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  The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                  August 2006
 
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) 2006  

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		IN THIS ISSUE
=== Foreword
=== News Snaps from Ireland 
=== New free resources at the site
=== Ancient Ireland #2: The Tuatha de Danann
=== Irish Childhood Traditions by Bridget Haggerty
=== The Ghost of Galway City Museum
=== Irish Signs
=== Gaelic Phrases of the Month
=== Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
========

This month we continue our exploration of Ancient 
Ireland with the famed Tuatha de Danann - enjoy!

Please DO send us in your stories, poems or 
articles about Ireland for the next edition 
- we love including reader contributions,

until next month,

Michael


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NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND
=======================
 
CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

New laws are being introduced in an effort to 
reduce illegal immigration into Ireland. All 
non-nationals will be required to carry biometric 
identity cards. New powers will be given to allow 
for the immediate detention and deportation of 
illegal immigrants. The new laws will also prevent 
illegal immigrants from using marriage as a means 
of achieving residence in Ireland. The automatic 
entitlement to welfare and benefits is also being 
removed.

A single appeals body called the 'Protection 
Review Tribunal' will be established to replace the 
bureaucracy system that currently exists. Strict 
standards of credibility are being defined which 
will be used to gauge the validity of all claims 
for asylum. New applicants will be required to 
reside in state-run reception areas until their 
status is decided.
 
IMF IDENTIFIES 3 THREATS TO IRISH ECONOMY

The International Monetary Fund (IF) has 
identified 3 possible dangers to the Irish economy. 
The first of these is the Irish obsession with 
property which is fuelling the construction boom, 
boosting employment and immigration, which in turn 
have a big effect on Government revenue from VAT, 
Income Tax, and Stamp Duty. If there is a slowdown 
in the property market, perhaps caused by a jolt 
to interest rates, then the Irish economy could 
suffer greatly.

The IF has suggested that the small Irish economy 
is particularly vulnerable to an 'external shock'. 
For example, the recent surge in energy prices has 
fuelled inflation to over 4%, its highest level in 
over 3 years. Any major international event could 
have a very damaging effect on the Irish economy.

The General Election is likely to be held next May 
and the IF has added its voice to those who have 
already warned the Fianna Fail government against 
'buying' the election, by using government 
spending to curry favour with the electorate.

Irish wage costs continue to surge and, combined 
with the strength of the EURO, has seriously 
eroded competitiveness. The IF expects the Irish 
economy to grow by 6.2% in 2006, well ahead of the 
EU average. 

'ROUNDS' SYSTEM PARTLY TO BLAME FOR IRISH DRINKING

Latest statistics about Irish drinking habits have 
shown that young adult males have an average of 
11 drinks each on a night out, largely due to the 
system of 'rounds' that is part of Irish culture.

Ireland is at the top of the league table for 
alcohol consumption in Europe. A recent WHO study 
of 11 European countries also found that the Mater 
hospital in Dublin receives more drink-related 
cases than hospital in any of the countries.

Further calls by the medical profession for access 
to alcohol to be restricted have been made, as 
well as an abolition of advertising.

The Government has responded with the introduction 
of random breath-testing. No longer do Gardai have 
to form an impression that a person is under the 
influence of drink before they can breathalyze 
them. Now, anyone anywhere can be breathalaysed.

REDEVELOPMENT OF LANDSDOWNE ROAD TO COMMENCE

Dublin City Council has given planning permission 
for the redevelopment of Landsdowne Road, which 
will be used by the FAI and IRFU for international 
soccer and rugby matches. Construction of the 
50,000 seat stadium is set to begin in 2007 and be 
completed by 2009. The GAA has opened up Croke 
Park to is rival associations which will allow 
both the FAI and IRFU to benefit from the use of 
the much larger venue.

SILVER MEDAL FOR IRISH ATHLETE

A new Irish record of 12.72 seconds in the 100 
metre hurdles earned Derval O' Rourke a silver 
medal in the European championships in Gothenburg. 
The 25-year-old is now a realistic Irish medal 
hope for the Olympics to be held in Beijing in 2008.


Voice your opinion on these news issues here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/cgi-bin/newsletterboardindex.cgi

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NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE
==============================

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:

Bray
Dove
Rockett, Roe
Stroud

View the Gallery here:

http://www.irishsurnames.com/coatsofarms/gm.htm

THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!
We now have over 100,000 worldwide names available.
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Screensaver, Watch, T-Shirt Transfer or Clock for
your name at:

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ANCIENT IRELAND #2: THE TUATHA DE DANANN
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The Tuatha de Danann, the people of the Goddess 
Danu, were one of the great ancient tribes of 
Ireland. The important manuscript 'The Annals of 
the Four Masters', records that they ruled 
Ireland from 1897 B.C. to 1700 B.C.

The arrival of the tribe in Ireland is the stuff 
of legend. They landed at the Connaught coastline 
and emerged from a great mist. It is speculated 
that they burned their boats to ensure that they 
settled down in their new land. The rulers of 
Ireland at the time were the Fir Bolg, led by 
Eochid son of Erc, who was, needless to say, 
unhappy about the new arrivals. 

The Tuatha de Danann won the inevitable battle 
with the Fir Bolg but, out of respect for the 
manner in which they had fought, they allowed 
the Fir Bolg to remain in Connaught while the 
victors ruled the rest of Ireland.

The new rulers of Ireland were a civilised and 
cultured people. The new skills and traditions 
that they introduced into Ireland were held in 
high regard by the peoples they conquered. They 
had four great treasures (or talismans) that 
demonstrated their skills. The first was the 
'Stone of Fal' which would scream when a true 
King of Ireland stood on it. It was later 
placed on the Hill of Tara, the seat of the 
High-Kings of Ireland. The second was the 
'Magic Sword of Nuadha', which was capable of 
inflicting only mortal blows when used. The 
third was the 'sling-shot of the Sun God Lugh', 
famed for its accuracy when used. The final 
treasure was the 'Cauldron of Daghda' from 
which an endless supply of food issued.

The original leader of the Tuatha was Nuada 
but, having lost an arm in battle it was 
decreed that he could not rightly be king. 
That honour went to Breas, a tribesman of 
Fomorian descent. His seven year rule was not 
a happy one however, and he was ousted by his 
people who had become disenchanted with hunger 
and dissent. Nuada was installed as King, 
resplendent with his replacement arm made 
from silver.

Breas raised an army of Fomorians based in the 
Hebrides and they battled with Nuada at Moytura 
in County Sligo. The Tuatha again prevailed and 
the power of the Fomorians was broken forever. 
The victory had cost the Tuatha their King as 
Nuadha had died in the battle. A hero of the 
conflict named Lugh was instated as the new King 
of Ireland.

The grandsons of the next King, Daghda, ruled 
during the invasion by the mighty Melesians. The 
Tuatha de Danann were defeated and consigned to 
mythology. Legend has it that they were allowed 
to stay in Ireland, but only underground. Thus 
they became the bearers of the fairies of Ireland, 
consigned to the underworld where they became 
known as 'Aes sidhe' (the people of the mound 
- fairy mounds).

The Melesians used the name of one of the Tuatha 
de Danann gods, Eriu, as the name of their new 
kingdom. Eriu or Eire is still used in modern 
times as the name of Ireland.

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Wendy Walker of Columbia, Missouri got a
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 Michael,
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IRISH CHILDHOOD TRADITIONS    by Bridget Haggerty 
==========================

In the old days, at the appearance of the new 
moon, many Irish children would link hands and 
dance, keeping time to this charming little verse: 

I see the moon, the moon sees me,
God Bless the moon and God Bless me;
There's grace in the cottage and grace in the hall,
And the grace of God is over us all. 

And there’s many an Irish mother who sang the 
following ditty as she bounced her baby on her 
knee: 

How many miles to Dub-l-in,
Three score and ten,
Will we be there by candle light?
Yes and back again;
Hupp, hupp my little horse,
Hupp, hupp, again. 

The 'cradle days' of grandparents and 
great-grandparents, where when an expectant 
mother had to perform many a strange ritual in 
order to avoid a fairy changeling ending up in 
her crib. Among these odd activities was the 
putting of a horseshoe on the doorpost, placing 
a prayerbook under the pillow, cutting a notch 
in a black cat's tail, and breaking a new potato 
on the hearthstone! 

Even after the baby was born, custom demanded 
that after the infant first opened its eyes, it 
must gaze on a blaze of candlelight to make 
certain it would prefer deeds of light to deeds 
of darkness. 

'When they could create nothing else, to create 
a child of their own was as precious as finding 
a jewel in a turnip field.' 

(From 'The Silent People' by Walter Macken) 

Bridget Haggerty

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YOU CAN HELP TO KEEP THIS FREE NEWSLETTER ALIVE!

Visit: 
https://www.irishnation.com
where you can get great Irish gifts, prints, 
claddagh jewellery, engraved glassware and 
much more.

Anne MacDonald ordered a family crest plaque:

 Hello, Michael,

 Received my plaque, carefully wrapped, 
 in good order. It is splendid! I am 
 thrilled, and I know that my dad, for whose 
 81st birthday this was ordered, will love 
 it. I would like to order another one! 

 Everyone who has seen the plaque has been 
 really impressed, even those who, as my 
 daughter says are 'not into ancestor 
 worship!'

 Again, my hearty thanks for this 
 first-class product.

 Best wishes for happy holiday season.

 Sincerely, Anne MacDonald

THE PERFECT WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

View family crest plaques here:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestplaques.htm

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THE GHOST OF THE GALWAY CITY MUSEUM
by Kevin and Nancy Dalton
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Now the Galway museum, well we went there to see 
'em early on this morn
for some history and news and their very special 
views, of how this country was born
but tho' most of this story has little glory (in 
the beginning) it does have some at the end
'cause the time of great grief has now found relief, 
this fine country has rounded the bend

As i sat there in Jurys hotel, 
looking out over the bay
I had this strange feeling, like ice dropped from 
the ceiling..... quite took my breath away
and then.... I felt... a 'spirit' was talking to me, 
as I looked 'cross the bay to the sea
and it said that at last, he'd come back from the past, 
and was telling this story to me

He said ' twas during the famine 
when even the salmon, seemed the river Corrib to leave'
'and other fish in the bay, they too shied away, 
I know that it's hard to believe
'twas a terrible time and an unforgivable crime, 
when so many needlessly died from starvation'
his family and friends had come near to their ends, 
it was almost the death of a nation

So he and his brothers sisters and others were 
forced to leave Ireland, if they wished to live
start up new lives, find new husbands and wives, 
give new countries all they could give
so many cried, for the tens of thousands that died, 
and the millions who fled from the pain
we should now... every day, kneel down and pray, 
that this never happens again

There was nothing for the 'people' to eat, 
clothe their backs or cover their feet
so ships sails were unfurled and they sailed 
'cross the world, many never again were to meet
but 'he' promised that he would, return if he could, 
trying never would cease to claim the dear soil, 
where he could then toil, 
to the end of his days in some peace

But out there in the wild, he, Indian wife and 
child, died in a terrible fight
and his dreams of returning, 
in his heart still burning, were snuffed out... 
like a light
so... he came back with me, from far 'cross the sea, 
now his spirit can finally rest, 
he's been good and bad, he's been glad and sad...
now he's back with the best

And with peace south and north, from this time forth, 
and a future most wondrous to behold
when people so brave, have learned to behave, 
for the good of the meek and the bold
now... he'll stay in the museum and tho' you'll never 
see him, you'll know he's there as you walk by'
when a rush of cool air, rustles your hair...
or by a faint barely audible sigh.

~~~
This was experienced! (and written) by Kevin and 
Nancy Dalton while visiting Ireland on vacation in
November 1999. The story came to us after visiting 
the Museum. 

It was written in Jury's Hotel, (room 106) which is 
across the Old Market Square from the Museum

Nancy says she feels that 'Rory' is the name of 
the 'Spirit'


Kevin and Nancy Dalton, 
Trumbull, Connecticut, USA
© Copyright 1999

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IRISH SIGNS
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We are delighted to announce the availability of 
new hand-crafted and personalised Irish signs. 

Our Wood Signs are based upon late 19th century 
designs when use of text oriented trade and pub 
signs were at their height. While the signs are 
brand new, they conform in shape and lettering 
style to that of old time signs. To complete the 
look, all of the signs are given a hand rubbed 
stain to 'age' the sign appropriately. 

Some of our popular designs include the following:

My Irish Angel: 
 I have an Irish Angel,
 She keeps me free of Strife,
 I'll lifelong love this Angel,
 Sure she also is me wife!

God created liquor to keep the 
Irish from conquering the world

An Irish Toast:
 May you be in heave for two hours 
 before the Devil knows you're dead

Don't wait until Christmas week to order!

https://www.irishnation.com/irishsigns.htm

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GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
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PHRASE:		An bhfuil dearthaireacha agus deirfiuracha agat
PRONOUNCED:	on wil dreh-harr-ock-ah ogus dreh-furr-ock-ah ah-gut
MEANING:		Do you have any brothers or sisters?

PHRASE:	 	An bhfuil clann agat
PRONOUNCED:	on wil clon ah-gut
MEANING:		Do you have a family?

PHRASE:		An bhfuil tu posta ?
PRONOUNCED:	on wil two poe-sta
MEANING:		Are you married?

View the archive of phrases here:

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

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AUGUST COMPETITION RESULT
========================

The winner was: deirdre_irwin@yahoo.com.au
who will receive the following: 

A Single Family Crest Print (decorative) 
(US$19.99 value)

Send us an email to claim your print, and well 
done! Remember that all subscribers to this 
newsletter are automatically entered into the 
competition every time. 

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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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