iIrish: Songs, Stories & Shenanigans,
Podcast33: The launch of iIrish! And Hibernian Guests Marilyn Madigan and Pat Lavelle

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish:the Truth & the Pulse of what matters. And you know, we’ve always been green.

So, let’s get to it ~What’s the news today?

Hear Ye, Hear ye, we have very exciting news to share with you!

iIrish – Ho Boy!  Wait’ll you hear about this!

First:
Our covid on hold expansion plans are finally coming out of the darkness.  Do you know a writer who lives in the Greater Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Detroit area? We are looking for new writers based in those cities. Please send them on to us to chat with.
Yes, we are starting with Pittsburgh, which had its launch meeting last Tuesday, and then Detroit is next, but Cleveland to Clearwater is our opportunity corridor. Fourteen states from CLE to shining CLE. 

Second:
In Ohio, eighty-five Giant Eagle, Marcs, CVS and Drug Mart stores from Cleveland thru Columbus will soon carry the Ohio Irish American News.

Third:
Due to this expansion, our Ohio Irish American News name no longer fits!  We’d like to share with you, our listeners, our new name: Drum roll please Marilyn & Pat … Our new name is …  iIrish!

We feature such a wide variety of outlets to reach the Irish in America, and all across the world, with Digital, Print, Podcast, eBulletin, social media, Video, and Web content and expertise. The name iIrishfits and describes our work and our reach across the 14 states, and the Diaspora at large, much better. 

And Fourth:
In partnership with John Delaney, who you all know as a founder of Barleycorn, and now, The New Barleycorn, we are delighted to announce our new monthly video series, The Green & Gold Web, featuring Irish music, dance, song and story, culture and so much more from across the Irish Diaspora, released once per month, and soon available online, with your subscription.

Other things to talk about:

Sunday is Independence Day.  It means so many different things, to so many people. No matter the meaning for you, we have so much to be grateful for, and so much to hope for.  These are the times that try men’s souls, but any student of history knows the times they are a changing.  Hopefully for the good, as I believe they are.  Celebrate what matters to us all, Freedom.

Cigar & Whiskey Nite is Monday at Gormley’s Pub in Rocky River.
Live Sessiuns are Back at The Plank in Lakewood on Thursdays.
Friday the 9th is Trad music w General Guinness & Friends at Tara Hall in Columbus.
10th – CLE Hurling @Buffalo, Men’s Football: Syracuse @Buffalo, Detroit @Cinci, CLE @Buffalo;
The New Barleycorn are playing at Sully’s Irish Pub in Medina; Mary’s Lane is at Music Box in Cleveland.
12th -The next eBulletin comes out, and the next podcast is on July 16th.
Sounds like a great coupla of weeks. There is a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events coming up, for sure, each deserving of our attention. So, make a plan, if you can.
AND remember: Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened! No Regerts!

Let’s take a quick look Back, at On This Day in Irish History
On 1 July 1681 - St. Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh, was hung at Tyburn, after being found guilty of high treason “for promoting the Catholic faith.” He is the last person to be martyred in England.

On 4 July 1921 – While awaiting truce with the English, Eamon De Valera ordered the American flag flown in Dublin to “emphasize the principle for which we are fighting.”

On 12 July 1691 - The Battle of Aughrin, the most decisive battle of the Jacobite wars in Ireland, took place. It was won by the forces of William III. Over 7,000 warriors were involved in the battle.

On 13 July 1886 - Father Edward Flanagan, founder of “Boys Town” in Nebraska, was born, in my own Co. Roscommon.

One of the many great activities that occurred since we last spoke was The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians State of Ohio Convention, held in Cleveland this year. Patricia Lavelle, Ray McCann, Jim Kilbane, and Kevin McCluskey chaired, and an outstanding team from the Cleveland ladies and two men’s divisions located in Cuyahoga County threw a flat-out bash – too fun and too what happens in Cleveland, stays in Cleveland embargoed to detail here. It was on Fire! Congrats to all involved in putting on the first in-person convention in Cleveland post-COVID. Well Done!

If you are interested in learning more about the Hibernians, the largest Irish Catholic Organization outside of Ireland, with an active and prolific mission of helping others in so many ways, This is your lucky day!

I am delighted to introduce our guests today, iIrish Madigan Muses Columnist Marilyn Madigan, and Convention Co-Chair Patricia Lavelle.  Marilyn is also the National VP for the LAOH.

***

If you are interested in finding out more, contact iIrish Madigan Muses Columnist Marilyn Madigan or myself, and we will fill you in, and we will get you on the right road to heaven.  I have never regretted being a member of the AOH, but so many times, over the many years I have been involved, I have been so thankful that I am.

After this podcast, we are heading to the Cleveland Irish Football and Hurling clubs fundraiser at Goldhorn Brewery over on E 55th, before catching up with Achill Crossing, playing at Gormley’s Pub starting at 7.

For a much larger list of all of the events going on, pick up your iIrish July issue at 367 locations (the complete list of locations is on the website), and the issue is archived online, at OhioIANews.com.

**

Dear Listeners, remember, all our podcasts past and present are free to listen to, and download from iTunes or OhioIANews.com, anytime.  They offer  great info, and events worth knowing. Your support helps us stay alive, so please subscribe!

There are many more songs and stories; I hope we will write new ones - of joy, of unification.  Here, and across the pond. We are closer to a One Ireland than we have been in more than 800 years.  And in that vein, Let’s unite for America, too.

We’ll save those songs and stories for next time, when we release Podcast34 on Friday July 16th.

Whelp, We’ve done what we can for this week. 
Tomorrow is another day, and another chance to write the future, we want to live in.

Happy Independence Day!

As always, I end with a bit of the Irish:
Nuair a stadann an ceol, stadann an rince

Which means: When the music stops, so does the dance.

Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us. 
Don’t let it happen to you.
Grace us with your music.
Now more than ever, wider audiences need to dance to all the beauty around us.

Hope to see you soon. Keep the hugs and prayers coming.

Thank you listening, and for allowing me to share my stories with you. Please share yours, with me.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 4 21 iIrish: Songs, Stories & Shenanigans, Podcast32: A Tribute to Noreen, and Special Guest We Banjo 3’s Enda Scahill

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters. And you know, we’ve always been green.

So, let’s get to it ~What’s the news today?

Tonight, Mossy Moran is at @Hooley House Westlake, and Paint & Sip is on at the West Side IA Club. Tomorrow the Cleveland St Pat’s Gaelic Football and Hurling Clubs head to Pittsburgh for a divisional match. And the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians have another History presentation on the web. Sunday is Father’s Day, and Wednesday We Banjo 3 has their amazing LiveStream kicking off at 7pm. We are talking with Edna Scahill from We Banjo 3 on the Podcast today, getting the lowdown. The weekend is highlighting by The AOH / LAOH Ohio Convention, this year being held in Cleveland; The Other Brothers are playing at HHW on Friday, Faith & Whiskey @The Grog Shop on Saturday (the 26th).

Tuesday the 29th is the launch of the OhioIANews expansion into the Pittsburgh area; The July issue comes out on Wednesday the 30th and on Friday the 2nd, 2 weeks from today, the next podcast releases, right before heading to the Cleveland GAA Fundraiser at Goldhorn Brewery.

Sounds like a great coupla of weeks. There is a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events coming up, for sure, each deserving of our attention. So, make plan, if you can. AND remember: Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened! No Regerts!

This morning, we buried my sister Noreen. To our listeners, thank you for all if the hugs, well wishes, shared stories and friendship. At her passing, she was surrounded by all of her kids, grandkids, siblings and our parents.

She said several times as we all prayed together, that she was at peace, and I believe that she is. We each told of what will always remind her of us, of how we know she is near when we see it, and she smiled as best she could. She could hear our conversation, tho her oxygen assisted breath was labored. “I am fine, I am fine” she said.

We cannot do justice to her heart, her fight, her grace, her faith, her smile, her active support of so many, and her deep love for God.

This is Noreen’s Alliteration
by John O'Brien, Jr.

I see you in the water, when you wouldn’t let me drown
I see you in the in the music, as opposed to watching The Crown
I see you on the ice, and a fistfight with the male bully
I got your glasses safe; the lessons I absorbed, fully

I see you singing at Erieview High, in Annie Get Your Gun impressions
I see you in your young Annie, the motions and facial expressions
I hear you in my head, with gentle little nudges
Cape Cod –trying to teach me to smile, we wept over the judges

The green crash and Roger Fallon, the IA at West 93rd
Camogie, The Jerk, the front porch, the sounds I never heard
At times we had like-minded magic, at times we had Dairy Queen
And of course, we had St. Patrick’s Day, laughing over everything, so obnoxiously green

The stories of Mike, the depths of love, the hope running ever eternal
Watching you raise your kids, trying not to laugh, while eyes seemed fire infernal
Instilling the love, of God & country, and the one across the pond
The door always open; the kettle always boiling, of this we are inordinately fond

I see you in the church, and the bishop embracing
The love of God rising by day, so many trials head on facing
I see you Irish dancing, and thinking, Hell NO
Why did you have to leave us, with so many joys still to go?

I bid you farewell; watch over your kids and theirs too
There’s nothing stronger than a mother’s love, for what else can a mother do?
Tho you fret, though you worried, you will always be adored
Rest in peace, Dear Noni, in the gentle arms of our Lord

***

Noreen’s obituary reads:

Noreen O'Brien Beardmore April 28, 1961 - June 13, 2021

Noreen Theresa (O'Brien) Beardmore passed away on Sunday, June 13 at home, surrounded by her family. Her last hours were filled with faith, praying rosaries with friends the night before her passing and with her family the morning of. Noreen fought a vigorous battle with cancer and her family considers the battle won as her whole life is a miracle.

Noreen was born in Montreal, Canada to Irish immigrant parents on April 28, 1961 and was the oldest of four children. As a devout Catholic family, the O'Brien’s never missed Mass. When they moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1963, their home melded the best of Irish-American culture, including a beloved Irish festival that the whole family participated in running.

Noreen graduated from the all-girls Catholic high school St. Joseph's Academy in Cleveland, Ohio in 1979 and was class president. Cleveland served as the highly social platform for her upbringing as she attended dances, organized fundraisers, and navigated the city working various jobs to earn money for school.

Noreen attended Duquesne University to study nursing. While at Duquesne, she was awarded the Heinz scholarship for women in global leadership which allowed her to travel to many different countries. When asked during the interview process about which quality defined her most, she said, "I am, above all things, a Catholic."

Noreen was truly a very devout woman. She hungered to know the teachings of the faith and to love Jesus more and more. She spent time volunteering at St. Boniface Parish, the Lafayette Catholic Schools System, and to personal prayer and growth in faith.

As a nurse, Noreen was the first person in Ohio to be accepted by the Amish community to give immunizations. She was tender with patients and loved her career as pediatric nurse. It is how she met her husband, pediatrician Mike Beardmore.

Noreen married Mike in 1990 and they moved to Lafayette, Indiana. Their marriage was one of deep love, hard work, and beautifully shared values. Together they raised 8 children and sent them all through Catholic schools. Noreen and Mike built a family that was centered on humor, music, quality time, and faith. They too ensured that Mass was never missed, and family dinner was central to their lives together.

Noreen served as a member of the Governance Board of the Catholic Schools and started a Catholic moms group called "What Would Mary Do?" Unofficially, she was known for seeking out new moms in the parking lot or recognizing when young moms were having a tough time. Noreen loved to

connect people with new friends or opportunities that used their gifts. Later in life she worked as the Health & Safety coordinator for the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.

When Noreen was diagnosed with cancer, the family committed fervently to family rosaries and she brought many others into the fold. A weekly zoom rosary was started for friends from around the country and in Ireland to pray together for healing. These friends say it was an inspiring group to be part of, par for the course for a friendship with Noreen.

Recently Noreen was given the "He Leads, I Follow" Award from St. Boniface Principal Sr. Lenore and former pastor Fr. Tim Alkire. Noreen was presented a statue of Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel for the goodness and humanity she has shown to so many people.

Noreen wasn't perfect. She wasn't good at cooking eggs until her later years. She frequently told her children that she couldn't hear herself think. And she kept far too many Martha Stewart magazines with very little intention of ever reading them again.

But those closest to her say that she always knew the right thing to say. She was everyone's shoulder to cry on. And her children would have rathered had a short amount of time with her as a mother than a lifetime with any other.

There was always room at the table with Noreen and her magazine-worthy garden doesn't compare to the blooms of friendships she cultivated and kept around the world. Her family is certain that she will work even harder from Heaven for her friends and family and encouraged everyone to reach out in prayer to Noreen throughout their lives.

Noreen is survived by her loving husband, Mike and her eight children: Caitie, Tommy (fiancé Natasha), Brian, John & Casey, Will, Michael, Annie & Caroline. She has two grandchildren: Henry & Peter. She is also survived by her parents; John & Eileen O'Brien of Cleveland, her sisters Cathy (John Lang)of Cincinnati and Patricia (Philip Parente) and brother, John, Jr. of Cleveland. She has 11 nieces and nephews who have always meant so much to her. Proceeding her in death is her infant daughter, Mary Clare, who the family knows greeted her excitedly in Heaven.

Although Noreen loved flowers, what would mean most to her would be the Catholic education of more children. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Lafayette Catholic School System.

*** I need time. I can’t look back, over the pain. How does life go on, when death quakes our earth?

One timeless way to cope with hurt, is thru music. I am delighted to introduce our special guest today, Enda Scahill, a force unto himself, and one of two sets of brothers: with Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley, that are We Banjo 3. If you haven’t had the pleasure of singing ballads along with We Banjo 3, you get a new chance on June 24th, when they deliver the End of Summer LiveStream show, not to be missed. But, I’d rather hear the gospel from the priest, so please welcome to the podcast, Enda Scahill.

Hello Enda! Welcome to iIrish Songs, Stories & Shenanigans podcast. It is good to see you again, even if it is via Zoom, as we make the best of things.

· How has your transition to and from COVID gone?

· Tell me about the End of Summer LiveSteam

· Your work as musical performers and your songs are, to me, a bit about appreciation, and living – with urgency, but perhaps a better way to say it is living in the moment. With awareness– tell me about that. What is the message you and the band were aiming for with your work?

· Woodie Guthrie said, ‘You write what you see’. Has that held true for you in your songs?

· We Banjo 3 is significantly involved in supporting mental illness relief efforts – tell me about that

· You were with Brock & Maguire for many years, before starting WB3. What was your favorite tour you’ve ever taken?

· We always ask, any stories from the road, that you can share, but the road now is a distant memory – still, any stories?

· What is one thing in this rock n reel adventure did that you didn’t expect?

· What is a common myth about your career?

· You are a noted Irish tenor banjo teacher, and have several books on the subject – Besides buy the books (endascahill.com), what advice would give to someone starting out?

· If we were having this conversation three years from today, what would have to happen for you to feel happy with your progress?

· What underrated tool(s) are indispensable for your job?

· What have you enjoyed doing the most?

· What are you reading or watching? Any reccs?

Thank you for joining us today Enda; I know you are a busy, traveling man, and we appreciate the great joy you bring people with your music and sharing.

· So, what happens now for you?

Listeners, remember, all podcasts past and present are free to listen, and download from iTunes or OhioIANews.com. Your support helps us stay alive, so please subscribe!

Hear Ye, Hear ye, we have very exciting news to share with you!

First: Our covid on hold expansion plans are finally coming out of the darkness. Do you know a writer who lives in the Greater Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Detroit area? We are looking for new writers based in those cities. Please send them on to us to chat with. Yes, we are starting with Pittsburgh and Detroit in our expansion, but Cleveland to Clearwater is our opportunity corridor. Fourteen states from CLE to shining CLE.

Second: In Ohio, eighty-five Giant Eagle, Marcs, CVS and Drug Mart stores from Cleveland thru Columbus will now carry the Ohio Irish American News.

Third: Due to this expansion, our Ohio Irish American News name no longer fits! We’d like to share with you, our listeners, our new name: Drum roll please … We will now be known as iIrish!

We feature such a wide variety of outlets to reach the Irish in America, and all across the world, with Digital, Print, Podcast, eBulletin, social media, Video, and Web content and expertise. iIrish and the 14 states we are entering, the name iIrish fits and describes our work and our reach, much better.

And Fourth: In partnership with John Delaney, who you all know as a founder of Barleycorn, and now, The New Barleycorn, we are delighted to announce our new monthly video series, The Green & Gold Web, featuring Irish music, dance, song and story, culture and so much more from across the Irish Diaspora, released once per month, and available online, with your subscription.

There are many more songs and stories; I hope we will write new ones - of joy, of unification. Here, and across the pond. We are closer to a One Ireland than we have been in more than 800 years. And in that vein, Let’s unite for America, too.

We’ll save those songs and stories for next time, when we release Podcast33 on Friday July 2nd.

Whelp, We’ve done what we can for this week.

Tomorrow is another day, and another chance to write the future, we want to live in. 

As always, I end with a bit of the Irish:

Nuair a stadann an ceol, stadann an rince
Which means: When the music stops, so does the dance.

Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.

Don’t let it happen to you.

Grace us with your music. Now more than ever, wider audiences need to dance to all the beauty around us.

Hope to see you soon. Keep the hugs and prayers coming.

Thank you listening, and for allowing me to share my stories with you. Please share yours, with me.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 4 21 iIrish: Songs, Stories & Shenanigans, Podcast31: w Guest Carbon Leaf Appearing at Robins Theatre, June 10th!

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters. And you know, we’ve always been green.

After listening, I hope you will feel we have a great show for you today.

So, let’s get to it ~What’s the news today?

Tonight, I am looking forward to seeing Cats on Holiday Duo @Hooley House Westlake, or maybe Barleycorn at the West Side IA Club. Tomorrow is the Cleveland St Pat’s Gaelic Football Men’s team taking on The Buffalo Fenians at the West Side Irish America Club. A woman’s team scrimmage is at 11 and the youth team plays at 2:30. Find out more, and new players are always welcome.

Sunday is D-Day: Thursday the 10th Carbon Leaf plays at the Robins Theatre in Warren, Ohio. This is a location change from Kent Stage. Friday through Sunday are the Motor City and the Riverfront Irish Fests; and Cleveland St Pats Hurling Club takes on The Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club Saturday the 12th at the West Side Irish America Club. On the 14th our next eBulletin goes out to the more than 12,000 fun loving, opted-in subscribers and Gormley’s Irish Pub has their monthly Monday Whiskey & Cigar Tasting event, this time w special guest Whiskey Ambassador Barry Chandler; & on the 16th, the annual Bloomsday celebrations take place all over the world, rounding out the events we know about until our next podcast, 2 weeks from today, on June 18th.

Sounds like a great coupla of weeks. There is a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events coming up, for sure, each deserving of our attention. So, make plan, if you can. AND remember: Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened! No Regerts!

Have you picked up or read online the June issue yet? It is a great, varied and informational issue.

Of course, it is free at 367 locations across Ohio and in NY., PA., KY., IN., MI. and our OhioIANews.com website.

So, what happened, On This Day in Irish History?

On the 7 June, 1899 - Elizabeth Bowen was born in Dublin. She was a novelist and short-story writer, best known for her novel, The Last September.

On the 8 June 1917 - The Butte, Montana, mine disaster fell: there were 168 dead, including many Irish, when fire broke out in a mineshaft. Butte was the US’s foremost mining town at the time, with a population of 50,000, a quarter of whom were Irish, mostly from County Cork.

On the 10 June, 1944 – was the death of Frank Ryan, prominent leader of the Irish Republican Army, who led 200 Irishmen to Spain to fight against Franco. It is said that the character “Liam Devlin” in the Jack Higgins thriller The Eagle Has Landed, is based on Frank Ryan.

On the 15 June 1919 - Captain Jack Alcock and Lt. Arthur Brown completed the first transatlantic flight, when their Vickers Vimy biplane landed near Clifden, Co. Galway, after a 2,500km (1,500 miles) flight from St. John’s Newfoundland.

On the 16 June, 1904 - James Joyce first went walking with Nora Barnacle; it became the date on which everything takes place in Ulysses and is known as Bloomsday.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast28: Remembering Bobby Sands, 40th Anniversary of his death on Hunger Strike

After listening, I hope you will feel we have a great show for you today.

Y’know, we’ve always been green.

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters

So, Let’s get to it ~What’s the news today?

Well, the Yeats Tour yesterday was spectacular. Check it out for the online recording, and the next event. On Monday, my niece Lynnie is officially adopted, even though she has already been a member of our family for some time ~ I can’t wait; Tuesday is the Ancient Order of Hibernians Ohio State Convention, virtual this year; Wednesday, the May issue of the OhioIANews comes out, and President Biden addresses the nation; Thursday is the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish Immigration presentation (virtual), and Thursday thru Sunday, the NFL Draft is hosted here in Cleveland; Sunday is Eastern Orthodox Easter; Monday the 3rd the new eBulletin comes out; Thursday the 4th is a primary election in many U.S. cities; the 6th is National Day of Prayer, and on our next podcast, St. Pat’s Gaelic Football Club President and Taking the Fields of Glory Columnist Vincent Beach joins us in the studio. On the 21st Podcast, we have new Irish Consul Kevin Byrne joining us.

Whew! Sounds like a great coupla of weeks. There is a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events coming up, for sure, each deserving of our attention. So make plan, if you can. No Regerts!

Have you picked up or read the April issue online yet? I cannot do justice to it, for I believe it is one of, if not the best, issue we have ever compiled. Pick one up at any of our 367 locations; the complete list of all distribution points, sorted by zip code, is on OhioIANews.com. It is free, or see the interactive copy online, with more to the story: more text, more pics, stories that didn’t make the print edition and LARGER Print.

Stories on the legendary Sarah Makem, mother of Tommy Makem; Cleveland Irish Baseball in America; The Gaelic Football and Hurling Tournament coming to Cleveland next month; an Illuminating story on The Whiteboys, relative to today’s world; new Toledo Irish Columnist Molly McHugh’s Levi & Lilacs Coffee Pub; and a new occasional feature on Stone Mad, a joint effort by a Cleveland man John Digney and the Dry Wall Association of Ireland to understand and preserve the story of stone walls prevalent throughout Ireland. The walls were not randomly built; you will be very surprised at the meaning and measure taken there.

So, what happened on this day in Irish history?

On 23 April 1926 –New York novelist J.P. Donleavy was born. He was the son of Irish immigrants. He later moved to Ireland and wrote The Ginger Man, which became one of the top 100 selling books of all time in Ireland.

On 29 April 1901 - James Stephens, chief founder of the Fenian Brotherhood, died.

On 3 May 1903 - Bing Crosby was born in Tacoma, Washington, as Henry Lillis Crosby.

On 5 May 1981 – Bobby Sands, the first republican prisoner to go on and to die in the 1981 hunger strike, went home to God.

I would like to tell you a bit about Bobby, and in context, the rest of the 1981 Hunger Strikers. Like everything Irish – the connections go person to person, family, village, generations and across ocean’s wide. The background begets better understanding of who we are, and why it matters. This was NOT the first Hunger Strike utilized by “those insolent Irish” in their fight for freedom from

British Rule. To me, it was earned, at a terrible cost. It was the highest cost. I believe it was horribly effective, in producing change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast27: Éabha McMahon’s Butterfly

We’ve always been green. When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters

Hello Everyone! Welcome back to iIrish; Songs, Stories & Shenanigans. Our guest today is former Celtic Women alto AYE-vah Mac-MA-hon. Can’t wait to chat with her. After listening, I hope you will feel we have a great show for you today.

What’s the News, What’s the News? What’s the news today?

Well, the first day of Ramadan is on Monday; The next eBulletin comes our on the 19th (make sure you are signed up!); Administrative Professionals Day is on the 21st, Earth Day is the 22nd and the next Podcast is the 23rd.

There is a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events, for sure, each deserving of our attention.

Did you get the jab yet? I get my 2nd one on Monday, at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, I highly encourage you to call the 866 number, rather than try and book online – When I called, I got an appt for the next day.

Our April issue came out last week. I cannot do justice to it, for I believe it is one of, if not the best, issue we have ever compiled. Pick one up at any of our 367 locations, or see it online with more text, more pics, more info and LARGER Print. The complete list of all 367 locations is there as well.

Stories on the legendary Sarah Makem; The Captures of Cash, which is a new feature highlighting Irish historic sites today, by photographer John Cash; Cleveland Irish Baseball in America, The Gaelic Football and Hurling Tournament coming to Cleveland next month; an Illuminating story on The Whiteboys, relative to today’s world; new Toledo Irish Columnist Molly McHugh’s Levi & Lilacs Coffee Pub; and a new occasional feature on Stone Mad, a joint effort by a Cleveland man John Digney and the Dry Wall Association of Ireland to understand and preserve the story of stone walls prevalent throughout Ireland. The walls were not randomly built; you will be very surprised at the meaning and measure taken there. Plus, we have our Speak Irish monthly lesson; Safe Home wishes to Tom Bodle and Beverly Connolly. And of course, there is humor, opinion, Kid’s Craic and Colours contest, profiles and history, book and music reviews and the monthly Irish Crossword Puzzle. The crosswords are a great way to learn or refresh your Irish knowledge, history and folklore, and all past issues, with the crossword inside, are available on our website, OhioIANews.com.

Our April cover shot and Inner View this month is an extensive conversation with Irish American Melissa Fitzgerald, former West Wing show and other TV, live and film actor veteran, now leading Justice for Vets, a non-profit organization based in DC that works to help Vets. It was probably the most interesting Inner View I have ever done.

The stories are shared on our Facebook, twitter and Instagram pages, of course. Part II of Melissa’s story will be in the May issue, which comes out April 28th. All of the stories, with more pics, more text and LARGER print, are lodged online.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast26:

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here, to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters

Hello Everyone!  Welcome back to iIrish; Songs, Stories & Shenanigans.  After listening, I hope you will feel we have a great show for you today.

What’s the News, What’s the News? What’s the news today?

Well, Passover begins at Sundown tomorrow; the virtual Lincoln & The Irish Presentation is Saturday at 1; my interview with the LAOH and Marilyn Madigan is Sunday at 1; the spectacular print edition of the April issue comes on Wednesday; Friday is Good Friday (and last Fish Fry of the year); Sunday the 4th  is Easter; and the last day before we podcast meet again on April 9th, is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
There is  a varied mix of celebratory and solemn events, for sure, each deserving of our attention.

Did you get the jab yet?  I got my 1st one on Monday, at the Wolstein Center.  If you haven’t, I highly encourage you to call the 833 number, rather than try and book online – I got an appt the next day. 

The Army Airborne’s were manning the Center – The speed, graciousness and organization just blew me away.  I had a 3:30 Appt, got there at 3:20; because of me auld cane was escorted to check in, then another soldier escorted me to a seat. Within minutes, a soldier came to me, holding a tablet, asked a few questions, and said left or right shoulder?
I chose the left, since I heard it might ache for a while after.  About 10 minutes later, another soldier came over, verified me, and administered a Pfizer shot. I kid you not, I did not feel a thing.  He said he had been doing medical duties for about 2 years – In a lifetime of RA and back shots, this fella was better than most I have encountered. 

He then set me up for the 2nd shot appt. in 3 weeks.
I got up, walked out, and went to my car; it was 3:45. I cannot adequately describe how impressive the whole process was.  I am grateful, AND I never felt any shot pain that day, or since.

I’d like to share a celebratory story from the coming issue with you, written by John Myers:

Donnybrook: The Greatest Generation  
by John Myers

Robert James O’Malley died in February 2021 in Washington, D.C. at the age of 98. O’Malley, a proud son of Cleveland, was like so many Irish Clevelanders of his generation; he had a hard scrabble childhood growing up on the near-west side of Cleveland.
He joined the building trades; fought fascist dictators as a soldier; was a good public servant and a great human; living a life of little fanfare, middle class economics, and thousands of friends. 
We salute the quiet, everyday contributions to our community, our Nation, and our world by these members of the Greatest Generation, living and watching history each day.  Bob ‘earned’ his Purple Heart on the same snowcapped mountain in Italy, on the same day as his fellow 10th Mountain Division member, Senator Robert Dole. 
This Bob left Cleveland to join the Congressional Staff of his good friend, Robert Emmett Sweeney, in Washington, but he always had Cleveland in his head and heart. He was a cherished friend of Cleveland Congressman James V. Stanton. 
Every Sunday, Bob took a taxi to St. Stephen’s on Pennsylvania Avenue, a church close to the Whitehouse, also frequented by JFK.  O’Malley lived in a modest efficiency across the street from the historic Omni-Shoreham Hotel, the sight of everything from FDR’s inaugural ball to late night, bipartisan poker games with President Truman, to hosting the Beatles on their first trip to the U.S. 
Not being much of a cook, Bob walked across the street every day for most meals at the Shoreman’s dining room.  In fact, the hotel staff put a plaque up at his ‘usual’ table.  Bob will be buried at Arlington Cemetery, and now more than ever, we all state the 10th Mountain’s motto: “Climb to Glory” Bob, you deserve it. 
Purple Heart Winner
Several years ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid honored his good friend with these words, which were entered into the Congressional record in 2010:

Mr. Reid:  Mr. President, every one of our servicemembers deserves the unqualified appreciation and admiration of the Senate and our entire Nation.  Today, I wish to salute the service of one such soldier, a man who first answered his country’s call in World War II and has not stopped.
Bob O’Malley served our nation with distinction in the 10th Mountain Division in combat in Europe.  He was a sergeant and a squad leader who led his men bravely and with honor.  He put his life on the line on many occasions to protect his men and to fight for freedom against Nazi Germany and was recognized with his squad’s admiration, the Combat Infantry Badge and, because he was wounded, a Purple Heart. 
But he has not stopped serving his country.  Bob came to Washington in 1965 and worked for Congressman Robert E. Sweeney before starting a 27-year career with the Doorkeeper of the U.S. House of Representatives.  That is where I first met him, as a young Member of Congress.  The Doorkeeper, Mr. Molloy, and Mr. O’Malley had a suite of offices and it was kind of a hangout for Democratic members of the House; especially it was a way for new Members of the Congress to become acquainted with what was going on over there.  They were very caring about new Members and always pointed us in the right direction.  I have always remembered those two men for all the good deeds they did on my behalf.
His was a 27-year career with the Doorkeeper.  As I indicated, that is where I met him.  By the time the war in Afghanistan started in 2002, Bob had retired from service in the House of Representatives.  Most retirees are content to seek a well-earned life of leisure, but Sergeant O’Malley did not.  He signed up for a new and worthy mission, waking every day to serve our Nation’s wounded warriors.  When the war started, he went back to work as a volunteer-supporting and caring for the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division, his old unit.  He has made countless visits to Walter Reed, this great medical center where these wounded warriors come to recuperate.  On all these visits to Walter Reed, he spent countless hours talking and sharing stories about the Division and taking his fellow veterans to ball games and other events, including the sharing of meals on many occasions.  When many of these wounded warriors could not make it home for the holiday, Bob would reach into his own pocket and pay for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s dinners for soldiers and their families at some of the finest eateries in the Washington, D.C. area.  Bob says that helping soldiers recover from their war injuries has added years to his life.  We know it has added years to the lives of those he helps. 
Bob O’Malley would be the first to tell you this is not a one-man mission. He has had help from many different areas.  When he decided to help those wounded on the battlefield, for example, he enlisted the help of another veteran and fellow Clevelander, Dom Visconsi, Sr., an original member of the 10th Mountain Division in World War II.  He asked Dom to help, and Dom was happy to help entertain and support these troops.  Many of Bob’s friends soon joined the cause as well, and they are a constant presence for the soldiers, whether here or at home.  Our Army would not be the best place in the world without the work of veterans such as Sergeant O’Malley, whose life has been synonymous with service, sacrifice, and selflessness.
He is an inspiration to me, our Armed Forces, and our country.  He is a hero, and I am proud to call him a friend. 

Our April issue comes out on Wednesday.  It is our 172nd issue. I kid you not, it may be the strongest issue we have ever put out. 

Stories on the legendary Sarah Makem; The Captures of Cash, which is a new feature highlighting Irish historic sites today, by photographer John Cash; Cleveland Irish Baseball in America, The Gaelic Football and Hurling Tournament coming to Cleveland next month; an Illuminating story on The Whiteboys, relative to today’s world; new Toledo Irish Columnist Molly McHugh’s Levi & Lilacs Coffee Pub; and a new occasional feature on Stone Mad, a joint effort by a Cleveland man John Digney and the Dry Wall Association of Ireland to understand and preserve the story of stone walls prevalent throughout Ireland. The walls were not randomly built; you will be very surprised at the meaning and measure taken there.
Plus, we have our Speak Irish monthly lesson; Safe Home wishes to Tom Bodle and Beverly Connolly. And of course, there is humor, opinion, Kid’s Craic and Coloring contest, profiles and history, book and music reviews and the monthly Irish Crossword Puzzle.

The crosswords are a great way to learn or refresh your Irish knowledge, history and folklore, and all past issues, with the crossword inside, are available on our website, OhioIANews.com.

Our April cover shot and Inner View this month is an extensive conversation with Irish American Melissa Fitzgerald, former West Wing show and other TV, live and film actor veteran, now leading Justice for Vets, a non-profit organization based in DC that works to help Vets.  It was probably the most interesting Inner View I have ever done.

The stories are shared on our Facebook, twitter and Instagram pages, of course.
Part I in the issue comes out on Wednesday and all the stories, with more pics, more text and LARGER print, are lodged online soon after.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast25: w Special Guest Andrew Shuman of Shamrock Club of Columbus

When you want to know, where to go, what to do, to be seen, to make a difference, you come here,

to iIrish: the Truth & the Pulse of what matters

Hello Everyone! Welcome back to iIrish; Songs, Stories & Shenanigans. We have a great show for you today, including talking w/ Andrew Shuman, President of the Shamrock Club of Columbus.

Just for a minute, we’re going to move From the Present to acknowledge the Past, and then roll forward:

So, Let’s take a look at On This Day in Irish History:

16 March 1820 - John Scanlon was executed in Limerick for the murder of Ellen Hanley (15) the previous summer.

19 March 1870 - The first installment of Charles Kickham’s immensely popular Knocknagaw, or The Homes of Tipperary, appeared in The Shamrock magazine. It was published as a novel in 1879.

20 March 1920 - Tomas MacCurtain, Sinn Fein lord mayor of Cork, and commander of the 1st Cork Brigade of the IRA, was shot dead at his home. A subsequent coroner’s jury found that the murder had been organized and carried out by the Royal Irish Constabulary.

24 March 1796 - The Insurrection Act declared that Magistrates can be empowered to seize any subject and send them to serve at sea; can place any district under martial law; can impose curfews and the death penalty for oath-taking; and conduct arms searches.

IRISH SAINTS THIS MONTH Courtesy of the Ancient Order of Hibernians

Can you guess which saint we should feature? Patrick, Archbishop (c. 389-c. 461) observed annually on March 17

“Few do not know at least the outline of the story of the Apostle of Ireland, and at least some of the legends about him. The son of Calpurnius, a Romano-British official, born somewhere in the Roman province of Britain, he was carried off into slavery by Irish raiders when he was about 16. After serving as a shepherd for 6 years, probably in Mayo or Antrim, he escaped, and made his way to Gaul. He seems to have studied at the monastery of Lerins, 412-15, and was probably ordained c. 417. Patrick harbored the desire, encouraged by a vision which he experienced, to return and evangelize the pagan Irish. In about 432, consecrated bishop by St. Germanus, he was sent back to Ireland to carry on the work of St. Palladius, who had died the previous year. Most of the remainder of his life was spent in this task, as he travelled throughout the island, encountering the potentially deadly opposition of many pagan chieftains and the Druidic priests. In 442 and 444, he visited Rome. He made Armagh his episcopal see, cementing its role in the history of the Irish Church. Besides his many conversions, Patrick brought the Irish Church into closer union with Rome, encouraged the study of Latin, and raised the standards of scholarship in general. Among surviving writings, we have his Confession, an answer to some of his detractors, which contains many details of his life, his Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, denouncing murders committed by Welsh Christian marauders against their fellow Christians in Ireland, and his prayer, The Lorica. Patrick's tomb is believed to be at Downpatrick, with Saints Brigid and Columba.

Moving to the present: What’s the News, What’s the News? What’s the news today?

Our March issue is out about a week - tho COVID reduced, there are many events and columns to choose or learn from to celebrate Irish Heritage Month, whether indoors or out, with family or virtually alone. The issue is full of info, columns, entertainment lists, highlights and things to do related to the theme, and not. Plus, our Speak Irish monthly lesson; Safe Home wishes to Maureen Lowry Curtin and Ray Shulte. And of course, there is humor, opinion, Kid’s Craic and Coloring contest, profiles and history, book

and music reviews and the monthly Irish Crossword Puzzle. March’s puzzle subject is Cork and Tipperary Towns. Or as Maury Collins always says, Rebel Cork. The crosswords are a great way to learn or refresh your Irish knowledge, history and folklore, and all past issues, with the crossword inside, are available on OhioIANews.com.

Our cover shot and our Inner View this month is from and about Columbus’ Irish American Fine Artist Maureen Clark, a gifted glorious Irish woman deeply involved in her art, her heritage and the community that inspires her. Check it out in print, and see even more of her work on our and Maureen’s website.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.