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  The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                  March 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
=== The Life of Saint Patrick
=== Saint Patrick's Day Traditions
=== Saint Patrick's Day Cheesecake by G. Cassady
=== Irish image - A Poem 	by KB Ballentine
=== Gaelic Phrases of the Month
=== Irish Clan Associations Noticeboard
=== Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
========

A very happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all! It 
never fails to amaze me that this small country 
could offer the world such a huge event. Cities 
everywhere will be teaming with Irish parades 
and events, dancing and singing and all that 
goes with it! ENJOY!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

PLEASE - send this newsletter on to your friends 
or relatives who you think are interested in 
Ireland. By doing this you are helping to keep 
us 'free'.

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

IRISH-LANGUAGE SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO GROW

The number of students attending all-Irish speaking 
schools has increased by more than 60% in the last 
decade. The number of actual dedicated 
Gaelic-speaking schools has more than doubled in 
the same timespan. 

The recent decision to recognise Irish as an 
official language of the European Union, as well 
as a 'feel-good' factor about being Irish (post 
economic boom) are acknowledged as among the 
main reasons for the revival in interest in the 
national language.
 
ILLEGAL IRISH IN US TO BE DISCUSSED AT WHITE HOUSE

Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn is to meet with US 
President George Bush on Saint Patrick's Day at 
the White House. The Irish leader is expected to 
make a request that the status of over 25,000 
Irish people who are working in the US illegally 
be looked at. The possibility of a temporary work 
visa with a path to permanent residency is likely 
to be one of the options proposed.

EBAY AND AMAZON JOBS BOOST FOR IRELAND

Internet retailer Amazon is to provide 450 new 
jobs in County Cork as part of its multi-lingual 
computer support centre. The availability of 
well-trained staff and a constant stream of 
graduates from nearby Cork Institute of 
Technology was cited as one of the main reasons 
for the company setting up in Cork, despite 
stiff competition from other low-wage European 
and far-east economies.

Auction specialist EBAY has further enhanced 
Ireland's reputation as a centre for Information
Technology by announced that 300 extra jobs will 
be provided at its west Dublin facility.
 
IRISH DRIVING AGAIN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

A recent report has revealed that nearly 1 in 4 
of all admissions to the Accident and Emergency 
ward at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital were there 
as a result of a road traffic accident.

Despite the introduction of 'penalty points' and 
repeated road safety campaigns the death to 
continues to rise on Irish roads. A new campaign 
is to be aimed at the various immigrant groups in 
Ireland, many of whom are unaware of the need to 
have tax and insurance before driving a car.

DUBLIN PROPERTY PRICES CONTINUE TO SOAR

Dublin city and county is experiencing a property 
boom that shows no sign of abating. Hopeful 
home-owners are queueing up for days before the 
launch of new housing schemes. Despite the threat 
of increased interest rates the demand for housing 
in Dublin continues to far outstrip the supply.

OECD WARNS GOVERNMENT TO PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and 
Development (OECD) has warned of the possible 
effect of a negative shock to the Irish economy,
which has now fully recovered form the downturn 
of 2001/2 and is set to grow by at least 5% in 
2006.

The OECD has advised that the Irish Government 
should temper public spending plans with the 
need to prepare for any major setback, such as a 
slowdown in the world economy or a huge hike in 
energy costs.

INCIDENCE OF IRISH HEART DISEASE IS REDUCED

The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 
has revealed that the instance of heart disease 
has halved in the last 2 decades.

The huge increase in awareness of the need for 
a proper diet and exercise, as well as a big 
reduction in the consumption of cigarettes 
are among the main reasons for the reduction.

Obesity still remains a problem in Ireland 
however, with 18% of adults being classified 
as obese.

WINNING START FOR NEW IRISH SOCCER MANAGER

Newly appointed Irish soccer manager Steve Staunton 
will be delighted at the winning performance of 
his team at Landsdowne Road, when they defeated 
world cup qualifiers Sweden by 3 goals to nil. 
Captain Robbie Keane scored the second goal 
between strikes from Damien Duff and a cracker 
from Liam Miller. 

The real test for the new management team will 
come later in the year when the qualifiers for 
the European CHampionships begin in the Autumn.

GOLD FOR IRELAND AT WORLD INDOOR ATHLETICS

Cork-born Derval O'Rourke has won a gold medal 
in the 60M hurdles at the World Indoor Athletics 
Championships held in Russia.
 

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 6 coats of arms images and family
history details have been added to the Gallery:

A: McAfee
C: Costello
D: Doud
M: Malloy, Myers
S: Sargeant

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.
Get the Coat of Arms Print, Claddagh Ring,
Screensaver, Watch, T-Shirt Transfer or Clock for
your name at:

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

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THE LIFE OF SAINT PATRICK
=========================

The Patron Saint of Ireland was born into either 
a Scottish or English family in the fourth 
century. He was captured as a teenager by Niall 
of the Nine Hostages who was to become a King of 
all Ireland.

He was sold into slavery in Ireland and put to 
work as a shepherd. He worked in terrible 
conditions for six years drawing comfort in the 
Christian faith that so many of his people had 
abandoned under Roman rule.

Patrick had a dream that encouraged him to flee 
his captivity and to head South where a ship was 
to be waiting for him. He traveled over 200 
miles from his Northern captivity to Wexford 
town where, sure enough, a ship was waiting to 
enable his escape.

Upon arrival in England he was captured by 
brigands and returned to slavery. He escaped 
after two months and spent the next seven years 
traveling Europe seeking his destiny.

During this time he furthered his education and 
studied Christianity in the Lerin Monastery in 
France. He returned to England as a priest. 
Again a dream greatly influenced him when he 
became convinced that the Irish people were 
calling out to him to return to the land of 
his servitude.

He went to the Monastery in Auxerre where it 
was decided that a mission should be sent to 
Ireland. Patrick was not selected for this task 
to his great disappointment. The monk that was 
selected was called Paladius, but he died before 
he could reach Ireland and a second mission was 
decided upon.

Patrick was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 
the year 432 and, together with a small band of 
followers, he traveled to Ireland to commence 
the conversion.

Patrick confronted the most powerful man in 
Ireland, Laoghaire, The High King of Tara, as 
he knew that if he could gain his support then 
he would be safe to spread the word throughout 
Ireland. To get his attention Patrick and his 
followers lit a huge fire to mark the commencement 
of Spring. Tradition had it that no fire was to 
be lit until the King's fire was complete, but 
Patrick defied this rule and courted the 
confrontation with the King.

The King rushed into action and traveled with the 
intention of making war on the holy delegation. 
Patrick calmed the King and with quiet composure 
impressed upon him that he had no intention other
than that of spreading the word of the Gospel. 
The King accepted the missionary, much to the 
dismay of the Druids who feared for their own 
power and position in the face of this new threat. 
They commanded that he make snow fall. Patrick 
declined to do so stating that this was God's 
work. Immediately it began to snow, only stopping 
when Patrick blessed himself.

Still trying to convince the King of his religion 
Patrick grasped at some Shamrock growing on the 
ground. He explained that there was but one stem 
on the plant, but three branches of the leaf, 
representing the Blessed Trinity. The King was 
impressed with his sincerity and granted him 
permission to spread the word of his faith, 
although he did not convert to Christianity 
himself.

Patrick and his followers were free to spread 
their faith throughout Ireland and did so to great 
effect. He drove paganism (symbolised by the 
snake) from the lands of Eireann. 

Patrick was tempted by the Devil whilst on a 
pilgrimage at Croagh Patrick. For his refusal to 
be tempted, God rewarded him with a wish. Patrick 
asked that the Irish be spared the horror of 
Judgment Day and that he himself be allowed to 
judge his flock. Thus, the legend that Ireland 
will disappear under a sea of water seven years
before the final judgment, was born.

Patrick died on March 17th in the year 461 at the 
age of 76. It is not known for sure where his 
remains were laid although Downpatrick in County 
Down in the North of Ireland is thought to be 
his final resting place.

His influence is still felt to this day as Nations 
the world over commemorate him on March 17th of 
every year.

~~~

Saint Patrick screensavers, pictures to color and 
more can be found here:


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

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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 
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 Again, my hearty thanks for this 
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THE PERFECT WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

View family crest plaques here:

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

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SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TRADITIONS
==============================

SHAMROCK:
The most famous tradition associated with Saint 
Patrick's Day is 'the wearing of the green'. It 
is the custom of people of Irish descent, (or 
indeed of anyone who wants to mark the day) to 
wear a sprig of Shamrock. This humble plant is 
one of the most famous symbols representing 
Ireland, the Harp being the other.

THE PARADE:
The famous parade to mark Saint Patrick's day has 
a long tradition. It is claimed that the first 
such march held in the US took place in Boston 
in 1737! It is very unlikely that any celebrations
were conducted in open during the 1700s and early 
1800s in Ireland. This was the time of the 'penal 
laws' when the Catholic religion was banned and 
mass was conducted in secret. Children were 
education in the open countryside in the infamous 
'hedge schools'. In modern times parades of some 
description are organised in nearly every major 
city in the world. In recent years there have even 
been parades in major English cities, a sure sign 
of the ever-changing relationship that Ireland 
has with her closest neighbour.

FOOD AND DRINK:
Corned Beef and Cabbage washed down by cold beer 
may not be to everyone's taste but there is no 
denying that the Irish culinary experience is at 
its height (or depth!) on March 17th.

IRISH DANCING:
Traditional Irish dancing is certainly a part of 
traditional Saint Patrick's Day. Most parades 
have several dance troupes among their number 
while many clubs and pubs around Ireland have 
Irish dancing on this special Irish day.

SEAN THORNTON AND MARY KATE DANAHER

The 1952 classic film 'The Quiet Man' starring 
Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne is wheeled out 
annually by RTE (Irish Television) as well as 
other TV stations around the world.

Other pots of Blarney that are revived on 
March 17th include 'Darby O'Gill and the 
Little People' and 'Into the West'.

IRISH TAOISEACH IN THE WHITE HOUSE:
Since 1980 the Irish leader (Taoiseach) has 
presented the US PResident with a bowl of 
Shamrock on every Saint Patrick's day.

GREEN EVERYWHERE:
Several cities mark this famous occasion by 
dyeing their city river green! The result is 
usually both bizarre and hideous but not as 
hideous as witnessing a pint of Guinness 
with green dye on it. Sacrilege!

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SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CHEESECAKE    by G. Cassady
==============================

A Recipe others might like to try. It is a very 
Irish Cheese Cake!

Crust:        2 cups graham cracker crumbs
              1/2 cup finely grounded almonds
              1/2 cup sugar
              1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
Filling:      2 lbs cream cheese softened
              1 cup sugar
              1 tsp vanilla
              3/4 cup Bailey's Irish cream
              3 eggs
Topping: 1 cup sour cream 
              1/4 cup Bailey's Irish cream
              1/4 cup sugar
 
Perheat oven to 350
For crust combine graham cracker cumbs, almonds, 
sugar, mix well. Stir in butter. Pat into bottom 
of 9 inch springform pan. Freeze until filling is 
ready.
For filling beat cream cheese and sugar in mixing 
bowl on medium. Until smooth add vanilla and 
liqueur. Blend well add eggs one at a time 
blending well after each addition. Pour into 
crust. Bake 40 mintues.
For topping wisk together sour cream, liqueur, 
sugar. Pour over top of filling. Bake 5 more 
minutes. Cool on wire rack 1 to 2 hours. 
Chill 4 to 6 hours. 
Makes 12 to 16 serving.
 
* Add a drop or 2 of green food coloring to 
topping for a more festive cake.

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IRISH IMAGE - A POEM 		by KB Ballentine
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Gray granite ruins shadow the field,
a tribute to glory days of stone
when the price of a slab was worth 
the life of a man.  Now the quarry
stands in stony silence, a decomposing
corpse above ground.

KB Ballentine

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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.

Wendy Walker of Columbia, Missouri got a
family crest signet ring with the Donnelly family 
crest engraved on it for her son

 Michael,
 I received by registered mail today the ring I 
 ordered for my son with the Donnelly family crest.

 I am very impressed and thrilled with the ring. 
 It is beautiful and the service I received 
 throughout the whole process of ordering and 
 receiving this unique gift has been superb. Thank 
 you for all your assistance and prompt responses 
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 I will most certainly order other items from you 
 and will highly recommend you.

 Thank you

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THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!

See here for family crest gifts:
Visit:

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

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

PHRASE:		Beannachtai na Feile Padraig
PRONOUNCED:	bann/ockt/tee nih fail/eh pawd/rig
MEANING:		Happy Saint Patrick's Day

PHRASE:	 	Siochan leat
PRONOUNCED:	shee/oh/con lat
MEANING:		Peace be with you

PHRASE:		Slán agus beannacht leat 
PRONOUNCED:	slawn og/us ban/ockt lat
MEANING:		Goodbye and blessings on you


View the archive of phrases here:

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

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IRISH CLAN ASSOCIATIONS NOTICEBOARD
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O'MAHONY CLAN: AUSTRALIAN GET-TOGETHER
Saturday 22 April 2006-1pm start

The Australian O'Mahony Get-Together will be held 
at the Queensland Irish Association Club at 
171 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, Queensland.

All Clan, descendants and connections are invited 
to this Australian Clan happening. The cost is $25 
which includes refreshments and Irish 
entertainment. The day will be one of family 
history, genealogy, fun and entertainment for the 
young and old. 

Contact Greg Mahony on mahonygreg@yahoo.com.au or 
write to:  Greg Mahony, 2 Seventh Avenue, 
Kedron, Queensland 4031, Australia

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MARCH COMPETITION RESULT
========================

The winner was: 02Montgomery@cua.edu
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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