The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter
March 2000
The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland
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°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø IN THIS ISSUE ~~~~~ Foreword ~~~~~ Support us for free ~~~~~ New free resources at the site ~~~~~ News Snaps from Ireland ~~~~~ Send a Saint Patrick's Day Gift ~~~~~ AOH seek entries for annual 'Limerick' competition ~~~~~ Brian Boru - The Last Great High King of Ireland ~~~~~ Shamrock Site of the Month: Luminarium ~~~~~ Searcher Site of the Month: Ordnance Survey Archives ~~~~~ Monthly free competition result °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø FOREWORD ~~~~~~~~ Happy Saint Patrick's Day - or nearly so! This month we have a new resource that you can use to teach children about Ireland. It consists of a number of 'games' that can be printed off on any Inkjet or Laser Printer. If they prove popular then more will be added. Let us know what you think! A special freebie will be issued on March 17th itself - we plan to give something away! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE......forward this newsletter to any friends or relative you think might enjoy it. Got something to say? Don't keep it to yourself! Why don't you submit an article for inclusion in the next edition? Email to: newsletterarticle@ireland-information.com This newsletter is available on-line at: http://www.ireland-information.com/mar00.htm The only way that you could have been subscribed to this newsletter is by filling out a subscription form at the site whereupon a confirmation notice would have been issued. If you wish to unsubscribe then go here: http://www.ireland-information.com/newsletter.htm ......but you'll be missing out! best wishes from Ireland, Michael. °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø SUPPORT US FOR FREE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Want to support us, keep us alive? Well you can and it won't cost you a penny! Do the 1,2,...... 1. VISIT THE LINK BELOW AND SIGN UP FOR MORE GREAT INFO, (ITS FREE!): http://www.ireland-information.com/list.html 2. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US BY VISITING HERE: http://www.ireland-information.com/tellafriend.htm °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SAINT PATRICK'S DAY GAMES FOR CHILDREN Check out our Saint Patrick's Day freebies at: http://www.ireland-information.com/saintpatricksday.htm Simple word games and images to color are free to download, print, copy and enjoy. NEW COATS OF ARMS ADDED TO THE GALLERY: The following 42 coats of arms images and family history details have been added to the Gallery: A: Adams B: Bailey Behan C: Cuffe Costigan D: Deasy Devereux Devlin Duggan O'Duggan O'Dwyer E: McEnchroe F: Fulton G: McGuinness H: Hamilton Harrington Humphreys O'Hara K: Keogh L: Lavin Lawlor McLysaght M: Miller Murray N: Nelson P: Pierce R: Rafferty Riley S: Salmon Shea Sheridan Sloan Staunton Stephens Stevens T: Thompson Tobin Twomey O'Toole W: Wade Walker Waters View them at: http://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/gm.htm Get the screensaver featuring YOUR family name (or send it to a friend or relative as a gift) at: http://www.ireland-information.com/irishnamescreensavers.htm °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TAOISEACH CALLS FOR CLOSURE OF SELLAFIELD NUCLEAR PLANT Following on from the disclosures that safety records had been falsified at the Sellafield Nuclear reprocessing plant in England, Bertie Ahearn called for its immediate closure. He stated that the plant was a 'clear and totally unacceptable danger' to Irish people. He maintained that his Government would continue to exert pressure on the English Government to close the plant but had no comment to make about speculation concerning a possible legal action that might be brought before the International Court of Justice or the European Court of Human Rights. Sellafiled is less than 60 miles from Dublin. SALE OF CIGARETTES TO TEENAGERS TO BE BANNED In a further attack on cigarettes in Ireland, the new Minister for Health, Michael O'Mairtin, has announced that the legal age for the purchase of cigarettes has been increased from 16 to 18 years. Sales of cigarettes in packets of 10 or less has also been completely banned. The Minister has insisted that the new regulations will be enforced, unlike their fore-runner which saw only 4 prosecutions against shop-keepers in 20 years of existence. It is estimated that at least one third of teenagers between 15 and 17 years of age in Ireland now smoke. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE LODGES OBJECTION TO FOOTBALL STADIUM In a new twist to the row over the various new stadia to be built in this country, the Government Minister for Defence has objected to the Football Association's plans for a football stadium on the outskirts of Dublin city because creating the new structure may impact on aviation operations at Casement military aerodrome in Baldonnel. The Government is still trying to convince the FAI to abandon its plans for a football stadium and throw its lot in with the their plan for a 'National' stadium. IRISH ARMY DEVELOPMENTS Ireland is to have a 'rapid reaction' force within 4 years. Such a force could be deployed anywhere worldwide and as the Government requires. The Irish peace-keeping contribution in the Lebanon is soon to end, after a 22 year involvement. The recent Government initiative regarding Defence has seen the Defence Forces cut by 1,000 and has effectively left Irish airspace and maritime areas defenceless. ITALIANS BLAME IRISH FOR DRUNKEN YOUTH A new report by the Permanent Observatory on Young People and Alcohol in Rome has criticised Irish and English 'theme' bars, stating that up to 42% of Italian teenagers now drink in such establishments. Beer drinking is rapidly replacing wine drinking in Italy despite that fact that Italy is the biggest producer of wine in the world. A further problem is that Italian drink 'measures' (the amount of liquid per drink) is unregulated and so a single 'measure' of Whiskey could be 3 times more than that found in Irish or English pubs back home. The report criticised the 'culture of getting wasted' that has been imported from England and Ireland. OVER ONE THIRD OF A MILLION APPLY FOR A PASSPORT IN 1999 A further indication of the economic boom can be found in the number of Irish citizens who have applied for a Passport. The volume has increased by over 60% over the last 5 years. Concern is mounting however over the high number of 'lost' passports - over 10,000 in 1999. A surge of applications has also been observed in recent years from eligible non-resident citizens, especially from America. SPORT Ken Doherty won his first major tournament since the World Championship by capturing the Malta Grand Prix, defeating Mark Williams in a tense final. The Dubliner thus achieved some compensation for his missed final black ball of a 147 in the recent Masters tournament at Wembley. The Irish soccer team had an excellent 3-2 victory against the Czech Republic in a friendly international at Landsdowne Road. The Czechs were the only team who won all of their qualifying matches in taking their place in Euro 2000. Coventry striker Robbie Keane scored the winner. The Irish Rugby team have bounced back from the hammering they received at the hands of England in the 'six-nations' tournament by defeating both Scotland and Italy in successive matches. °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø SEND A SAINT PATRICK'S DAY GIFT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ COAT OF ARMS SCREENSAVER: You still have time to send a Saint Patrick's day gift! You can send a family name screensaver that features the coat of arms of a friend or relative and we will forward it to them automatically! Visit here for more: http://www.ireland-information.com/irishnamescreensavers.htm ANCESTRAL MAP OF IRELAND Our superb map shows the location of hundreds of Irish Septs and families, some of which go back over a thousand years. You can view the map and take advantage of the limited time offer of FREE worldwide delivery, by visiting here: http://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/irishheraldicmap.htm °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø AOH LIMERICK COMPETITION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fancy yourself as a poet? Well here is your chance to show it! The Ancient Order of Hibernians in Essexville MI, USA is now taking entries for its annual Limerick competition. Send your composition by email to Frank Quinn at: irishmic@aol.com °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø BRIAN BORU - THE LAST GREAT HIGH KING OF IRELAND ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The line between Irish Legend and Irish Myth have often been blurred, especially as the retelling of heroic deeds has been passed on through generations. Brian Boru was no legend although his life deeds were legendary. He was very much a real man and was in fact the last great High King of Ireland and perhaps the greatest military leader the country has ever known. Brian Boru was born Brian Mac Cennétig. He mother was sister to the mother of Conor, the King of Connaught. His brother, Mahon, had become King of Munster in 951, upon the death of their father, Cennétig. Together they fought against the invading Norsemen, who had imposed taxes in Munster. This struggle eventually led to the murder of Mahon in 975 Mahon by the Ostermen (Norse). Brain avenged his brother's death by killing the King of the Ostermen of Limerick, King Ímar. From this point onwards Brian held Munster as his own, including the pivotal trade-centre of Limerick. He marched into Connaught and Leinster and joined forces with Mael Sechnaill II in 997. Together they divided Ireland between them. The Norse settlers in Dublin especially ranged against Brian but were defeated at Glen Máma where the King of Leinster was captured. The King of Dublin, Sitric Silkenbeard, was soon defeated too. In 1002 Brian demanded of his comrade Mael Sechnaill that he recognize him as King of Ireland. Mael agreed, partially because many of his own people viewed Brian as a hero who had restored Ireland to greatness after the Viking invasions. The rule of the UíNéill's was thus at an end as a non-O'Neill was proclaimed as King. The O'Neill's had been rulers for over 600 years. He earned his name as 'Brian of the Tributes' (Brian Boru) by collecting tributes from the minor rulers of Ireland and used the monies raised to restore monasteries and libraries that had been destroyed during the invasions. The Norsemen were not done yet however, and once more waged war on Brian Boru and his followers at Clontarf in Dublin in 1014. The King of Connaught, Tadhg O'Conor refused to ally with Brian against the Ostermen although Uí Fiachrach Aidne and Uí Maine did join with him. Despite the lack of backing from the men of Connaught, the Munstermen won the day but lost Brian Boru in the battle. This battle was a major turning point as it finally subjugated the Norse presence in Ireland who were henceforth considered subordinate to the Kingships of Ireland. Their military threat had been ended and they retreated to the urban centres of Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford, and Cork. They eventually became completely hibernicized and integrated into Gaelic culture. After his death and the death of one of his sons, his remaining sons, Tadg and Donnchad, were unable to assume the kingship which was assumed by Mael Sechnaill. He died in 1022 after which the role of High King of Ireland became more of a position in name only, rather than that of a powerful ruler. Perhaps the best that should be said of Brian Boru therefore, is that he was the last great High King of Ireland. °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø SHAMROCK SITE OF THE MONTH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LUMINARIUM Excellent resource for Irish literature, mythology, folklore and drama brought to you by Anniina Jokinen of the Luminarium Organisation. Visit at: http://www.luminarium.org/mythology/ireland/ °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø SEARCHER SITE OF THE MONTH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ARCHIVES OF THE ORDNANCE SURVEY Since 1824 the Ordnance Survey has been concerned with making maps of Ireland. In the period between 1824 and the present day it has created very large quantities of archives. Some of these have already been transferred to the National Archives. http://www.nationalarchives.ie/cgi-bin/naigenform02?index=OS °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø SUPPORT THE INFORMATION ABOUT IRELAND SITE HELP US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FREE RESOURCES BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL OFFERS * Get YOUR Irish family name Screensaver: Kelly, Murphy, Sullivan.... over 750 names now available Only US$10 with free bonuses To order visit here: http://www.ireland-information.com/irishnamescreensavers.htm * Get the Ancestral Heraldic Map of Ireland and get FREE worldwide delivery To order visit here: http://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/irishheraldicmap.htm * Report: How to start the search for your Irish roots, Only US$9 To order visit here: http://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/irishgenealogyguide.htm * Tourist Report: Ireland, 100 Places to See, 500 Places to Stay. Only US$9 To order visit here: http://www.ireland-information.com/irishtourismdownload.htm °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø MARCH COMPETITION RESULT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The winner was: dgraham@smc.cc.mi.us who will receive the following: Our 6-Pack of Irish Screensavers (US$42 value) AND our Irish Genealogy Report (US$9 value) Well Done! Remember that all subscribers to this newsletter are automatically entered into the competition every time. °´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø,¸¸,ø*°´°*ø I hope that you have enjoyed this issue. Please keep the feedback coming! Until the next time, Have a great Saint Patrick's Day! Michael Green, Editor, The Information about Ireland Site. http://www.ireland-information.com michael@ireland-information.com
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