The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter
    March 2000


    The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland

    HOME - Click Here for free information from Ireland

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    Copyright (C) 2000
    
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    			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
    
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    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:
    
    https://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:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/newsletter.htm
    
    ......but you'll be missing out!
    
    best wishes from Ireland,
    
    Michael.
    
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    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
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    NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    
    SAINT PATRICK'S DAY GAMES FOR CHILDREN
    
    Check out our Saint Patrick's Day freebies at:
    
    
    https://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:
    
    https://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:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishnamescreensavers.htm
    
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    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.
    
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    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:
    
    
    https://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:
    
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/irishheraldicmap.htm
    
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    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
    
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    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.
    
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    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/
    
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    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
    
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    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:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishnamescreensavers.htm
    
    * Get the Ancestral Heraldic Map of Ireland and get FREE
      worldwide delivery
    
      To order visit here:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/heraldichall/irishheraldicmap.htm
    
    * Report: How to start the search for your Irish roots,
      Only US$9
    
      To order visit here:
    
    https://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:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishtourismdownload.htm
    
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    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. 
    
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    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.
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com
    
    michael@ireland-information.com
    


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