The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter
    March 2007


    The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland

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    Copyright (C) 2007
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     The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                     March 2007
     
    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) 2007  
    
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    		IN THIS ISSUE
    === Foreword
    === News Snaps from Ireland 
    === New free resources at the site
    === Irish Recipes and Irish Songs - Free Download
    === Biography of Saint Patrick
    === The Rose of Portavogie
    === The Shamrock Triad          by Michael Gorman
    === An Irish Hill             by Jeremiah J. Shea
    === Gaelic Phrases of the Month
    === Monthly free competition result
    
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    FOREWORD
    ========
    
    Happy Saint Patrick's day from Ireland to all 
    our readers worldwide.
    
    Please be sure to check out the links below where 
    you can download a free ebook of Irish Recipes 
    and another free ebook with the lyrics and music
    to Irish songs. You can even send an email 
    postcard with the ebooks free to any friends or 
    relatives.
    
    Beannachtai na Feile Padraig!
    
    Michael
    
    
    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'.
    
    Got something to say? Don't keep it to yourself!
    Why don't you submit an article for inclusion
    in the next edition? Go here for more information:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/newsletter.htm
    
    Do you have access to a website? You can help to 
    keep this newsletter alive by adding a link to 
    any of our websites below:
    
    https://www.irishnation.com
    http://www.irishsurnames.com
    https://www.ireland-information.com
    http://www.allfamilycrests.com
    http://www.irishpenpals.com
    
    If you have an AOL or HOTMAIL account then you 
    will get much better results by viewing this 
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    NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND
    =======================
     
    IRISH ECONOMY UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
    
    The Irish economy which has boomed in recent 
    years is facing new challenges as the domestic 
    growth stabilises and international markets 
    fluctuate.
    
    Analysts are still confident in the overall health 
    of the economy with growth of 5% expected by most 
    economists. There have been a number of 
    high-profile job losses in recent months however, 
    as some companies relocated away from Irish shores 
    where the cost of labour remains stubbornly high. 
    
    Unemployment has hovered at about 4.5% for several 
    years and there have been frequent reports of not 
    enough staff to fill all the vacancies, especially 
    in the service industry. Huge immigration has 
    helped to fill the void but should the economy go 
    bust there will be a huge bill to pay in the form 
    of welfare and elevated worker expectations. It is 
    then that the multinationals who have fuelled much 
    of Ireland's growth over the last 15 years may 
    decide to bail out.
    
    Turmoil in the world oil markets and devastation 
    in the stock market could hasten the decline in 
    the economy which for the next few years at least, 
    looks set to prosper. Analysts who are taking the 
    long-term view point out that a severe decline in 
    the economy is inevitable and that there is an 
    entire generation of Irish youth who have never 
    known anything but 'boom times', full employment 
    and plenty of cash in their pockets. It is 
    speculated that it is this generation who will be 
    hit hardest, especially those who fail to make it 
    onto the pricey property market in advance of the 
    crash, be it in 1 year or 10 years time.
    
    NORTHERN ASSEMBLY TO BE RECONVENED, MAYBE
    
    The recent elections held in Northern Ireland saw 
    big gains for Sinn Fein and the DUP as the radical 
    wings of Nationalism and Unionism cemented their 
    positions in the Province. The DUP won 36 seats, 
    Sinn Fein got 28, the UUP won 18 seats while the 
    SDLP got 15. 108 new members of the Northern 
    Assembly are expected to form a new parliament by 
    March 26th but it is still unclear if the DUP will 
    engage with Sinn Fein in this process.
    
    DEMAND FOR IRISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS INCREASES
    
    Waiting lists for some Irish-speaking schools 
    have now stretched to the year 2011 as new-found 
    interest in the Irish language and tradition has 
    emerged out of the materialism of the boom-years 
    of the Irish economy. As many as 65 new 
    'Gaelscoils' have opened in the last decade.
    
    OLD LIGHT BULBS MAY BE SCRAPPED
    
    A European Union proposal to replace all old 
    style incandescent light bulbs with modern and more 
    efficient fluorescent bulbs is being considered. 
    EU Ministers have already agreed that 20% of all 
    EU energy needs must be from renewable sources 
    by the year 2020. The 'green vote' in Ireland is 
    likely to grow significantly at the next general 
    election to be held in 2 months time. The current 
    international focus on the issue has highlighted 
    Ireland's likely failure to meet its obligations
    under the Kyoto Protocol. The booming Irish 
    economy and especially the growth in private car 
    ownership and the massive increase in construction
    activity in the last decade are the main reasons 
    for the fines that are likely to be imposed on 
    Ireland when the Kyoto bill is tallied.
    
    IRISH RUGBY TEAM CLAIM TRIPLE CROWN
    
    The Irish rugby team recovered from their Croke 
    Park debut defeat to France to beat England and 
    then Scotland to record their third Triple Crown 
    in the last 4 years.
    
    
    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
    ==============================
    
    FREE KIDS GAMES TO PRINT:
    
    Go here to print off some simple games to teach 
    kids about Ireland:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/freegames.htm
    
    FIND OUT ABOUT SAINT PATRICK HERE:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/saintpatricksday.htm
    
    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:
    
    D: Drennen
    G: Garvey
    H: Haigh
    M: Marshall
    S: Shaw, Shank
    
    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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    IRISH RECIPES AND IRISH SONGS - FREE DOWNLOAD
    =============================================
    
    IRISH RECIPES
    
    Our free Irish Recipes electronic book is packed 
    with 25 of the very best Irish Recipes to try 
    out on Saint Patrick's Day. Corned beef and 
    cabbage, Irish Pound Cake, Wicklow Pancakes 
    - try them all!
    
    You can download it from here:
    
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishrecipes/index.htm
    You can send these ebooks to a friend from here:
    
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/postcardnew.htm
    
    IRISH SONGS
    
    You can view the lyrics to 74 of Ireland's most 
    popular traditional, drinking and folk songs AND 
    you can listen to the music online too.
    
    The music tune is supplied in MIDI files that are 
    easily understood by the majority of Internet 
    Browsers so:
    
    * Make sure that your PC speakers are connected 
      and working
    * Turn the Volume up
    * Select the song you want 
    * All together now....
    	'in Dublin's fair city 
    	 where the girl's are so pretty, 
    	 I first set my eyes on 
    	 sweet Molloy Malone...'
    
    There's More!!!!
    
    You can download ALL of the Music files and ALL 
    of the Lyrics onto your PC in the form of a free 
    'ebook' that you can print off and keep forever! 
    You can even send the ebook to your friends and 
    relatives or offer it at your website.
    
    ALL COMPLETELY FREE!
    
    Here are some of the songs available:
    
    * Amhran na bhFiann (the Irish National Anthem)
    * She Moved Through the Fair 
     (Julia Roberts sang this in the film 'Michael Collins')
    * Back Home in Derry (Bobby Sands)
    * Black is the Colour (of my true love's hair)
    * An Irish Lullaby 
      (Barney Gumble sang this in 'The Simpsons')
    * Cockles and Mussels (alive-alive-oh!)
    * Erin Go Bragh
    * I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen
    * Rocky Road to Dublin
    * The Fields of Athenry
    * The Rose of Tralee
    * When Irish Eyes are Smiling
    * Whiskey in the Jar (Thin Lizzy classic)
    
    ........and over 60 more!
    
    View and Listen here:
    
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishmusic/irishsongs-music-lyrics-midis.htm
    
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    BIOGRAPHY OF SAINT PATRICK
    ==========================
    
    The Patron Saint of Ireland was born into Roman 
    Britain 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
    
    =================================================
    
    KEEP THIS NEWSLETTER ALIVE! 
    
    Visit: 
    https://www.irishnation.com
    
    =================================================
    
    THE ROSE OF PORTAVOGIE (Song from County Down)
    by Mrs Charlotte Jobling (1890)
    ======================
    
    Oh, the girl I love is an Irish girl
    For Irish girls are rare ones
    And there's not a place in all the world
    Could equal Ireland's fair ones
    And not a foot of Irish ground
    Has ever chanced to show me
    For she lives in the Co. Down
    In a place called Portavogie
    
    Oh I have travelled far and wide
    And in many a foreign nation
    But a girl like her I ne'er had spied
    In any other situation
    For all the countries I've been in
    There's not a one to show me
    A girl the match of Essie Quinn
    The Rose of Portavogie
    
    Now her face is fair with a flirtive flair
    And tall she is and stately
    And her dancing feet are as light as air
    But fain to go sedately
    When near her every hour has wings
    When far but they go slowly
    And sweet voiced as the linnet sings
    Is my Rose of Portavogie
    
    Though I'm a man from Ballycran
    Oh,our backgrounds they may differ
    For her parents they would spoil our plans
    And deny the love I'd give her
    But let her parents curse and swear
    For sure they'll not provoke me
    As my love for her is beyond compare
    For my Rose of Portavogie
    
    And so proud am I that Essie Quinn
    The girl I love so dearly
    Is the girl my heart longs to win
    Loves me as well or nearly
    Oh would the months but hasten on
    For they go for me too slowly
    Till I can wed the girl I've won
    My Rose of Portavogie
    
    Repeat first verse.
    
    =================================================
    
    THE SHAMROCK TRIAD 		by Michael Gorman
    ==================
    
    The Triad is a social custom and teaching tool 
    that was used to explain abstract concepts by the 
    ancient Druids. In addition, many of the early 
    deities, including Ireland's patroness, the 
    Goddess Brigit, were considered 'triple Goddesses' 
    or 'triple Gods'. They represented various stages 
    of life (youth, parent, elder) as well as aspects 
    specific to one deity. For instance, the Goddess 
    Brigit was/is the patroness of the Hearth, the 
    Forge, and the Arts. The Sun God Lugh was also a 
    triple deity, as were Manannan Mac Lir and the 
    Morigeuse. The most likely explanation for the use 
    of the shamrock as a teaching tool is that the 
    Druids used it in discussing the nature of these 
    tri-part deities. Celtic Christianity embraced 
    many traditions from the old ways, and this 
    is most likely one of them.
     
    Michael R. Gorman
    Author and Poet
    Sacramento, California
    
    =================================================
    
    KEEP THIS NEWSLETTER ALIVE! 
    
    Visit: 
    https://www.irishnation.com
    
    =================================================
    
    AN IRISH HILL		by Jeremiah J. Shea
    ============= 		
    
    Alone with God on an Irish hill
    At the close of a harvest day
    Looking down on the little town
    And the white road by the bay,
    While faint and sweet comes the anvil beat
    Through the forge's open door,
    Sweet as the knell of a fairie bell
    Across the silent moor.
    
    The fragrance of the new mown hay
    On the hush of a harvest sigh,
    The smoke that snakes and curls and breaks
    From chimney top to sky,
    Contented cows that homeward browse
    Through the fields on the valley floor
    The milkmaid's song as she swings along
    The beach by the verdant shore.
    
    The little fleet of fishing boats
    Tied up in the shady cove
    The flying corps of rooks that soar
    Above the woodland grove,
    The cry of the hound along the sound
    On the heels of the bleating flock,
    The creak of the mill comes up the hill
    With the chimes of the old town clock.
    
    The abbey ruin beside the lake
    All mouldering in decay
    The blessed mound of holy ground
    Where monks once knelt to pray,
    The grey round tower looks grim and dour
    On ancient churchyard stones
    Neat the alder shade where of old were laid
    The ancient martyrs bones.
     
    The setting sun behind the hill
    Proclaims the end of day
    As twilight grows and shadow flows
    O'er vale, and town and bay;
    And lights agleam from windows stream
    Like stars above alight
    The harvest day has slipped away
    Inside of the cloak of night.
    
    The plaintive call of the goureen rhu
    In the marshes far away,
    Mysterious call ne'er heard at all
    In the light of any day
    The moonlight bright through the starry night
    Bring laughter with romance
    While the fiddler plays 'neath the silver rays
    For the throng at the crossroads dance.
    
    Alone with God on a green hillside
    At the close of a harvest day,
    Ah would that he might suffer me
    When life has flown away,
    To watch once more my native shore
    From a hillside looking down
    O'er the vale and the glen, free of care and sin
    O'er the bay and the little town.
    
    Jeremiah J. Shea
    
    =================================================
    
    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 
     to my questions.
    
     I will most certainly order other items from you 
     and will highly recommend you.
    
     Thank you
    
     Wendy Walker
    
    THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!
    
    See here for family crest gifts:
    Visit:
    
    https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestgifts.htm
    
    =================================================
    
    GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
    ===========================
    
    PHRASE:		Slainte 
    PRONOUNCED:	slawn-che
    MEANING:		Good Health!
    
    PHRASE:		Eireann go braugh (bráth)
    PRONOUNCED:	air-in go braw
    MEANING:		Ireland forever!
    
    PHRASE:		Beannachtai na Feile Padraig
    PRONOUNCED:	bann/ockt/tee nih fail/eh pawd/rig
    MEANING:		Happy Saint Patrick's Day
    
    
    View the archive of phrases here:
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm
    
    =================================================
    
    MARCH COMPETITION RESULT
    ===========================
    
    The winner was: eilish.farrell@homecall.co.uk
    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. 
    
    =================================================
    
    I hope that you have enjoyed this issue.
    
    Until next month,
    
    Michael Green,
    Editor,
    The Information about Ireland Site.
    
    
    https://www.ireland-information.com
    
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