Planning a Wedding? Add an Irish, Scottish, or Welsh Flair!

September-October January Aug-Sept – February 2017 ~2015 2018 Arizona’s ~~ Arizona’s Arizona’s Original Original Original Irish Newspaper Irish Irish Newspaper Newspaper ~ Vol. ~ 28, ~ Vol. Vol. No. 26, 29, 4 No. No. 15

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Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library Phoenix, Arizona

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

Celtic Pubs & Eateries

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

Greater Phoenix The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant

O’Connor’s Pub

Fibber Magees Pub Irish Restaurant & Bar

Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub

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

1989 W. Elliot Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 (SE corner of Elliot & Dobson Road) 480-722-9434, www.fibbermageespub.com Irish pub featuring American & Irish menu classics, plus special events such as pub quiz, open mic, craft beer nights & live music 4 nights a week.

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

The Harp Irish Pub

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

The Irish Wolfhound Restaurant & Pub

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

Mountain View Pub

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

906 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014 (additional parking on 10th Street! 100 feet away!)

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

Rúla Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant

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

Daily Happy Hour. Live Music weekends. See ad page 15

Skeptical Chymist Irish Restaurant & Bar

15689 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (off AZ-101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.)

480-609-8677, www.skepticalchymist.com Apothecary-themed Irish pub with classic & modern cuisine, imported & craft beers & live music. All World Cup matches, LIVE!

Séamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub

18 W. Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (adjacent to historic Hotel San Carlos) 602-253-6081; www.seamusmccaffreys.com Downtown Phoenix’ Original Irish Pub & Restaurant. Est.-1991. Corned beef & cabbage, Irish stew, fish & chips, full menu, weekend brunch, AZ’s largest whiskey menu, 10 on tap, open late. See ad page 15

Tim Finnegan’s Irish Restaurant & Bar

NEW LOCATION: 17045 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308 (north of Bell Road); 602-875-8331; www.timfinnegans.com Evokes images of the great old pubs with blend of modern Ireland. Enjoy USDA Prime, Shepherd’s Pie with choice lamb, and mussels fresh from the sea. Live music. See ad page 7

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

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

New customers are looking for you!

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CURRACH ROWING SEASON KICKOFF Thursday, Oct 25 Interested in currach racing or recreational rowing?

7pm–9pm The Currach program at the Irish Cultural at Irish Cultural Center Former and Current Members FREE Guests $5

Includes 2 short videos about Currach history and building.

Light refreshments and cash bar

Center is called ‘Currach Team Phoenix.’ Anyone interested in more info or to become supporters/ members can contact Paul Ahern, President ICLF, at 623-572-5828 or paul@azahern.com.

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Contributing Columnists Janice Bryson • J Carro • Sharonah Fredrick Katie Caufield Ginder • Brian Hanrahan • Ellen Harrington Carmelita Lee • Iain Lundy • Lynn Herdman Mascarelli Maureen & Jack Sullivan • Eric McBride Chris Stevenson Kristie Stevenson • Marshall Trimble • Bob Wallace Lois Wallace • Liz Warren • Jan Whalen • Caroline Woodiel Publisher – Julie O’Mahar (2003 - 2013) Editor - Kathleen Wood (2003 - 2008) Publisher - Maureen O’Mahar (1996 - 2002) Founding Publisher - Robert E. Graham (1987 - 1996)

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DRIVING TIPS FROM LEFT LANE MAUREEN

PART 24:

Destinations for your Wedding, Honeymoon, or Anniversary

Ireland is a delightful place to celebrate!

Kinnitty Castle

Ashford Castle

Shelbourne Hotel

BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN, CTC

A

shford Castle in County Mayo, Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly, and the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin’s Fair City, to name just a few. In County Clare, there are lovely, small venues such as Gregans Castle Hotel or Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel, which are only an hour from Shannon Airport. A small note to remember: Catholics must be married in a local church and there is paperwork to be done between parishes in the U.S. and in Ireland.

Entering Ashford Castle driving through the castle gates, past the trees and over the bridge, you will be greeted by the doorman. He will make one feel like royalty. Surround yourself with the luxury of this romantic castle on your special day. A cocktail reception outside overlooking the magnificent water fountain and the breathtaking Lough Corrib is a unique experience.

The castle, which dates back to 1228, was bought in 1915 by Noel Huggard. He established the castle as a first-class hotel. The Red Carnation Collection bought the castle in 2015 and the castle, gardens, and rooms have been restored with full detail to their former glory.

There is also a venue on the grounds, Ashford Lodge, which is a wonderful option and perhaps a little less

costly. The staff and facilities in both places provide a truly special experience!

We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Ashford Castle, which was a wonderful celebration for the both of us! We had a lovely dinner in the George V Room and then descended down to the Cullen’s Dungeon Bar for late night drinks!

This summer we stayed at Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly, and there was a large wedding on the lawn on the side castle grounds, as well as an indoor reception in the Great Hall. The bride and groom rented the antique car in the photo above for their arrival at the castle. This gothic revival period castle has the true feel of a medieval keep.

As you go through the foyer there are two medieval suits of armor and a cannon pointing at the front door. There’s a well-appointed dining room and banquet room, which make you feel as though you are stepping back in time.

A charming city hotel for a truly unique wedding setting is the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. It is one of the Marriott Renaissance properties and marvelous location for your guests visiting Ireland. The doorman who greets you is reminiscent of past grandeur. The cuisine is superb for a reception, afternoon tea, and enjoying the sights of Dublin. The delicious breakfast buffet has been one of the highlights of our past stays.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Burren is Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel. It is a small boutique hotel, with lovely views and the warm O’Callaghan hospitality. We just had two guests from Arizona who truly enjoyed their stay.

Several years ago, we had a couple who arranged to be married in the parish church of Doolin and had their reception at Gregans Castle Hotel. Again, this is a small boutique hotel which is known worldwide for their superb cuisine. The bridal couple rented cottages locally for their guests’ accommodations.

As you can see, there are many venues, locations and choices to celebrate one’s wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary. Explore all the possibilities and dream a little!

“I’ve met some folks who say that I’m a dreamer And I’ve no doubt there’s truth in what they say.”

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

Phone: 480-671-0207 • Cell: 847-481-9149 Fax: 480-617-5961 maureen@sullivanstravels.com www.sullivanstravels.com

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

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS September/October 2018 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper

CULTURE 10 Enduring Celtic Wedding Traditions 11 Humor: When Yer Goose Is Cooked

EVENTS 2 Prescott Highland Games & Celtic Faire 3 Currach Team Phoenix Kick-Off 7 Irish Network AZ EVENTS, Greater Phx 7, 17 THEATRE: Beau Jest, Scottsdale 9 Travel: Treasures of Ireland & Scotland, Phx 12 Ancient Order of Hibernians, Phx 14 Celebration of Christmas, Phx 16 Southwest Tea for an Irish Cause, Chandler 17 Third Fridays: Ceili (social dance), Phx 17 Genealogy Workshop, Phx 20 Irish Cultural Ctr & McClelland Library, Phx BACK Annual Anam Cara Awards Gala, Phx

HISTORY

SISTER CITIES 16 Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ Student Exchange a Success!

16 Southwest Tea for an Irish Cause

FEATURES

TRAVEL 4 Left Lane Maureen, Part 24: Destinations for your Wedding, Honeymoon, or Anniversary

8 SCOTS Romantic Scotland!

8 SCOTS Bucket List: Balmoral Castle

WELSH 12 Cymru: Coming to America Part 2 [include READ MORE icon – not its text]

DIRECTORIES

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SCOTS Romantic Scotland!

2 Celtic Pubs and Eateries 14,15 Organizations, Sister Cities, Dance,

6 Irish Tales from AZ Territory:

Musicians, Clans

Wives for Early Settlers 13 Arizona: Did you know?

13 Perhaps a Honeymoon in the Mythical West?

From Saint Brendan to San Borondón

CALENDAR 17 Calendar

NEXT ISSUE SNEAK PEEK

WINTER WONDERS Sept Januembe ary Aug–r-Oc Sept Febrtobe uary 2017r~2015 2018 Arizo ~~ na’s Arizo Arizo Orig na’s na’s inal Orig Orig Irish inal inalNew Irish Irish spap New New er spap spap ~ Vol. er er ~ 28, ~ Vol. Vol. No. 26, 29, 4 No. No. 15

Planning a Wedding?

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Enduring Celtic Wedding Traditions

ADD AN IRISH, SCOTTISH , OR WELSH FLAIR!

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PHOTO BY MARIANA INSOMNIA

Tour at GoDaddy Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library Phoenix, Arizona

COVER PHOTO BY MISSY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ Student Exchange a Success!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

IRISH TALES FROM ARIZONA TERRITORY

Wives for Early Settlers Ester and John Murphy, 1892

BY JANICE RYAN BRYSON

T

here is no cure for love except to marry” is an old Irish saying. In Arizona Territorial days, as now, wedding ceremonies varied as each couple said “I do”.

Many of the Irish men who came to Arizona in the 1870s married Mexican women. George Martin from County Galway married Delfina Redondo in Yuma in 1872. She was the daughter of prominent Sonoran land owner Estevan Redondo. George moved his family to Tucson and established the first drug store chain in Arizona as well as bringing the first soda fountain to the state.

Father Edouard Gerard made his rounds in Arizona ministering to Catholics throughout the Territory. In October 1884, he arrived in Globe where he married William Ryan and Anna Mary Moloney. It was William’s responsibility to take the note written by Fr. Gerard certifying the couple were married according to the rites of the Catholic Church and the law of the Territory of Arizona to the Gila County Court House to officially record the marriage.

ARIZONA:

Did you know?

There does not appear to be have been a shortage of relatives who were Catholic priests to marry an Irish couple in California. When John Moloney married Mary Alice Kelley in San Francisco in 1913, the service was conducted by Rev. Martin T. O’Connell, a cousin of the groom. John returned to Arizona after the ceremony to prepare a home for his bride in Claypool.

Josephine Murphy’s parents had just moved from Globe to Los Angeles when she married Michael Doran in 1914. The couple were married in California by the bride’s cousin, Rev. Father Quinn. After their honeymoon, the couple returned to Globe where the groom was the head of the sampling works at the Old Dominion Mine.

Josephine’s cousin, Julia Ryan, married Cochise County mining man Robert Mackey in the Murphy home in Globe in 1912. Many couples were married in the bride’s home with close friends and family members in attendance. The Murphy home was decorated with white flowers and ferns; the ceremony performed beneath a wedding bell of ivy and white carnations. The bride’s cousin Nellie Gleeson played “Lohengrin’s Wedding March” as the bridal party entered the parlor.

The wedding of Bennie Eaker and J. Benton was held in Benson at the home of the bride’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. I. H. Watkins, in 1900. The ceremony was conducted by a local judge. The reception followed at the Knights of Pythias Hall where guests were served fruits, ice cream, sherbet, and cake; followed by an evening of dancing. Bennie’s sister Edith didn’t have such a fancy affair. She traveled by train to Tucson in 1912 with her groom Will Ryan to be married by Fr. Gerard at the residence of Bishop Granjon.

Although Globe had a Catholic Church in 1892, there was no local priest. Rev. Father Warlusel traveled from Florence to officiate at the November wedding of Miss Ester Falgout and John Murphy. The Arizona Silver Belt noted the bride was one of the fairest and most popular young ladies in Globe and the couple were recipients of numerous presents and congratulations.

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

69. Prescott, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest rodeo, and Payson, Arizona is home to the world’s oldest continuous rodeo—both of which date back to the 1880s.

70. Between the years 1692 and 1711 Spanish missionary Father Eusebio Kino did more than just found missions in Arizona; he also taught many tribes the basics of agriculture and supplied them with cattle and seed grain.

71. Kartchner Caverns, near Benson, Arizona, is a massive limestone cave with 13,000 feet of passages, two rooms as long as football fields, and one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites: measuring 21 feet 3 inches.

PHOTO BY GARY M. JOHNSON

PHOTO PROPERTY OF JANICE RYAN BRYSON

HISTORY

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Read more fun and fascinating facts about Arizona NEXT edition.

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

Mother is Mary Patricia Doyle of the Doyle clan from County Galway, Ireland

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

21639 N. 12th AveNue, Suite 203 • PhoeNix, ArizoNA 85027 (623) 581-0375 • FAx (623) 581-9242 Grandfather Murphy born in County Westmeath and Grandmother in County Longford, Ireland 67%

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Great grandfather Patrick O’Brien from County Clare, Ireland

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November 10 Annual Southwest Tea

July 1 - Floridino’s Fundraiser - Meet the Students!

July 5 - “Great Craic” Comedy Night @ ImprovMANIA July TBA - “Celtic Knot Art” @ Burst of Butterflies Sept. 15 - Membership Brunch Nov. 10 - Annual Southwest Tea

SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 7-8:30am • First-time Guests FREE

Grandmother Anna Kerr missed the Titanic because of family illness but emigrated later in 1912 from Belfast

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Sept 14 FALL KICK-OFF with tour of Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library Oct 12 Doug Bruhnke, CEO/founder, Global Chamber®

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FREE Assessment and Proposal • Paid by Vendor of your Choice

SOCIAL NETWORKING: Sat, Sept 22 at Don Bluth Theatre to see INAZ member Lee Cooley’s directorial debut with comedy “Beau Jest”. Group tickets reserved under Irish Network Lee Cooley.

Sat, Oct 20 at Irish Cultural Center’s 11th Annual Anam Cara Awards Gala fundraiser

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info@irishnetworkarizona.com OR 602-978-0598 For the latest, follow us on Facebook.com/IrishNetworkArizona

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

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

BUCKET LIST:

SCOTS

Eilean Donan Castle

Balmoral Castle

BY BOB WALLACE

I

Romantic Scotland!

BY LOIS WALLACE

D

Lois Wallace is the owner of Authentic Celtic Travels, based in Phoenix, AZ. Her business focus is on all Celtic nations.

She has extensive knowledge of Scotland. Bob Wallace is a Council member and past president of Clan Wallace Society, and is Chief Research Assistant to their travel agency.

WWW.DESERTSHAMROCK.COM

The Royal Standard of Scotland flies over Balmoral Castle

Bob Wallace is a Council member and past president of Clan Wallace Society.

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

PHOTO BY STUART YEATES, OXFORD, UK

PHOTOS COURTESY EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

estination weddings are a trend that has been seeing more momentum the last few years. Scotland is the ideal spot for those with Celtic heritage.

This land of stunning natural beauty, romantic history, and poets has inspired many to think of love. A couple may be looking for an ideal setting to make their special day more memorial. With a trip to Scotland, the honeymoon can be easily added on as an experience of a lifetime.

Thanks to Scottish law, the ceremony can take place almost anywhere. The biggest issue is picking the location: the options are endless. With such striking splendor all around, an outdoor wedding can be set beside a loch, breathtaking highland mountain views, rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean, or a secluded bay.

If you are into more rustic venues, there are farms where the ceremony could be held with the reception in the barn.

Or how about a castle, the true place of prince and princess. Castle venues can be found in all areas of the country, each one having its own unique history and story to tell. Palaces and manor house hotels lend an elegant atmosphere for bridal couple and guests. Many also offer wedding venues, receptions, and accommodations for the visitors and wedding party. Churches, cathedrals and abbeys make a religious ceremony extra special.

The legal requirements for a U.S. citizen to marry in Scotland are not many and fairly easy to fulfill. A marriage visa is required before you travel, notice and fees paid to, as well as a marriage schedule provided by the registrar in the district the ceremony is held in. The ceremony itself may be religious or civil. Usually the venue will have a list of officiants recommended for the service.

If the ceremony itself does not need to be legal or is a reaffirmation of vows, often a Celtic handfasting ceremony is used in these cases to symbolically strengthen the commitment to the married relationship.

As you can see, there is not much difference in planning a wedding in Scotland than here in the U.S. The decisions are the same, it is just the locale and local flowers and catering logistics that are different. It is possible with some detailed planning, well in advance of your special day.

Add Scotland’s romance and spectacular setting for your wedding or a reaffirmation of vows.

f we had a choice of where to spend a week, maybe two or more weeks on vacation, might the prospect of spending that time in the Highlands of Scotland be somewhere near the top of our list? For some, that choice is an easy one to make. Pick an area, say, like Royal Deeside, a beautiful castle sitting near the River Dee, fishing and hunting in abundance, scenery to boggle the mind.

Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and family made their first visit to Scotland in 1842, staying in Edinburgh and at Taymouth Castle.

Back again in 1844, that visit found them at Blair Castle, then in 1847 at Ardverikie at Loch Laggan. This last visit found weather so unsuitable, the queen’s doctor recommended Deeside, nearly 50 miles west of the city of Aberdeen, as having better weather.

Enter Balmoral Castle. It’s the private property of the Royals, not owned by the Crown, thanks to Prince Albert who purchased it in 1852 for Queen Victoria and their family. The large residence then was not the castle we think of today. It took a very short time to determine that what they’d purchased was not going to be large enough for two adults and a growing family, with additional rooms required for friends and visiting dignitaries plus more staff.

The estate dates back to a hunting lodge in that part of Aberdeenshire is known of dating to the time of King Robert II in the 14th century. Over many generations, a residence in one form or another has been on the property. One 19th century lease holder, Sir Robert Gordon, died in 1847 with a lease that extended beyond that year.

An agreement between Lord Aberdeen and Prince Albert in February 1848 provided for the lease to be taken on by

Albert, that to include the residence, its furnishings, and staff.

Moving into what we know today as Balmoral Castle would take four years of construction, the family living in the older residence until rooms were ready in the new castle. Designed by William Smith, city architect of Aberdeen, with frequent advice from Prince Albert, the family eventually moved in by 1856. In addition to the estate purchase of 1852, Albert also purchased the neighboring Birkhall estate along with a lease on Abergeldie Castle; that lease terminated in 1970. Today, overall, the estate is about 50,000 acres.

Vacation days at Balmoral frequently found Queen Victoria taking long walks around the estate, at times spending up to four hours at a stretch, and on occasion painting pictures of the estate. One such includes Balmoral Castle painted by Victoria during construction in 1854, the castle partially visible behind greenery framing the scene. Prince Albert was not idle while at Balmoral; his time was spent hunting on the estate. Today, Balmoral is a working estate that includes forestry and farming, and managed herds that include deer, cattle, and ponies.

Information about the castle, dates, times, and pricing: www.balmoralcastle.com/visiting

THE DESERT SHAMROCK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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TREASURES OF IRELAND AND SCOTLAND

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

JOIN US FOR A FREE TRAVEL EVENT From castles and kilts to legends and lochs, Ireland and Scotland have it all.

Discover hand-crafted travel experiences and must-see highlights from Managing Director, Catherine Reilly. She’ll share her 30+ years’ experience and show how Brendan Vacations is dedicated to “taking you personally.”

Plus, you’ll have access to exclusive event savings, one-on-one travel planning and a chance to win a $200 Grand Prize Travel Credit.*

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018 6:00PM Irish Cultural Center 1106 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004

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Celtic Wedding Traditions

Enduring

BY ANN NIEMANN, EDITOR AND MARY COMERFORD, UNIQUECELTICWEDDINGRINGS.COM

MULLY’S TOUCH OF IRELAND

CULTURE

10

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Photo taken in Scotland by Montana wedding photographers, Samantha and Reid

Here are 10 ideas (of many!) for planning your wedding with Irish, Scottish, or Welsh flair! You may select one or two ideas or go with a full Celtic theme. Either way, these represent charming traditions that are easily woven into a modern-day ceremony and/or reception.

1

Color. Any shade of green for Ireland or Dublin blue; red for Wales or with their national flower daffodil yellow; or a tartan to represent Scotland.

2

Flowers. In Ireland it was customary for the bride to wear a wreath of native wildflowers in her hair. If she carried a bouquet, it almost always consisted of wildflowers found throughout the countryside (including Sweet Alyssum, Daisy, Red Clover and Blue Bells). In Scotland the bride conventionally carried a bouquet of heather, the celebrated purple flower found throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Heather is believed to bring good luck, solitude, and protection to the bridal couple. Scottish brides often swathed the bouquet with their family tartan. She may choose thistle, Scotland’s national flower, in her bouquet with the men wearing it in their boutonnieres. In Wales the bride traditionally, included myrtle in her bouquet. Myrtle is a small, aromatic tree

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and a symbol of love and marriage. After the wedding the bride would give each of her bridesmaids a small sprig of the Myrtle to plant. The notion was that if the sprig flourished, the bridesmaid was expected to wed next.

3

Attire. The bride may select a style from medieval times, or very contemporary with say a tartan sash. If the groom’s family does not have a clan tartan of its own, he could consider a provincial tartan or the distinguished Black Watch tartan. There’s something about a man in a kilt, connotating strength and a dash of romance. Who doesn’t love the movie, Braveheart?

4

A Silver Sixpence in Your Shoe.

Customarily, the bride would put a silver sixpence in her left shoe the morning of her wedding and keep it there for the duration of the day. This Irish tradition was considered to promote a marriage rich in love and money.

THE DESERT SHAMROCK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

11

CULTURE

When Yer Goose

Is Cooked

BY CARMELITA LEE

W 8

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Sentimental Stones. An interesting guest book alternative is to have smooth stones available for friends and family to write a note. It not only commemorates the big day but makes a conversation piece in the married couple’s home to share over the years ahead.

Music. Our youngest daughter, Holly, and her husband Aaron Smith were bagpiped from the outdoor ceremony at the Japanese Friendship Gardens in Phoenix to the outdoor reception next door at the Irish Cultural Center. The piper dons full Irish or Highland dress, which of course, includes a kilt. Ireland’s national symbol, the harp, provides warmth and romance. A live band with traditional instruments playing jigs and reels lends itself to impromptu audience participation to dance. The old style during the ceremony and transitioning to a DJ for the reception works too.

7

Dried or Crushed Heather instead of Confetti. Artisans have mastered the craft of preserving flowers. Small flowers or petals in any number of combinations make for a lovely splash of colors, complementary to the wedding, as the bride and groom exit the ceremony or leave for their honeymoon.

Marriage Bell. It is customary for Irish couples to receive a bell as a wedding gift. These bells are thought to impart good luck to the marriage. The olden Irish antidote for a lover’s spat is, at the onset of any marital disharmony, for this special bell to be rung, thus breaking the spirit of discord and renewing the spirit of love.

In more modern times, wedding guests have also been known to ring bells at the departing newlyweds.

10

Welsh Lovespoons. Dating back to the 16th century, a would-be suitor would carve the spoon from a single piece of wood, displaying his skill as a carver. He worked with nothing more than a pin-knife, or small pocket-knife. The handle received his full attention, eventually being carved with piercings, relief, fretwork, or all three woodcarving techniques, or even more elaborate details. Each motif such as an anchor, key, lock, etc. has a meaning. A single heart is “my heart is yours, may I court you?” while a double heart signifies “a shared love, we love each other, love is returned, we feel the same way.”

Lovespoons continue to be popular with miniatures given as wedding favors to the guests.

How does a gal named Carmelita Lee claim to be Irish?

Scottish, even? Granny Holland’s family hailed from Ennis, County Clare, and Grandpa Maxwell from the Borderlands, Scotland.

Her husband’s mother was a Dowdall, and he had a Grandma O’Higgins…ye can’t be more Irish than that!

Handfasting, Lynda O’Hanlon and David Livingston, Tucson 2015

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PHOTO FROM MARRYMEIRELAND.IE

Exchange of Rings. Celtic designs abound in providing choices for the betrothed. Named after Claddagh (“klad-uh”), a fishing village in Galway in Western Ireland, the Claddagh ring is handed down from mother to daughter and is used both as the betrothal and wedding ring. Representing love, loyalty and friendship, it is worn with the crown facing inward toward the wrist on betrothal, and outward toward the fingertips upon marriage. Even if wearing contemporary bands, consider the best man presenting them on a sword or decorative long knife as a reference to the groom as protector and provider.

PHOTO BY IMMANUEL GIEL

PHOTO FROM MARRYMEIRELAND.IE

5

hile in Ireland, I was enamored by brides who chose to wear a traditional Celtic or Gaelic wedding tunic. The tunics could be ornate, handmade tatted lace or simple linen, with or without embroidery, usually incorporating some green or blue. Some tunics are made of cutlace cotton, allowing for every budget and fashion sense.

The tunic panels are draped over the head and down the front and back of an impressively simple A-line floorlength shift. I saw these simple bridal gowns to be exquisitely feminine. One mother of a bride told me the tunic of tatted lace cost infinitely more than the dress itself…

But me being a word person, I’m far more interested in the dynamics of language than of dresses. I discovered that old Irish sayings have worked their way into our everyday life.

If you’ve ever visited a Renaissance Faire, surely you’ve had a drop o’ mead, that tasty liquid confection made from white wine and honey. Back in the day, the young couple would be given a bottle of mead to sip every night until the passage of the first full moon after their wedding.

The mead was said to have magical powers for promoting fertility. After a full moon has passed and they drink the last…it was called a honeymoon!

Then there’s handfasting, said to be a ritual originating with pagan wedding traditions, and approved by Brehon law.

Handfasting was symbolic of the commitment between the couple, similar to exchanging rings. The couple clasped hands and the priest would bind them

together with a cord, ribbon, rope, even a chain of woven flowers.

This practice went underground during the time of English rule (in fact, Catholic weddings had to be held in secret, generally outdoors and far from the public eye). If a priest were known to have conducted any sacrament at all, the penalties were heavy. The tradition of handfasting has made a comeback, with the ties or cords being complimentary to the colors of the bridal party. The ceremony includes…tying the knot!

But you never imagined this one!

Some modern families still follow the tradition of roasting a goose (for the groom) at the bride’s home the day before the wedding, something akin to a rehearsal dinner. It was considered that there was no way for the groom to back out of a wedding once…his goose was cooked!

And when something costs you an arm and a leg, there’s the ultimate gift from the bride to the groom. For a time, all over the Celtic world, for a bride to show her ultimate devotion, she would allow her father to remove…ALL her teeth so as not to inconvenience her husband with debt.

You see, dental work was costly, and sometimes deadly, indenturing the breadwinner to repay with his physical labor. Thus, a toothless bride was worth at least an arm and a leg!

WELSH

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

CYMRU:

Coming to America part 2

BY LYNN HERDMAN MASCARELLI

P

eople from distant shores have knocked on our Nation’s door from early colonial days to the present; among them the Celts and, to our point, the Welsh. As we mentioned in Coming to America Part I, the mines drew them here with the hope of a better tomorrow, but more than a few stepped into the public arena in positions of leadership.

This article points to the contributions of a specific group, the Welsh, who, with those of other Celt Nations, gave their service to country in the roles of either Vice President of the United States or Governor of a state; some serving in both. This is briefly their story.

The position of Vice President of our nation was first served by John Adams (1735 – 1826), American statesman, Founding Father and later our second President; his Welsh ancestry, traced to Pembroke, Pembrokeshire and Penybanc Farm at Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire. Of Scot-Irish, German, Welsh, and French descent and larger than life, American statesman and writer and 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1858 – 1919) also held the position of 25th Vice President of the United States and 33rd Governor of the state of New York.

With a father half-English, ScotWelsh and first person with significant Native American ancestry to reach one of the highest offices in the executive branch, Charles Curtis (1860 – 1936), became an American attorney and the 31st Vice President of the United States; his mother, of mixed Kaw, Osage and French ancestry.

More recently, we saw American politician, businessman, Richard Bruce Cheney (1941- ), serve under President

George W. Bush, as 46th Vice President of the United States. Predominantly English, he is of Welsh, Irish, and French Huguenot ancestry.

Of special distinction in his service to our nation is George Herbert Walker Bush (1924 -), 41st President of the United States who also served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States under President Ronald Reagan. To date, he is our nation’s oldest living president and vice president, as well as the longest-lived president in history. He is referred to as “George H. W. Bush”, “Bush 41”, or “George Bush Senior” to distinguish him from eldest son, George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States; both, of English and German ancestry, they have Dutch, Welsh, Irish, French, and Scottish roots.

Of significant importance has been the role of State Governor served equally well by others of Welsh descent.

An American lawyer and politician, Pennsylvania Gov. Arthur Horace James (1883 – 1973), was born of Welsh

Governor Isaac Shelby (1750 -1826), who was the second son of parents who immigrated from Tregaron, Wales in 1735.

Space does not allow me to delineate further the interesting lives of these individuals; however, we can agree that Wales eagerly came to our American shores, its immigrants giving of their talents and lives to the national effort.

But...they were not alone. Side by side, they served with newcomers from other Celt nations who also stepped up to serve our nation.

Lynn is a former high school teacher of art, history, and political science. She is a potter, illustrator, muralist in public venues and private homes, and wordsmith. Frequently a featured artist at the Irish Cultural Center, Celtic landscapes intrigue her. Her mom, a Williams, is totally Welsh with ancestry as far back as 1700s and the Isle of Anglesley.

See sources at DesertShamrock.com, linked on home page.

George H.W. Bush

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immigrant parents; his father, a mining foreman. Believing the fine arts had ceased to flourish in the years after the Civil War, Virginia Governor Henry Mason Mathews (1834 – 1884), became an advocate in furthering them; his father, of Welsh and Anglo-Saxon descent.

The mother of Vermont Governor John G. McCullough (1858 – 1920), was Welsh. With a most complex and interesting ancestry, Georgia Gov. Pinckney Benton Stewart (1837-1921), was born of a mother who was a freed slave, classified in records as mulatto, his father a white Colonel in the military. His ethnic origins were diverse: African, Cherokee, Welsh, and German descent.

As Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, P. B. S. Pinchback (1837 – 1921), became acting governor of Louisiana when its governor died; thus, making him the first person of African descent to serve in this role. He was an ethnic EuropeanAmerican of Scots-Irish, Welsh, and German ancestry. And there is Kentucky

Charles Curtis

meetings:

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Theodore Roosevelt Jr.

All interested Irish Catholic Men are encouraged to attend. contact:

Shawn O’Brien, shawn.obrien@gmx.com

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13

St. Brendan of the Gael, Fenit, County Kerry, Ireland PHOTO BY TIGUE O’DONOGHUE

Perhaps a Honeymoon in the Mythical West?

From Saint Brendan to San Borondón

BY SHARONAH FREDRICK, PHD

S

t. Brendan was a historical figure.

He was born in the year 484 AD, in County Kerry, and died 93 years later, in County Galway, in 577. His real-life feat that of laying the intellectual foundations of the Clonfert monastery would justify Brendan’s place in the annals. However, real-life submits to myth in Brendan’s story.

The first writings regarding St. Brendan appeared, in Latin, between the 11th and 12th centuries, and they told the story of Brendan’s magical sea voyage.

That tale appeared in many languages in Europe, the Americas, and the ocean that lies between them. It became one of the seminal myths of the Age of Exploration (15th-18th centuries), though it harkens back to the earlier period in which St. Brendan lived.

As the tale unfolds, Brendan set off in the company of fourteen other priests, from Ireland’s West coast, sometime after the year 512 AD. He and his companions sailed beyond the mythical Tir Nan Og, (the dwelling of the eternally young, located, significantly, somewhere in the West) and came to the gates of Hell.

Hell’s description in the Latin texts resembles that of a belching volcano; and the Heavenly island that follows that encounter, resembles a large whale. In fact, it is a whale. After feasting upon the animal’s large back-plate, believing it to

IAIN LUNDY Freelance Journalist

visited St. Brendan’s Isle? Nysbett stated that the area was populated by gigantic black rabbits and ruled over by a solitary wizard. Sightings of Brendan’s magical island even continued through the 1990s…

Four hundred years previously, the island obsessed King Phillip II of Spain so much that, in the 1570s, he ordered an expedition to chart and conquer “Sán Borondón”. That undertaking failed, as did similar attempts to “discover” El Dorado…but the lure of Brendan and his island have remained a powerful,

be an algae covered forest, Brendan and his followers found that Jonah was not the only prophet to have odd encounters with large sea mammals. Later myths collected from northwest Spain’s Galicia province declared that said whale transported Brendan and his crew from “the isle of the blessed” in the Atlantic, back to Finisterre, (literally “land’s end”) in Celtic Galicia.

From there, Brendan would have returned to Ireland.

Since the mid-14th century, cartographers have included the image of “Brendan’s Isle” in their maps. These images come from as far away as Turkey, and from mapmakers as well-known as Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594). This elusive territory was thought to exist near the Canary Islands, and thus earned the Spanish title of “San Borondón”. The island, originally called Hy-Breseal (and later misspelled as “Brazil”) was supposedly located, originally, on Ireland’s latitude.

With the centuries, the island moved south (remember, it’s magical) at least in the imaginations of the mapmakers.

“Hy-Breseal” was a mix of Latin and Irish Gaelic, meaning literally “the island of the world-king”. It was portrayed as Brendan’s destination in the Far West. And it was thought to disappear, periodically, with the mists.

Was this a reference to early voyages to the Americas? Was it comical fiction, as was the 1674 account by John Nysbett, the Scottish sailor who claimed to have

• Scottish genealogy a specialty

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Dr. Sharonah Fredrick is Clinical Assistant Professor of Latin American Literature and Spanish and Portuguese Language at the University of Buffalo. She has attended the Yeats Summer School in Sligo, the Merryman Literature Summer course in County Clare, and studied Irish Gaelic in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

San Borondón Island, an imaginate island in Canary Islands, Spain

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and successful, Irish literary motif for over a millennium.

The statue is 12 feet tall and is placed at Great Samphire Rock in Fenit Harbour, Tralee. Brendan is pointing West to the mouth of Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, one knee bent, and the other foot pushed back, bracing his body against “a force 10 gale” which blows his cloak out behind him.

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Maternal grandparents from Co. Kerry, paternal from Co. Clare

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

DIRECTORIES

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! IRISH CULTURAL CENTER & McCLELLAND LIBRARY

GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY

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

Dates: July 16-20, 2018 at Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy. It offers classes for Youth and Adults in: fiddle, whistle, dance, guitar, and more! Scholarships Available through Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society. Contact: Kari@GrandCanyonCelticArts.org, 928-600-1365. www. grandcanyoncelticarts.org

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

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

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

ARIZONA COLLEEN PROGRAMS

ARIZONA

CENTER

The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection, Arizona Irish Lass and Little Miss Shamrock programs select young ladies of Irish descent to participate as spokespersons at area events. Prize packages for each competition. The Colleen wins a trip to Ireland and $1,000 scholarship. For details, visit www.azcolleen.org or contact Ciara Archer, Chair, 480-358-7504, info@azcolleen.org.

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

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

ArizonaScots.com.

THE CELTIC ACADEMY OF TUCSON Dedicated to promoting Irish dance and culture in Arizona, the board of directors are Betsy Lopez, Catherine Harris, and Beth Solinsky. They provide information on classes at the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance and on various Celtic gatherings. They sponsor Feile Rince Tucson, an annual Irish dance festival now in its 32nd year. www.tucsonfeis.com

DAUGHTERS OF SCOTIA DESERT THISTLE LODGE #260 Formed in 2005 to promote Scottish heritage. Ladies of ancestry, married to a Scot or born in Scotland may join.

We hold monthly meetings, tea socials, a teahouse at the AZ Highland Games and attend Scottish events. We support Highland dance competition and other charities. Contact: Tammy Gonzales at dos260recsec@gmail.com, 623-707-5032.

FRIENDS OF SAINT PATRICK CENTRE – AZ CHAPTER The nonprofit organization was formed in 2011 to promote positive relationships between Arizona and Northern Ireland.

Through education, cultural exchanges and charitable events, the Chapter nurtures St. Patrick’s legacy. Meetings held quarterly at the ICC. Contact: Kelsey.Kelleher@ AZIrishLibrary.org, 602-301-1083.

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This bagpipe and drum school is dedicated to excellence in bagpiping as well as camaraderie and fun. All levels of students are welcome! Instructors are brought from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S. Contact: Eric Poleski, Administrator, ericpoleski@cox.net, 702-270-8974 home, 702340-8859 cell, 928-556-3161, www.nachs.info

LAS VEGAS CELTIC GATHERING & HIGHLAND GAMES LAS VEGAS CELTIC SOCIETY One weekend each April the non-profit Las Vegas Celtic Society throws the Las Vegas Highland Games, a massive festival for the community featuring Celtic music, dancing, food, retail vendors and athletics. Enjoy live Celtic music all weekend, Scottish heavy Athletic events, as well as sanctioned Highland Dance and Bagpipe & Drum Competitions. Go to LasVegasCelticSociety.org for more information.

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

NORTHERN ARIZONA CELTIC HERITAGE SOCIETY The nonprofit organization is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving Celtic culture. Each year we host the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival (July 21-22, 2018), the Jim Thomson U.S. School of Piping & Drumming, and the Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy. Contact Jude McKenzie, information@nachs.info, 928-556-3161, www.nachs.info.

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

Broadway-style musical theater. Full, live orchestra. Incredible special effects, aerial stunts, nativity and flying angels.

Dream City Church Phoenix 13613 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022

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THE DESERT SHAMROCK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Built in 1904 for two Irish brothers, Riordan Mansion is an architectural treasure offering a glimpse into the lives of Flagstaff’s early Irish settlers. The “fairy ring” seen on the outdoor self-guided tour hints at the Irish tradition of providing fairies an outdoor dancing space, preventing mischief inside.

For admission rates and hours call 928-779-4395.

SCOTTISH-AMERICAN MILITARY SOCIETY (SAMS), FLAGSTAFF Chartered on April 21, 1981 in North Carolina, membership is open to all Active Duty and Veterans of the USA and the British Commonwealth who are of Scot or Scot-Irish lineage.

For more information, contact SAMS Flagstaff Post 2000, George G. Shoemaker, 928-607-1600, gduffer@suddenlink.net.

TUCSON ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL Celebrating our 31st year on March 18, 2017! The parade starts at 11am and winds through downtown Tucson ending up with a great festival at Armory Park from 10am until 6pm. Serving Guinness and Harp! Great food, Irish music and dance, a Kids’ Corner, face painting and much more!

Established 1987. www.tucsonstpatricksday.com

WELSH LEAGUE OF ARIZONA Our mission is to promote Welsh language and culture with performing arts and literary events, classes, and participating in Celtic festivals and other community events.

We endeavor to enhance relations between the U.S. and Wales by being a point of contact for visitors, businesses, and expatriates. We warmly welcome travelers, offering assistance and networking.

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

CLANS

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

CELTIC SISTER CITIES

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

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

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

CELTIC DANCE SCHOOLS

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

CELTIC STEPS ARIZONA/NEW MEXICO Christopher McGrory, ADCRG Rosemary Browne-McGrory, TCRG Classes in Tempe, Tucson and Albuquerque 520-991-3605; christopher.mcgrory@gmail.com www.tucsonirishdance.com

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

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

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

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 THE DESERT SHAMROCK

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ Student Exchange a Success!

BY ELLEN HARRINGTON

F

our students from several Chandler high schools were selected to travel to Chandler’s Sister City of Tullamore, Ireland in June, and then returned with students from Tullamore for a 10-day stay in Chandler in July. Our students served as Youth Ambassadors for the City of Chandler, while interacting with their host family in Tullamore, where they were immersed in the Irish culture.

The Chandler students and their Tullamore “twins” are Sarah Fuller and Anita Watkins, Sophie Looney Abney and Olivia Summerville, Luke Ryan and Cillian Fogarty, and Cole Stewart with Jonny O’Connor. Before the Exchange began, Sarah Fuller commented, “I am looking forward to bonding with my Tullamore student. I will strive on my trip to grasp a thorough perspective of the differing aspects of our two lives.”

The host families from Chandler and Tullamore planned activities with their own student and their “twin” student.

“Together we were introduced and experienced new adventures and participated

in activities that increased cultural understanding and educational exchanges,” noted Sophie Looney Abney. While here, they engaged in trips and activities to give the Irish students the best representation of Chandler and Arizona culture. And of course the visit was complete with a Fourth of July Celebration at an AZ Diamondbacks game complete with fireworks!

Among the activities for the “twinned” students in Chandler were tours of GoDaddy, the Irish Cultural Center, the Basha Collection of Western American and American Indian Art, and a fun-filled evening at Chandler’s ImprovMania.

The Chandler and Tullamore students were greeted by Chandler’s Mayor Jay Tibshraeny at the July 9 Chandler City Council meeting.

A highlight of the Student Exchange was a visit to Intel to learn about current innovative technology. Irish-born Leslie Thompson, IOTG ADG People Systems & Operations Program Manager for Intel, stated the students enjoyed “Meet a Mentor,” an LED nameplate activity, and a tour of Intel’s Autonomous Driving Lab and the Internet of Things Lab. “It was

Chandler City Council

Famine Memorial, ICC

a pleasure to host them for the two days, and we wish them safe travels home to Ireland and in Chandler.”

The Student Exchange Program is at the heart of Sister Cities International’s mission of creating bonds between people from different cities around the world.

In addition, the program benefits host families and even local school communities. Students frequently report that their “twinning” experiences are “life-changing,” and they often make friendships that last a lifetime!

Please visit our Facebook page, Chandler Irish. Donations may also be made through chandlerirish.org/student-exchange.html, and are tax deductible for

this non-profit organization. For further information, or to learn more about Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, please contact Ellen Harrington, (480) 600-8509 or chan.to.tull@gmail.com, or visit the website at www.chandlerirish.org.

Ellen Harrington serves as Chair of the Chandler, AZTullamore, Ireland Sister Cities, VP of the newly formed Chandler Sister Cities, Secretary of Arizona Sister Cities, as well as an Advisory Board Member of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation, which oversees ICC and the McClelland Library in Phoenix. Her Irish heritage descends from the Stewarts of County Down, Northern Ireland.

Southwest Tea for an Irish Cause

T

hink…Scones and Soda Bread with Jalapeno Jelly! ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities’ Seventh Annual Southwest Tea will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 10:30am-12:30pm, with Registration at 10:00am. This fun event will be held in the Cotton Room of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 East Germann Road, Chandler 85225.

Lots of energy has gone into the planning and preparation for this event.

We’ll have live entertainment – bagpiping

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entrance, scrumptious tea menu, great baskets, and more! Our Chef will be Maureen Sullivan who will prepare a tea menu for all tastes. Over 18 Table Hosts are “decorating” the lunch tables with their individual themes and creative imagination, plus baking our desserts.

Our Guest Speaker is Chandler’s own Lynne Hartke – a wife, a mother, an author, a singer, a blogger, a volunteer,

a hiker, a storyteller, and a cancer survivor. Lynne will tell us a story of visiting Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly, Ireland and a pursuit of mystical faith. “I like to think I come from a deep sense of a place having lived in the same house for 33 years, and this gives me an understanding of the desert in which we live. But while I walked the grounds of Kinnitty Castle, I discovered a sense of place, centuries deep, that I could not fathom.” With her husband, Kevin, they have pastored a church in Chandler for more than thirty years. Her book, “Under a Desert Sky,” subtitled “Redefining Hope, Beauty and Faith in the Hardest Places,” is a tribute to surviving, embracing normal life, and finding that cancer taught her to grab on to life with both hands.

In addition to celebrating with a diverse group of local entertainers, this occasion will showcase the CTSC’s recently successful Student Exchange with four students from Tullamore, our Sister City, and future projects: participation in the 2018-19 Sister City International’s Young Artists and Authors Showcase program, a celebration of our 10th Year of the Twinning of Chandler and Tullamore in February 2019, a proposed Spring

2019 Wine & Design evening, sales of our “Desert Fare” Cookbook - a collaboration between Chandler and Tullamore high school students, and other upcoming events. We will also be sharing information on our planned guided trip to Ireland in June 2019.

Advance reservations for the Southwest Tea are necessary; to purchase tickets online, please visit our website, www.chandlerirish.org. General admission is $20 for Adults and $10 for 11 years and under; walk-ins will be space-available only, at $25 per person. Doors open at 10:00am for Registration, purchasing basket tickets – we want to begin the meal and program promptly at 10:30am. Funds raised support CTSC programs.

CTSC was created to join Chandler and Tullamore, Ireland as Sister Cities through Sister Cities International. Their mission is to “cultivate and maintain a strong reciprocal relationship between Chandler and Tullamore to encourage cultural understanding, community involvement, economic development, and educational exchanges.” CTSC offers a variety of membership gatherings, informational meetings, and other benefits throughout the year.

THE DESERT SHAMROCK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BAXTER

[All events are in Arizona USA unless otherwise noted]

BEAU JEST Now through Sept 29 • 7pm Sept. 15 & 22 • 2pm Directorial debut of INAZ past President Lee Cooley Sarah has been dating outside of her religion and her parents aren’t happy. So, she hires a beau to pretend to be Jewish – only come to find out, he’s not either! This hilarious comedy is for anyone who knows a family that only wants “what’s best” for their child.

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre 8670 E Shea Blvd, Ste 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Tickets: $27; group discount (Irish Network Lee Cooley) www.donbluththeatre.com, 480-314-0841

FAMILY STORY HOUR

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER (ICC) & MCCLELLAND LIBRARY PUBLIC WALK-IN HOURS (TOURS, LIBRARY & GENEALOGY) Closed all major holidays Now through Labor Day CLOSED Starting Sept 4: Tuesday-Saturday • 10am–3pm Frances McClelland Genealogy Research Centre available these hours; Open Other Hours for Scheduled Classes, Meetings & Events 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85004 602-258-0109, www.azirish.org

See ads on 18, 19, BACK

EXHIBIT: THE IRISH IN LATIN AMERICA

October 2 through June 30 Presented by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors/ students; $5 children (12 yrs. and under) and ICC & McClelland Library Members www.azirish.org

THIRD FRIDAY CEILI

Fridays, Sept. 21, Oct. 19 • 7pm Beginners’ Lesson 6:30pm Family oriented Irish social dances. Taught by Jim & Anne Daugherty with live music in the Great Hall! Cash bar Admission: $6 each; one child under 12 free with each paid adult www.azirish.org/iclf-programs/ceili-dancing

“IRISH CELEBRATION OF TEA”

Saturday, Sept 15 • 1:30pm–3pm Learn history and how to make a perfect pot of tea!

ICC Cottage - Advance Reservations Only Members: $22.50, Non-Members $25 per person Register: www.azirish.org/project/irish-tea-ceremony

THE ACADEMY OF IRISH AND CELTIC STUDIES

Saturday, September 9 • 10:30am–Noon Filled with stories, discussions, and crafts. Introduces parents and children to Irish authors, stories and traditions in a fun and interactive fashion.

ICC in Castle Keep; FREE www.azirish.org/iclf-programs/story-time

14TH ANNUAL PRESCOTT HIGHLAND GAMES AND CELTIC FAIRE

ANNUAL ANAM CARA AWARDS GALA

Saturday, October 20 • 5pm–10pm Irish Cultural Center FUNDRAISER Honorees: Jim Daugherty and Declan Fox Dinner, Program, Entertainment, Silent Auction Theme: Oscar Wilde’s witty comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest Advance tickets ONLY; www.azirish.org

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CURRACH TEAM PHOENIX KICK-OFF

September 15 and 16 Watson Lake Park, Prescott, AZ Presented by the Prescott Area Celtic Society www.prescotthighlandgames.com

Thursday, Oct 25 • 7pm–9pm at ICC Meet local team; 2 short videos about currach history and currach building Former and Current Members FREE; Guests $5 Contact: Paul Ahern, paul@azahern.com

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

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Sunday, September 22 • 10:30am The workshop will demonstrate how to find birth, marriage, and death records utilizing online sources containing both indexes and images of original records.

Admission: $15 Members, $20 Non-Members Info and purchase tickets: www.azirish.org/civil-registrations

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Saturday, September 29 • 10:30am–12:30pm The group seeks to engage members of our community with the tradition and excellence of all forms of Irish Literature.

Colum McCann, TransAtlantic (novel, 2013) ICC; FREE

FAMILY STORY HOUR

Saturday, October 6 • 10:30am–Noon Filled with stories, discussions, and crafts. Introduces parents and children to Irish authors, stories and traditions in a fun and interactive fashion.

Owl-Bat, Bat-owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick and Jamie O’Rourke and the Pooka by Tomie DePaola ICC in Castle Keep; FREE www.azirish.org/iclf-programs/story-time

TRAVEL: TREASURES OF IRELAND & SCOTLAND

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Saturday, October 27 • 10:30am–12:30pm The group seeks to engage members of our community with the tradition and excellence of all forms of Irish Literature.

William Trevor, Felicia’s Journey (novel, 1994) ICC; FREE

SAVE THE DATE SOUTHWEST TEA

Saturday, November 10 • 10:30am–12:30pm Tea Luncheon, Speaker, Entertainment, Silent Auction Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Fundraiser Tickets: $20; Children 11 & under $10 ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED Info and purchase tickets: www.chandlerirish.org

See story on page 16 ANNUAL ICC TEA

DATE MOVED TO: Sunday, January 20, 2019 • 3pm–5pm An afternoon filled with delicious food, including a variety of sandwiches, scones, cakes, soda bread and, of course, tea.

Tickets: Members $18, Non-Members $20; Children 10 & under free. At the Door $30.

ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED Info and purchase tickets: www.azirish.org/tea

Term 4: 10 weeks starting September 10 Register online at www.azirish.org IRISH MUSIC IRISH LANGUAGE IRISH AND SCOTTISH DANCE Info: www.azirish.org/education-and-classes/academy-classes

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

Third Wednesdays Rosie McCaffrey’s, Phoenix All interested Irish Catholic Men are encouraged to attend.

Contact: Shawn O’Brien, shawn.obrien@gmx.com

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IRISH NETWORK ARIZONA Breakfast & Speaker Second Fridays, Sept 14, Oct 12 • 7am–8:30am ICC Great Hall Members and First-Time Guests FREE Returning guests $10 RSVP for headcount: info@irishnetworkarizona.com

Wednesday, Oct 11 • 6pm Presented by Managing Director, Catherine Reilly Brendan Vacations ICC; LIMITED SPACE Contact: Lois Wallace 602-501-7423; lois@ AuthenticCelticTravels.com

See ad page 9

See ad page 7

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CALENDAR

SEPTEMBEROCTOBER 2018

17

Welcome to our fall season 11TH ANNUAL ANAM CARA AWARDS GALA Saturday, Oct 20, 2018 THE ACADEMY OF IRISH & CELTIC STUDIES Classes begin September 10, 2018 EXHIBIT: THE IRISH IN LATIN AMERICA October 2, 2018 through June 30, 2019 Presented by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

GALA

CURRACH TEAM PHOENIX KICK-OFF Thursday, October 25, 2018 and so much more...

H C A RR

M A E T

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

Doors open on Tuesday September 4, 2018 Fall/Winter/Spring Season: 10AM – 3PM Tues – Sat (Tours, Library & Genealogy)

1106 North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004 602.258.0109

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

Ireland

Experience the charm and beauty of in the center of the Valley of the The Irish Cultural Center is the perfect place for your wedding. Our Great Hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and our Heritage Courtyard up to 300. Special discounts during summer months and mid-week.

For more information: weddings@azirish.org 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 85042

Sun.

Anam Cara Awards Gala

Join U� !

Saturday, October 20 5pm–10pm

11TH ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT HONOREES: Jim Daugherty and Declan Fox Our theme is Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest Advance tickets ONLY $150 nonmembers; $125 ICLF members www.handbid.app.link/anamcara2018

ENJOY Silent Auction, Dinner and Program Live Music and Entertainment to SHOWCASE the Center!

DRESS men:

Blacktie optional but bowtie encouraged/suit/formal kilt ladies:

Full-length optional/ semi-formal/cocktail

This invitation provided by Michael and Ann Niemann

EARLY LEAD SPONSORS

PHOTO BY RICK MEINECKE LightsViewPhoto.com

Supports cultural programming and education, presenting music, art, literature, history, and traditions of the Emerald Isle.

1106 N. Central Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85004 | azIrish.org