Desert Shamrock May-June 2017 e-magazine

January May-June – February 2017 ~ 2015 Arizona’s ~ Arizona’s Original Original Irish Newspaper Irish Newspaper ~ Vol. ~28, Vol. No. 26, 3 No. 1

Dragons

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

Celtic Pubs & Eateries

If you're looking for some Craic, look no further!

Greater Phoenix The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant 3841 E. Thunderbird Road, #111, Phoenix, AZ 85032 (east of AZ-51); 602-867-0984 www.dublinerpub.com Arizona’s original Irish pub and very first to serve Guinness on tap, Irish and American fare, games on big-screen TV, live music six nights a week.

Gallagher’s Sports Grill 7575 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020 (16th Street & Morten); 602-997-0084 3220 E. Baseline, Phoenix, AZ 85042 (NE corner of 32nd St. & Baseline); 602-437-0981 34406 N. Black Mountain Parkway, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (Carefree Hwy. & 48th Street); 480-595-8800 751 E Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85024 (7th & Union Hills); 602-867-3222 6750 W. Peoria, Peoria, AZ 85345 (north side of Peoria at 67th Avenue); 623-486-2118 www.gallaghersaz.com Discover a great tasting menu, HD sports, daily and late night specials, weekend breakfast, karaoke, trivia and OTB!

The Harp Irish Pub 1744 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85204 (just south of US-60 in Dana Park Village Square) 480-507-7827 www.theharpaz.com An Irish pub from our interior to our menu. We offer a perfect blend of modern and comfort Irish/American food and drinks in an authentic atmosphere. Dueling pianos Fridays 9pm; live music Saturdays 8pm.

The Irish Wolfhound Restaurant & Pub 16811 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, AZ 85374 (just south of Bell Road) 623-214-1004 www.irishwolfhoundpub.com Bringing a little piece of Ireland to the desert. Featured on PBS “Check, Please!” with award-winning Corned Beef & Cabbage and Guinness Battered Atlantic Cod.

The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub 1 N. First Street, #201, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (between Washington and Adams) 602-651-1185 www.thekettleblackpub.com Late night restaurant, bar and grill. Jimmy Culleton and Tom Montgomery bring you another great gastrobpub menu and Irish atmosphere. Grand opening was packed! See ad page 19

Mountain View Pub 7033 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (west of crossroads: Tom Darlington & Cave Creek) 480-575-7782; (480)-5757PUB Facebook: Mountain View Pub - Cave Creek Extensive lines of Irish whiskey and beers. Irish influenced pub fare.

Amazing mountain views experienced from our indoor/outdoor bar and patio!

O’Connor’s Pub 2601 W. Dunlap Avenue, #7, Phoenix, AZ 85021 (east of I-17) 602-997-7714 www.oconnorspub.com Where You’re A Stranger Only Once! For some good ol’ Irish hospitality in the Valley of the Sun, drop in the best Irish pub in Phoenix!

Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub 906 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014 (additional parking on 10th Street! 100 feet away!)

602-241-1916 Irish owned and operated pub in central Phoenix serving good food and drink, the traditional Irish way, showing all Celtic FC matches, daily specials. Sláinte!

Rúla Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant 401 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 (between University and Rio Salado Parkway) 480-929-9500 www.rulabula.com Downtown Tempe, old world pub serving traditional and contemporary pub fare. Draft craft beer, premium whiskies and specialty cocktails.

Daily Happy Hour. Live Music weekends. See ad page 19

Séamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub 18 W. Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (adjacent to historic Hotel San Carlos) 602-253-6081 www.seamusmccaffreys.com Downtown Phoenix’ Original Irish Pub & Restaurant. Est.-1991. Corned beef & cabbage, Irish stew, fish & chips, full menu, weekend brunch, AZ’s largest whiskey menu, 10 on tap, open late. See ad page 3

Tim Finnegan’s Irish Restaurant & Bar 9201 N. 29th Avenue, #52, Phoenix, AZ 85051 (west of I-17 and just north of Dunlap Ave.) 602-997-2323 www.timfinnegans.com Evokes images of the great old pubs of Ireland with blend of modern Ireland’s music, food, beverages. Featured on PBS “Check, Please!”

Arizona #404 | Chapter 2 of 3. See ad page 19

New customers are looking for you!

Accepting Celtic listings in Arizona.

WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

THE DESERT SHAMROCK MAY/JUNE 2017 PHOTO BY JOZSEF DEMETER

Dragons

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ere be dragons” means dangerous or unexplored territories, in imitation of a medieval practice of putting illustrations of dragons, sea monsters and other mythological creatures on uncharted areas of maps [Wikipedia].

What is the fascination? Legends, imaginative storytelling, sheer fantasy, contrasted with real-life likenesses—expressed through word and art for children and some strictly for adults. In the May-June edition, you’ll find here be dragons throughout!

Support the Prescott Highland Games in May [see page 4] and head for cooler temperatures in central Arizona’s higher elevations. While in town, stop by the English Garden Tea Room & Bistro. Proprietors, Ken and Gidgette Moshier, saw a copy of our NovemberDecember 2016 edition “All About Tea” and contacted me to be included for our readers. I’ll be there!

Plan your summer travels to Ireland and Scotland (hint: you may want to look at back issues at www.desertshamrock.com/archive).

Enjoy life and blessings, and a good read!

Ann Niemann, Editor in Chief and Publisher PS The photo of a dragon’s eye is actually a close-up of a green iguana. Related, eh?

Breakfast • Lunch Sunday Brunch • Appetizers Dinner • Cocktails Pet friendly patio

3 No. 1 26, No. Vol. ~ Vol. ~28, Irish Newspaper Irish Newspaper Original Original ~ Arizona’s Arizona’s 2015 2017 ~ – February May-June January

Dragons

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ARIZONA’S ORIGINAL IRISH NEWSPAPER

Serving the Celtic Community 2320 E. Baseline Rd., #148-623 Phoenix, AZ 85042 • (602) 568-3455 Visit www.DesertShamrock.com • E-mail: info@desertshamrock.com Owner & Editor in Chief • Ann Niemann Publisher • Niemann Publishing, Inc. Art Direction, Design & Layout • Erin Loukili, Jaclyn Threadgill Masthead Design • Elaine’s Design Emporium Contributing Columnists Janice Bryson • J Carro • Sharonah Fredrick Katie Caufield Ginder • Brian Hanrahan • Ellen Harrington Carmelita Lee • Iain Lundy • Lynn Herdman Mascarelli Maureen & Jack Sullivan • Eric McBride Chris Stevenson Kristie Stevenson • Marshall Trimble • Bob Wallace Lois Wallace • Liz Warren • Jan Whalen • Caroline Woodiel Publisher – Julie O’Mahar (2003 - 2013) Editor - Kathleen Wood (2003 - 2008) Publisher - Maureen O’Mahar (1996 - 2002) Founding Publisher - Robert E. Graham (1987 - 1996) Copyright © 2017 - Niemann Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of ‘The Desert Shamrock,’ the publisher or the editorial staff. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement of a product or service. Unsolicited materials become the property of Niemann Publishing, Inc. All unsolicited materials are greatly appreciated and carefully evaluated although publication is not guaranteed.

SeamusMcCaffreys.com

24th Annual

(602) 253-6081 SeamusMcCaffreys.com 18 West Monroe Phoenix, Arizona 85003

1 8 We s t M o n r o e P h o e n i x ,WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM Arizona 85003

DON’T MISS THIS

Here be

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

Cool off in Prescott at the 13th Annual

Artwork by Russ Miller

MayCool 13 & off 14 at Lake, inWatson Prescott at9-5 thedaily

TICKET PRICES Nationally known Wicked 12th Annual HighlandAdults Games one-day pass Tinkers at the Main Stage $15; two-day pass $20 Mayplus 14pipe & 15 at Watson bands, Highland Lake, 9-5 daily Senior/Military/ dancing, heavy athletics, Students one-day pass $10; two-day pass $15 Whiskyknown tastings and more!

Nationally Wicked Tinkers and California Celts Children 5 and a family and dog plus We pipeare bands, Highland dancing, heavy athletics, under FREE friendly event.

Tickets sold 10 orfriendly more tastings and more! We are a familyGroups andofdog $10 each at the Tickets door orsold online. event. at the door or online.

www.PrescottAreaCelticSociety.com www.prescottareacelticsociety.com

Scottish Made Kilts Rent • Sell New • Used

www.KiltRentalUSA.com info@kiltrentalusa.com 15821 N. 79th St. Suite 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 1-877-KILT-SHOP • 480-460-0907

M ichael McClanathan ARIZONA’S FAVORITE BAGPIPER Listen to music samples at www.thebagpiper.com Kilt rentals available for your special event at KiltRentalUSA.com 602-549-4394 • 480-460-0907 www.thebagpiper.com

Announcing the selection of

Lauren Koll

2017 Arizona Colleen & Rose of Tralee WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

Grandmother is from Tiree, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland

Lauren, age 23, earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with an emphasis on Advertising and minor in Hospitality, Restaurant, Tourism, Management, and Event Planning. She works for the City of Chandler, AZ, and also serves on the Board of Chandler-Tullamore, Ireland Sister Cities. Lauren will represent Arizona at Ireland’s Rose of Tralee Int’l. Festival in August. [See page 18 for dates]

THE DESERT SHAMROCK MAY/JUNE 2017

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS May/June 2017 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper

ARTS 8 James Joyce Ulysses and a special Arizona challenge 15 SCOTS: Great “action” poem for children…The Dragons Rap 19 Trilogy coming: The Caves of Da’Nath

CULTURE 3 Publisher’s Note: Here be dragons!

7 Keltic Kitchen: Queen of Puddings 7 Celtic Caterer: Baked Pears Wrapped in Bacon with Goat Cheese 10 Dragons in Celtic Myth and Legend 11 The Weaver and The Dragon: An Irish Tale of Chivalry

EVENTS 4 13th Annual Scottish Highland Games, Prescott 4 MUSICAL: Disney The Little Mermaid, Phoenix 8, 9, 18 Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library EVENTS, Phoenix 13 FILM: The Irish Pub, Phoenix 18 Bloomsday “Bloomin’ Beerfest”, Phoenix 18 Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy 18 Teen Summer Camps in Ireland 18 Get-a-Ways to Ireland, hosted by ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities 18 Rose of Tralee Int’l. Festival, Ireland BACK – CONCERT Celtic Woman, Mesa

HISTORY 6 Irish Tales from Arizona Territory: Irish Arizona Project

FEATURES

6 Arizona: Did you know?

TRAVEL 12 Left Lane Maureen, Part 19: Ireland’s lighthouses, castles, and unique overnights 14 SCOTS: Glasgow! The Second City of Scotland 14 SCOTS: Scotland Bucket List – Forth and Clyde Canal 15 SCOTS: Let Glasgow Flourish – the story behind the city’s quaint coat-of-arms

3, 5, 10, 11, 15, 19 Here be dragons!

OUT & ABOUT 17 Photo Galleries (mini this edition)

DIRECTORIES 2 Celtic Pubs and Eateries 16-17 Organizations, Sister Cities, Dance, Musicians, Clans

CALENDAR 18 Schedule of Events

14, 15

Glasgow, Scotland

NEXT ISSUE SNEAK PEEK PHOTO BY DOMNICK WALSH, 2016

2017 NORTH AMERICAN ROSES OF TRALEE SPECIAL EDITION

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Ireland’s lighthouses, castles, and unique overnights WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

Irish Tales from Arizona Territory

BY JANICE RYAN BRYSON

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he Irish Arizona Project was established in 2006 by myself and the late Kathy Shappee Wood. We were both lovers of history; particularly the history of Arizona and the Irish who found a home here.

The Desert Shamrock had given us both an opportunity to write articles about the Irish who had come to our fair state. Kathy contacted me and suggested joining forces to establish a project dedicated to collecting the stories of those of Irish birth and ancestry who came to Arizona in territorial times and in the early years of Arizona statehood.

The Irish Arizona Project was born and we both enjoyed traveling around the

state visiting museums and historical societies. A special highlight was interviewing the descendants of early Irish immigrants and featuring their stories in our writings. Our research examined a unique population not typically associated with the American Southwest, shedding light on social and family dynamics in a unique way.

In October 2006, we created our first exhibit at the Arizona Irish Festival in Phoenix. We had a large tent and our challenge was figuring out how we would hang our exhibition boards.

Kathy and her husband, Len, soon solved that problem. Did you know that chicken “wire” is also made in plastic? We hung the plastic from the edge of the tent and using Velcro® woven through the spaces were able to hang our displays. It was a small exhibit but we were both pleased to see a product of our own creation and hard work. We happily added more to our exhibit each year.

The Arcadia Publishing Company began publishing their Images of America series of picture history books. Kathy and I took the opportunity to put our research to paper and worked hard to publish Irish Arizona. Sadly, Kathy passed away in August of 2008. She was able to review the first draft of our book that was distributed in March 2009 around St. Patrick’s Day. I have continued my research, and writing a column for The Desert Shamrock.

SALEM, NH 603-898-5130 FAX 603-898-5113

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MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES P.O. Box 1768 Salem, NH 03079

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Electrical, Mechanical, Plastics, Metals, and Contract Mfg. Joe Lewis Cell 617-510-9260 Joe Jr. 603-365-1301 WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

ARIZONA:

When Arizona’s centennial celebration was approaching, I contacted the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Board about an exhibit of the Irish in Arizona at the Irish Cultural Center during the Faire.

They agreed and thanks to the continued support of Brenda McKay and Len Wood, the centennial celebration of the Irish in Arizona was held during the 2011 and 2012 Irish Faire.

Shay Maxwell even dressed in his 1880s clothing and brought his Faro game to show our visitors a gambling game from Arizona Territory. My sister and niece helped set up the display and others at the Center, particularly Mary Moriarty, made sure everything was in place.

I am pleased to be volunteering at the McClelland Library as we work together to collect and preserve the stories and images of the Irish pioneers who survived and thrived in the American Southwest.

More to come with news of that project from the Library!

Please contact me at info@desertshamrock.com with “Attention Janice Bryson” to have this exhibit at your venue/ event.

Did you know?

51. Chino Valley’s Fort Whipple was a U.S. Army post that served as Arizona Territory’s first capital prior to the founding of Prescott. The post was founded in January 1864, but was moved in May 1864 to Granite Creek near present-day Prescott.

52. The hottest temperature recorded in Arizona was 128 degrees at Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994.

53. The Arizona towns of Adair and Alamo Crossing are now underwater, having been swallowed up by the formation of dams that created Fool Hollow Lake and Alamo Lake (respectively).

Read more fun and fascinating facts about Arizona NEXT edition.

Janice Ryan Bryson descended from Irish Pioneers who arrived in the Arizona Territory in the 1880s. She is co-founder of the Irish Arizona Project and co-author of the book Irish Arizona. Janice was named an Arizona Culture Keeper for her research on the Irish in our state and is a recipient of the 2015 Anam Cara Award.

PHOTO BY GARY M. JOHNSON

HISTORY

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Of Irish descent and Arizona’s Official State Historian, Marshall Trimble has been called the “Will Rogers of Arizona.” He’s a “cowboy philosopher,” educator, lecturer, author, folk singer and stage performer, and appears frequently on radio and television. He created and taught Arizona history at Scottsdale Community College for forty years where he was also Director of Southwest Studies.

THE DESERT SHAMROCK MAY/JUNE 2017

BY KATIE CAUFIELD GINDER

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ia daoibh a chaired! (Hello friends!)

My mom previously resided in Scotland and I remember her raving about her first Queen of Puddings experience. The exact origins of this pudding are difficult to pinpoint; however, puddings consisting of bread soaked in milk date back to the 17th century. Additionally, because similar recipes became popular during the early 20th century, historians believe the dish

could have been named after the late Queen Victoria.

Friends, do not let the dessert’s fancy name mislead you as the pudding is not very complex. The base is comprised of milk, breadcrumbs and egg custard, followed by a small layer of jam, and is topped with peaks of meringue. The pudding is not very sweet as the custard flavor takes center stage. If you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your foodie friends, I encourage you to end your next dinner party with a Queen of Puddings.

Enjoy!

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Generously butter shallow 2 pt. pie or baking dish.

Boil milk and lemon zest in small saucepan. Remove from heat and incorporate butter, 1 T. (7 g.) powdered sugar, and breadcrumbs. Stir until well mixed and set aside to cool for 20 minutes.

Add egg yolks to milk mixture and stir to combine.

Pour mixture into buttered dish and place in a roasting pan filled ¾ full with hot water.

Bake 30-40 minutes until custard is set. Cool for 10 minutes and then carefully spread warmed jam on top of custard.

Increase oven temperature to 450ºF/230ºC. With an electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff. Whisk in 2 T. (13 g.) powdered sugar to form a glossy meringue. Fold in remaining 1 T. (7 g.) powdered sugar.

Pour meringue over custard and swirl top to form peaks. Dust powdered sugar on top and return to oven for 15 minutes, or until brown.

Remove from oven and enjoy warm.

Note: Feel free to use a different type of seedless jam.

Katie Caufield Ginder lives in Gilbert with her husband and two sons.

Her background is in higher education program management, instruction, and faculty recruitment. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, yoga, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and learning about her Irish heritage.

Katie’s great, great paternal grandfather was from Galway and immigrated to Pennsylvania in the 1860s.

CELTIC CATERER

Baked Pears Wrapped in Bacon with Goat Cheese

BY CHEF ERIC W. MCBRIDE

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he Channel that lies between two of the oldest Celtic nations, is in fact a multimillennial trade route between Cornwall and Britany France. Trade has extended from natural resources, woods, furs and of course various food products between the two regions.

Pears have been a part of the northwestern European diet since before the time of the Greeks. However, it does take a bit of a cold winter to allow the trees to flower. The French have long used pears in various foods as well as drinks. The Bretons though have been able to combine the fruit with cuts of pork and the Cornish people have been known to introduce rum into a great many dishes. It is not known where exactly this dish comes from because of the several thousand years of trade between these two Celtic nations. This dish shows the shared influence and styles of the Channel Celts.

Chef McBride is an awardwinning chef and author of four Celtic cookbooks (Scotland, Ireland, Wales & Manx, and Celtic-style vegetarian), and has a line of traditional Celtic Seasoning mixes. You can get his books via his website www.celticcaterer.com or on his Facebook page “the Celtic Caterer & Chef Eric W. McBride, or on YouTube.

Serves 4-8 INGREDIENTS: 4 Large ripe Pears 8 Pieces of Bacon, thick cut 8 tsp. Goat Cheese, plain ½ Lemon 5 Tbs. Butter, room temp 5 Tbs. Brown Sugar 5 Tbs. Graham Cracker crumbs 1 tsp. Vanilla extract 1 tsp. Spiced Rum ½ tsp. ground Cinnamon ¼ tsp. Nutmeg DIRECTIONS: Step 1. Cut each pear in half lengthwise. Core each pear with a melon baller. Rub cut portion of pear with lemon juice to keep from browning, including hollowed area.

Step 2. In a bowl, combine soften butter with brown sugar, spices, graham crackers, rum, and vanilla.

Spoon into hollowed areas of pear until leveled.

Step 3. Spoon an equal portion of goat cheese onto the top of the hollowed area.

Step 4. Place end of thick cut of Bacon and wrap at the bottom of the cut portion of the pear and wrap

across the pear widthwise, around the pear and again over the rest of the pear. The stuffed area of the pear should be totally covered by the bacon and only a small portion of the top of the pear should be exposed.

Step 5. Line a cookie sheet with foil and place all 8 halves on sheet. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Remove and allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Best served hot.

THESE RECIPES AND MORE FROM CHEF McBRIDE’S NEW BACON CELTIC COOK BOOK. NOW ON SALE. www.celticcaterer.com or on Facebook at “The Celtic Caterer & Chef Eric W. McBride”.

WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

CULTURE

Queen of Puddings

Serves 6 INGREDIENTS: 1 pint (600 ml) milk 1 oz. unsalted butter 4 oz. fresh white breadcrumbs ¼ c./25 g. powdered sugar Finely grated zest from 1 lemon 3 Tbs. seedless raspberry jam, warmed 4 eggs (yolks and whites separated into two different bowls)

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

James Joyce’s Ulysses and a special Arizona challenge

BY CAROLINE WOODIEL

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ew novels elicit strong immediate reactions like James Joyce’s Ulysses. Those who love the novel often speak highly of Joyce’s stream-of-conscious writing style in what is arguably his most wellknown and controversial work. When discussing Ulysses you may also come across a number of individuals lacking enthusiasm for the novel. Some readers first come into contact with Joyce’s novel by being assigned Ulysses in school, while others muster up their courage and tackle it for fun. Regardless of how one comes to the novel, reading Ulysses is challenging. When it comes to James Joyce, the challenge is worth the effort.

Readers new to Joyce often ask themselves, why do we? Why should we read James Joyce’s great novel?

Depending on who you ask, different people identify with different aspects of Ulysses. Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation board member Jim Daugherty enjoys the history of Dublin within Joyce’s novel. “Ulysses in particular is set with precision in the streets and alleyways of the city,” notes Daugherty. “Joyce said he wrote Ulysses such that if Dublin were wiped from the planet, it could be rebuilt completely from the book. It is an intriguing study into 1900s Dublin, its people and the workings of one man’s mind.”

Chas Moore, the Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, as well as a traditional Irish musician, finds himself drawn to Ulysses

WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

by the expansive reference to music throughout the book. “Music plays an integral role in the narrative and stream-of-consciousness in the novel,” states Moore. “To understand Ulysses, it must be read aloud, where the combination of the words and musical illusions form a type of musical composition that propels the seemingly incoherent story forward.”

The novel has become so influential that every June 16, Ulysses becomes the center of international spotlight.

Cities around the world celebrate “Bloomsday,” a holiday based on the novel’s protagonist Leopold Bloom. From Dublin to Paris, Melbourne to Philadelphia, and Pula to Phoenix, Bloomsday is a grand celebration. The novel’s holiday is celebrated across the globe, often involving an Edwardian ensemble, a discussion of literature, and sometimes a few spirits to lubricate the mind.

In addition to our annual festivities, this year the McClelland Library proposes a challenge. The Library is challenging the readers of The Desert Shamrock and the Arizona Irish Community to make the Bloomsday year you read Ulysses. Should you find yourself wanting to wade in slowly, Dr. Joyce East of the McClelland Library Book Discussion Group suggests starting with Joyce’s short stories before heading head first into Ulysses.

Be it a few pages a month, a week-long binge, or an audio book in the car as you are stuck in rush hour traffic on the I-10, let’s see how many people can finish Ulysses between Bloomsday 2017 and Bloomsday 2018. Email me at caroline.woodiel@azirishlibrary.org to let us know!

Kelsey Kelleher, Chas Moore, and Caroline Woodiel during the Bloomsday Bloomin’ Beerfest 2016 at the Irish Cultural Center Caroline Woodiel is a Librarian at the McClelland Library in Phoenix, AZ. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Colorado and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona. Caroline is of both Irish and Scottish descent and thankful said ancestors set her up for discovering life in a much warmer climate.

Celebrate Bloomsday at the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library

Saturday June 10

Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest

A unique Bloomsday celebration commemorating Irish author James Joyce and his groundbreaking novel, Ulysses, with readings from the novel and Irish music.

Wide selection of craft beer tastings, and food available for purchase. find out more on our website at azirish.org

First Friday in May Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Presentation on the Los San Patricios, Ernesto Patino, featured author, live music and the singing circle.

Food for sale/Full cash bar.

Free admission. All ages welcome.

Last chance to see the acclaimed exhibition: “Remembering the Easter Rising” closing June 29!

AND COMING IN OCTOBER: Save the date 10th Annual Anam Cara Gala Saturday October 14, 2017

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See the calendar and directory in this issue for more information about us.

Summer 2017 Public Walk-In Hours (Tours, Library & Genealogy) Memorial Day to Labor Day 10AM – 3PM Wednesday & Thursday 3PM – 6PM Wednesday Evenings (Library and Genealogy only)

Closed August

Scheduled tours by appointment only

Summer Office Hours

10AM – 3PM Tuesday – Friday

Fall/Winter/Spring Regular Hours: 10AM – 3PM Tuesday – Saturday 3PM – 6PM Wednesday Evenings (Library and Genealogy only)

Closed all major holidays Open Additional Hours for Scheduled Classes, Meetings & Events

1106 North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004 602.258.0109

azirish.org info@azirish.org The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library are divisions of the Irish Cultural & Learning Foundation and are owned and maintained by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.

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Dragons in Celtic Myth

CULTURE

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

and Legend

ILLUSTRATION BY KOSTIC DUSAN

BY DR. SHARONAH FREDRICK

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ost television documentaries tell the viewer that the word “dragon” comes from the Latin “drac,” and that it refers to the Devil himself. Etymologists who study the Hebrew language, such as the late Yehudah T. Carmi, noted that the Old Testament had a different vision of a dragon, and it was benevolent. It cured the Jewish people of an affliction that beset them during the forty years in which they wandered in the wilderness with Moses. The name of this dragon, represented by a copper statue (unusual for early Jewish tradition, which supposedly viewed all such creations as idolatry) was, in Hebrew Nehushtan—literally, “made from copper.”

There has always been a connection between the concept of dragons, precious metals, and alchemy. Celtic dragons were described as guarding the “philosopher’s stone”: a medieval alchemical belief that the dragon possessed the magical substance that could transform baser metals into gold.

Dragons, in Celtic legends, were believed to augur historical events: the WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

young boy magician Merlin (yes, he of the later King Arthur tales) ostensibly revealed the existence of two eternally combatting dragons, one red, one white, beneath a pit under the castle of the Welsh King Vortigern. The white dragon represented the Anglo-Saxon presence, the red one the Cymric Welsh. Their death-struggle incarnated the war for the British Isles and, by extension, the Emerald Isle, since time immemorial.

Dragons present a sobering vision of the past. Is there any hope for the future? Some scholars of Celtic tradition, and many folklorists, beginning with the famed Lady Gregory and continuing with the poet W.B. Yeats, found that Ireland’s vision of dragons is far from later European ideas of St. George battling the mythical lizard. That story, transposed onto Irish literature and art with the Anglo-Norman invasions of the 12th century, proscribes a clear vision of good vs. evil.

However, Celtic thought sees the dragon as a powerful symbol of earth-fertility. Where the dragon rests temporarily, as he trundles across the earth, becomes a vortex of power, and there are oral

traditions in the West of Ireland that see the Celtic cross as an interlocking image of “dragon resting points” in the Celtic countries. A delightful story, still prevalent in the 19th century, when Lady Gregory first ventured into the world of Irish folklore, tells of how the Shannon Valley was formed: the dragon dragged its immense tail throughout the region, as it raised itself up from the watery depths. The Shannon Valley, and those like it, are our remnants of the dragon’s tail.

The Celts saw the dragon as “telluric” or “earth force”...something that unites the Celtic vision with those of the peoples of the Peruvian and Chilean Andes. There, the huge mountain ridges are viewed as the outcroppings of the two-headed dragon Amaru, whose tail and second head spirals in on itself, much the same as the spirals of Celtic roads constantly touch, intersect, and then fan outwards.

The Romans—Julius Caesar himself—were annoyed by Celtic roadwork. It was circular, spiraling, interloping…and Roman roads were straight, leading irrevocably from Point A to Point B. Celtic roads may have been following a more dragon-like logic than

Rome’s. The Irish “water-horse,” Muirdris, scarred Fergus Mac Leti when that noble attempted to harm him. Muirdris was believed to be an incarnation of the earlier sea-serpent Sinach, who may or may not have something in common with the mythical creature (and they are, it should be remembered, mythical creatures) of Scotland’s Loch Ness.

Celtic legends, like Celtic roads, spiral back and forth, and that is far more enjoyable than the roads that march drudgingly from Point A to Point B.

Sharonah Fredrick is currently co-editing a book of essays for Ibero-Vervuet publishers, about the influence of Peru’s greatest indigenous chronicler: Guaman Poma. She has a PhD in Latin American Colonial Literature; MA in Renaissance History; and BA in Cultural Anthropology. She’s multi-lingual; attended Yeats Summer School and Merryman Literature Summer School in Ireland, as well as doing independent study in the Donegal Gaeltacht, and summer courses at Trinity College, Dublin.

THE DESERT SHAMROCK MAY/JUNE 2017

11

An Irish Tale of Chivalry

COPYRIGHT : NIHONGO

N

BY LIZ WARREN

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here was once a weaver who lived in County Meath in the town of Duleek. He was by all accounts an honest and industrious man with a wife and children – lots of children. So many children in fact that the weaver was obliged to work his fingers to the bone – up early and down late and the loom never standing still.

One morning his wife called him to his breakfast, but as he was in the middle of a difficult pattern and in a bad temper, he ignored her.

When he finally came in it was to see his porridge covered in flies.

“The impudence of you beasts,” he cried! “Spoil my breakfast, will you?” And he lifted his hand and made one great slam into the porridge and killed no less than three-score and ten of them at one blow – which he knew because he counted each and every one of them!

And as the enormity of his achievement dawned upon him, his head began to swell. “There has never been a stronger hand! Look at that fist! That’s the fist that killed three score and ten with one blow!”

He realized he’d been wasting his life as a weaver, when surely, he should have been a champion. So, he made himself a suit of armor from old kettles and saucepans. He took a pot lid for a shield, and on it he painted these words: I’m the Man of All Men, that killed three-score and ten, in one blow. He stole the miller’s horse and headed for Dublin.

ow, in those days Dublin was a great place and even had its own king. As it happened, the king was looking out his window as the weaver rode up to the castle, and when he read the words on the pot-lid shield, he called out, “You’re the very man I’ve been waiting for!”

“How’s that, your Majesty,” asked the tailor?

So, the king explained that all his stoutest nights had not been able to kill a dragon that had been harassing the people out in County Galway.

“As you’ve killed 70 with one blow, it will be easy for you to dispatch this blackguard dragon,” said the king.

“Just the kind of work I’ve been looking for myself ”, replied the weaver.

“I’ll be proud to serve you.”

And so, the deal was set. The king gave the weaver as much gold as he could stuff into his kitchenware armor, and a bold steed better suited to his task than the miller’s old nag.

Having made his fortune, he had no intention of fighting the dragon. But try as he could, the horse would not go towards Duleek. The king, being no fool, had given the weaver a horse special trained to only go to Galway.

F

our days later, just as they crossed into Galway City, he saw a crowd of people running as if the devil himself was at their heels, “The dragon!

The dragon!”

The terrible beast was coming right for him, breathing sulfurous flames, and just in the nick of time, he threw himself from the horse as the dragon devoured it body and bones.

He scrambled up a tree and the dragon was right behind him.

“In truth,” said the dragon, “You might as well come down out of that, for I’ll have you sure as eggs is meat.”

“The devil a foot, I’ll not be coming down,” said the weaver.

“Sooner or later you’ll fall,” said the dragon, as he curled himself completely around the base of the tree and picked his teeth with his tail.

But having eaten a whole village, and the weaver’s horse, the dragon grew drowsy. Soon he was snoring away and every snore was like a clap of thunder.

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he weaver crawled down carefully, slowly, but just as he was almost to the ground, didn’t that last branch break. He fell right on the dragon with his legs on either side of his neck and quick as he could he grabbed the dragon’s ears.

In a rage, the dragon flew up, with plumes of fire in every breath. But try as he could he couldn’t bite the weaver, burn him, or shake him off. He flew like mad, and where do you think he went? Right to the king’s castle in Dublin.

The king was again looking out his window when he saw his champion astride the blazing dragon crash right into the castle wall. He called his knights and his firemen and they all rushed out.

By the time they got there, the weaver had scrambled off the stunned dragon, and bowed low to greet the king.

“Please, your majesty. I did not think myself worthy of killing this facetious beast, so I brought him here so you could do the honors.” And just like that, the king drew his sword and separated the dragon’s head from his body.

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midst great rejoicing, the king proclaimed the weaver lord of all dragons. And he offered him his daughter’s hand in marriage as well.

But since the weaver and lord of dragons already had a wife back in Duleek, and since he had heard that the daughter was the worst dragon of all, he politely declined.

“I believe not, indeed,” said the weaver, “but many thanks to your majesty all the same.”

And so, the weaver returned to his wife and children in Duleek and his armor was retired. They say that with the gold he got from the king, all those children were well fed and dressed – no matter how much or little time he spent at his loom.

[Adapted from Legends and Stories of Ireland by Samuel Lover]

Liz Warren is the Director of the Storytelling Institute at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, AZ. She spends every summer in Ireland teaching the Irish Storytelling Tradition as part of Mesa Community College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program (mesacc.edu/sai).

Contact her at liz.warren@southmountaincc.edu .

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CULTURE

THE WEAVER AND THE DRAGON:

MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEITH AND LAURIE BRAMMER

TRAVEL

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Ireland’s Lighthouses, Castles, and Unique Overnights DRIVING TIPS FROM LEFT LANE MAUREEN

PART 19:

Galley Head lighthouse

BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN, CTC CORK, IRELAND

O

ne of the wonderful Irish organizations we have worked with over the last several years is the Irish Landmark Trust. The Irish Landmark Trust was formed in 1992 to preserve historic sites and buildings and turn them into truly special self-catering holiday accommodations. The Landmark Trust properties range from lighthouses to schoolhouses, to castles and gate lodges.

Over the past two decades the Trust has conserved 25 quirky, eccentric and distinctive buildings across Ireland. The Landmark Trust only uses the best craftspeople and artisans to restore lovely sites, using traditional skills that might otherwise be lost. Public and private owners typically agree to let the Trust take the properties on a 50-year lease, which allow the Trust to make them into suitable housing. Once a lease expires, it reverts to the owners.

One of the many benefits of a restored property is the uplift in morale

that comes to the local community. The infusion of cash by Landmark guests creates a new energy. Keeping the building truly relevant, means offering the romance of a spiral staircase, along with a modern kitchen and a shower that works.

A stay in an Irish Landmark Trust is memorable, comfortable, and elegant without any manufactured lifestyle gimmicks.

Some of the properties include a wonderful stay at a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. The houses with their elevated setting atop the rocky cliffs make an ideal location for relaxing. The views from every angle are inspiring and breathtaking.

Our clients, Keith and Laurie Brammer, enjoyed a week stay at the Loop Head in County Clare and one week at the Galley Head lighthouse several years ago.

The Loop Head Lightkeepers’ House Living on the Edge The Loop Head Station in County Clare is located at the tip of Loop Head. Guests can enjoy a myriad of activities from visiting the Cliffs of Moher, to surfing at

Kilkee and walking to the Bridges of Ross.

Our clients were delighted to hear the sea waves crashing outside their window each morning. One morning, as the sun was coming up, they chased three spectacular rainbows!! The lighthouses have a western view, so each evening they watched the sun sinking into the Atlantic Ocean and listened to the rhythm of the waves against the rocky shore.

There are numerous other lighthouse keepers cottages available in counties Cork, Antrim, Donegal, and two in County Down.

Included below is a short list of cottages, houses, and lodges scattered across Ireland: Railway Crossing Lodge — near Donegal town, sleeps 2 Inchiquin House — Corofin, County Clare, sleeps 10 Knockalosset House — Canningstown, Bailleborough, County Cavan, sleeps 4 Kiln Wing, Old Corn Mill — Bushmills, County Antrim, sleeps 2

Schoolhouse at Annaghmore — Collooney, County Sligo, sleeps 4 Triumphal Arch Lodge — Colebrooke, County Fermanagh, sleeps 4 Georgian Townhouse — Temple Bar, County Dublin, sleeps 7 Castletown Roundhouse — Celbridge, County Kildare, sleeps 6 Enjoy Ireland!!

Maureen and John (“Jack”) are the owners of Sullivan’s Travels, Inc. Maureen has been a travel professional for 25 years, moving their business to Phoenix four years ago. www.sullivanstravels.com

Jack’s parents were born in County Cork, Ireland, settling in Chicago in the 1920s.

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DRAGON STUFF… HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW? Red Dragon, White Dragon, Polar Dragon (hint: Yeats), Puff the Magic Dragon, Komodo dragon up to 9.9’ long, Toothless the dragon, dragon boat, dragonfly, dragon lady (scary), emblem of Wales, dragon fruit and sushi dragon roll – yum!

CHALLENGE:

Go to The Desert Shamrock Facebook page; for every unique, new “dragon” item you send, counts as one entry for a drawing July 1. If you name an item AND send an image, counts as two entries. Hmmm…what will the prize be?

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

SCOTS

PHOTOS COURTESY VISITSCOTLAND.COM

BUCKET LIST:

Forth and Clyde Canal PHOTOS COURTESY VISITSCOTLAND.COM

George Square

GLASGOW! The Second City of Scotland

BY LOIS WALLACE

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BY BOB WALLACE

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Lois Wallace is the owner of Authentic Celtic Travels, based in Phoenix, AZ. Not only is her heritage Scottish and Irish, she married into Clan Wallace. Her business focus is on all Celtic nations.

She has extensive knowledge of Scotland, having traveled there numerous times individually and leading groups.

PHOTO BY LOIS WALLACE

ecently I was speaking with a client about their trip to Scotland. They said that they had been told by others “there is not much to see in Glasgow, so don’t bother with it.” Well, that is certainly not my opinion. As far as I am concerned Glasgow is a must see!

Granted it does not have an ancient Castle or a Royal Palace like Edinburgh.

Nonetheless Glasgow has played an important part in ancient and more recent history. Glasgow’s highs and lows as a Merchant and Port City have often been the mirror of the prosperity felt by the majority in Scotland.

My Top Five to see in Glasgow encompasses many significant times in the history of Glasgow.

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis – the rare example of a 13th century cathedral, it was saved from destruction during the Reformation by the parishioners changing to a Protestant service. It is located on the ancient site of a 6th century church founded

by St. Mungo, said to be entombed in the extremely atmospheric Crypt. The Necropolis located behind on the hillside tells the story of Glasgow’s wealthy merchant families.

Provand’s Lordship – Sitting across from the cathedral, originally built in 1471 as a canon’s resident is Glasgow’s oldest serving house and now museum. The low ceilings and period furnishing recreate how the wealthy would have lived in the 15th century.

George Square – The heart of the city, a focal point built in Victorian times. Merchant House (1877) and the City Chambers (1888) are excellent examples of architecture of the era. The Square is well used by the locals, it is a place you may often find impromptu entertainment. We have often seen Pipers, Dancers, Mimes and other artists

entertaining. A great place to people watch and visit with the locals.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – Housed in a vast red-sandstone building built in 1901 in Kelvingrove Park, from which it gets its name. It is an impressive structure that houses one of the best collections in Britain. The museum has a large archaeological collection, ethnological, natural history, and engineering. Literally something to interest anyone. The art collection is one of the finest and often with special exhibits of Scottish artists.

Just walking in the door is exhilarating.

National Museum of Piping – For lovers of the Music of the Pipes, a must see. You can learn the history and development of the Highland Pipes. The building also houses the Piping Center where classes and concerts are often given. If you are lucky, you can attend one of these.

This is far from a full list of my must see in Glasgow. In my next article I will hit on some of the rest.

Provand’s Lordship House

t the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century, a major change was made in the way goods and commodities were transported throughout Europe, including Great Britain.

Pack animals had been utilized to carry necessities from supplier to consumer for generations. Limitations came with that method, however, the average pack animal being good for about 250 pounds maximum.

Moving more than 250 pounds at one time required the use of additional horses, one man being responsible for a group of horses, perhaps four at a time.

To move a full 2,000 pounds, eight horses would be required, at least two men to lead them. Put together a canal and towpath, one horse was quite capable of pulling up to 30 tons.

First problem came in putting together a canal from one point to another, finding a suitable route for that waterway. In Scotland, an enabling act was approved in March 1768 for a canal between the Firth of Forth and Firth of Clyde. Passage allowed for generating the funding to build such a canal. Once construction got under way–the first dirt was turned in June of 1768. All work was done with pick and shovel. Progress went so smoothly that within 33 months half the work was completed.

Misunderstandings between the principals slowed the work considerably after that, but they did manage to limp along until running out of funds with about six miles remaining to connect the canal to

the River Clyde. Work ceased completely in 1775. Further work would be on hold until a little problem on the other side of the pond could be resolved: the American Revolution.

Getting back to normal business by 1784, add in some creative financing for the age–a “loan” from the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, those funds coming from the forfeiture of estates owned by Jacobite supporters.

Completion of the Forth and Clyde Canal came in July 1790; the first boat making the trip in August of that year.

When completed, a total of 39 locks were utilized to raise or lower watercraft along the route, and aqueducts crossed several depressions in the landscape.

Seagoing craft could travel from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, avoiding the lengthy voyage around Cape Wrath in the far north (the Caledonian Canal was still somewhere in the future), and barges could easily move locally produced goods and commodities across the land.

Next edition: the Union Canal connects Edinburgh to the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Bob Wallace is a Council member and past president of Clan Wallace Society. He and his wife, Lois, have traveled to Scotland many times. Since joining the Clan, Bob has become highly interested in Scotland’s First Wars of Scottish Independence, in particular the history associated with Sir William Wallace and King Robert I, the Bruce. Bob is Chief Research Assistant for Authentic Celtic Travels.

Lois’s travel business. They now reside in Phoenix.

THE DESERT SHAMROCK MAY/JUNE 2017

lampposts, even rubbish bins.

The design—with the city motto “Let Glasgow Flourish”—is depicted on the crest of institutions including Glasgow University and Glasgow City Council.

Its component parts are three fish, each with a ring in its mouth; an oak tree with a bird at the top and a bell hanging from its branches; a crown; the city’s patron saint St. Mungo at the top; and the motto “Let Glasgow Flourish” emblazoned along the bottom.

There are a number of intriguing tales and legends associated with it, all dating back to the days of St. Mungo who lived in the 6th century. Most Glaswegians will have at least a passing familiarity with the saying: There’s the tree that never grew, There’s the bird that never flew, There’s the fish that never swam, There’s the bell that never rang.

So, let’s break them down so they can be properly explained: The young Mungo was charged with ensuring that a goblet at St. Serf ’s monastery on the banks of the Forth remained lit. When jealous rivals put out the ‘holy fire’, Mungo blew on a hazel branch which burst into flames and re-ignited the fire (hence the tree that never grew).

A wild robin was tamed by the head of

Let Glasgow Flourish The story behind the city’s quaint coat-of-arms

BY IAIN LUNDY

M

ost Americans who make a trip ‘across the pond’ to Scotland, either as a long-promised holiday or on a search for Caledonian ancestry, pay a visit to Glasgow, the country’s largest city.

There is plenty to see and do in the city, but it’s a safe bet that, whether they realize it or not, visitors will at some point on their trip come face to face with Glasgow’s distinctive coat of arms.

It is all over the place, on the sides of buildings, on clock towers, gates,

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the monastery. When the bird died, Mungo prayed over it and the bird was brought back to life (the bird that never flew).

The fish is the most intriguing. A queen of Strathclyde was having an affair with one of her husband’s knights and when the king found out, he threw his wife’s ring into the river then demanded that she return it to him. She begged Mungo to help her and he caught a salmon from the river, opened it up and there was the ring. Not just a miracle but a saint’s collusion with an extra-marital affair (the fish that never swam)?

In 1450, John Stewart, the city’s first Lord Provost, left an endowment for a St. Mungo’s Bell so that citizens could pray for the saint’s soul (the bell that never rang).

One of Mungo’s early sermons contained the words “Lord, let Glasgow Flourish by the preaching of the word” and the shortened version—Let Glasgow Flourish— remains the city’s motto to this day.

Iain Lundy grew up in Ayrshire, Scotland, and has worked as a journalist since the 1970s.

He and his wife moved from Scotland to Arizona in March. His paternal grandfather came from Downpatrick, County Down, and moved to the west of Scotland as a young man.

ILLUSTRATION © SARAROOM

Great “action” poem for children…

The Dragons Rap ©JOHN FOSTER

Come on everybody, shake your tails, Click your claws and rattle your scales Flap your wings, flap, flap, flap!

Come and join in! Do the dragons rap!

There’s a fierce old dragon with glittering eyes Breathing out fire, patrolling the skies.

There’s a young dragon practising her roars, Sitting in her cave, sharpening her claws.

There are teenage dragons playing games Seeing who can shoot out the longest flames.

There’s a young dragon being chased by his mother For trying to scorch his baby brother.

There are dragons with multi-coloured tails.

There are dragons with wings as big as sails.

There are dragons with claws as sharp as nails Shaking their armour-plated scales.

There are dragons strutting down the street Prancing and dancing, kicking up their feet.

There are dragons cavorting in the village square There are dragons rapping everywhere.

Come on everybody, shake your tails, Click your claws and rattle your scales Flap your wings, flap, flap, flap!

Come and join in! Do the dragons rap!

At the young dragon’s birthday party

If I were a D ©JOHN FOSTER If I were a D, I’d be a Dragon A dastardly dragon Bringing death and destruction, Devastating, destroying, Demolishing and decimating, Deceptive and devious, Diabolical and dreaded A dastardly dragon.

John Foster, children’s poet, was born in Carlisle, England, eleven miles from the Scottish border. His mother was Jean Stewart and his grandfather John Alexander Stewart, who were of Scottish descent.

Poems, riddles, books and anthologies, check out www.johnfosterchildrenspoet.co.uk.

©JOHN FOSTER At young dragon’s birthday party To everyone’s delight Young dragon took a deep breath And blew all the candles alight.

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by Lois A Wallace

IAIN LUNDY Freelance Journalist

• Writer, Author, Blogger, Proofreader, Copy Editor • Expert in all things Scottish • Scottish genealogy a specialty

iainlundy@lundyink.com 480-737-5090

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Heritage - History - Culture

MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

DIRECTORIES

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NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! IRISH CULTURAL CENTER & McCLELLAND LIBRARY Our mission is to provide a link between the people of Arizona and the people of Ireland and other Celtic cultures. The Irish Cultural Center serves as a central meeting place for cultural groups, affiliate groups and people looking to celebrate their Irish/Celtic heritage. The McClelland Library is a three-story building resembling a traditional 12th century Norman castle from the Emerald Isle. The Library houses 8,000 books from Irish authors, poets, and genealogical sources, a permanent exhibit on The Book of Kells, several reading rooms, and computer access to various disciplines of Irish and Celtic studies including genealogy. Their current exhibition is on the Historical Context and Cultural Legacy of the 1916 Easter Rising. The mission of The Academy of Irish & Celtic Studies is to spread the knowledge and wisdom of the Celtic nations through music, dance, art, literature and language. We do this by providing many musical and Arts programs, open to young and old alike. The Center is also available for private rentals, being a beautiful venue for all occasions! www.azirish.org, 602-258-0109

ARIZONA COLLEEN PROGRAMS

ARIZONA

CENTER

The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection, Arizona Irish Lass and Little Miss Shamrock programs select young ladies of Irish descent to participate as spokespersons at area events. Prize packages for each competition. The Colleen wins a trip to Ireland and $1,000 scholarship. For details, visit www.azcolleen.org or contact Erin Sweeney-Morgan, Chair, 602-373-7931, info@azcolleen.org.

ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETY (ALEES) ALEES was incorporated in 2004 to promote and celebrate accomplishments of Irish-Americans in law enforcement. Its members, families and friends support ALEES Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3) created in 2012 to provide financial assistance to the families of injured and fallen brothers and sisters in Arizona law enforcement. If interested in becoming a member or volunteering, contact us at azemeraldsociety.org.

THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF ARIZONA Our mission is to promote Scottish culture through art, education, and athletics. Each year we grant scholarships to aspiring and professional Highland athletes, musicians, dancers and/or any other individuals or organizations whose mission, project or program promotes Scottish heritage. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month for drinks, entertainment and Scottish fun! Everyone welcome! ArizonaScots.com.

DAUGHTERS OF SCOTIA DESERT THISTLE LODGE #260 Formed in 2005 to promote Scottish heritage. Ladies of ancestry, married to a Scot or born in Scotland may join. We hold monthly meetings, tea socials, a teahouse at the AZ Highland Games and attend Scottish events. We support Highland dance competition and other charities. Contact: Bethany Tso at 602-770-7565 or clanwoman924@yahoo.com

FRIENDS OF SAINT PATRICK CENTRE – AZ CHAPTER The nonprofit organization was formed in 2011 to promote positive relationships between Arizona and Northern Ireland. Through education, cultural exchanges and charitable events, the Chapter nurtures St. Patrick’s legacy. Meetings held quarterly at the ICC. Contact: Kelsey.Kelleher@AZIrishLibrary.org, 602-301-1083.

GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY Dates: July 10-14, 2017 at Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy.

It offers classes for Youth and Adults in: fiddle, whistle, dance, guitar, and more! Scholarships Available through Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society. Contact: Kari@GrandCanyonCelticArts.org, 928600-1365. www.grandcanyoncelticarts.org

IRISH AMERICAN CLUB WEST VALLEY Our purpose is to bring together individual of Irish descent and others interested in Irish culture through our monthly socials. Everyone is welcome; it is part of our Irish hospitality. The Club meets monthly October through May for dinner and dancing at the Sun City Country Club. Dues are $10 per year. For information or a complementary newsletter, contact Maura McConnell, Secretary, 623-933-3698, hummel4fun@aol.com.

IRISH FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA Formed in the 1970s to bring together people of Irish heritage in Arizona, the group sponsors social events throughout the year.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the ICC. Contact: Anna O’Hara, President, 480-345-9517

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IRISH NETWORK ARIZONA (INAZ) Irish Network Arizona is part of IrishNetwork USA organization.

Members connect with their peers and develop relationships that foster success in their business, cultural, and social interests. Come to a monthly breakfast or event to explore membership benefits.

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This bagpipe and drum school is dedicated to excellence in bagpiping as well as camaraderie and fun. All levels of students are welcome! Instructors are brought from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S. Contact: Eric Poleski, Administrator, ericpoleski@cox.net, 702-270-8974 home, 702-340-8859 cell, 928-556-3161, www.nachs.info

LOS SAN PATRICIOS DE ARIZONA (ST. PATRICK’S BATTALION) The organization honors the 150-year-old bond of friendship existing today between Mexico and Ireland. Los San Patricios de Arizona was founded by Wm. “Bill” Howard O'Brien; Hector Corona, El Teniente; and Ernie Patino, El Teniente. For information, please call 480-951-1152 or email whoco@cox.net.

NORTHERN ARIZONA CELTIC HERITAGE SOCIETY The nonprofit organization is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving Celtic culture. Each year we host the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival (July 15-16, 2017), the Jim Thomson U.S. School of Piping & Drumming, and the Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy.

Contact Jude McKenzie, information@nachs.info, 928-556-3161, www.nachs.info.

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FAIRE COMMITTEE Formed in 1983, the Committee has the responsibility for organizing the annual Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Faire that follows, which are held on Saturday (the closest before or falling on March 17); and the Arizona Colleen Programs throughout the year. It is entirely volunteers and meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the ICC. Contact: Harry Sexton, President, 602-863-9198.

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE It is one of the largest parades in Arizona! Celebrate being Irish with the entire Valley. Coming up Saturday, March 11, 2017, 10am; route is Third Street south from Sheridan to Moreland, FREE. Contact: John Corcoran, Chair, 623-939-1183, www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY FAIRE Fun for the entire family, it showcases Irish music, step dancing, Irish and Celtic arts and crafts, plus traditional Irish foods and beverages.

Coming up Saturday, March 11, 2017, 10am-5pm at the Irish Cultural Center and Margaret Hance Park grounds. Contact: Mary Moriarty, Chair, 602-258-0109, www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

PRESCOTT AREA CELTICS SOCIETY (PACS) Our organization, a 501(c)(3), exists in order to promote cultural pride in Celtic heritage through education, scholarships, activities, special events and the annual Prescott Highland Games. It is a love of all things Celtic which drives our association. Dues are $10 for single and $15 per couple per year. For information, call Andy Hamilton 928-642-0020 or Jill Nelson 928-443-1422, regjill@q.com; P.O. Box 12912, Prescott, AZ 86304-2912; www.prescotthighlandgames.com.

RIORDAN MANSION STATE HISTORIC PARK Built in 1904 for two Irish brothers, Riordan Mansion is an architectural treasure offering a glimpse into the lives of Flagstaff’s early Irish settlers.

The “fairy ring” seen on the outdoor self-guided tour hints at the Irish tradition of providing fairies an outdoor dancing space, preventing mischief inside. For admission rates and hours call 928-779-4395.

SCOTTISH-AMERICAN MILITARY SOCIETY (SAMS), FLAGSTAFF Chartered on April 21, 1981 in North Carolina, membership is open to all Active Duty and Veterans of the USA and the British Commonwealth who are of Scot or Scot-Irish lineage. For more information, contact SAMS Flagstaff Post 2000, George G. Shoemaker, 928-607-1600, gduffer@suddenlink.net.

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Membership is open to honorably discharged veterans or active duty or reserve military persons who have served or are serving with any branch of the United States or Commonwealth Armed Forces, of Scottish ancestry. We welcome your membership. Currently there are 39 Posts within the United States.

Contact: Reg Nelson, 928-443-1422; SAMS Prescott Post 1297, “The Arizona Highlanders,” P.O. Box 2245, Prescott, AZ 86302-2245; sams.commander.post1297@gmail.com.

TUCSON ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL Celebrating our 30th year!! The parade starts at 11am in downtown Tucson and the festival takes place at Armory Park from 10am-6pm.

This year the festivities will actually be on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, 2017. Serving Guinness and Harp!! Great food, Irish music and dancing, a Kids’ corner, face painting and much more!!

Established 1987. www.tucsonstpatricksday.com

WELSH LEAGUE OF ARIZONA Our mission is to promote Welsh language and culture with performing arts and literary events, classes, and participating in Celtic festivals and other community events. We endeavor to enhance relations between the U.S. and Wales by being a point of contact for visitors, businesses, and expatriates. We warmly welcome travelers, offering assistance and networking.

Contact: Mary Gilchrist marygilchristmg@gmail.com. www.welshleagueofarizona.org

CHANDLER-TULLAMORE, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Ellen Harrington, President. P.O. Box 1474​, Chandler, AZ 85244-1474, 480-600-8509, chan.to.tull@gmail.com, www.chandlerirish.org

PHOENIX-ENNIS, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Mary Hill-Connor, Committee Chairperson 602-635-9760, mary.hillconnor@gmail.com www.phoenixsistercities.org

SCOTTSDALE-KILLARNEY, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Kathy George, President, 480-326-6666, kathygeorge9@gmail.com www.scottsdalesistercities.com; 480 945-0384 (Main Office)

TUCSON-ROSCOMMON, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Colleen Kelly Beaman, Chair 520-743-7979, Ckbeaman@hotmail.com 1670 N Country Club, Tucson, AZ 85716; and Facebook

CELTIC DANCE SCHOOLS BRACKEN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Classes in Chandler, 480-699-2455, www.brackenirishdance.com Thomas Bracken, ADCRG. | Kieran Noe, TCRG thomas.bracken@brackenirishdance.com, Kieran.Noe@Brackenirishdance.com

MAGUIRE ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE

CLANS CLAN MACINNES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION Arizona Convenor: Steve McKinnis 11505 E. Calle Javelina, Tucson, AZ 85748 macinnes@macinnes.org • 520-290-1268 • www.macinnes.org

CLAN MACCALLUM-MALCOLM SOCIETY, N.A. Arizona Convenor: Ashleen O’Gaea Ashleen@Comcast.net w/MacCallum in subject line www.Clan-MacCallum-Malcolm.org

Classes in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, and Houston Info@maguireacademy.com (520) 319-0204. Darren Maguire, TCRG, ADCRG www.maguireacademy.com

MASCHINO SCHOOL OF HIGHLAND DANCE Kari Maschino, 480-242-7760, Kari@maschinodance.com Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria www.maschinodance.com

MICHAEL PATRICK GALLAGHER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE MPGirishdance@yahoo.com Michael Patrick, TCRG, ADCRG, Ann Paitel, TCRG www.mpgirishdance.com

MUSICIANS KILLARNEY FAIR Women’s quartet singing melodic, lively Celtic favorites in multiple harmonies. Metro Phoenix.

Mckell Keeney, 480-223-7217, mckell11@gmail.com www.facebook.com/killarneyfair, www.KillarneyFair.com

St. Patrick’s Parade and Faire, Phoenix 1. Ciara Archer, 2016 AZ Colleen & Rose, and Ron Hoon (Fox TV-10) co-emcee on parade route and on Facebook Live 2. Mary (Corcoran) Wnek, 1999 AZ Colleen and Parade Asst., and family with Ron Hoon

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3. Michelle Baare (Surprise) and Skip Roberts (Prescott) with Kiss Me I’m Irish Leprechaun

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4. Andrew and Heidi (Barry) Will, 2005 AZ Colleen and family

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5 Celtic Music & Microbrew Festival 5. QTentertainment Balloons & Face Painting

Irish Network Arizona with Director Don Bluth (center) and actor Lee Cooley (top right) at comedy “We’re No Angels” WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

DIRECTORIES

CELTIC SISTER CITIES

SCOTTISH-AMERICAN MILITARY SOCIETY (SAMS), PRESCOTT

CALENDAR

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MAY/JUNE 2017 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

MAY-JUNE 2017

[All events are in Arizona USA unless otherwise noted]

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER (ICC)/ MCCLELLAND LIBRARY PUBLIC WALK-IN HOURS (TOURS, LIBRARY & GENEALOGY)

Tuesday-Saturday • 10am–3pm Wednesday Evenings (Library only) • 3pm–6pm Closed all major holidays Frances McClelland Genealogy Centre available these hours; Open Other Hours for Scheduled Classes, Meetings & Events 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004 602-258-0109, www.azirish.org See ad page 9

Call Elaine for pricing and details 602-864-2357 or email academy@azirish.org Available to register online at www.azirish.org

PRIVATE MUSIC CLASSES

Tuesday - Saturday, available for all levels Bagpipes (Scottish Highland), Bodhrán, Fiddle, Flute, Celtic Harp, Tin Whistle, Voice, Cello, Choral Arts, Clarinet, Piano and Viola The Academy Practice Rooms

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASSES

TEEN SUMMER CAMPS IN IRELAND

June 10-24; July 3-17 • Ages 13-16 Generation Ireland/ The Irish Education Academy 5-Star Fully Supervised; Escorted Flights JFK-Dublin-JFK “Four Friends” - “Siblings” - “Cousins” Discounts available generationirelanddonegal@gmail.com Come Home to Ireland with Me Escorted Tour with Rev. Dr. John Cunningham June 19 - July 2 • Sign up ASAP! john.cunningham.1@asu.edu

All ages, Tuesdays 6pm–7pm Irish Cultural Center, The Great Hall

SAVE THE DATE:

IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

FLAGSTAFF ARTS AND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Novice, Tuesdays 6:30pm–7:30pm Intermediate, Tuesdays 7:30pm–8:30pm Structured Irish Language, Wednesdays 5pm–6pm Private lessons also available for all levels

IRISH STEP DANCE CLASSES

Kids, Wednesdays 5:30pm–6:30pm Adults, Wednesdays 6:45pm–7:45pm Irish Cultural Center, The Great Hall

July 10-14 • www.grandcanyoncelticarts.org Classes for Youth and Adults in fiddle, whistle, dance, guitar, and more!

Scholarships Available through Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

Dream City Church • July 13-16 13616 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phx 85022 Details and Tickets at www.summermusical.org

See ad page 4

FILM: THE IRISH PUB

Thursday, July 20 • 6:30pm Registration and Will Call open at 5:30pm Irish Network Arizona FUNDRAISER Tickets: $10 Drink and Food Specials included Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub, Phx

REMEMBERING THE EASTER RISING: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND CULTURAL LEGACY

See ad page 13

Now through June 29 An Interactive Museum EXHIBIT | McClelland Library Co-Sponsored by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Consulate Office of San Francisco

FIRST FRIDAY - “CINCO DE MAYO” PART OF PHOENIX ART WALK

Friday, May 5 • 6:30pm until late The Great Hall, FREE Family-Friendly, Live Music, Art Show, Crafts Cash Bar, Dinner available for purchase Third Friday IRISH Ceili (Irish Social Dancing) Friday, May 19 • 7pm until late The Great Hall, Beginners’ Lesson 6:30pm Tickets: $6; under 12 FREE (2 with each paid admission) Family-Friendly, Live Music, Cash Bar

CEILI WORKSHOP

Saturday, May 20 1pm–3pm • Advance Reservations Only The Great Hall, Family-Friendly Cost: $16.00 each; kids under 12, $5.00 w/adult)

FAMILY STORY HOUR

Saturday, May 6 • 10:30am–Noon Stories and crafts for the entire family Irish Cultural Center - Castle Keep; FREE

PRESCOTT HIGHLAND GAMES

Sat., Sun., May 13 & 14 • 9am–5pm Daily Watson Lake, Prescott www.prescottareacelticsociety.com

See ad page 4

CELTIC WOMAN

Tuesday, May 23 • 7:30pm Mesa Center for the Arts

See ad BACK page

“IRISH TEA CEREMONY”

Saturday, May 20 1:30pm–3pm • Advance Reservations Only Tickets: $22.50 Members, $25 Non-Members

ON THE DRUIDS: A SERIES OF LECTURES

Saturday, May 27 1:30pm–3pm • Irish Cultural Center, Norton Room Tickets: $15 Members, $17.50 Non-Members

THE ACADEMY OF IRISH AND CELTIC STUDIES

Term 4 Mar 21 – May 20 9-week Term: Group and private lessons available AND offer member-discounts See the “Academy Classes” section on our website WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

ANNUAL BLOOMIN’ BEERFEST

Saturday, June 10 • 7pm–11:30pm Celebrate James Joyce international Bloomsday!

Irish Cultural Center; Great Hall, Details coming

See story page 8

SUPPORT OUR ARIZONA ROSE, LAUREN KOLL Representing Arizona in Ireland at international competition. Attend in person or watch livestreaming via RTE.ie

GET-A-WAYS TO IRELAND

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Aug & Sept - Choose from 2 Itineraries Includes Rose of Tralee Int’l. Festival option Information Forms at www.chandlerirish.org

WOMEN’S RETREAT IN SCOTLAND

Sept. 29 - Oct. 5 • Sign up ASAP! www.theawakenedfeminineretreat.pagedemo.co

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9201 N. 29th Ave., #52, Phoenix

TIMFINNEGANS.COM

1 North 1st Street, Suite 102, PHOENIX THEKETTLEBLACKPUB.COM

Matt’s grandparents, James Joseph Cunningham and Delia McNicholas, each emigrated from Co. Mayo, Ireland, met and married in Chicago

The Caves of Da’Nath The epic quest to bring dragons & magic back to Earth.

Fine-art illustrated book series for children of all ages

by Irish-American authors Ariana Ayu & Bill Johnson.

“A Confabulation of Dragons” © 2009, Scott Gustafson.

TheCavesOfDaNath.com

“Dragon Chase” © 2012, Jeff Easley.

WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

LIVE IN CONCERT

MAy 23, 7:30PM · mesa arts center 480.644.6500, boxoffice.mesaartscenter.COM mesa arts center BOX OFFICE CELTICWOMAN.COM

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