Desert shamrock sept oct 2014 online

September – October 2014 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper ~ Vol. 25, No. 5

DON'T MISS THIS

The Desert Shamrock –

New website launching

W

e have a terrific new website thanks to designer, Gena Corcoran!

New features still coming, but take a look at all the content and photos available.

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 • Misty Voitovski Design & Layout • Gena Corcoran Masthead Design • Elaine’s Design Emporium Contributing Columnists

Special thanks to our strategic partners this edition in promoting tourism among Canada, USA, Ireland, and Northern Ireland! These include Titanic Belfast, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Dan Dooley Car Rentals, PhoenixEnnis and Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities/Twinned.

Brian Hanrahan • Carmelita Lee • Dan Magee Ellen Harrington • Gary Woodside Janice Bryson • Kathleen Walters • Katie Caufield Ginder Liz Warren • Lynn Herdman Mascarelli • Maureen Sullivan Publisher – Julie O’Mahar (2003 - 2013) Editor - Kathleen Wood (2003 - 2008) Publisher - Maureen O’Mahar (1996 - 2002) Founding Publisher - Robert E. Graham (1987 - 1996) Subscriptions are available at $15 per year, prepaid. Please mail your subscription request to the address above. Copyright©2014 - 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.

Include them in your itinerary and don’t forget to mention The Desert Shamrock! As one of our great base of readers, I would appreciate your taking a moment to thank advertisers in this edition; it’s our lifeblood.

Great products and services from people you can trust.

Enjoy life and blessings, and a good read in The Desert Shamrock!

–Ann Niemann Cover photo taken at Castle Durrow Country House Hotel, Durrow, County Laois, Ireland

ONLINE EDITION

Celebrate with the Celtic Community All Year.

Subscribe Today!

NEW Subscription RENEWAL Gift Subscription From

Payment Enclosed Check if seasonal.

Digital Shamrock Scan code with your mobile device and read as an eFlip magazine or visit www.issuu.com/desertshamrock See page 41 about our VERY exciting fundraiser with Indiegogo!

Support the campaign for as little as $1 and be part of “I’m 1 in a million of Celtic ancestry in Arizona.” No restrictions, however. Join in if you’re a friend of a Celt, wanna be a Celt, or born a Celt, ANYONE LOCATED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD COUNTS! Get cool stuff!

2

The Desert Shamrock

Contact us with second address and dates.

Name (Please print clearly)

Phone Number

Address City

State Zip

Email

Subscribe Online: www.DesertShamrock.com

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:

Rates are U.S. only & include sales tax

2320 E. Baseline Rd., #148-623 Phoenix, AZ 85042

THE DESERT SHAMROCK 602-568-3455

September – October 2014

Sept – Oct 2014 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper

20

COVER: North American Roses

Rose of Tralee International Festival, County Kerry, Ireland

ARTS

TRAVEL

BUSINESS

NORTHERN ARIZONA

6 Celtic Artisan: Michael Baxter, Architectural Photographer 48 The Cowgirl Who Became A Justice: Sandra Day O’Connor

5 Irish Network Phoenix Profile: Joe McGurk

14 Northern Arizona Celtic Festival, Flagstaff - Photos

CULTURE

10 Keltic Kitchen – Lemon Curd 38 North American Rose Centres – Sister Cities Twinned Cities 46 Shortening the Road: Preserving Irish Stories 48 Genealogy Services at McClelland Irish Library

39

Greetings from the Embassy of Ireland

HISTORY

11 Irish Tales from Arizona Territory – Sheriff Jerry Ryan 11 Arizona: Did you know?

CALENDAR 54

NEWS

DIRECTORIES 53

25th Anniversary Edition NEXT ISSUE SNEAK PEEK

47 Scots and the American Revolution

Strangford and Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

15 Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games 15 Celtic Halloween Bash, Tucson

9 Bod yn Gymry...being Welsh: Mary Gilchrist

SCOTS

A Guide to Saint Patrick’s Country

TUCSON

WELSH

4 Arizona’s Josh Sweeney Presented Pat Tillman Award

40

28 Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland 42 Driving Tips from Left Lane Maureen, Part 4 45 The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience 56 Tullamore, Ireland Tourism

FIGHTING INJUSTICE: CALL TO ACTION

SEDONA

14 Celtic Harvest Festival 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

SISTER CITIES

12 Chandler-Tullamore Announces Fall Event Schedule13 Phoenix-Ennis Tourism 13 Phoenix-Ennis: Learn More

SPORTS

17 Gaelic Games in the High Country

The Desert Shamrock

Irish American at Phoenix Dream Center rescuing needy and those caught in human trafficking

September – October 2014

3

NEWS

The Desert Shamrock May-June 2014 edition FOLLOW-UP TO THE STORY...

Arizona’s Josh Sweeney Presented Pat Tillman Award Reprinted with Permission of the Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. -- When retired Marine Sgt. Josh Sweeney recounts his inspirational journey following an explosion that took both his legs in Afghanistan, he leaves out an important detail: his gold-medal winning goal. Sweeney played on the U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team that beat the Russians 1-0 earlier this year in Sochi. He shot the game’s lone goal in the second period at Shayba Arena, giving the Unites States its second straight gold medal in the event.

Chided about omitting the detail, Sweeney laughed. “I still feel pretty lucky to be able to have done that,” he said. “I try not to take too much credit for it.”

He also doesn’t mention that he’s been honored with a Purple Heart for his service in the Marines.

Sweeney received the inaugural Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2014 ESPYS on July 16. The award was

presented in conjunction with the With both of his legs amputated Pat Tillman Foundation, which as a result of his injuries, Sweeney invests in military veterans and faced months of rehabilitation. their spouses through educational He ended up at a facility in San scholarships. Pat Tillman died in Antonio, where he happened to action in Afghanistan in 2004 hear about a sled hockey team, the after leaving the NFL’s Arizona Rampage.

Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. “It was the same feeling as when Army with his brother Kevin.

I was in high school or even junior “While the ESPYS celebrate high -- just being out there with the best accomplishments from some buddies and passing the puck the year in sports, we remain around, shooting the puck -- that committed to social responsibility feeling when you step out on the and the heart of the show has field or the ice, whatever your always been the presentation of sport,” he said. “Right then and Pat Tillman put an all-star NFL the signature awards which, in career with the Arizona Cardinals there I knew it was something that the name of Arthur Ashe and I loved.” on hold to serve his country in the wake of the attacks of 9/11.

Jim Valvano, Sweeney’s coach pointed him annually to the U.S. national team. That led honor leaders who make an to Sochi. “It was awesome being able to represent my impact far beyond sports,” said country again in a different way,” he said.

Connor Schell, vice president Sweeney recently moved to Hillsboro, Oregon, of ESPN Films and Original with his wife, Amber. Although he’s still with Entertainment. “We are proud to the national team, he’s hoping to put together a add Pat Tillman’s commitment sled hockey team in his new home, and has been to service and selflessness as working with the Western Hockey League’s Portland another pillar of the ESPYS. Winterhawks.

Josh Sweeney’s dedication and “After being injured you think, ‘What can I do achievements make him a now?’ or ‘What are my limitations?’ Being out there deserving recipient.” on the ice and seeing what I could do helped make During his second me feel better about myself,” Sweeney said. “The fact deployment, Sweeney stepped that it was so hard to get to where I am today -- the on an improvised explosive training was just endless and some days it felt like I device while serving in Nowzad, got on the ice for no reason at all and I wasn’t getting Afghanistan, in 2009. He any better -- it really helped me emotionally to push suffered severe injuries to his arm through and look at the right things I was doing. The in addition to his legs. One of his positive things.” first thoughts when he started his arduous recovery was that he’d Josh Sweeney, Marie Tillman and Military Scholars at Copyright 2014 Reprinted with Permission of the Associated Press Photos Courtesy of Pat Tillman Foundation never play hockey again.

Nokia Theater in Los Angeles

Kilt Rental USA Scottish Made Kilts.

Rent - Sell - New - Used

www.KiltRentalUSA.com info@kiltrentalusa.com 15821 N 79th Street, Suite 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 1.877.KILT.SHOP 480.460.0907

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

4

The Desert Shamrock

Formerly O’Dowd & Associates Mortgage Co. Long-time Phoenix Lender

The O’Dowd Team

Whether you are buying a new home or want to refinance your current home, call your neighborhood lender Pete O’Dowd or Colleen O’Dowd Cutler to get pre-approved.

FHA, VA, Conventional and Reverse Mortgages

602-248-4200

1599 E. Orangewood Ave. #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020 MB092214 • NMLS# 1007154 • Pete O’Dowd NMLS# 166309 • Colleen Cutler NMLS# 852437

September – October 2014

he said. He went to a machine shop next, and then on to substitute janitor at his old junior high school. A former music teacher asked him to come play guitar one afternoon, where he was soon discovered by an illiterate supervisor who reminded him that he wasn’t being paid to play music; he was paid to clean the toilets.

By Carmelita Lee That was when he decided he would return to hat do construction work, a machine school, this time with intent to do something shop, a substitute janitor, a jazz musiwith his life. Joe attended Five Towns Colcian, and a lawyer have in common with lege in Long Island where he the President of the Phoenix majored in jazz and commercial chapter of the Irish Network? music. He then sought a degree It’s Joe McGurk! Joe can best be in music from Berklee College in described as a gracious, hardAmbassador Anderson at Irish Embassy’s reception Boston, but philosophical differworking gentleman, who kindly for Irish Network USA’s board ences led him instead to Stony shared some insights with me Brook University, accomplished. I agreed with her assessabout his life. where he studied ment; Joe McGurk is a young man who Notable is Joe’s pride in political science, “made it” against many odds. He did his Irish heritage, having not and ultimately Joe and Michele in Germany not take the traditional path to success, one, but three of his grandpargraduated from but rather had to battle his own lack of ents from the auld country. His law school magna cum laude, interest in school, bad grades, no SAT grandfather McGurk had modest beginnings as one Phi Beta Kappa. scores, but overcame all on the circuitous of eleven children (many of whom did not survive He practices business law road through music school (where he had childhood) and who had been reared in a one room, with Wong, Fujii, Carter law a 3.85 GPA) and onward to law school. one window thatched home in Strabane, County firm in downtown Phoenix.

Part of his early success in law was Tyrone, before immigrating to the U.S. at age 23 or He is a trial attorney, meaning due to his father’s good reputation as a 24. The elder McGurk settled into a predominantly he will actually argue cases at builder.

When lawyers housed in one Irish neighborhood, where Joe’s dad – Joe McGurk, court.

He serves as Presiof his father’s buildings got Joe’s resume, Senior – was in construction. Joe, Junior said guys dent of the Irish Network they would say, “Joe McGurk? I love Phoenix, and on the Irish Joe McGurk.

Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix Network USA’s national board with mother-in-law, Eva Michalek Get that kid of directors. He explained the over here.” purpose of the Network is to promote Irish culture, He started at the bottom, history, and commerce with the diaspora, and creinterning for free, but by ate opportunities within the community to reach a the end of one summer, broader base. was put on a salary. He Joe takes obvious delight in his German-born wife was hired there after Kira (Yellow Lab) and Dax Michelle. She is a freight forwarding specialist with graduation, and made part- (Border Collie-Lab mix) Deutche Bahn Schenker. She is often tasked with ner after two years. In fact, he has become a partner moving entire factories, or products such as solar in three different firms over his career.

1911 Census of Ireland: Grandfather Joseph Patrick panels, overseas. When her career path was going to When this shy, humble gentleman was asked McGurk I is age 10; and household of my Greattake her to Phoenix, Joe encouraged her and moved if he had anything to tell our readers, he said, Grandfather, Patrick McGurk and Great-Grandmother with her. Joe said it was Michelle who wanted me “Tell them if life kicks you in the teeth, get up, Margaret is listed as of April 2 to understand who dust yourself off, and keep going forward. he is and what he has You’ll make it.” from the neighborhood limited their dreams to traditional jobs, cop, fireman, construction or priest. Having WONG FUJII CARTER, PC aced his New York State Regent’s An Arizona Professional Corporation Exam while missing 68 days of Counselors & Attorneys school, Joe was bored, and couldn’t find his niche. What he wanted to Phoenix Corporate Center do (and did) was play guitar. “Eddie 3003 North Central Avenue Heritage includes grandfather, Van Halen is the reason I went to Suite 1000 Joseph Patrick McGurk I, law school,” he said, laughing.

Phoenix, Arizona 85012 who emigrated in 1926 from Co. Tyrone (Upper Strabane) After high school, his wise father with his wife, Anna O’Reilly decided playing guitar for hours Telephone (602) 287-3360 from County Cork, Ireland. wasn’t useful, and took him into his Facsimile (602) 287-3365 Joseph P. McGurk, Esq. construction business. “It was hard, www.WongFujiiCarter.com jmcgurk@WongFujiiCarter.com and outdoors, and often there was Shareholder not enough work to keep me busy,” Citi Field, stadium of New York Mets

W

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

BUSINESS

Irish Network Phoenix Profile Meeting Joe McGurk…

5

ARTS

Celtic Artisan: Michael Baxter Architectural Photographer

By Lynn Herdman Mascarelli

y interview with the engaging Michael Baxter proved more analytical than biographical as we attempted to take apart the process of imaging with camera and tripod and the business of doing it. He spoke of how much he loved the technical artistry, the toys and gadgets connected with his profession. One of the perks, he said, is the un-structure, not knowing what to expect when he arrives on location.

“You’re faced with putting a threedimensional subject into a two-dimensional space. I have a huge subject to capture in a single image depending on sunlight or the light I provide at that precise moment.” Though he does not see himself as an artist, I do. He made it clear, “An artist starts with nothing, and I do nothing from scratch; it’s there, waiting for my tripod and DLSR.” Recently this happened on a grand scale for Michael...he explained when I asked him what might be the highlight of his career thus far. Without hesitation he answered, “The Irish Cultural Center... it was absolutely charming.” He had visited the Center before and though, “I can do something with that stone.” He had found the perfect shoot...a Norman castle, a slate roofed cottage, an imposing Great Hall and standing stones memorializing An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger); it was perfect!

M

Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, Phoenix, Arizona

Michael had told me of his mixed Scottish-Irish roots and his love for the music. So he was even more delighted to include in this assignment our esteemed and noble bagpiper, Len Wood. He described the moment, when at five in the morning both arrived at the same time and Len, looking grand, emerged from his vehicle in full piper attire. With pipes at his side, he was “ready to go.”

Michael was elated. “This guy...he’s it!”

But he added, “and Mary, too.” He was referring to Mary Moriarty who had arranged everything for this shoot. He had “clinched the gig at the Center”...he was here. The sun was coming up; his thoughts racing...could he do this; would his treatment, his brushing the buildings with additional light, give him an image like no

Scottsdale, AZ residence

BEFORE

6

AFTER USING SPECIAL LIGHTING TREATMENT

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

ARTS

Elevated view of Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, AZ

other...would he earn the trust of the Center in doing so?

Regardless of the challenge, Michael Baxter was thrilled... he would get to light up a castle and he had a piper...life was good.

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in a program that ill prepared him for a career behind the camera, “We were all battling the forces of bitterness.” His postcollege days found him waiting tables but still looking for that one opportunity to break into his profession. A plus for Michael was meeting the love of his life: a down to earth and accomplished woman and valedictorian of her class, if you please. The beautiful, red-haired Heather McCann valued his dreams. It sounded Shakespearean.

Today he is grateful for having arrived at photographing

Use of light painting on Flagstaff, AZ residence

the subjects he does without coaching or help. “I did it by trial and error.”

His clients are builders, architects, and interior designers. Today 90% of his business comes from his website and trade magazines; commercials and promotional ads on other websites. At present, he is creating a limited edition of Sonoran cacti images for interior designer, Lauren Rautbord of Scottsdale.

Our conversation would eventually lead to the ongoing public debate: is photography art? Not every photograph is...so does Michael’s artistry lie in his ability to choose a good subject and brush it with light before clicking? He documents a building in a way the painter cannot, but both utilize light. Impressionists like Monet often sat on a beach for hours waiting for the sunlight to touch the ocean just so; only then, would he brush his impression of the play of natural light on Family Photo by Michael Baxter with the water. The photographer remote behind his back gives us more than an impression; his image is a piece of reality created by lighting and timing, though he too waits...on the beach.

When Michael did his shoot at the Irish Cultural Center, he chose to arrive at a certain, specific time; the subtlety of shadow and light picking up each cut and curve of the stone all around him. Michael’s architectural treatments are environments he manipulates with light. His images are the result of creative decision-making; can we call this then an artistic process?

As we looked at his website and albums of architectural photography, I hoped the world would see this young man’s work as artistry.

Michael said: “If I’m an artist of sorts, then light and pixels are my paint and canvas.”

See his amazing work at www.baxterimaging.com.

Scottsdale Airport

PHOTO BY BAXTERNOBLE.COM

The Desert Shamrock

Contact info: 623-256-7915, michael@baxterimaging.com, www.baxterimaging.com.

September – October 2014

7

Read The Desert Shamrock’s next issue for regular features: Celtic Music and Book Reviews; Humor, Kitchen Poems, Currach Boating, Out and About photo galleries, and MORE.

AMERICAN SAFETY SHOE CO. • SHOEMOBILE AVAILABLE • ESD SHOES • STEEL & NON-STEEL TOED SHOES • SLIP-RESISTANT SOLES

Watch Those Doggone Toes!

1605 W. University #108 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 894-1881 FAX (480) 967-8865

Tim Caufield’s Great Grandfather John emigrated from Co. Galway, Ireland in the mid-1800’s

SALEM, NH PHOENIX 603-898-5130 602-944-5400 FAX 603-898-5113 FAX 602-944-3154

MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES

JOE LEWIS

P.O. Box 1768 10611 N. 11th St. Salem, NH 03079 Phoenix, AZ 85020 jhlreps@aol.com

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

8

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

GILCHRIST of the Welsh League

By Lynn Herdman Mascarelli League gathering that drew my attention to the holy

wells of Wales. Their beauty and history intrigued peaking with Mary Gilchrist of the Welsh me. Ancients revered the presence of water. Later, League is good conversation; it always led back springs and small natural water pools were incorpoto her favorite rated into the churchsubject, Wales. She yards of Christians and explained her roots given the names of and her Welsh and saints. Many still have Armenian grandcustodians or keepers; fathers, how they their cottages nearby. enriched her life, They are close to stone inspiring her to travel circles, henges and to Wales and Egypt. cairns; and the presence But in Scarsdale, New of broad-leafed trees: York, her Welshash, hawthorn and speaking grandfather rowan, hazel and holly, lived with family in standing like guardher childhood home. ians over the waters to Cybi Well Chamber She heard Welsh songs safeguard them. sung, phrases spoken— On their visits to even “Cae dy geg!” translated “shut up,” a common Wales, the Gilchrists have frequented two of these expression in households with children. wells: Ffynon (meaning “fountain”) Gybi and Ffynon Mary has a passion for language, music and hisSeriol, the wells of two 6th century holy men. The tory. There was French in high school, but her great love would always be Welsh. She learned the flute and still plays it. Mary majored in history at Ohio’s Oberlin College...her avid focus today is Wales’ storied past.

Even now, she encounters language, music and history in her numerous visits to cousins in north Wales and the isle of Anglesley, a place dear to her heart. There the people’s first language is Welsh and she can converse easily with them. Mary’s cousins live in the town of Llanerch-y-Medd, the “glade of the mead.” She laughed...perhaps her ancestors were moonshiners.

It was Mary’s slide presentation at a recent Welsh

S

first is located alone in a meadow below Llangybi Church, Gwynedd; the other, at one of the farthest points on the isle at Penmon Priory under the watchful eye of the monks there. The wells today are under the care and protection of CADW, the Welsh government historical preservation society.

The Desert Shamrock

WELSH

Bod yn Gymry...being Welsh

Ffynon Gybi

St. Gybi’s is a place of pilgrimage for the healing of warts and lameness, blindness, scrofula, scurvy and rheumatism. Treatment at the well consisted of alternate immersions in the waters then retreating to a bedchamber in a cottage nearby for rest over several days.

Mary explained everyone comes to the well for a reason. When visiting the wells, she and her husband sat down beside it, calmed and healed by its waters.

Long ago some would pay the keeper to write a curse with a bent pin on a piece of lead or slate and then throwing it into the waters to make someone suffer. Even today, some seek to find the love of their lives, ask for an assist in raising their child, want their futures foretold...life’s issues are brought to the wells.

In our last issue, we featured Welsh musician, teacher and bard John Good. He and Mary attended the same Welsh Heritage Week (1999) in Tempe. She registered for the free hymn singing class, recalling very well the irreverent but fun-loving men in the back of the room, again...John Good among them. Another attendee and facilitator of the event was the talented Susy Hopkins, who would become a vital founding member of what would become the Welsh League.

Susy drew Mary on board to assist in maintaining the League’s database of names. Since then, Mary has enjoyed a lifetime of involvement. Her simple volunteer task evolved into so much more and her ongoing study of her heritage language, which is now experiencing a swifter revival than any other Celtic tongue. Her love of the holy wells touched me...they are portals to healing and stillness.

September – October 2014

9

CULTURE

Keltic Kitchen

Lemon Curd

By Katie Caufield Ginder

Dia daoibh a chaired! (Hello friends!)

L

emon curd, a creamy fruit spread, has been a popular teatime treat since the late 19th century. The spread is delicious on fresh baked scones or sponge cake. Top with some clotted cream, berries and enjoy!

Lemon Curd Yield: 2 Cups/about ½ Litre Ingredients: 4 eggs lemon zest sugar lemon juice (about 3 lemons) unsalted butter (room temperature)

Directions: In a double broiler, whisk together lemon zest, sugar, eggs and lemon juice.

USA Metric Turn double broiler on to medium high.

1T 15 ml 1 ¼ c. 250 g ½ c.

120 ml 1 c.

226 g

Cut butter into pieces and add to liquid mixture.

Whisk ingredients over medium high heat until liquid thickens at about 170 degrees F. or 76 C. Once liquid is thick enough to coat a spoon or whisk, remove from heat, cool, then refrigerate.

Notes: Make sure you only use the zest of the lemon. Avoid using any of the white pith.

The curd will stay fresh in the refrigerator for one week.

PHOTO BY KATIE CAUFIELD GINDER

Katie Caufield Ginder lives in Gilbert with her husband and son. 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 1860’s.

Siobhan O’Connor Tobin’s mother, Mary, is from Kilmore, Co. Roscommon, and her dad, Jimmy, was from Ballinmore Bridge, Co. Galway

10

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

from Arizona Territory

By Janice Ryan Bryson

I

n the late 1800’s, thousands of Irish immigrants fled the teeming cities of America’s east coast, making their way west to seek their fortunes in the search for silver and gold or other opportunities awaiting them in a new land.

Jeremiah “Jerry” Ryan traveled to Arizona Territory around 1883. A native of County Tipperary, he joined relatives in the mining camp of Globe.

In August, 1884 Jerry married Mary Gleason; he was a widower three weeks later when Mary died of malarial fever. Life in Apacheria was hard and life expectancy short.

Jerry ran cattle outside of Globe and registered several mining claims. The Arizona Silver Belt noted in July 1887 that Jerry was said to be taking out fine ore from his mine at McMillan. He was an active member of the community, serving on committees for St. Patrick’s Day Balls and fundraisers to build a Catholic church as well as participating in athletic events.

Glenn Reynolds was elected Sheriff of Gila County and in January 1889, Jerry was appointed as Under Sheriff. The lives of Glenn and Jerry were

ARIZONA: Did you know?

1. Arizona has 3,928 mountain peaks and summits—more mountains than any one of the other Mountain States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming).

2. All New England, plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside Arizona.

3. Arizona became the 48th state and last of the contiguous states on February 14, 1912 (Valentine’s Day).

Read more fun and fascinating facts about Arizona NEXT edition.

PHOTO BY GARY M. JOHNSON

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.

soon to be entangled in a web of murder involving the Apache Kid. A warrant had been issued for Kid’s arrest at the request of famed scout Al Seiber.

It was known that Kid would travel to San Carlos for rations day. Sheriff Reynolds wanted Jerry to make the arrest as he was the only deputy Kid did not know. Jerry traveled two miles across the reservation when Kid stopped him and asked for some tobacco. As the Kid was rolling a cigarette, Jerry pulled his gun and arrested him. Reynolds soon arrived on the scene and Kid was taken to jail in Globe.

Nine other Apaches had been arrested for crimes ranging from horse theft to murder and were put on trial along with the Apache Kid. All of the Apache prisoners were found guilty; one sentenced to death by hanging and the others sentenced to time in Yuma Territorial Prison. Several of the men had already served Federal time in Illinois and Ohio for the same crimes and bitterly resented being tried again in Arizona Territory.

The prisoners started for Yuma accompanied by Sheriff Reynolds and Deputy “Hunky-Dory” Holmes with Eugene Middleton driving the stage. The first day’s journey was from Globe to Riverside Station. Early in the second day’s journey the stage came to a sandy wash. All but two of the prisoners were taken out of the stage to lighten the load. Reynolds, Holmes and the prisoners walked behind the stage as it crossed the wash. Despite being shackled, the Apaches were able to overpower and kill Reynolds and Holmes and critically wound Middleton.

Another prisoner, Avott, managed to escape and borrowing a horse from a neighboring ranch, rode to Florence to spread the news. Middleton walked back to Riverside Station and a man there rode to Globe with word of the murders.

Jerry took action immediately, notifying family members and telegraphing the Army at San Carlos and law enforcement in Florence. Within hours, facts were telegraphed to Washington, D.C. The Gila County Board of Supervisors appointed Jerry as Sheriff and a $50.00 reward was offered for the apprehension of each of the convicts. Troops from Forts Thomas, Grant, Lowell, McDowell, Apache, Huachuca, and San Carlos were ordered to the field. Jerry and Deputy Floyd Blevins led a civilian posse to Riverside. The greatest manhunt in the history of Arizona Territory had begun. Within a year, all of the fugitives with the exception of the Apache Kid had been captured. What hap-

The Desert Shamrock

HISTORY

Irish Tales

Sheriff Jerry Ryan FAMILY PHOTO BELONGING TO JANICE RYAN BRYSON

pened to the Kid is not known. A variety of stories have been written of his life and he has become a legendary figure. Many raids and murders were laid at his feet, although he could not have possibly done all the deeds he was credited with.

As Sheriff, Jerry had spent many months hunting the convicts and taking care of Gila County business. He was responsible for collecting taxes, gathering property assessments for the County, and serving as Road Overseer. In June 1890, less than a year after he had been appointed Sheriff, Jerry died in a drowning accident. During a family picnic at Wheatfields Pond, Jerry observed a young lady, Mary Frush, struggling in the water after her boat overturned. Jerry swan out to rescue her; tragically both drowned. Jerry’s name is embossed on the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State Capital in Phoenix for his heroic attempt to save Mary’s life.

Janice Ryan Bryson descended from Irish pioneers who arrived in the Arizona Territory in the 1880’s, she is co-founder of the Irish Arizona Project and coauthor of the book Irish Arizona.

Janice is a member of The First Families of Arizona, Daughters of the American Revolution and several women’s agriculture organizations, and serves on several Boards.

September – October 2014

11

SISTER CITIES

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Announces Fall Event Schedule

C

handler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC) has set their 2014 Fall activities schedule, and it’s packed with education, cultural and fundraising events! ​These events are open to the public - we always welcome new interest in Chandler’s only Sister City - Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland!​

ing! Please contact Joan Speshock at 602-909-4070 with questions, or at vjspeshock@msn.com (please do not contact Murphy’s Law). We look forward to having you join us!

On Tuesday, September 9, Murphy’s Law, located at 58 S. San Marcos in Downtown Chandler, is hosting a Dining Fundraiser from 5:00 to 9:00pm. This event is benefiting the (CTSC) Student Ambassador Program.

The price of $50 includes a mouthwatering Dinner for Two, with a choice of appetizer, main entrée, a choice of 2 beverages - a 3-beer paddle, glass of Red Sangria, Chardonnay, or unlimited Coca-Cola products, PLUS live entertainment!

Tickets will be purchased at Murphy’s Law on the night of the event, but please leave your registration on our website, www.chandlerirish.org - we do need to know how many will be attend-

​Our successful Pub Quiz is back - and we’re armed with new great subject matter and ​thought-provoking questions! Coach & Willie’s is our host for the evening - Sunday, October 19, 6:00pm. Test your knowledge on history, people, science, politics, entertainment - and of course Ireland! - all in a friendly setting. Many rounds, many questions - all for a great cause, benefiting our Student Ambassador Program. Entry Fee is $10 per person, all tax deductible through our non-profit. Cash bar and restaurant menu available - to munch your way through the games! Bring your friends, make new friends - tables of 4, but if you’re a party of less than 4, we’ll pair you when you arrive. This event is open to the public - trivia novices and experts; you never know who knows what piece of trivial

knowledge! Of course, no cell phones allowed! All in good fun and “fun”draising! Registration and payment can be made online at www.chandlerirish. org. For further information, please contact Ellen Harrington at 480-600-8509, chan.to.tull@gmail. com. Coach & Willie’s is located on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Boston in Downtown Chandler. Hope to see you on October 19th!

The 4th Annual Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Southwest Tea will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 11am to 1pm, at Chandler’s Community Center ballroom, 125 Each Commonwealth in Downtown Chandler. A delicious luncheon provided by Coach & Willie’s, with delicious desserts by the creative bakers on the Tea Committee - all served surrounded by live entertainment and exciting raffle baskets! Proceeds will further the CTSC mission of Education, Business and Cultural exchanges. This event is open to the public, however reservations are required.

Pricing for the Southwest Tea is $15 for Adults and $10 for Children 11 and under BEFORE Oct. 1. After Oct. 1st, the pricing will be $20 Adults and $15 Children 11 and under. Payment must be made on our website, www.chandlerirish. org. Please contact Sharon Anderson, duner@cox. net or 480-229-4924, for further information.

For more information on Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, please contact Ellen Harrington, President at chan.to.tull@gmail.com, or (480) 6008095. Visit their website, www.chandlerirish.org, or on Facebook at “ChandlerIrish.”

Desert Fare Cookbook

Michael Londra’s

Celtic Fire

Sun. March 8, 2015 · 2:30pm On Sale to Members April 28 On Sale to General Public July 7

w w w . C h a n d l e r C e n t e r . o r g • 4 8 0.78 2.26 8 0 12

The Desert Shamrock

On sale for $10 Pre-pay on our website at www.chandlerirish.org, and cookbook with be mailed.

September – October 2014

ENNIS COMMITTEE 200 West Washington, 20th Floor, Phoenix AZ 85003 || 602.534.3751

Awarded 2014

Ireland TOURISM TOWNS

by National Tourism Development Authority (Ireland's National Tourism Authority)

Learn More Ennis and Phoenix established a sister cities affiliation in 1988. The Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee is dedicated to promoting friendship and understanding between the cities of Phoenix and Ennis through a variety of programs. The Committee participates in the Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange Program and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Faire; supports the Irish Cultural Center; coordinates an annual 5k Run/Walk; and promotes business opportunities between the two cities. The Committee meets monthly and welcomes new members.

Ennis' history along with modern influences represents a pleasant blend of the historic past and active present. Its narrow bustling streets and lanes give character and ambiance to the town confirming that it is indeed somewhere very special. For more information on Ennis: www.visitennis.com Please contact Mary Hill-Connor Ennis Committee Chairperson at 602.635.9760

Designed by: Lauren Schaecher Cres.tif Designs

NORTHERN AZ

Highlights

Northern Arizona Celtic Festival in Flagstaff PHOTOS BY BETSEY BRUNER

PHOTO BY ANN NIEMANN

PHOTO BY ANN NIEMANN

S VBA

...

Sedona Village Business Assoc promoting local business growth

2014 Proud Sponsor of

Establish Your Business Presence.

Be Part of SVBA Today. Join us online at... www.SedonaVillageBusinessAssociation.com 14

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

TUCSON

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

15

ROSE REGIONAL in Portlaoise, Ireland 16

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

By Jason Ryan

T

he national sport of Ireland–Hurling—made its competitive debut at the Northern Arizona Celtic Festival held in Flagstaff, Arizona on July 19-20. The hurling matches proved to be an added attraction to the games with many onlookers enquiring to the origins and importance of Gaelic games to the Irish people. The spectators were treated to an exhibition of high quality hurling with teams from Flagstaff (Mountain Hounds), San Diego (St. Peters) and the Phoenix Gaels.

The competition was played in a round robin series with each team playing each other once and the top two teams played in the final. Every game provided the thrills and spills one would expect to see if the games were played in the lush green fields of Ireland but in Flagstaff, Mount Taylor provided a picturesque background for Ireland’s oldest sport.

After the round robin series, the finalist were the local club Flagstaff against the visiting San Diego side. The final began at ferocious pace with each side trading scores and the score at Half-Time Flagstaff 2-5 (11) San Diego 3-6 (15): a four point lead for the visitors. On the resumption of the second half, San Diego took the upper hand again scoring two goals and two points without reply before the teams began to exchange scores again until the last 10 minutes when the local side scored two goals but unfortunately the goals were too late to attain victory.

Final score San Diego 5-11 (26); Flagstaff Mountain Hounds 4-9 (21). After the tournament, the winning team was presented with the Finn Corr Cup at Uptown Pubhouse by tournament organizer Jeff Touchette.

Jason Ryan was born and raised in County Clare, Ireland and is a member of the famous Ryan sporting family from Newmarket on Fergus. He moved to Arizona in 2004 and is heavily involved in Gaelic Sports in the U.S. He is a graduate of Northern Arizona University.

The Desert Shamrock

nd otball a GAA fo ew hurln

SPORTS

in the High Country Gaelic Games Flagstaff Hurlers

PHOTOS BY JON EBE RS

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

September – October 2014

17

OTTAWA ROSE

Stephanie Coull

A

Stephanie and her dance partner Lucas relish their win!

s the Ottawa Rose, Stephanie represents the strong Irish community and heritage of Canada’s capital city. The 27-year-old is a native of Montreal, Quebec, fluent in French, and lives and works there as a high school chemistry teacher.

She studied at McGill University obtaining a Bachelor of Science, and The University of Ottawa where she received her Bachelor of Education degree. She believes you are never too old for a Disney movie, to-do lists are the best way to relax, and that kindness is a language we should all speak.

Stephanie’s parents hail from the picturesque peninsula of the Gaspesie in Eastern Quebec. It is a unique place with a culture born of many people, mainly of the Irish, Scottish, and French. Her own family settled in the region from Co. Kilkenny in the 1800’s. Stephanie started as a ballet dancer but quickly switched to Irish dancing for its lively music and exciting rhythms. She is the Eastern Canadian Senior Lady Champion for ‘07 and ‘08 and qualified to dance at the World Championships five times. Although she is extremely proud of her solo dancing achievements, Stephanie is most proud of dancing with her ceili team for The Short School in Montreal. Together, they placed an amazing 3rd place and received the bronze medal at the World Championships in Belfast 2012.

Now as a teacher at her own high school, Stephanie’s favourite saying to her students is “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Travelling is one way she tries to incorporate this in her own life. While performing with the Irish dance show Magic of the Dance, Stephanie experienced the cultures of Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Russia and Taiwan! These experiences were the ultimate education and eventually inspired her decision to make education her profession. This past March she left on her first solo trip to Ireland! Stephanie is hoping to continue her studies in Dublin in 2015 and grateful for the opportunity to meet other fantastic Irish women through her Rose experience.

3rd place Ceili team in the world in 2012!

Berlin Wall

Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Society Charity Ball

Miss Coull with some of her first graduating students

On tour in Spain with a cast-mate

20

Sign promoting her show in St. Petersburg, Russia

The Desert Shamrock

Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland

ALLISON SLATTERY PHOTOGRAPHY

September – October 2014

Teaching Daíthí fundamentals of hockey

Rexio

At work in her foot clinic

atie is 26 years old and extremely excited to be representing the Toronto Rose Centre in its 50th year! She currently lives and works in Toronto as a foot specialist (Chiropodist / Podiatrist) at three different clinics regularly, and does some volunteer research at our local children’s hospital. She loves working with all age groups, but especially with children.

Born in Toronto, however, Katie was raised all over. She describes it as a simple childhood in the Toronto area where she and her sister did dance and horse riding; her brother played hockey. When she was 16, her parents had a “mid-life adventure” and decided to move “back” to Ireland. Katie’s family moved to Galway city, where they stayed for almost ten years. She did her leaving cert in Galway before moving back to Toronto for undergraduate studies in History and Mammal physiology and post graduate studies in Podiatric Medicine.

It has been amazing going back and forth Canada-Ireland the last ten years; she loves to travel! Both of her parents are of Irish descent. Their Irish citizenship comes from Katie’s late paternal grandfather who is from Frenchpark in County Roscommon. In the typical Irish style, they now have cousins all over Ireland, Australia, England, New Zealand and the USA. Katie’s hobbies include Improv Comedy, horseback riding, and volunteering with her sorority, Tri Delta. Being the Toronto Rose continues to be a fantastic experience. She shares, “All of the girls are wonderful, smart and friendly; it is one of the most surreal adventures I have ever been on. I would strongly encourage any eligible young woman to apply, I know my sister is eagerly awaiting her turn!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto for all of their love and support the past few months!”

Tom Swiatowiec

Cindy and Cliff, parents

K

The Desert Shamrock

TORONTO ROSE

Katheryn “Katie” Blundell

2014 Winter Classic hockey, Toronto vs. Detroit

September – October 2014

21

WESTERN CANADA ROSE

Catharine Joyce

I

PHOTO BY EVELYN JOYCE AND PAUL DOHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY

ntroducing 2014’s Western Canada Rose, Catharine was born and raised in northern Alberta. Her Irish roots stem from both her father’s and mother’s side. Her father, Gary Joyce, hails from Newfoundland, Canada. A small island off of Canada’s eastern seaboard, Newfoundland has deep connections with Ireland.

From their accents to their music it is sometimes hard to tell them apart. Her ancestors sailed over to the island in the mid 1600’s from Galway to fish and forge new paths.

Catharine’s great-great grandmother’s family on her maternal side hail from Tipperary and immigrated to the Quebec/ Ontario region in the early 1800’s.

Growing up Catharine was very much immersed in Irish tradition as her father constantly had Irish/Newfie music playing in the house and big dinners revolved around traditional Irish cooking. After High school Catharine ventured and travelled Europe including Ireland. After two years of living abroad, she decided to move home and continue her studies at the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce.

Catharine, now 27, lives and works in her hometown of Fort McMurray, Alberta as a Human Resources Generalist. Her hobbies include volleyball, soccer, basketball, and Gaelic football. She played both volleyball and soccer for her community college and is one the founding members of the Fort McMurray Shamrocks, their local GAA club. In her spare time, Catharine loves spending time with her family and friends and giving her time to her community. She is currently the VP of the Fort McMurray Shamrocks and Treasurer of the Western Divisional Board of the GAA. One of her big goals is to keep growing the Irish sports and social clubs in Western Canada as they have served as huge networking opportunities for new Irish immigrants into the west. She also wants to help grow the children’s program so that the youth can continue to play the game on Canadian soil.

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

22

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

Loves to Dance!

‘Say ahh!’’ Medical Clinic in Guatemala

S

arah is a young professional from Mesa, Arizona who works at the Arizona State Senate. She celebrated her 27th birthday this past Saint Patrick’s Day. How lucky is that?

One of Sarah’s favorite adventures to-date was traveling around the United States teaching young people government and leadership skills. She was constantly amazed at individuals’ potential to do great things and loved seeing her students discover their worth and ability! Sarah was also a Young Ambassador with the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, and last year served as Vice-President of the Arizona Friends of Saint Patrick. This incredible experience taught Sarah so much and introduced to her to some wonderful life-long friends. She and her family have been members of CROFT, a historical reenactment group that exhibits the Celtic way of life during the Middle Ages. Sarah says that learning through this organization (as they demonstrate blacksmithing, weaving, candle-making, and more) has given her a great appreciation for the skill and ingenuity that were everyday necessities for her ancestors.

Her own Irish family roots come from the Quinn’s and McNulty’s of County Tyrone.

Another of Sarah’s greatest loves is dancing! She has trained in Ballet and Contemporary, and enjoyed many opportunities over the years to improve this skill and perform in a variety of fun settings, big and small. Other involvements have included many volunteer opportunities with her family, church and friends and taking service trips to both Guatemala and Mexico.

Sarah has a great time hiking and camping in the gorgeous Arizona landscape, swing-dancing with her friends, or having a movie night with the family. She describes her family as enthusiastic, caring, and adventurous and says that they, with her loving and amazing Savior Jesus Christ are most important in her life!

Sarah loves Arizona’s Irish-American community and is honored and thrilled to represent them as the Arizona Rose!

Northern Ireland’s Saint Patrick Centre Program

Celtic Re-enactment

PHOTO BY BUD ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

ARIZONA ROSE

Sarah Hines

The Desert Shamrock

Mom and Sister in Portlaoise

September – October 2014

PHOTO BY ANN NIEMANN

23

BOSTON & NEW ENGLAND ROSE

Michelle Prior

M

Boston’s Historic North End

ichelle’s Irish heritage comes from her father’s family, with ancestry in Counties Mayo, Cork, Galway, and Kilkenny. Her ancestors all emigrated to Boston and her family has not moved very far! Michelle grew up in Georgetown, Massachusetts, a small town 40 minutes north of Boston.

Currently, she is 23 years old and works as a research associate for an environmental consulting firm specializing in oil spill prevention and response based in Massachusetts and Alaska. In May 2013, Michelle graduated with honors from Miami University of Ohio with a degree in American Studies, Political Science, and European Area Studies.

During her third year, originally she chose to study abroad in Ireland as a tribute to her Irish-American paternal grandparents. Her grandfather died in 2001 before seeing his beloved Ireland and her grandmother passed away in spring 2011 after a debilitating stroke; her promise to take Michelle to Ireland lingering incomplete. That fall, she made the last-minute decision to travel to Ireland on her own with some concern expressed by her parents. After getting off the phone with Michelle, her father went to get the mail and there found a bond from his father’s will. With that confirmation, he knew Michelle had to go with that money helping to fund her first trip across the pond.

She studied at Dublin City University and has since returned to Ireland several times for research and visiting friends and family. Michelle found that studying at a foreign university was a thrilling challenge both inside and outside of the classroom, and she’d like to pursue a Master’s degree abroad.

Michelle is passionate about historic and cultural preservation and has volunteered for her local historical society for ten years—occasionally in period costume!

Her close-knit family is extremely important to her. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys jogging, reading, singing, following current events, and a good adventure.

Most recently, she tried out salmon fishing in Alaska!

Alaska on first business trip at Seward’s Mile 0 of the Iditarod Trail

24

The Desert Shamrock

Rome

Giant’s Causeway

Only woman on the operation during an on-water oil spill drill in Westport, Massachusetts

September – October 2014

Ireland Network Ball at the Drake Hotel with 2013 Chicago Rose Bridget Conway

C

olleen is a 26-year-old alumnus of the University of Notre Dame where she graduated magna cum laude in 2010 with a degree in Political Science and Accountancy. She is a CPA and works in Finance for Grosvenor Capital Management, an alternative investment firm. Born and raised in Chicago, Colleen has always been extremely active in the Chicago Irish community. She is now the youngest member on the American Ireland Fund Young Leaders Steering Committee and is the current Vice President of Sponsorship on the Executive Board of the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago. Colleen is also a member of Ireland Network Chicago and is very involved with her parish and Rose of Tralee sponsor, Old St. Patrick’s Church. She sits on the Advisory Board of its Young Leaders of Chicago.

Growing up Irish step dancing for the Sheila Tully Irish Step Dancers, Colleen was later President of the Notre Dame Irish Step Dance Team. She was also a dedicated volleyball player earning her a spot on the Division I Notre Dame Varsity Volleyball Team.

In her free time, Colleen continues to be tremendously active with a passion for health and fitness. She loves running, yoga, playing sports, healthy cooking, and will run her first Chicago Marathon this October. Needless to say, Colleen loves to keep busy and is constantly seeking new challenges, opportunities, and adventures.

Most notably, Colleen is exceptionally passionate about her Irish heritage with her Irish roots stemming from Galway, Kilkenny, and Limerick. Her family followed a classic Irish immigration to the Irish neighborhoods of Chicago in the late 1800’s and the connection to Ireland and the culture has always been a defining part of her life. Colleen is incredibly proud of her vibrant Irish community and is absolutely thrilled to represent her “Sweet Home Chicago” as the 2014 Chicago Rose.

PHOTO BY ANN NIEMANN

CHICAGO ROSE

Colleen Marie Nolan

President of Ireland Michael Higgins and his wife Sabina during Chicago visit

First Rose to receive a Mayoral Proclamation from the City of Chicago (Mayor Rahm Emanuel)

Shamrock Shuffle with her running group at Old St. Patrick’s Church

Hiking through Grand Teton Mountains

The Desert Shamrock

Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue Bridge

September – October 2014

25

KENTUCKY ROSE

Claire Curran With Carole Whalen, Kentucky Rose Centre

C

laire is beyond thrilled to represent Kentucky this year in the 2014 Rose of Tralee Festival. She is the 23-year-old daughter of Terri Roberts of Frankfort, KY and Mike Curran of San Diego, CA. She is also the loving sibling of older brother Patrick, older sister Jessica, and her twin brother Grant. Claire currently lives in Frankfort and enjoys her job at the Kentucky Department of Revenue where she works under the Division of Sales and Use Tax. Claire is a 2012 graduate of Murray State University in Murray, KY where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in international business and a minor in Spanish. While attending Murray State, Claire was an active member in her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, studied abroad in Spain and Ecuador, and was a top 15 finalist in the Ms. Murray State University Scholarship Pageant where she was voted Ms. Congeniality 2011 by her fellow contestants. She was also awarded “Outstanding Senior in International Business 2012” by Murray State University’s College of Business’ faculty and staff.

Aside from work, she pursues her love for acting with Lexington’s Blue Grass Mystery Theatre and she is also a committee volunteer for Franklin County’s Relay for Life which benefits the American Cancer Society. She loves to spend time with her family, friends, and her boyfriend Zack Lawson. Her hobbies include riding bikes, yoga, competing in charitable 5k races, and playing board games.

Claire’s most prized possession is her extensive postcard collection established in 2002, sporting over 120 postcards from various places around the world where she has traveled.

The closest connection on Claire’s deep rooted Irish ancestry stems from her great-grandmother on her father’s side that came to the United State in the early 1900’s from Castlebar in County Mayo. Claire of course takes great pride in her ancestry and her late paternal grandparents made her Irish heritage a focus during her early childhood.

Color Me Rad 5k Race

26

Madrid, Spain

PHOTO BY JEFF ROBERTS

Quito, Ecuador 2011; Standing on the equator line PHOTO BY SIVE DOYLE

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

PHOTO BY KEN MARTINEZ

Escorted by Grandfather Ronald Chevis

New Orleans Rosebud

Belize team from Loyola University

With brothers, Nicholas and Gabriel

The Desert Shamrock

M

adeline Janney, the 2014 New Orleans Rose, feels so lucky to have been born and raised in New Orleans. There’s always something to do, from festivals to parades and everything in between!

She is 20 years old and has just finished her second year in the honors program at Loyola University New Orleans where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in New Orleans Studies. After college, she plans to attend graduate school for speech-language pathology.

At Loyola, she serves as a student ambassador and mentor to new students.

She is also a member of the Ignacio Volunteers and traveled to Belize for a mission trip this summer, where she will be a teacher for three weeks at a summer camp for local children. She was one of ten students chosen to participate in this trip through her college.

She enjoys working with children, and in her spare time likes to swim, spend time with friends and family, and watch New Orleans Saints football—Who Dat! Madeline received the St. Timothy award from the Archbishop of New Orleans, Gregory Aymond. This award is given to a young person in recognition of their outstanding participation in the spiritual life of their parish, school, community, etc. She received this award at a celebration at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

She has been a Rosebud in the New Orleans Centre since the age of six, so being a Rose has always been a dream of hers. Nora Lambert, Centre Director, began the program in Louisiana, which influenced other Centres like Arizona to begin similar programs, as well as the Rose of Tralee team introducing Rosebuds for the 50th anniversary Festival.

Both of her maternal grandparents have Irish roots. She traces her ancestry to County Kerry and County Clare, and enjoys learning more about her Irish heritage.

PHOTO BY DOMNICK WALSH

NEW ORLEANS ROSE

Ignacio Volunteers in Belize

Madeline Janney

PHOTO BY FRANK METHE, CLARION HERALD

St. Timothy award from Archibishop of New Orleans

September – October 2014

27

Titanic M Belfast

ore than 100 years ago the world’s most famous ship, RMS Titanic, captured everyone’s imagination and awe. Today, the great liner’s fascinating and enduring presence is doing the same all over again at her birthplace in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Titanic Belfast proudly proclaims itself as the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, and who would argue?

Standing on the Slipways where Titanic and her sister ships Olympic and Britannic were built, the £97m GBP (over $163 million USD; over €121 million) attraction that opened in Spring 2012, has transformed the historic city of Belfast from a location once blighted by trouble into a confident, vibrant and culturally rich tourist destination.

More than 1.7 million visitors, many from North America, have experienced Titanic Belfast’s contemporary interpretation of Titanic’s story in its nine

The Slipways at Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the world’s most famous ship was built, is a spectacular and memorable place to visit. Games of Thrones, the hit HBO series, is filmed in Titanic Studios, top right of the picture.

By Alex McGreevy

28

galleries. Only at Titanic Belfast can you claim to have walked the Slipway on which she was constructed.

Only at Titanic Belfast can you wander through the breath-taking Drawing Offices where the ship was designed, or venture into the office of chief designer Thomas Andrews during the attraction’s Discovery Tour that complements the overall experience.

As John Landau, Producer of the blockbuster movie TITANIC put it, you will “feel the weight of history on your shoulders” at Titanic Belfast.

Just two hours from Dublin city centre, and accessible by plane, train and automobile, Titanic Belfast is a must-do for all North American and worldwide visitors to the island of Ireland.

The Desert Shamrock

For more information about this amazing attraction, check out the QR Code or visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

September – October 2014

WATCH THIS

titanic

ExpEriEncE OnE Of ThE wOrlD’s grEaTEsT sTOriEs in ThE ciTy Of hEr birTh, bElfasT Only 2 hOurs frOm Dublin bOOk yOur TiTanic ExpEriEncE nOw aT titanicbelfast.com

titanic belfast, 1 olympic Way, Queen’s Road, belfast, n. ireland, bt3 9eP tel: +44 28 9076 6386 email: welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Key supporting partner

supported by

NEW YORK ROSE

Kathleen “Katy” Edsall

K

athleen is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, where she achieved a Master’s Degree in clinical exercise physiology and nutrition and graduated second in her class. Katy has gained experience working with many different clienteles including those with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary diseases, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic issues, diabetes and cancer. She finds it rewarding and satisfying to restore a better quality of life to someone who thought they would be limited by their disease and never feel normal again. Katy is currently the Director of Community Wellness at Burke Rehabilitation hospital, building and growing new programs for the community such as massage, adult fitness and specialty exercise groups for stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and various pulmonary disorders.

Katy is proud and connected to her Irish roots, which originate in Buncrana, County Donegal and Tipperary Town, County Tipperary, Ireland. She is fortunate to have an extremely supportive family both in Ireland and the United States. Her great grandfather William Doherty came to the United States from Buncrana in 1924 as the only one of seventeen children to immigrate to the United States. He lived in New York City where he worked to build the railways. He met his wife Helen Brett there who passed away shortly after birthing their three children Helen, Elizabeth and William. The children grew up in the care of nuns in Rockland County and the family has been in the area ever since.

Katy is proud of her family’s perseverance, dedication to one another and hard work to help build the city of New York as we have come to love it today.

Highly involved with her community, Katy has participated in Girl Scouts, Irish dance, soccer, Lacrosse, bowling, youth police academy, and church choir. She would like to thank her family, the NY- New Jersey Rose Center and the Rockland County Chapter Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the national and international Roses for making this year absolutely unbelievable.

PHOTO BY DOMNICK WALSH

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER STUDIOS

Graduated 2nd in her Class

30

PHOTO BY DAVID O’DOHERTY

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

City of Raleigh skyline

Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains

Walking as Marilyn Monroe in a charity fashion show

Rose Regionals in Portlaoise

The Desert Shamrock

N

ancy is thrilled to represent the great state of North Carolina. She was born June 16, 1989 in Herlev, Denmark, and moved to England, then New York until finally settling in Raleigh, North Carolina at the age of 6. She is proud to have been raised there and is what folks call a “GRITS” or “Girl Raised In The South.” She attended all levels of school in Raleigh, and ultimately earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Minor in Environmental Science from NC State University in 2011.

Currently, she is a member of the Recruiting team at Cree, Inc., a marketleading innovator of lighting products, as well as a contributing writer for Carolina STYLE Magazine. She has many career aspirations, but hopes to eventually be in a position of positive influence whether it’s as a C-level executive or an Ambassador.

Nancy absolutely loves music, traveling, and the outdoors, and enthusiastically participates in activities that incorporate any (or all) of these. As a music fanatic, she will travel to great lengths to see her favorite acts, and finds any excuse to do so. She is an avid hiker, once doing an 80-mile excursion through the Adirondacks in only four days, and also loves to try her luck at fishing. Nancy enjoys getting involved with her local community, especially since there is an abundance of fun volunteer opportunities in the Raleigh area. On an average day, you can find her enjoying some of her favorite foods (BBQ, tacos, or burgers), spending time with her family and friends, or working up a sweat in the gym.

Nancy’s Irish heritage stems from her mother’s family from Counties Cork and Sligo, and her father’s family from County Limerick. Her family takes great pride in their roots, and has welcomed further celebrating their heritage through the Rose of Tralee program.

NORTH CAROLINA ROSE

Nancy Boyce

Charity 5K Run

September – October 2014

31

OHIO ROSE

Gráinne Mangan PHOTO BY DOMNICK WALSH

G

ráinne was born and raised on the Westside of Cleveland, Ohio where she attended Saint Mark Elementary followed by Saint Joseph Academy for high school. In college, she interned at the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and this past spring, graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Communications and Marketing. Throughout her life, Gráinne always enjoyed playing sports with basketball and volleyball as her favorites, and still plays volleyball today.

She moved this year to Columbus, Ohio for a job with TEKsystems, a subsidiary of Allegis Group—the largest private management firm in the world, as an IT Recruiter.

Her Irish heritage from Achill Island in County Mayo has always played a large role in her life along with her faith, as expressed in many wonderful traditions.

Gráinne’s credits her family as greatly influencing who she has become. Two of the greatest inspirations are her Grandmothers. Mary Clare Mangan taught her how to make Cleveland’s best Irish soda bread, but also how to be an independent strong woman. Patricia Whitford is a living example of a servant of God; she even listens to the rosary every time she is in her car. Both of these matriarchs along with other family members taught her the importance of loyalty and unconditional love. Her Great Uncle Father Terrence McManamon and Grandfather James Mangan are also living role models.

Besides being blessed with so many intelligent and devoted in her extended family, Gráinne also feels lucky enough to have grown up surrounded by such a strong Irish community in Cleveland. Whether it was Irish dancing, marching in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, or joining together for a session, these friends and “family” are something truly special. Gráinne shares, “I am lucky to have been selected to represent Roommates at University Ohio’s Irish community as the 2014 Ohio Irish Rose and would like of Dayton, Ohio to thank each person who has helped me get here, especially Westlake World Partners and my family.”

Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland

With cousin Cora Clare

Gráinne with family friends in Ireland

32

Playing volleyball for Saint Joseph Academy

The Desert Shamrock

Intramural Flag Football Champions in college

September – October 2014

Duck Tape factory in Avon, Ohio where the jacket for Dáithí was made to present to him in Portlaoise Rose Regional

M PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

The Desert Shamrock

aria is a native of Boston, Massachusetts but moved to the South Mayo village of Shrule in 1994. Her family celebrates their 20th anniversary this year in Shrule! Her father Vincent is from Carravilla Roundfort, County Mayo but lived in Boston for a number of years while her mother, similar to Maria, was born in Boston but moved to Leitir Mor in Connemara when she was seven and returned to Boston in her early teens. Maria has three siblings, all dotted across the globe. Kevin currently lives in Los Angeles, Eileen lives in Perth and Michael, who lives in Galway.

She studied Journalism and Visual Media in Griffith College Dublin and graduated in 2009. In 2010, Maria ventured to the Big Apple before heading to Philadelphia in late 2011. She works as a Studio Manager for Anthropologie, a clothing and lifestyle brand. Gaelic football has always been a passion for her and since moving to Philadelphia she is a member of the Notre Dames. Maria is a Pioneer and a member of the Glencorrib Center since she was twelve. Her volunteer projects have always been centred about the development and support of young people. She worked for many years as the National Youth Secretary for the Pioneer Association and as a member of the Board of Directors for the No Name Club. In 2004 she received the honour of becoming the No Name National Hostess of the Year. When she was 21, Maria travelled with a group of soccer coaches to Arusha in Tanzania to provide soccer camps to 3,000 children.

PHILADELPHIA ROSE

Maria Walsh

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

September – October 2014

33

SAN FRANCISCO ROSE

Margaret Rose Keehan

H

er full name is Margaret Rose Keehan, but friends and family call her “Rosie.” She is 23 years old, born and raised in San Francisco. Rosie graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management and Art History in 2013. Currently, she works as an office manager and project coordinator for a small consulting company that specializes in city planning, engineering, and site development. She enjoys her job, but her true passion is in the arts and someday hopes to work for a civic arts organization.

In addition to the visual arts, she is also very passionate about music. Rosie loves to sing and had the pleasure of participating in her father Vincent’s latest recording project Nights in Shanaglish. It was recorded live in his home parish in County Galway at the local Whelan’s Pub. There she performed the song “Sweet Ballyvaughan.” Growing up, she was constantly exposed to traditional Irish music as her father is a musician and her parents hosted many musician friends in their home. While studying abroad at University College Dublin in 2012, she was asked by her professor to record some songs and anecdotes for the Irish National Folklore Collection. It houses one of the largest collections of oral and ethnological material in the world, a contribution for which she is very proud and grateful.

Rosie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at ten years old, so her health is very important to her. She enjoys being active and took up running while studying in Dublin, where she ran her first 10k race. She now enjoys races on a regular basis with a goal of competing in a full marathon.

Her favorite things in life are the simple ones. She enjoys relaxing with her friends, family, and her Glenn terrier “Whiskey”, traveling, concerts, going to the movies, and spending time at the beach near her home. Her father immigrated from Co. Galway in 1981, settling in San Francisco in 1983.

SCAN to hear Rosie’s performance on Nights inShanaglish

Art Institute of Chicago

34

Sitting in the dugout of favorite Baseball team, the San Francisco Giants after completing the Giants 10k Race

The Desert Shamrock

Antoni Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barcelona

At the Opera in Rome, Italy

Performing in Portlaoise “Working the Streets” (written by father Vince Keehan)

September – October 2014

Hiking at Potato Chip Rock in Poway, CA

College graduation day in Nursing

Medal completing triathlon

Connemara

The Desert Shamrock

K

DANIELLE BONNIE ROBBINS, CHAMPAGNE KISSES PHOTOGRAPHY

athryn “Katie” is 26 years old and lives in beautiful San Diego, situated next to the Pacific Ocean. She graduated magna cum laude from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles with a degree in Nursing. It is her goal to one day work as an Emergency Department Nurse in Ireland. In the summer of 2013 while hiking in Ireland, Katie was involved in a mountain rescue from Croagh Patrick in Mayo, Ireland. That was her first rescue after being certified by the boards as a Registered Nurse by the state of California. The experience allowed her to learn more about nursing in Ireland by meeting the people she met on the mountain that day.

Growing up in a military family, her father was a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps. Katie was born in Virginia while her father was stationed at the Pentagon, and then at age three, they moved to Orange County, California when her dad was relocated to the base at El Toro. She is the youngest of four children having two older sisters and one older brother. Some of the best memories she has are of the family going on road trips, fishing, and skiing.

Sports and fitness have always been a huge part of Katie’s life! She enjoys competing in Triathlons and Half Marathons and while growing up she was on the swim team, surf team, and for water polo. She’s a huge fan of Arsenal soccer and Chicago Bears football. Outdoor activities such as camping and boating are enjoyable pastimes.

Over the past few years, Katie feels so blessed to have been able to travel back and forth to Ireland and to visit Ennistymon in County Clare where her family is from. She shares, “Who I am today is due to the tight knit Irish family that I have.

I grew up hearing my Grandmother telling family stories, singing Irish lullabies, and baking some of the best Irish food!”

Surfing in Lahinch, Co. Clare

September – October 2014

Los Angeles Angels baseball game with boyfriend Fernando Linares, L.A. fireman

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROSE

Kathryn Bergman

35

TEXAS ROSE

Cyndi Crowell

C

PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

yndi is 26 years old and was born and raised in wonderful Austin, Texas!

Her passion for helping people, and experiences growing up in a home overshadowed by alcoholism and domestic violence, led her to a fulfilling career in social work and counseling. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and her Masters of Social Work degree, both from Texas State University.

As a social worker at the hospital, Cyndi works on a treatment team with a doctor, and her role is to aid in the aftercare plan for the patients. Specifically, she helps patients get into treatment centers; assists the patient obtain necessary providers in the community; conduct family meetings to aid in the education of a patient’s illness, treatment, and aftercare plan; but also to provide support referrals for family members as well.

After receiving her master’s in social work, Cyndi took her licensing exam to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and she currently works at Seton Shoal Creek Psychiatric Hospital in Austin. Another passion of Cyndi’s is traveling! She has had the opportunity to study abroad in France, travel to Sweden, England, and Belize. In addition to that, she has also done mission work in inner city New Orleans with her church.

Austin is the Music Capital of the World, and Cyndi takes full advantage of that as she enjoys listening to all types of music, and attending music festivals.

Cyndi also loves dancing, exercising, cooking, collecting antiques, spending time on the lake and at the pool, barbequing, and spending as much time as possible with her mom, wonderful friends and family!

Cyndi’s Irish connections are in County Cork, and come from her mother’s family, with the family heritage surname being McCarty.

At work at Austin, TX hospital PHOTO BY RICHARD MCCARTHY / EVENTCAPTURE.IE

36

The Desert Shamrock

Texas Rose Center

September – October 2014

A

llison is incredibly excited to be the 2014 Washington, D.C. Rose! She is a 21-year-old student at The Catholic University of America (CUA) studying Media and Philosophy. During the school year, she is a Resident Assistant for 56 female first-year students in the dormitories.

She has been Irish dancing since she was little and has competed at the World Championships several times. She still competes with her dance school, Broesler School of Irish Dance; she has not been able to give it up!

She also plays the violin and dabbles in ukulele. In her free time she likes to volunteer. Her family has been raising dogs for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind for six years. Some of the dogs her family has raised are now guiding people all over the United States!

She is involved with the Irish-American community in Washington, D.C. She is the Vice President and founding member of the Irish Culture Club, the CUA Gaels, and Captain of the newly formed Irish Dance competition team, the Celtic Cardinals. She is also a member of the Irish Network DC. Her love of Irish heritage and culture come from the stories of her family that have been passed down over the years with roots in Kilkenny and Cork.

Performing at Rose Regional in Portlaoise

Working at Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut

Competing at Worlds

The Desert Shamrock

WASHINGTON DC ROSE

Allison Wetterauw

Celtic Cardinals

September – October 2014

37

North American Rose Centres – Sister Cities/Twinned Cities

S

ister Cities International was founded at President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy. Eisenhower envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people of different cultures could celebrate and appreciate their differences and build partnerships that

Arizona Chandler, AZ – Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland Gilbert, AZ – Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland Mesa, AZ – Burnaby, BC, Canada Peoria, AZ – Borough of Ards, Northern Ireland Phoenix, AZ – Calgary, AB, Canada Phoenix, AZ – Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland Scottsdale, AZ – Kingston, ON, Canada Tempe, AZ – Carlow, Ireland Tucson, AZ – County Roscommon, Ireland

Boston, Massachusetts & New England Arlington, MA – Port Arlington, Ireland Boston, MA – Belfast, Northern Ireland Cambridge, MA – Galway, Ireland Pittsfield, MA – Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland

Chicago, Illinois Chicago, IL – Galway, Ireland Chicago, IL – Toronto, Canada Dixon, IL – Castlebar, Ireland Niles, IL – Leixlip, Ireland Peoria, IL – Clonmel, Ireland Tinley Park, IL – Mallow, Ireland

would lessen the chance of new conflicts.

Sister Cities International creates relationships based on cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges, forging lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through person-to-person “citizen diplomacy.”

Special thanks to Phoenix-Ennis and ChandlerTullamore for hosting the Arizona Roses since 2010 in various events and appearances!

North Carolina Beaufort, NC – Beaufort, Ireland Cary, NC – County Meath, Ireland Concord, NC – Killarney, Ireland Myrtle Beach, NC – Killarney, Ireland Southern Pines, NC – Newry and Mourne District, Northern Ireland

Ohio Cleveland, OH – West Mayo, Ireland Westlake, OH – Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

San Francisco Dublin, CA – Bray, Ireland Menlo Park, CA – Galway, Ireland San Francisco, CA – Cork, Ireland San Jose, CA – Dublin, Ireland Santa Cruz, CA – County Roscommon, Ireland Santa Cruz, CA – Galway, Ireland

Southern California Los Angeles, CA – Dublin, Ireland Santa Barbara, CA – Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Washington, DC Annapolis, Maryland – Wexford, Ireland Baltimore, MD – Ely O’Carroll, Ireland Maryland – County Cork, Ireland Virginia Beach, Virginia – North Down Borough, Northern Ireland

Kentucky Lexington, KY – County Kildare, Ireland

New York Rochester, NY – Waterford, Ireland

38

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

PHOTOS BY ANN NIEMANN

Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

Greetings from the Embassy of Ireland to the United States Dear Friends, I am delighted to have this opportunity to greet readers of The Desert Shamrock, not only in Arizona but throughout the U.S. and beyond. I know that many of you maintain strong connections with Ireland in various ways, including through regular visits “back home,” and I thank you for helping to keep our relationship with America refreshed and vibrant.

With so many family links to be explored, historical treasures to be viewed and cultural attractions to be enjoyed, Ireland offers something for everyone. Our rich and rugged landscape also offers multiple ways in which to enjoy the great outdoors, whether through adventure sports or slightly less hectic pastimes.

participants from around the world and their families and supporters will never forget. I can speak of this with good knowledge, since one of our former Embassy colleagues took part in the Festival as 2013 Washington D.C. Rose.

I thank the organisers and sponsors of the Rose of Tralee International Festival who help ensure that it continues to thrive, and I extend every good wish to the participants for whom it means so much.

I hope that as many readers of The Desert Shamrock as possible will take the opportunity to visit us to enjoy the Festival and the many other opportunities for fun and relaxation that await you in Ireland.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival deserves a special mention since it represents a unique and colourful tradition that

With best wishes, Anne Anderson Ambassador

Team Ireland in the U.S.A.

The Embassy works with Ireland’s Consulates and State Agencies to pursue opportunities that will deliver economic growth and jobs for Ireland. We also help maintain and enhance links with our Irish-American diaspora and promote Irish culture in new and traditional forms.

The Embassy works closely with Ireland’s Consulates and State Agencies throughout the United States to promote trade, tourism and inward investment. We can: • Support Irish companies who want to find and access new markets and help with resolving commercial difficulties where possible; • Provide general advice on doing business locally and, through our network of contacts, pursue export and investment opportunities that will benefit Ireland; • Work to secure market access for Irish products in key sectors in high-growth and emerging markets.

The Embassy, Ireland’s Consulates and Irish Honorary Consuls also help to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens who need it while travelling in the United States.

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

39

TRAVEL

A Guide to Saint Patrick’s Country Strangford and Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

By Tim Campbell, PhD Strangford Lough “…the stable earth, the deep salt sea, around the old eternal rocks.”

(Translation of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate)

T

he story of Christianity in Ireland begins in the 5th Century in County Down, within the northern coastal landscape of County Down and its ancient capital Downpatrick. Here Saint Patrick brought his boat ashore at the River Slaney on Strangford Lough (“läk”), the largest sea inlet in Ireland.

The rolling green landscape remains unspoilt, making it easy for you to imagine how County Down appeared to travellers more than 1,500 years ago. It has inspired many film crews from Terry George’s Oscar winning short story The Shore, which was filmed here to the Game of Thrones and the forthcoming Dracula Untold.

What happened next remains rooted in the local landscape of Saint Patrick’s Country. Much of Downpatrick’s Christian heritage is conserved for visitors to discover today. You can still walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick, on the land where he established Ireland’s first Christian church in AD 432, in the barn of a local chieftain at Saul.

Saint Patrick made County Down the cradle of Irish Christianity. He died here, and his final resting place is beside Down Cathedral in Downpatrick.

Saint Patrick’s Country is a coastal landscape with a very distinct local identity. Around you, open skies drift over green farmland, and the water always

seems to be in view. Enjoy rolling countryside, traffic-free roads, shorelines, seascapes and sunsets, along with postcard villages and fascinating wildlife. The landscape is dotted with churches and grand estates, as well as holy sites and historic buildings.

Many attractions are totally unique to the area and if you are interested in Christian and pre-Christian heritage, you have a huge choice. Your self-guided tour could last from a few hours to many days.

Downpatrick It helps to orientate yourself in Saint Patrick’s Country by starting in the town of Downpatrick. Within the small medieval town, you can see Saint Patrick’s Grave at the historic Cathedral Hill, then absorb more of the local story at The Saint Patrick Centre and Down County Museum. Saint Patrick’s Grave on Cathedral hill is one of the most holy sites in Ireland and has been a place of pilgrimage for over 1600 years.

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition about Saint Patrick In the world and houses a wonderful interactive display about Patrick’s life and times. As a charity, it continues to work in ‘the spirit of Saint Patrick’ by promoting reconciliation in Northern Ireland and bringing people together irrespective of their faith, politics or physical/mental ability. The Centre is home to the growing Friends of Saint Patrick organisation, which has a Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona; as well as in Albany, NY; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minnesota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Tampa, Florida; Downpatrick; and Toronto, Canada. continued on page 51

Maternal side “Murphy” came from County Cork and father’s side “Morrison” arrived from County Waterford

40

The Desert Shamrock

Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Grave

5628 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 Bus.: (480) 990-1900 Fax: (480) 481-9551 E-Mail: daveb@isugsw.com http://www.isugsw.com

Dave Binsfeld, CIC, ARM

Vice President

September – October 2014

We’re on the hunt for the one million of Celtic descent in Arizona. You know who you are--Irish, Scottish, Scotch-Irish, Welsh, and some other groups that qualify--no matter how far back you have to go in the ancestral line. If you have a wee bit and proud of it, you’re in!

The Desert Shamrock has BIG plans this next twelve months to sponsor a variety of events and to support nonprofits like the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Irish Library in Phoenix. The more successful the campaign, the more philanthropic we can be, going national and international. Hey, we could even help restore castles!

As the campaign moves along, we’ll update with what we can and will do!

You can say you were a part of that.

We’ve set a goal of $15,000 with the desire to blow right past it! The funds will help ensure the legacy of this communication mainstay in the Celtic Community with articles of interest to non-Celts as well AND we’ll be able to do a whole lot of good!

Open to Arizonans and friends worldwide.

Not leaving anyone out!

There’s a variety of giving levels:

$1 Count Me In

Register as “I’m 1 in a Million!” We’re counting on our website’s homepage! Once you select this perk, you can increase your contribution to include each person in your family at $1 each. So, a family of five would be $5.

Receive a beautifully designed Certificate.

$15 T-Shirt

Receive a commemorative T-shirt and wear it proudly!

Plus, receive the perk above.

$25 Subscription & Luggage Tags

Receive one-year print subscription mailed to your home or office and stay connected! And, pack your bags for your next adventure with our luggage tags. Get going!

Plus, receive the perks above.

$50 Your Name in Print

See your name in a special section of an upcoming edition of The Desert Shamrock! Plus, receive the perks above.

$100 Newbridge Jewelry

Designed and crafted in Ireland, receive one Celtic piece among a choice of six. Plus, receive the perks above.

500 VIP St. Patrick’s Parade Pkg

$

You and your immediate family ride in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, March 14, 2015; free passes to the Irish Faire that follows. Plus, a T-shirt for each person AND receive the other perks above.

Join the count!

Starting NOW through August 21 Go to www.Indiegogo.com and search “Desert Shamrock” Campaign #2 will follow!

PHOTO: IRISH CULTURAL CENTER, PHOENIX, AZ; CREDIT: BOB RINK

NEW site launching at www.desertshamrock.com Online eMagazine editions at www.issuu.com/desertshamrock “Like” us at www.facebook.com/desertshamrock

TRAVEL

Driving Tips

from Left Lane Maureen

By Maureen Sullivan CTC County Cork, Ireland

M

ay the road rise to greet you!

County Kerry is home to the world famous Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Tralee is a booming metropolis for business and a local shopping centre with picturesque handsome Georgian buildings. The week-long festival including concerts, parades, fireworks, and street entertainment, leads up to the selection where the Rose to represent the Global Irish herself is chosen.

Killarney is a tourist town with a centre developed for tourism in the 18th century when Queen Victoria came for a four-day visit and stayed at Muckross House in 1861. Muckross House is a must see with its large Victorian mansion house overlooking the Lakes of Killarney, built in 1843 for the Herbert family. The stately manor house exhibits at the machines and leave the coupon on elegantly furnished rooms the dash. Street parking may cause damage displaying the lifestyles of to your car. the wealthy. The house and It’s important to know the correct way gardens form the centerto ask an Irishman for directions. The piece of the enchanting incorrect way is to abruptly say, “Excuse national park. In Killarney me! Could you tell me the way to Kilyou can hire a jaunting larney”? When inquiring about directions, cart and travel through the start a conversation and this will become a countryside and arrive at friendly conversation. “Ah, that’s a lovely Muckross House as Queen dog you have there” or ‘it’s a great pub you Victoria did on her visit. have here.” Large quantities of information Mucros Weavers, downwill then be exchanged and you’ll get the stairs, has some unique directions needed. woven goods produced by One night we were leaving Murphy’s Brothers stacking turf in a John Cahill and staff for Pub on College Street around midnight. mountain bog in Co. Kerry many years.

There were two big Irishmen smoking outside In Killarney, the narrow the door. I started a conversation with them, and streets were laid out in Victorian times. The best then asked them where the Irish Tourist Board Ofplace to park is the “Car Park” parking lots. You pay fice was. One gentleman looked at his watch and Jack’s parents were born in County Cork, Ireland, settling in 1920’s Chicago.

Phone: 480-671-0207 • Cell: 847-481-9194 Fax: 480-617-5961 maureen@sullivanstravesl.com • www.sullivanstravels.com Travel Europe, Mexico, Cruises & South Pacific

42

Part 4

The Desert Shamrock

PHOTOS BY DAVID O’RIORDAN, WWW.DORPHOTO.COM

said, “Ah, I don’t think it’s open!” He had a look on his face that said, “Those Yanks are looking for the tourist office at this time of night!” I then said that I had parked the car in a parking lot next to the tourist office and I couldn’t find my car. “Ah that’s better; I can tell you how to get to your car.” I was the designated driver and my husband, Jack was the Irishman.

If you want to do some serious drinking, take a taxi from the B&B or walk up and do a pub crawl back.

The Ring of Kerry has an abundance of natural beauty awaiting you. The best way to see it is to have your B&B host order a coach, where you are sitting above the hedge rows with a grand view, taking in the wit and humor of the driver as he tells the stories. I asked why they pick us up at the B&B or hotel. She said “Otherwise, you would turn our town into a parking lot!”

And don’t miss a visit to the Dingle Peninsula.

Spend some time in Dingle town, Connor Pass, and Gallarus Oratory. From Slea Head you can see the Blasket Islands.

To be continued…

David O’Riordan, from Cork City, recently moved to Arizona. His grandfather and great grandfather who were photographers before him have inspired him to work on exhibited projects. View his broad portfolio of landscape and portraits on www.dorphoto.com.

Maureen and John (“Jack”) are the owners of Sullivan’s Travels, Inc. Maureen has been a travel professional for 23 years, moving their business to Phoenix four years ago. www.sullivanstravels.com

September – October 2014

When Your A/C Throws a Tantrum, Better Call Antrim

Valleywide Service Family and Locally Owned

“Treating our customers like family with the highest level of honesty, integrity, and quality.”

Anthony Gilmore’s ancestry is from Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland and wife Talitha’s great grandmother is from Co. Cork, Ireland.

480.664.6575 PO Box 7264 Chandler, AZ 85246 • 480.664.6575 info@antrimair.com

www.antrimair.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC#272807

Andrew Mirtich, publican, is son to Annie Mulally, whose family originally hails from County Galway

18 W. Monroe • Phoenix, AZ 85003 www.seamusmccaffreys.com 44

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

he mighty Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s iconic landmarks and a Signature Discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Our mission is to provide a world class visitor experience to the one million visitors who come to marvel at the splendour of the views. The Cliffs rise to 214m (702 ft) at the highest point and stretch for eight kilometres (almost five miles) over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare.

On a fine day, you will see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay as well as, in the distance, the 12 Pins, Loop Head and the Kerry Mountains. Unknown to many, the Cliffs are a Special Protected Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive 1979 and they are home to Ireland’s largest mainland seabird nesting colony with over 30,000 pairs. Puffins can be seen nesting on Goat Island and there are up to 20 species of nesting seabirds from April-July each year. If you are lucky, you will hear and see Buskers playing traditional music along the cliff pathways. Talking telescopes are dotted along the paths.

Eco- Friendly Visitor Centre The eco- friendly visitor centre is one of few Irish tourism businesses to be independently certified

by Sustainable Travel International. The centre is a unique structure which minimises the visual impact

on its setting and makes significant use of the eco-friendly features such as geothermal heating, extensive recycling, and state of the art waste management.

O’Brien’s Tower 1835 O’Brien’s Tower was built by local landlord Sir Cornelius O’Brien as a viewing point for early visitors to the area in 1835. It stands near the highest point of the Cliffs and offers the best photo opportunity from the top viewing platform.

Opening Times: The visitor centre is open all year round at 9.00am (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day). Closing time varies with sunset times. O’Brien’s Tower and some tenant units within the site may close earlier than the main visitor centre. For exact times, see website or telephone: +353 65 7086141.

Admission Rates: Adults €6 Senior & Students €4, Children under 16 free. This covers use of all facilities and admission to the Cliffs Exhibition.

There is a separate charge for entry to O’Brien’s Tower: Adults €2, Children €1.

Links to Phoenix, Arizona There are strong links from County Clare to Phoenix, Arizona. Ennis, the county town of

Clare is twinned with Phoenix through the Sister Cities programme. Cultural, business, and student exchanges and programmes are in place between the two locations. Furthermore the Cliffs of Moher boasts a moving connection to a special Phoenix based family. The first aid facilities at the visitor centre have been supported generously by the Stokes Family in memory of their son Nicholas who began his short life in a premature birth during their visit at the Cliffs in 2006. Since then, Delia and Kelly Stokes have raised over US$85,000 (€63,300) to fund state of the art services and training as a thank you for the generosity and care they received during their tragedy. The first aid room at the Cliffs of Moher is called Nicholas’ Room and is equipped to the level of a cardiac ambulance.

Over the years, thousands of visitors have received assistance for simple scrapes to an occasional more serious condition.

Plan your trip to include this natural wonder and spectacular interactive Visitor Centre. It’s only 40 minutes by car or coach from Ennis or an hour from Shannon Airport.

TRAVEL

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience T

Location: Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 708 6141; www.cliffsofmoher.ie For group Bookings: Bookings@cliffsofmoher.ie

Kids Go Free! clIffS of mohEr ENNIS

co. clarE

The Desert Shamrock

ShaNNoN aIrport

September – October 2014

45

STUDY ABROAD

Shortening the Road Preserving Irish Stories

By Liz Warren “Too often their names are forgotten even though their stories live on.” (From the Introduction of Carlow Folk Tales)

T

he History Press of Ireland has taken on a project that will be of great interest to anyone fascinated with Irish myth, legend, and folklore. They are publishing a new book of folktales for each of the 32 counties in Ireland. They’ve taken the inspired step of hiring storytellers to collect and write the folktales for the series. That means that not only do the books have a great readability, the stories are very tellable. They’ve been written with the storyteller’s ear for oral language.

This past June we had the honor of having two of the authors in this series visit our Irish Storytelling Tradition class in Athlone as part of Mesa Community College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program. Aideen McBride and her father Jack Sheehan are storytellers with deep roots in County Carlow. Jack’s family has been there for generations, and Aideen, who now lives in Dublin, considers it home. When they were offered the chance to author Carlow Folk Tales, they didn’t hesitate.

To gather the stories Jack and Aideen utilized libraries, online resources, and local people who had

their own stories and remembered those they’d been told by those before them. Jack himself was an important source of stories that he both remembered and woven himself from the rich strands of his life and the folklore in which he grew up immersed.

Jack and Aideen acknowledged a special debt to the aggressive effort to collect stories that swept the nation in the 1930’s, as they utilized several of the collections from that period. Carlow Folk Tales includes famous Irish stories such as Labhraidh Loingsigh (The King with Donkey’s Ears), stories of the Aideen McBride and Jack Sheehan (center) with American program in Athlone saints, and stories about highwaymen, priests, wraiths, and giants. Their “Wit and Humour”

by Jack’s otherworldly tales, and moved to tears by chapter includes stories rooted in the life of Carlow Aideen’s romantic stories. from the last century such as “The Clever Dog,” For me the best part was that the following week “Paddy the Liar,” and “The Bouncing Pudding.” several of my students chose to tell stories from Carlow Both Jack and Aideen are accomplished traditional Folk Tales in class. How beautiful it was to hear Ameristorytellers. To say that someone is a traditional storycan students telling stories that they had learned from teller means that they employ a natural, less theatriIrish storytellers while visiting Ireland! That is the escal way of telling that focuses on the story and the sence of participating in the tradition of storytelling. connection to the audience rather than on the teller. It also implies that the teller’s repertoire is based in stories Liz Warren is the faculty director of the that carry traditions – myths, legends, folktales, and Storytelling Institute at South Mounstories of remarkable people and events – rather than tain Community College. She teaches stories of the teller’s own life. the Irish Storytelling Tradition every The 20 American students in my class were captisummer as part of Mesa Community vated by the stories and empowered by the accessibility College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program. of both Jack and Aideen’s style. They were dazzled Liz.warren@southmountaincc.edu

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

46

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

By Mary Jo Ramsdell

“Americans built their world around the principles of Adam Smith and Thomas Reid, of he civic tradition of the Scottish individual interest governed by common sense Enlightenment contributed to the and a limited need for government.” intellectual ferment of the American The influence of Ulster-Scots Presbyterians Revolution. In 1740, the Glasgow philosopher was heavily stamped on the American Francis Hutcheson argued for a right of colonial Declaration of Independence and in the unfoldresistance to tyranny. Scotland’s leading thinkers ing events which led to the establishment of the of the revolutionary age, David Hume and Adam United States as a nation. Those of Scotch-Irish Smith, opposed the use of force against the rebellious decent were generally ardent supporters of American colonies. According to historian Arthur Herman, Independence from Britain in the 1770s. In Pennsylvania, Virginia, and most of the Carolinas, support for the revolution was “practically unanimous.”

One Hessian officer said, “Call this war by whatever name you may, only call it not an American rebellion; it is nothing more or less than a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian rebellion.”

Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, with its large Scotch-Irish populaGrandfather Murphy born in County Westmeath and Grandmother in County Longford, Ireland tion, was to make the first

T

declaration for independence from Britain in the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775.

The historic Declaration of Independence contained sentiments closely identified with the aspirations of the immigrant stock from the north of Ireland that settled in the American colonies during the 18th century. A significant assertion was: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

The 56 men from the 13 colonies who signed the Declaration were almost entirely of British family origin. Thirty-eight were firmly established as being of English extraction, eight Irish (at least five of whom had direct Ulster family connections), five Welsh, four pure Scottish and one Swedish.

One account from Ulster writer, the Rev W. F. Marshall, records the far-seeing contribution of the Scots-Irish (Ulster-Scots) in the struggle for American independence, with General George Washington reportedly stating, “If defeated everywhere else, I will make my last stand for liberty among the Scotch-Irish of my native Virginia.” www.ArizonaScots.com

SCOTS

Scots and the American Revolution

www.CelticComplexion.com

As Seen In...

Modern Green Living + Spa Wisdom

MAGAZINE

N O R T H C A R O L I N A C E N T E R

Hand Blended

with the finest certified organic and wild-crafted ingredients

The Desert Shamrock

Cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free

September – October 2014

The only line created exclusively for Celtic skin types

47

Genealogy Services at Arizona’s

McClelland Irish Library

By Cindy Patricki

T PHOTO BY CAROLINE WOODIEL

U.S. Senator John McCain toured the Genealogy Centre recently and discussed his Ulster Scots-Irish heritage.

he McClelland Irish Library’s Genealogy Centre is located on the second floor of the library. Resources include books, maps, journals, CD’s, audio cassettes, and microfilms related to Irish genealogy.

The collection includes many how-to guides on doing research in various counties, books on specific family names, county and parish histories, and source books containing copies of original records, such as Irish will indexes, parish records and passenger lists.

The library’s computers provide in-house access to many ancestry databases and websites.

There are four subscription websites available:

Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.ie, HeritageQuest. com and AmericanAncestors.org. Wi-Fi is available to allow patrons to bring their own laptops or other electronic mobile devices. There are also many free links to Irish records and repositories on the library’s website.

Trained volunteers are available to assist visitors with their basic genealogy research.

Individual one-hour consultation appointments can be scheduled with the library’s professional genealogist, either in-person or by phone.

RootsIreland.com and AncestryIreland.com are two additional subscription databases that are available during a consultation for a small fee.

The cost to use the resources is $5 per day and ICC and MIL members may use the Centre free of charge and get a discount on consultations and research packages. For more information, call: 602-864-2353 or visit: azirishlibrary.org.

The Cowgirl Who Became A Justice: Sandra Day O’Connor September 2014 - May 2015

By Caroline Woodiel

he McClelland Irish Library is proud to announce a traveling exhibition: “The Cowgirl Who Became A Justice: Sandra Day O’Connor,” will be showing in downtown Phoenix at the Irish Cultural Center from September 2, 2014 through May 23, 2015.

As one of the most well known members of the Irish-American community, the O’Connor family has left an indelible imprint on this country and Arizona.

T

The traveling exhibition transports visitors to a time when the American West still displayed a bit of the cattle rancher lore that is held close in the hearts of many. As a child growing up on a ranch outside of Duncan, Arizona, O’Connor developed a sense of self and justice that would eventually lead to her appointment as the first woman on the United States Supreme Court. The exhibition connects O’Connor’s ranch life to bench life in a uniquely Arizonan way, allowing visitors to see her through an introspective lens.

Since her retirement from the highest court,

O’Connor has been dedicated to promoting civics education for K-12 students in the United States.

Her iCivics curriculum and web-based interactive computer game that teaches students about American history, law, and government, will be available to visitors individually and through special school visits during the exhibition’s run.

The exhibition was organized by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information please visit www. azirishlibrary.org.

Growing up on a ranch, O’Connor always had horses to ride. One of her favorites was Chico, a wild horse trained at the Lazy B Ranch and a favorite of the children.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME

48

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

Emigrated from Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland in 1972

Andrew Mirtich, publican, is son to Annie Mulally, whose family originally hails from County Galway

705 N. 1st Street Downtown Phoenix www.theturfphoenix.com

50

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

A Guide to Saint Patrick’s Country

Strangford and Downpatrick, Northern Ireland Downpatrick has a compact town centre, and many of the areas of special historic interest are in a small area centred on the Cathedral. From here, a short walk takes you to all the sites listed below. The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Down Cathedral), built on the Hill of Down, is a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage since the 5th Century. One of the holiest Christian sites in Ireland, the building now serves as the Church of Ireland Cathedral, but it began as a monastery founded on the site after Saint Patrick’s death, and the history of its structure helps tell the tale of religious history in the surrounding area. www.saintpatrickcentre.com Hundreds of years later in 1177 when the Norman leader John de Courcy invaded Downpatrick,

he replaced the Augustinian order with Benedictine monks. You may find it difficult to imagine that this peaceful, green landscape was the site of so much change and confrontation over the years. After the Reformation, the Cathedral fell into ruins.

The building was extensively restored between 1790 and 1818 due to the efforts of Dean Annesley, and financial support from the Marquess of Downshire and King George III. The present Cathedral was completed in 1818, and the tower was added in 1829. Many The first church in Ireland at Saul original features are preserved, and fragments of stone carvgan, reputed to be one of the finest in Ireland. www. ings from the original medieval building are visible downcathedral.org over the door of the Chapter Room. The cross at the From the town centre, visitors can east end of the Cathedral (the Market make their way to see where the legend Cross) is from the late 9th or early 10th of the snakes was written at Inch Abbey Century. This is a replica cross with the (via steam train if you prefer!), then on original cross being moved indoors to to Patrick’s first church at Saul, Saint Down County Museum to protect it Tassach’s ancient church at Raholp and from the elements. Although weathered, the holy site of the first healing wells in the figure of Christ is still visible on Ireland at Struell, which were blessed by the east side of the cross-head. Inside the Patron Saint himself. you will discover ornate stained glass For breathtaking panoramic views of Patrick’s Mission windows including Saint Patrick’s Window, the Downpatrick landscape, walk up the gentle the distinctive box pews dating from the Regency slopes of Slieve Patrick to visit the tallest statue of period, the Bishop’s Throne, and the Cathedral OrSaint Patrick in the world.

TRAVEL

...continued from page 40

Dr. Tim Campbell holds a PhD in Irish History from Queen’s University, Belfast and is the Director of the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick - the only permanent exhibition in the world about Ireland’s Patron Saint. He has produced books on research for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the British Academy, and the Royal Academy and has produced the scripts for numerous exhibitions including the Giant’s Causeway Centre and the Saint Patrick Centre in Northern Ireland.

The Saint Patrick Centre

From Slave to Saint/Saint Patrick is the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland • Born around AD 400, near the west coast of Roman Britain, son of a cleric who owned an estate

• Believing he has been called by the Angel Victoricus, returns to Ireland with his followers in AD 432 as a missionary

• Captured and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16

• First convert is local chieftain Dichu, who gives Patrick a barn for a church at Saul near Downpatrick

• Tends animals whilst in captivity on Slemish Mountain in County Antrim, Northern Ireland while praying and discovering his Christian faith

• Travels around the northern half of Ireland, converting thousands of pagans and baptising royal chieftains

• Escapes to Britain, via boat to France, at around 22 years old

• Establishes Armagh as Christian seat of learning

• Studies to be a cleric, eventually becoming a Bishop

• Dies at Saul in County Down on 17 March, possibly in AD 461 or 493

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

51

52

The Desert Shamrock

September – October 2014

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 SweeneyMorgan, Chair, 602-373-7931, info@azcolleen.org.

ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETY (ALEES)

The organization honors the 150-year-old bond of friendship existing today between Mexico and Ireland. Each year, a fiesta celebrates with a dinner saluting those of Irish and Mexican heritage. Contacts: Wm. Howard O’Brien, El Capitán, 480-951-1152, whoco@cox.net; John Reilly, Captain, 602-242-1555; Héctor Corona, el Teniente (Lieutenant), 602-722-7589; Felix Corona and Ernie Patino, El Tenientes.

NORTHERN ARIZONA CELTIC HERITAGE SOCIETY

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 http://azemeraldsociety.org.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving Celtic culture. Each year we host the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival (July 19-20, 2014), the Jim Thomson U.S. School of Piping & Drumming (July 11-18, 2014), and the Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy (July 15-18, 2014). Contact Jude McKenzie, information@nachs.info, 928-556-3161, ww.nachs.info.

CELTIC HARVEST FESTIVAL SEDONA, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AT VERDE VALLEY SCHOOL

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FAIRE COMMITTEE

Enjoy the sounds of Celtic music and dance, storytelling, and poetry, wares for sale, workshops by artisans, sheepherding demos, art of falconry, Fairy Village children’s activities, lots of food and drink! New this year Scottish heavy athletics! Adults $15; Teens $5; under 11 yrs. old free. www.celticharvestfestival.com

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.

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: Glenda Walker at 602-277-1376, www.saintpatrickcentre.com

GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY It offers classes in Irish music, dance, and language to children ages 7+ (July 14-18, 2014) and adults (July 15-17, 2014). Come learn something new or improve your current skills with members of Runa and Zac Legér. Classes in fiddle, whistle, guitar, bodhrán, Irish language, dance, and more! Contact: Kari Barton, 928-600-1365, kari@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 CULTURAL CENTER The mission of the ICC is to provide a link between the people of Arizona and the people of Ireland and other Celtic cultures. The Academy of Celtic Studies and the Celtic Concert Series are major programs. The Center is available for private rentals; call direct to 602258-0109. Info and tours: 602-392-7850, www.azirish.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

JIM THOMSON U.S. SCHOOL OF PIPING & DRUMMING 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 Desert Shamrock

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 14, 2015, 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 14, 2015, 10am-5pm at the Irish Cultural Center and Margaret Hance Park grounds. Contact: Mary Moriarty, Chair, 602-258-0109, www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

DIRECTORIES

ARIZONA COLLEEN PROGRAMS

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.

CELTIC SISTER CITIES

CHANDLER-TULLAMORE, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Ellen Harrington, President 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

TUCSON-ROSCOMMON, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Colleen Kelly Beaman, Chair 520-743-7979, Ckbeaman@hotmail.com P.O. Box 42543, Tucson, AZ 85745; and Facebook

CELTIC DANCE SCHOOLS

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

MICHAEL PATRICK GALLAGHER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE MPGirishdance@yahoo.com, www.mpgirishdance.com Michael Patrick, TCRG, ADCRG, 602-896-4078 Ann Paitel, TCRG 602-316-3199

CELTIC MUSICIANS The Strand Traditional Irish and Irish-American Music, 480-208-4687, info@thestrandmusic.com, www.thestrandmusic.com, facebook.com/thestrandmusic

September – October 2014

53

CALENDAR

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014 [All events are in Arizona USA unless otherwise noted]

CHANDLER-TULLAMORE DINING FUNDRAISER

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

Tuesday, September 9 • 5:00 to 9:00pm Murphy’s Law, 58 S. San Marcos, downtown Chandler $50 Dinner for Two, Register at www.chandlerirish.org Info: Joan Speshock at 602-909-4070, vjspeshock@msn.com, See details on page 12

Closed: August 15 – September 1 Beginning Sept. 2, Tuesday-Saturday • 10am – 3pm Wednesday Evenings (Library only) • 3pm – 8pm Open Other Hours for Scheduled Classes, Meetings & Events 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix See ad on page 49

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FAMILY EVENTS, CONCERTS, AND MORE! August 15-19 in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland www.roseoftralee.ie

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL SELECTION LIVE

2014 Arizona Rose Sarah Hines competing Monday-Tuesday, August 18-19 ▪ 8 pm IRELAND Tickets at www.roseoftralee.ie Livestreamed via www.RTE.ie ▪ Noon-3 pm Pacific

DR. TIM CAMPBELL FROM DOWNPATRICK ANDJANE ANDERSON. MILWAUKEE

“THE COWGIRL WHO BECAME A JUSTICE: SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR” INTERACTIVE ART EXHIBITION McClelland Irish Library, Phoenix September 2, 2014 through May 23, 2015 Tues. – Sat. 10am – 3pm; Wed. 3pm – 8pm See story on page 48

Tuesday, September 16 • 7pm Payson High School, 301 South Maclane Road, Info: 928-474-2233 Vivacious group of musicians featuring Celeste Ray, singer and storyteller www.FourCelticVoices.com

KISS ME I’M IRISH FUNDRAISER RUN & WALK EARLY ENTRY DISCOUNT Now through November 30 Fun for the Whole Family, March 15, 2015 Glendale, Arizona, www.irishrunaz.com

FAMILY STORYTIME, MUSIC, CRAFTS Saturday, September 6 • 10:30am – 12:30 pm Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folktale Hot Potato Game/Make your own Book McClelland Irish Library

FRIENDS OF ALEES AUTUMN FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP

TUCSON-ROSCOMMON SISTER CITIES FUNDRAISER

CELTIC HARVEST FESTIVAL SEDONA

5TH ANNUAL ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETY CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER Saturday, September 20 Arizona Grand Resort & Spa Online registration is open as individual golfer or teams of 2, 3, or 4 Space is limited & this charity tournament will sell out.

Info: http://azemeraldsociety.org

INAUGURAL LECTURE & FILM SERIES: JAMES JOYCE THE DUBLINERS

McClelland Irish Library “Still Engaging Readers & Writers 100 Years After Publication” Adrienne Leavy, PhD Wednesday, September 24 • 7pm – 8pm

Saturday, October 25 Gaslight Theatre, Tucson Info: ckbeaman@hotmail.com, 520-743-7979

CELTIC HALLOWEEN BASH FUNDRAISER Friday, October 31 • 6pm-10pm Rillito Raceway Park 4502 N. First Avenue, Tucson www.tucsoncelticfestival.org, See ad on page 15

TUCSON CELTIC FESTIVAL & SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES October 31 - November 2 Rillito Raceway Park 4502 N. First Avenue, Tucson www.tucsoncelticfestival.org, See ad on page 15

4TH ANNUAL CHANDLER-TULLAMORE SISTER CITIES SOUTHWEST TEA Saturday, November 1 • 11am to 1pm Chandler’s Community Center ballroom 125 Each Commonwealth, downtown Chandler Reservations required. Tickets: www.chandlerirish.org Info: Sharon Anderson, duner@cox.net or 480-229-4924

NOLA YERGEN’S FABULOUS COSTUMES

Wednesday, October 22 • 7pm. - 9pm Running Wild Films, Travis Mills, filmmaker Short films created in Phoenix using local actors and settings

On Display at Sky Harbor Int’l. Airport, Phoenix Terminal 3 in the outer part of the building near Starbucks November 2014 – June 2015 See story in July-August 2014 edition

Book discussion & film: The Dubliners (last story) The Dead (1987; dir. John Huston).

Saturday, November 8 • 10:30am – 12:30pm

SAVE THE DATE: PHX-ENNIS SISTER CITIES RUN, NOVEMBER 8

INDEPENDENT FILM SHOWING: THE DUBLINERS

TITANIC Belfast has been nominated for the Best UK Leisure Attraction award in the 2014 British Travel Awards. The visitor attraction, located in Belfast’s historic shipyards where Titanic was built more than 100 years ago, is the only Northern Ireland nominee included in this year’s shortlisting.

Cast your vote now on https:// britishtravelawards.com/vote_ form.php or via the official British Travel Awards website www.britishtravelawards.com

Sunday, October 19 • 6:00pm Coach & Willie’s in downtown Chandler Entry Fee $10 per person Cash bar and restaurant menu Register at www.chandlerirish.org, Info: Ellen Harrington at 480-600-8509, chan.to.tull@gmail.com

Saturday, October 25 Participants will be taught how to assemble a centerpiece perfect for any table or as a gift.

Contact: azemeraldsociety.events@gmail.com

Book discussion: The Dubliners (first 14 stories) Saturday, October 11 • 10:30am – 12:30pm

VOTE NOW! NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

FOUR CELTIC VOICES IN CONCERT

Saturday, September 20 Verde Valley School, Sedona For full schedule, visit celticharvestfestival.com See ad on page 14

Friends of Saint Patrick – Arizona Chapter Wednesday, August 20 • 6pm Dinner Buffet at ICC; Reservations required Glenda Walker, auntguck@gmail.com

54

PUB QUIZ FUNDRAISER

IRISH GENEALOGY (Six-Week Class) Featuring Robert Wilbanks Thursdays Oct. 2 – Nov. 6 • 6:30 – 8:30pm McClelland Irish Library

FAMILY STORYTIME, MUSIC, CRAFTS Saturday, October 4 • 10:30am – 12:30 pm Too Many Fairies: A Celtic Tale and The Banshee Scary (or not) Masks, McClelland Irish Library

ANNUAL ANAM CARA GALA Friday, October 17 Irish Cultural Center Sponsorships and tickets available www.azirish.org, 602-258-0109

GLOBAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Sat.-Sunday, October 18-19 Musical Instruments Museum www.mim.org, 480-478-6000 See ad on page 44

The Desert Shamrock

Arizona Falls – Phoenix, Arizona Looking for Runners and Sponsors. This event supports Sister Cities programs, which foster cultural understanding through public and private partnerships (https://www.phoenixsistercities.org). Contact: Leah Rossow, RossowL@cox

ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA AND FESTIVAL OF TREES Saturday, December 6 Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Lodge 2 azemeraldsociety.events@gmail.com

ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE Sunday, December 21 Irish Cultural Center www.azirish.org, 602-258-0109

32ND ANNUAL COLLEEN & ROSE SELECTION Saturday, February 21, 2015 (Preliminaries to be held January 31, 2015) www.azcolleen.org

September – October 2014

Only Skincare Products from Celtic Complexion Give You All These Advantages As Seen In...

Modern Green Living + Spa Wisdom

Jennifer Devlin, Founder of Celtic Complexion Organic Skincare

MAGAZINE

N O R T H C A R O L I N A C E N T E R

Formulated specifically for Celtic complexions.

Artisan skin care products. Our skin care prod-

Celtic skin types are people whose heritage is from England, Ireland, and Scotland. These people are often ruddy, fair, sensitive, and prone to rosacea, which causes redness in the skin. We have created blends that work with Celtic complexions to eliminate redness, dryness, and sensitivity.

ucts are hand-blended, made with care, purpose, and integrity. We are a small business, not a big corporation whose main motivation is shareholder profits. The quality of our artisan serums and creams is much superior to skin care products manufactured using machines.

No synthetic chemicals.

Every jar is made fresh-to-order, in small batches, using the purest ingredients we can buy.

Because 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed, Celtic Complexion skin care products use only organic ingredients and are 100% synthetic chemical-free. Also gluten-free and cruelty-free.

No water. One of the dirty little secrets in the cosmetic industry is water. Most beauty products on the market are water - up to 80%. As a result of this dilution, you can go through a cream in about 6 weeks. In addition, tap water contains multiple toxins including pathogens, ammonia, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and heavy metals including lead and mercury, which is absorbed through your pores.

www.CelticComplexion.com

Purity. We keep our Celtic Complexion products pure.

Guarantee. If

you are not 100% satisfied with any Celtic Complexion skin care product, just return the unused portion or even the empty bottle within 90 days for a full product refund. That way, you risk nothing.

In good company. Celtic Complexion has been seen

in British Vogue magazine and Organic Spa magazine, Irish American News and is a sponsor of the Rose of Tralee Festival (American contestants) and is a supporter of the Celtic Radio Network.