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  The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                   April 2008
 
The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland 
 Now received by over 50,000 people worldwide 
      https://www.ireland-information.com 
          https://www.irishnation.com
              Copyright (C) 2008  

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		IN THIS ISSUE
=== Foreword
=== News Snaps from Ireland 
=== New free resources at the site
=== Tourist Tip #3: Visit Phoenix Park
=== The Journey Home by Robert Lyons
=== Ireland (Tir mo Chroi) by Nicole McMillan
=== Travelling Ireland by Kathryn McClean
=== My Legacy by Tom Heston
=== Daniel O'Connell Biography - The Liberator
=== Gaelic Phrases of the Month
=== Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
========

Hello again from Ireland where recent events have 
been dominated by the resignation of Bertie 
Ahern as Taoiseach (see the news snaps below).

The third in our series of 'Tourist Tips' give 
you the low-down on the largest urban park in 
Europe - can you guess which park it is?

If you have an article, famous Irish person 
biography, story or poem please do send it in.

Until next month,

Michael

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=======================
NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND
=======================

BERTIE AHERN RESIGNS AS TAOISEACH

It has been argued that the biggest mistake Bertie 
Ahern ever made was indicating that he would 
resign as Taoiseach before the next General 
Election. Just as Tony Blair in the UK found out, 
once you indicate that you are prepared to leave 
office then your position quickly becomes 
untenable.

Had Bertie Ahern decided to face down the 
opposition parties calls for his resignation and 
to engage in a more robust defence of his 
financial dealings at the Mahon Tribunal then 
no one would have been too surprised. The fact 
though, that he had already indicated that his 
days were numbered only served to encourage his 
political enemies and those media outlets who 
were clearly gunning for him.

The high-profile campaigns by several newspapers 
and the endless and mocking television coverage 
of his appearances at the Mahon Tribunal proved 
to be just too much for the longest serving 
Taoiseach since Eamon DeValera. His dramatic 
resignation paved the way for Brian Cowen to 
become the new Fianna Fail party leader and 
Taoiseach designate.

Having made the decision to resign, the speed 
with which his former critics started to lavish 
praise on Bertie Ahern did little credit to the 
body politic or to the Irish media.

It remains to be seen if Fine Gael will suffer 
electorally for their hounding of one of the most 
popular of Irish politicians. The fulsome tribute 
paid by their leader Enda Kenny was viewed by 
some commentators as ill-advised. He perhaps may 
have at least been respected had he continued the 
criticism of his nemesis to the end, rather than 
betraying himself as a hypocrite by praising the 
subject of his former vitriol.

As Bertie Ahern prepares to address the US 
Houses of Congress in his last significant act as 
leader of this small country, a recap of his 
achievements makes historically dramatic reading.

Peace in Ulster:
He was instrumental in forging the Northern 
Ireland peace agreement. It is too easy to forget 
just how bad life had been in Ulster with daily 
bombings and killings the order of the day. It 
would be foolish to under-estimate the part played 
by Bertie Ahern and his government in bringing a 
change to the Irish Constitution to provide a 
backdrop against which Ulster Unionism and Sinn 
Fein nationalism could make the great leap forward 
to peaceful politics. This is the man who brought 
Ian Paisley to the table to do a deal.

In a recent speech he stated that his 'parting 
pledge for all the people on this island is that 
we have learned the futility of violence'.

'Peace in Ireland is my proudest achievement. It 
is an achievement I share with thousands and 
thousands of people across this island and beyond 
our shores who were voices for sanity, persuaders 
for justice and the implacable opponents of those 
who sought to cling to violence as a political 
weapon.'

Booming economy:
There is no shortage of parties and groups willing 
to take credit for the Irish economic miracle of 
the last 20 years. During that time Fianna Fail 
has been in Government for all but 3 years, with 
Bertie Ahern leading as Taoiseach for the last 11 
years. While it is clear that the 'partnership' 
agreements between employers and unions played a 
significant part in the economic growth, praise 
must also be given to the taxation reforms 
instigated by Ahern's governments. The low 
corporation tax regime adopted by Ireland is now 
being copied by several other countries in Europe. 
Unemployment fell to 4% (statistically 'full 
employment'), home-ownership soared, unprecedented 
changes were made to the infrastructural fabric of 
the country.

Conclusion:
While his political career may yet continue (it is 
possible he may run for President of Ireland or 
seek an office in the EU), history will perhaps best 
remember Bertie Ahern for his role in bringing peace 
to Northern Ireland. While his governments have had 
their failings (problems with the Health Service 
persist), few can deny his status as one of 
Ireland's most effective leaders ever.

NEW ANTI-ALCOHOL MEASURES ANNOUNCED

Efforts are continuing to curb Ireland's addiction 
to alcohol. The country remains at or near the top 
of every survey conducted on international alcohol 
usage. The Irish government has responded by 
announcing the establishment of a new Bureau of 
Alcohol Regulation to tackle the problem.

IRISH HOUSING MARKET CONTINUES ITS DECLINE

The continuing recession in the housing markets 
of the US, the UK and Ireland have happened in 
tandem and show no immediate signs of abating. 
While the sub-prime problems in the US and UK 
have seriously dented the markets there, in 
Ireland the main cause of the slowdown has been 
over-supply and the several increases in 
interest rates by the ECB.

The scale of the decline has been dramatic with 
the mortgage market predicted to fall from 40 
B.illion Euro in 2006 to 25 B.illion Euro in 
2008. The credit crunch that has seized up world 
lending markets have further dampened activity 
in the Irish housing market with lenders unwilling 
to lend while borrowers sit on their hands waiting 
for the market to 'bottom out'.

Estimates vary as to how much Irish property 
prices may fall back. Some commentators are quoting 
a 20% reversal as the likely figure before the 
market starts to move again.

IRISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO FLOURISH

The demand for Irish language schools continues 
unabated. The waiting lists for these Irish 
language schools (Gaoilscoileanna) have reached 
two years in some cases. Currently there are 169 
primary and 43 secondary schools operating in the 
State, outside of Gaeltacht areas. 35,000 students 
currently occupy these schools but the demand for 
places is much higher.

Voice your opinion on these news issues here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/newsletterboard/wwwboard.html

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NEW COATS OF ARMS ADDED TO THE GALLERY:

The following 5 coats of arms images and family
history details have been added to the Gallery:

G: McGreevy, Gurkin
L: Lucey
M: Massey
R: Roantree

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==================================
TOURIST TIP #3: VISIT PHOENIX PARK
==================================

Phoneix Park is one of the worlds largest urban 
parks and is larger than all of the parks in 
London combined! The park boasts 1752 acres of 
walks, trees, picnic-tables, lakes and of course, 
Dublin Zoo and Farmleigh.

THE PARK

Located on the northside of the city and just a 
short hop from the city centre (it may even be 
within walking distance depending on where you 
stay), the park is crammed with trees! Aras an 
Uachtarain is located in the park and is the 
residence of the President of Ireland. Monuments 
include the Papal Cross, the Wellington Monument 
and the Phoenix Monument. The Deerfield Residence 
is the official residence of the US ambassador to 
Ireland. The visitor centre is located at Ashtown 
Castle which dates from the fifteenth century.

The park is a great place for a picnic or a good 
hearty walk! Many Dubliners will use the park at 
weekends with Sunday walks being popular.

THE ZOO

Dublin Zoo is located within Phoenix park and 
comprises of 30 acres which will take you on a 
voyage of discovery that stretches from the 
fringes of the Arctic to the Plains of Africa 
via Indian Rainforest. 

The Zoo of today is a place where the joy of 
learning about wildlife and conservation is at 
the heart of everything. Today Dublin Zoo is 
recognised as one of the most modern in Europe 
- and is increasingly an integral part of 
European Zoo breeding programmes. Crucially 
though - it's a great day out for all the family.  

See lions and tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees and 
orang-utans, rare monkeys, rhinos, hippos, 
giraffes and many more exotic and endangered 
species - and of course our new beautiful baby 
elephants - the first of their species to have 
been born on Irish soil. 

As well as the multitude of animals children will 
love the pets' corner, the unique meerkat 
restaurant, city farm and the safari train ride 
around the African Plains. 

FARMLEIGH

Farmleigh is an estate of 78 acres located within 
the grounds of Phoenix Park and was purchased 
from the Guinness family by the Irish Government 
in 1999 for 29.2m Euro. The house has been 
carefully refurbished by the Office of Public 
Works as the premier accommodation for visiting 
dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high 
level Government meetings, and for public 
enjoyment. 

Originally a small Georgian house built in the 
late 18th century, Farmleigh was purchased by 
Edward Cecil Guinness (1847-1927) on his marriage 
to his cousin, Adelaide Guinness in 1873. A 
great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, founder of the 
eponymous brewery, Edward Cecil became the first 
Earl of Iveagh in 1919. The first major building 
programme was undertaken in 1881-84 to designs by 
Irish architect James Franklin Fuller (1832-1925), 
who extended the House to the west, refurbished 
the existing house, and added a third storey. In 
1896 the Ballroom wing was added, designed by the 
Scottish architect William Young (1843-1900). 

With the addition of a new Conservatory adjoining 
the Ballroom in 1901, increased planting of 
broadleaves and exotics in the gardens, Farmleigh 
had, by the early years of the 20th century, all 
the requisites for gracious living and stylish 
entertainment. Its great charm lies in the 
eclecticism of its interior decoration ranging 
from the classical style to Jacobean, Louis XV, 
Louis XVI and Georgian. 

In 2001 the Office of Public Works began the 
delicate job of restoring this magnificent estate. 
This was carried out with great delicacy and care 
so as the historical ambience at Farmleigh has 
been preserved as it assumes its new role on 
behalf of the Irish State. 

Tours of the house and gardens are available from 
10.30am to 4.40pm. There is a small cafe onsite.


You can get more Ireland Travel Information here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/irishtouristinformation.htm

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================
THE JOURNEY HOME
by Robert Lyons
================

Note: Robert Lyons grew up in South Dakota, where 
his Irish ancestors homesteaded. He teaches Irish 
Studies in OSHER Lifelong Learning Institutes at 
Tufts University, Boston, and University of 
Southern Maine, Portland. He and his wife, Nona 
Lyons, have lived much of the past seven years in 
Ireland and now reside in New England.

===

From a pest house in New York City, my 
great-grandparents, Jeremiah and Ellen Lyons, 
had the first glimpse of their new home, America. 
Forced to flee famine and oppression, they left 
Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland in 1845. 
Filled with hope for a better life and $1,500 
sown in Jeremiah's underwear, they made the 
crossing. But when Jeremiah caught the cholera 
on board ship, he was isolated from his wife and 
two young daughters, Bridgit and Margaret. Upon 
arrival at the docks, unknown to Ellen, Jeremiah 
was placed in a pest house along the shore line.

There he was nursed by anonymous caretakers. For 
three months Ellen searched every shanty and shack 
in New York City until, in the words of the story 
recited at every family reunion: 

One day a man said, 
'Well, yes, but it just couldn't be him,

He was so old and bearded and thin.'

If she wished she may come in and look,

There were no records on the book,

He seemed to be traveling alone,

His memory was gone, and without name or home.

Thus she found her Jerry, lying on a bed of straw,

His face was drawn in a look of awe.

What had happened in the past there was no telling

He raised his head and whispered 'Ellen'.
 
The money had disappeared. After Ellen nursed her 
Jerry back to health they joined with other 
recent arrivals to build the railroads from New 
York to Chicago. Near that windy city, with a 
growing family – including my grandfather Will 
– they became successful farmers and later moved 
farther west to Iowa and finally Dakota Territory 
where they spent the autumn of their lives with 
their pioneer sons and daughters. Ellen and 
Jeremiah brought with them, and passed to their 
children, and their children's children, a passion 
for education and a strong commitment to exercise 
the civic virtues of their new country. 

They were the real radicals in America's history. 
These people lived in their adopted land, not as 
victims of the oppression they had fled, but as 
confident and contributing citizens who saw that 
their own fulfillment was in helping to build this 
country, its schools, farms and businesses. When I 
reflect on their odyssey, I realize that the 
journey to my home began in a pest house in New 
York City where the kindness of strangers gave my 
first American relatives a taste of the goodness 
and greatness of its people. 
 
Robert F. Lyons
Kennebunkport, Maine 

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IRELAND (TIR MO CHROI)
by Nicole McMillan
======================

In my mind I hear a melody,
A lilting fairy song,
Of a time long ago and so far away.
I wish I was sitting by a turf fire 
In some small village pub,
Listening to a bodhran and a fiddle play.

I want to go to that isle across the sea,
Tir mo chroi.
I want to feel my footsteps in the sand,
Ireland.

It gives me peace to think about 
The green rolling hills,
The Garden County's vale of flowers.
I can imagine myself there,
Walking along the Cliffs,
Or dancing at a ceili for hours.

I want to go to that isle across the sea,
Tir mo chroi.
I want to feel my footsteps in the sand,
Ireland.

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TRAVELLING IRELAND ­ JOURNEY INTO OUR FAMILY
by Kathryn McClean
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When my cousin and I decided to travel to 
Ireland in 2005 we didn't realise it would 
become such an important trip in our family's 
lives. We have one of those families other 
people dream of ­ we are in constant contact 
and enjoy organising get-togethers instead of 
dreading them.... we are very lucky.

Our grandparents moved to Australia in the 
1950's to start a brand new life with their 
children.... leading to what our family has 
become today with all my cousins and I 
enjoying a wonderful life. My grandma and 
grandpa are great story tellers (personally 
I think that's the Irish blood that's flowing 
through their veins!) and would randomly break 
into an Irish song while washing the dishes or 
begin these amazing stories from what they did 
and where they went when they were young in 
Ireland.

From the moment we began planning out trip to 
Ireland we couldn't wait to see all the places 
we had grown up hearing about ­ the old 
Ballymoney streets... the church where my 
grandparents got married, where the old country 
school used to be where grandpa went till 
grade 7... the street to the old picture show 
where grandma would ride on the handle-bar of 
grandpas push bike... the old hall where the 
country dances would be held until 3 or 4am in 
the morning every Saturday night... the house our 
great grandma lived in and even the cemetery 
where our family is now buried. 

Hearing about the stories in their animated still 
strong Irish accents is amazing in itself but 
actually travelling there to see and feel and 
smell and touch everything we heard about was 
well worth the trip. Even if I had not seen any 
of the old castles or drank one drop of 
guinness... the look on my grandparents face when 
they saw the photos and realised we were standing 
outside the very places we had heard about so many 
times was worth every second of the trip.

If I could go anywhere in the world again it would 
be to Ireland. Its such a beautiful country to 
begin with and with the family memories it holds, 
there is nowhere I would rather go.  

Both my grandparents are in there 70's now and I'm 
really not sure whether they will make it back to 
Ireland again, but they are safe in the knowledge 
that we know there stories and we have been there 
in our 20's so have enough understanding and 
experience to pass onto our children and 
grandchildren as the years unfold. 

Kathryn McClean, 2008

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MY LEGACY     by Tom Heston
=========

From the salty spray of Erin's coast, 
Wind-blown across the sea,
Wandered a roving poet's ghost,
Yearning to be free.  

With that noble shade came haunting dreams
Of proud, heroic days,
Of magic meadows, golden streams, 
And ancient mystic ways.

All my life I have heard the songs
The Emerald Island sings'
And in my heart a spirit longs
For the land of saints and kings,
Where the poet wandered, a soul apart,
A burning firebrand.
It's sad to have a poet's heart,
And not be of Ireland. 

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DANIEL O'CONNELL BIOGRAPHY - THE LIBERATOR
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Daniel O'Connell was born in 1775 in Cahirciveen, 
County Kerry. Although he was born into the native 
ascendancy, he was raised among the Catholic 
peasantry and thus learned not only the Gaelic 
language, but also the many tribulations faced by 
the poorer class. 

As a teenager he was sent to France for further 
education but travelled to London in 1793 on 
foot of the French revolution. His experience of 
the violence that was part of the revolution 
forged his lifelong commitment to peaceful means 
to achieve social change.

He qualified as a barrister and built a successful 
practice in Dublin. O'Connell abhorred the 
violence of the Wolfe Tone led 1798 rebellion but 
agreed with the overall aims of thr United 
Irishmen.

In 1802 O'Connell married his cousin Mary. The 
marriage was a good one with 12 children being 
born, although only 7 survived.

The 1800 Act of Union had raised hopes of Catholic 
emancipation but these remained unfulfilled. 
O'Connell soon got involved in political 
activities and in 1823 founded the Catholic 
Association with the express aim of securing 
emancipation. 

O'Connell was known a famous orator, debater and 
a sharp wit. He was a regular thorn in the side of 
the Dublin authorities and when in 1815, he called 
Dublin Corporation a 'beggarly corporation', the 
authorities thought they had a chance to discredit 
him. One member of the Corporation, D'Esterre, a 
noted duelist, challenged him to a duel. If 
O'Connell accepted the challenge then it was 
thought he would certainly be killed. If he backed 
down then he would be politically damaged and 
discredited.

To everyone's surprise O'Connell accepted the 
challenge and fatally wounded D'Esterre. O'Connell 
always regretted his death, and later assisted the 
D'Estere family financially.

With the backing of the clergy O'Connell stood 
for election to the English parliament in County 
Clare in 1828. A massive victory for O'Connell 
followed as the momentum for reform gathered pace. 
O'Connell refused to take the Oath of Allegiance 
to the English crown and the crisis point had 
been reached. With 6 M-illion supporters backing 
O'Connell the English government feared an 
uprising was on the cards and eventually granted 
Catholic emancipation in 1829. O'Connell was 
now the undisputed hero of Ireland and a year 
later became the first Catholic in modern history 
to be take his seat at the English parliament.

By this time O'Connell had given up his legal 
practice and was concentrating fully on politics. 
He set his sight on repealing the Act of Union 
and the establishment of an Irish parliament. His 
Repeal Association organised monster meetings that 
attracted hundreds of thousands. An estimated 
three-quarters of a m-illion people attended the 
Hill of Tara meeting. The authorities responded 
by banning a similar meeting scheduled for 
Clontarf in 1843. Despite cancelling the meeting 
O'Connell was arrested and charged with conspiracy. 
He served 3 months in prison before being released 
but the damage had been done. The tactics that 
had achieved emancipation could not be used to 
achieve an Irish parliament. His stay in prison 
had also adversely affected his health.

The more radical 'Young Irelanders' withdrew from 
the Repeal Association. In the countryside the 
potato crop was already beginning to fail. The 
Great Famine of 1847 devastated the Irish 
countryside. O'Connell tried to help and spoke 
in the London parliament, appealing for aid for
his desperate starving countrymen. 

O'Connell will always be known as the 'Liberator' 
and Catholic emancipation was indeed his greatest 
success. It is unknown if his peaceful mass 
protests could have achieved any further 
concessions on the road to Irish independence. The
famine that resulted in over 1 million deaths from 
starvation and a further million taking the 
emigrants boat stopped any political momentum 
dead in its tracks.

At 70 years of age O'Connell was advised to move 
to a warmer climate to placate his ailing health. 
He set off for Rome but only made it as far as 
Genoa. He died in May 1847 and was buried in 
Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin. His funeral was 
among the largest ever seen in Ireland.

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GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
===========================

PHRASE:		Nil aon leigheas ar an ngra ach posadh
PRONOUNCED:	neel ain laygus air on grah ock pus-idd
MEANING:		The only cure for love is marriage

PHRASE:		An rud a lionas an tsuil lionann se an croi
PRONOUNCED:	on rud ah lean-uss on sewell lean-onn shay on kree
MEANING:		What fills the eye fills the heart

PHRASE:		Giorraionn beirt bothar
PRONOUNCED:	gurr-on bert boh-hurr
MEANING:		Two shorten the road

View the archive of phrases here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm

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I hope that you have enjoyed this issue.

Until next time,

Michael Green,
Editor,
The Information about Ireland Site.

https://www.ireland-information.com

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