews reserved at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, so they can honor and remember the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and brothers and sisters who no longer are with them.

These men started a tradition. Their sons and daughters have cultivated it. And they hope that their children will ensure that it lives on for years to come. They believe the four brothers are smiling down from heaven as the Cassidy clan grows each year, marveling at what they began all those years ago when they first made their way to Chestnut St. and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Submitted by the Cassidy Family

The kids in the Cassidy clan all lined up and ready to go.

2012 2012 || MAYO MAYO MESSEN MESSENGE GERR

159

MAYO MESSENGER

Feature Faith

HAIL to the UEEN

Qd

The Mayo people have always

had a special place in their hearts for Our Lady of Knock, but now she has a special place in the Irish Center as well.

60

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

T

hunder rumbled and rain poured down from the skies as a group of devoted Irish men, women, and children gathered around a likeness of Our Lady of Knock on February 5, 2011. The weather that Sunday evening and the wonder of those present were not unlike the day in 1879 when a small crowd witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary in Knock, Co. Mayo. “Here we are 3,000 miles away from that little farming village, paying homage to Our Lady of Knock in Philadelphia,” said Mayo Association President Rosaleen Megonegal, as she opened the liturgy to dedicate a new statue of Our Lady of Knock in the Commodore Barry Club.

“We welcome her as the ‘ultimate member’ of the Mayo Association.”

Despite the rain, ice, and snow that befell the city that day, more than 60 people from the Irish community crowded into the dining room to see Our Lady welcomed into her new home. Together they prayed the rosary and placed a red rose at the statue’s feet after each Hail Mary. One year prior, the statue arrived in the port of Philadelphia, after making a long and arduous journey from the shores of Ireland where it was sculpted. The Mayo Association of Philadelphia commissioned the sculpture as a special tribute to Our Lady, who has been the society’s recognized Patroness and Protector since 2002.

“We are so grateful for the many gifts of our members who have sacrificed so many hours to keep the presence of Mary

MAYO MESSENGER

alive in our minds and hearts, especially here in the Irish community,” Megonegal said. “The whole thing was an act of love and working as a community, and it just goes to show you what you can achieve when you work together.”

Vision Becomes Reality The statue began as a vision of John and Eileen Durkan, long-time Mayo members who shared their idea with the association at a monthly meeting.

The members quickly expressed their interest and managed to commission famed Irish artist Rick Lewis, who has painted and sculpted many different works for Knock Shrine including the new processional statue of Our Lady.

Durkan volunteered to oversee the sculpture of the statue in Ireland, while he was on a visit home to Swinford. He has had a particularly strong connection to Our Lady since childhood— as a young boy, he often made the 14-mile journey on a bike from his home to the Knock Shrine. He volunteered there as a steward, which meant he would help to direct visitors and pilgrimages around the shrine one Sunday a month from March through September.

“There’s a sense of pride for the county because Our Lady chose to come to Mayo,” Durkan said.

He stills visits the Shrine several times a year, when he goes home on holidays, and was instrumental in explaining their vision to the artist. “I was particularly pleased with the

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

61

MAYO MESSENGER

features because our statue has a much younger face than the original at the Knock Shrine,” Durkan said. “The one we have is much prettier—there’s almost a smile on Our Lady’s lips.”

Bill Megonegal stands proudly beside the The sculpture is beautiful white, lighted cabinet that he, Sean McMenamin, and Mark Hilpl built to house made from rosin the statue. covered in granite, while the gold crown that sits atop her head was made by a silversmith in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.

Painting the Picture Once the statue was secured, the next step was to create a background. Gathering inspiration from the members of the Mayo Association, artist Cathy Rhoades painted a landscape of Knock and incorporated her own thoughts on the apparition as well. “I knew it was supposed to be a rainy day but I felt that the present day onlookers would rather be uplifted and see a brighter scene with sunshine,” she said.

The prepping of the wood paneling took quite some time because Rhoades needed to add quite a few layers of Gesso to the wood to even out the ridges and separations in the panels and ensure that the painting adhered properly. She knew the story of Our Lady of Knock well, having visited the

Shrine a few times in the past. “When I walked into the Irish Center and saw the statue of Our Lady standing in front of my painting, I felt very happy that I was able to be a part of this endeavor,” she said. “The fact that the members of the Mayo Association were so positive with the painting and the whole display made me feel that I had done a good job.”

Rhoades kept the painting in her sunroom, where many friends, family, and neighbors would visit to check on its progress. It opened up a dialogue with many people who had never heard of this apparition before. “I was honored

d

A Sight to be Seen

On August 21, 1879, a group of 15 local villagers witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist at the southern gable of Knock Parish Church, Co. Mayo. They ranged in age from 6 to 75 years and also claimed to see a cross and a lamb with adoring angels upon a plain altar behind the visage.

The witnesses described Mary as wearing white robes with a brilliant crown on her head that bore a full-bloom golden rose. She appeared to be in the midst of prayer, with her eyes and hands raised toward the sky. They reported that St. Joseph, also wearing white robes, stood on her right side and St. John stood on her left, holding an open book in his left hand and wearing white vestments with a small mitre atop his head. They watched the apparition in the pouring rain for two hours, reciting the Rosary, until it disappeared, claiming not a drop of rain fell on the gable or the vision. They reported the vision to the diocesan Bishop of Tuam, and were interviewed by a commission of the Church. The first pilgrimages to Knock began in 1880, and over the years, thousands have trekked to the small village to commemorate the vision and ask for healing. In 1971, the Church approved the apparition as being quite probable, although a formal statement has never been made.

To accommodate the growing crowds, a new church—Our Lady Queen of Ireland—was built in 1976. It holds more than 2,000 people, which is just a small portion of the more than half a million visitors who travel to the shrine each year. The Shrine at Knock is open year-round and features three life-sized statues of Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John, which were erected in 1994.

Mayo members (from back left) Butch Harley, Jim Feerick, John Durkan, and Mark Hilpl lead the procession at the annual mass for Our Lady of Knock.

62

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Source: www.knockshrine.ie

MAYO MESSENGER

to be the one to present people with an understanding of what happened that day many years ago when Our Lady appeared to the town of Knock,” she said. “I began to feel a very close kinship with the people of Knock and Our Lady.”

A New Home for Our Lady Finally, Mayo members Bill Megonegal, Sean McMenamin, and Mark Hilpl fashioned a beautiful white, lighted cabinet to house the statue and the painting. “As I was making this cabinet, I was remembering all the hundreds of people that I’ve met in this building—and all of the people they’ve helped,” said Megonegal, who has been coming to the Irish Center since he was 19 years old.

Our Lady was placed on a bed of river rock and surrounded by flowers that John’s daughter, Trish Pierce, brought home from a trip to Thailand. “I fashioned it after the statue in Knock because that statue is covered with flowers all around almost knee high,” he said. He also used these flowers to adorn a cart for the statue to sit on so that it could be easily transported for celebration such as the Mayo Association’s annual mass celebrating her feast day and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The new statue of Our Lady and the picturesque painting of the Knock gable now brightens the dining room in the Irish Center.

“This beautiful statue and inspirational painting of the Knock Shrine expresses our faith in various ways,” said Sister James Anne, chaplain of the Mayo Association. “It serves to bring to mind the Lord’s great love for the Irish people, and to increase our confidence in the power of Mary.”

Cormac J. Brady, Organist

To book for your special event, wedding, church function, or private party, call (267) 439-0599 or email cormacjudebrady@yahoo.com.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

63

MAYO MESSENGER

Recipe Corner

Let Them Eat Cake

u Enjoy these v traditional treats with a hot cup of tea and a few good friends.

w

x

a d o S h s i Ir Bread Ingredients

Preparation

• 3 cups flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1 egg • 4 tbsp. butter (½ stick) • ½ tsp. salt • ½ cup sugar • 1 cup raisins • About 1¼ cups milk

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix all of the dry ingredients in large bowl, and then add the raisins to the mixture. Beat the eggs and milk in a separate, mediumsized bowl. Add melted butter.

64

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients until you can handle the dough.

Knead the dough a little bit, and place in a greased and flour cast-iron skillet.

Make a cross on top.

Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Let cool, then cut into slices and serve with butter and jam.

Billy Alexander, stock.xchng; jen agatone

n of: e h c t i k e h t From ey k r a l l u M n e e Eil

Recipe Corner

MAYO MESSENGER

d e l i o B s ’ y Vese e k a C t i u Fr f: o n e h c t i k e h From t ly i m a F n a m r e The B

Ingredients • 1 lb. raisins • 2 cups sugar • ½ lb. butter • 2 cups beer or Guinness (cake will be darker with Guinness) • 4 cups flour • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. ground cloves • ½ tsp. cinnamon • 2 beaten eggs

Billy Alexander, stock.xchng; jen agatone

Preparation Bring the raisins, sugar, butter, and beer to a boil in a saucepan, and cook for 3 minutes. Cool to a warm temperature. Combine the flour, baking soda, cloves, and cinnamon; mix and add gradually to the raisin mixture.

Mix thoroughly for 5 minutes, turning in the same direction. Add the beaten eggs, folding them into the batter (the spoon should almost stand in the batter—additional flour may be needed).

Line a springform pan with wax paper (buttered). Preheat the oven to 350°F to start, and decrease to 300°F after 15 minutes. Continue to bake for 2 hours at 300°F. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

65

Trivia/Games

MAYO MESSENGER

q All About Mayo r 1

2

3 5

4

6

7 8

11

9

10

12

13

14 15 16

17

18

19 20

21

22

23

25

24

26 27 29

28

30 31

32 33

34

36

35

37 38

39 40 41

1 4 6 8 13 14 15 16 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 32 35 36 38 39 40 41

66

Across River known for its salmon fishing Natural source of fuel that comes from the bog Saint who is said to have converted Ireland to Christianity Ireland’s largest island Controversial gas project in Erris Month during which the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is held.

Ireland's first female president Western People is one of Mayo’s most popular ____.

Irish-speaking area that makes up 9% of Mayo Town where The Quiet Man was filmed "The Soldier’s Song" is Ireland’s ______.

Traditional Irish drum A celebration that takes place on December 26 takes its name from this bird Mayo town, also the name of a card game According to legend, the Children of Lir were turned into ____.

Current Taoiseach of Ireland, Kenny Campaign that opposes construction of natural gas pipeline in Erris One of Mayo’s county colors Took place during 1845-49, also known as "An Gorta Mor" This is pictured on the Mayo crest They wrote the Book of Kells Ireland’s oldest university 2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 13 18 20 21 23 24 29 30 31 33 34 37

Down Female star of the The Quiet Man, Maureen Town where Ireland’s first female president was born Mayo is the ____ largest county in Ireland.

16th century pirate queen from Mayo, O’Malley Popular Irish toast This French general landed in Killala in 1798 Number of times the Mayo GAA team has been in the All-Ireland Finals Local Mayo radio station County Motto: Dia is ____ Province where Mayo is located Stone age monument near Ballycastle Mayo town with the largest population Before the Euro, it was the official paper currency of Ireland Highest point in Co. Mayo and the province of Connacht Largest lake in Mayo, Lough ____ Ingredient in Irish coffee Name that the Romans gave to Ireland Popular tourist spot and fishing town Religious shrine in Mayo Neighboring county “One” in Gaelic.

for answers, see page 70.

MAYO MESSENGER

Cawley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

7919 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 Phone: (610) 449-1194 Open 7 days a week • 8 am to 2 am Irish and American cuisine served in a friendly atmosphere Takeout and Catering Available On and Off Premises Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Call Ahead for Fast Pickup Kitchen: (610) 449-1194 Fax: (484) 452-6224 Proprietors: John and Ann Cawley 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

67

MAYO MESSENGER

Page Turner

From the Outside Looking In

novel follows a young boy’s search for identity, offering qtheThisreader a unique window into the Irish travelling community.

Cummins follows the young boy and his family as they travel the Irish countryside in their wagons.

The year is 1959 and the young boy enters adolescence as the travelling community endures growing pains of its own. The Pavee struggle to forge a new identity as modern technology threatens to quickly make their way of life obsolete, and Christy searches for something to anchor him within a nomadic lifestyle that offers no permanence.

Christy carries with him a devastating guilt about his mother’s death, which he believes happens minutes after his birth. Early in the novel, he experiences another devastating loss when his Grandda passes away. After his cousin Martin sets fire to Grandda’s wagon and his corpse in an attempt to “free” the dead patriarch, their granny decides it’s time to park the wagons for a bit so the boys can receive their sacraments and some proper schooling.

Ironically, it’s when Christy finally settles in one place that his true journey begins—the search to find out who his mother was and who he is. It begins with a mysterious picture that survived the wagon fire. He discovers the

beautiful smiling woman in the photograph was his mother and the infant she’s holding was him. As his fragile world starts to crumbles, he becomes desperate to find the missing pieces of his family tree in the hopes that it will make him whole.

Cummins transports the reader to 1950s Ireland with a masterful use of common Irish dialect and an authentic portrait of life in that era that includes tiny nuances like the importance of having a piece of turf to contribute to schoolhouse fire. By revealing Christy’s vulnerability and good nature, she invites the reader to see a different side of the gypsy community and succeeds in making the unfamiliar familiar.

Raised in New York City, the author has always kept strong ties to her Irish heritage. She once represented Washington D.C. in the Rose of Tralee pageant, lived in Ireland for many years, and eventually married a man from Swinford, Mayo. They go back to Mayo every year with their children to visit family there. In fact, the landscape and terrain near Killeencoff, a town on the outskirts of Westport, actually inspired one of the final scenes in The Outside Boy. Cummins is currently working on two more novels, one for children and one for adults, both of which are set in Mayo. For more information, visit www.theoutsideboy.com. ($15.00/320 pages/New American Library, a division of the Penguin Group)

Cummins said it was her goal in writing this book that she “might depict the traveller character beyond the usual stereotypes, by illustrating some of their hardships without turning them into victims, and some of their flaws without turning them into caricatures of violence and immortality.”

68

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Billy Alexander, stock.xchng

While the travelling community is known by many names in Ireland, their way of life is understood by few. In The Outside Boy, Jeanine Cummins offers a window into the values and traditions of the Pavee culture through the eyes of 11-year-old Christy Hurley.

MAYO MESSENGER

Cavan Society of Philadelphia

Visit us at www.cavansociety.com.

2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

69

Advertiser index MAYO MESSENGER company

contact

pG

Algonquin Round Table Mysteries

www.RoundTableMysteries.com

43

Blackthorn

www.irishthing.com

71

Cavan Society of Philadelphia

www.cavansociety.com

69

Cawley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

www.cawleysirishpub.com

67

CBM Creative

cbmullarkey@gmail.com

56

Cormac J. Brady

cormacjudebrady@yahoo.com

63

Come West Along the Road

rinceseit@msn.com

29

Commodore Barry Club

www.theirishcenter.com

72

Farrelly Brothers Landscape Contractors Inc.

tjfcavan@aol.com

25

Good Man Sealcoating

(610) 710-9643

27

Irish American Chamber of Business

www.iabcn.org

2

Jen Agatone

www.jenagatone.com

3

Liberty Mutual

john.mullarkey@libertymutual.com

5

Kane Insurance & Planning

(610) 585-1964

23

Kavanagh’s Family Catering

kavanaghcatering@gmail.com

70

Loose Leaf Concepts

www.looseleafconcepts.com

Kavanagh’s Family Catering Quality catering for all occasions...

15

Loughros Point Landscaping (610) 220-4142 & Hardscaping

49

Re/MAX Services

(610) 825-6778

41

Martin Insurance

(888) 410-3799

38

Mayo Association of Philadelphia

www.mayoassoc.com

35, 47

Mayo County Council

www.mayo.ie

17

McKenna’s Irish Shop

www.mckennasirishshop.com

12

Murtagh Bros. Inc.

www.murtaghconstruction.com

7

Rince Ri Irish Dance

www.rinceri-irishdance.com

53

Rose of Tralee

www.philadelphiarose.com

9

Theresa Flanagan Band

tmf98irish@yahoo.com

12

Volpe & Koenig P.C.

www.vklaw.com

39

Westminster Travel

www.wtvacations.com

11

Call today to discuss menu and pricing options for your next event!

All About Mayo Answer Key 1

2

M O Y '

3 5

6

G

B

H

4

A

P A T R I

R

L

11

A

M

L

I

I

I

N

D

N

16

A 14

J

C K

S

9

A C H I

12

U

A

U L Y

M

I

15

R O B I

H

L L

M I

T U R F

7 8

O

T

N

E

A

17

M

I

21 25

24

18

G A E L T A C H T

T

N A T I

B O D R A N

A

U

28

S W A N S K

D 34 37

W

30

H

F

H

I

I

I

B

E

35

K

R

F A M I

N E

N

O

G

N

O

Y

E

C O N G H

23

27

E

L

E

W E

D

T

S H I

P

39

41

A

W R E N

P O N T O O N 31

I

26

S

32

E N D A

L

B

R

S H E L L T O S E A

L

38

H

S

29

C

E

36

33

K

G R E E N

R

A 40

O

T R I

O C

M O N K S

N I

T Y

T Across River known for its salmon fishing Natural source of fuel that comes from the bog 6 Saint who is said to have converted Ireland to Christianity 8 Ireland’s largest island 13 Controversial gas project in Erris 14 Month during which the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is held.

1 4

70

Down Female star of the The Quiet Man, Maureen Town where Ireland’s first female president was born 4 Mayo is the ____ largest county in Ireland.

5 16th century pirate queen from Mayo, O’Malley 7 Popular Irish toast 9 This French general landed in Killala in 1798 10 Number of times the Mayo GAA team has 2 3

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

Owner/Operator

B

V

O N A L A N T H E M

D

Mickey Kavanagh

19 20

E

22

P

D

N S O N

E R

S

F

C O R R I

E

E

I

13

N E W S P A P E R E

10

The Irish Center 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA 19119 (215) 275-3779 www.theirishcenter.com kavanaghcatering@gmail.com

MAYO MESSENGER

BLACKTHORN It’s An Irish Thing!

UPCOMING SHOWS Thursday, March 15 6:30 pm Congressman Meehan Fundraiser Concordville Inn Concord Township, PA

Saturday, March 17 3:00 pm Harrah’s Casino and Race Track On the deck overlooking the racetrack

Friday, March 16 10:00 pm R.P. McMurphy’s Pub MacDade Blvd., Holmes, PA

Saturday, March 17 10:00 pm Brownie’s 23 East Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, PA

For more information, visit our website at

www.irishthing.com 2012 | MAYO MESSEN GE R

71

Making Memories for More Than 50 Years...

MAYO MESSENGER

Upcoming Events • March 16: Concert starring traditional Irish musician Moya Brennan at 8 pm; advance tickets $23, tickets at the door $25.

• March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Mass at 1 pm, followed by the monthly seniors’ luncheon; music and food available for purchase from 3 pm to 7 pm • March 23: The Ulster Historical Foundation presents an overview devoted to tracing Irish and Scots-Irish ancestry. This is sponsored by the Geneological Society of Pennsylvania and runs from 4 pm to 7:30 pm; admission is $30 and includes light refreshments.

• April 15: The Derry Society presents their annual family-oriented social, with live music, fun, and games for the children.

72

2 0 1 2 | M AYO M ESSENGER

The Commodore Barry Club is home to a number of Irish organizations and hosts monthly music and cultural events for the Irish community. With four rooms available for rental, we can host events for anywhere from 25 to 1,500 people. Call or visit us today!

The Commodore Barry Club 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA 19119 (215) 843-8051 www.theirishcenter.com