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"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors."
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 Today's Irish headlinesWe comb the newspapers and web sites to find news to start your day with a positive spin. In this section you will also find links to stories from the past two weeks as well as links to the major Irish newspapers, the current time in Ireland and a link to the weather forecast. And last, but not least, once a week we post the Regional County News. This week's begins Friday February 3rd, 2012.  Trivia Contest Think you're Irish? The February contest is posted.This is our monthly trivia contest which is designed to test your knowledge of Irish history, legends, superstitions, arts, politics and more and there's a prize for the winner! Just want entertaining facts about Ireland? Then click here for Did you Know?  St. Brigid - The Giveawayby Bridget Haggerty Known variously throughout Ireland as St. Brigid, Brighid, Brigit, Bridget or Bride, it was believed that she travelled around the countryside on the eve of her festival, blessing both the people and their livestock. To show that her visit was welcome, families would place a cake or pieces of bread and butter on the windowsill. In some parts of Ireland, the bread would be an oatmeal loaf in the shape of a cross which was specially baked for the occasion. A sheaf of corn was often placed beside it as refreshment for the saint’s favorite white cow which accompanied her. In some places, the offering was left to be taken by a hungry, homeless person. [Continue] Brigid of the Songs  by Pádraic H. Pearse Brigid of the Songs was the most famous singer in Rossnageeragh, not only in my time but in my father's time. It's said that she could wile the song-thrush from the branch with the sweetness of the music that God gave her; and I would believe it, for it's often she wiled me and other lads besides from our dinner or our supper. I'd be a rich man to-day if I had a shilling for every time I stopped outside her door, on my way home from school, listening to her share of songs; and my father told me that it's often and often he did the same thing when he was a lad going to school. It was a tradition among the people that it was from Raftery himself that Brigid learned Conntae Mhuigheó (The County of Mayo), and isn't it with the Conntae Mhuigheó that she drew the big tears out of the eyes of John MacHale one time he was on a visit here, along with our own Bishop, a year exactly before I was born? [Continue]  Celebrating A Name Day in Old Irelandby Bridget Haggerty Yes, it's me. According to my mother, on the day I was born, my dad cradled me in his arms and said "My little Bridget." And so, that is the blessing - and the burden - I've carried all of my life. [Continue]  Celebrating Candlemas in Old Irelandby Bridget Haggerty Candlemas - February 2nd - celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin Mary. As with many festivals in the liturgical calendar, this one has its origins in ancient Rome. In Roman times, candles were carried through the streets and women observed purification rites. Even today, in many countries, women who had borne children the year before participate in candlelit processions - an activity the Church gladly welcomes as it symbolizes the purification of the Virgin Mary. [Continue]  Irish People, Irish Linenby Kathleen Curtis Wilson For beauty and desirability, the finest Irish linen once had little competition, but even coarser linen also had a great number of utilitarian uses long forgotten in today’s world of plastic and synthetics. Linen’s distinction as an important fabric emerged from the efforts of a vast number of Irish people across the island who grew the plant, harvested the fiber, spun the yarn, wove the cloth, and found buyers willing to purchase the final product. [Continue]  The Irish Link to St. Valentineby Bridget Haggerty As a young girl growing up in England in the 50s, I loved sending and receiving Valentine cards - messages that were always unsigned. As the sender, one would go to great lengths to disguise the source of the card. As the recipient, the fun was in trying to figure out the identity of your secret admirer. When I came to the United States in the early 60s, imagine my surprise to learn that the custom here was to identify the sender. Not only that, cards were often sent to relatives, such as your mom and dad! It didn't seem very appropriate to me, then or now. In fact, I still think it's very odd and, while I have capitulated to custom and sign the card I give to my husband, there's a part of me that still wishes Valentine's Day could be like it once was - shrouded in romantic mystery. [Continue]  The Irish Kitchen: St. Brigid's OatcakesThese chewy bread-cakes have been fed to children in Ireland for years, in the belief that vigorous chewing would strengthen their young jaws. The children of today like them because they are fun to eat. And because they are low in fat and high in fiber, they are definitely healthful. The loaf is cut in quarters, or "farls" before it is baked. [Continue]  Basic Irish: Saint Brigid & SpringIn Ireland long ago, the first day of Spring fell on February 1. Back then, it was called Imbolc - the feast of the Goddess Brigit (see our Article St. Brigid - the giveaway). When Christianity came to Ireland, the goddess was transformed into the saint. Today, Lá Fhéile Bríde - St. Brigit's Feast Day - is more commonly used than Imbolc. So, this lesson is in honor of the saint and the coming of spring. [Continue]  Kids' Ireland: Sean & The Selkieby Grainne Rowland The sun was just about to set. Three tired fishermen plodded along the narrow coast road to their homes. They were famished for their evening meals and looking forward to a bit of a rest. Sean was the first around a bend in the road. He stopped so suddenly that the others bumped into him. "Shhh!" Sean whispered. "Look!" [Continue]
I recently looked at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin’s web site to find out the date that I first saw her and the band Clannad are not even mentioned as having performed there. It was a huge shock to me, as it was a seminal moment in my life. Life changing, beyond believing, actually. Photo Credit: Candida Hofer's book "Libraries" which is available on amazon and features gorgeous photographs of the world's most stunningbookshelves! Shop for the best of Irish products from the comfort of your home We combed the internet to find reliable resources for the most popular Irish products: Aran Isle sweaters, Guinness glasses, Waterford Crystal, genuine blackthorn walking sticks, the flag of the Republic and more. Some of these shops have become friends; others we trust from their reputations and some offer products that are completely unique. We hope you enjoy browsing through what's on offer and we are confident you will find gifts for any occasion or person, all with an Irish flair. |
 Trysting Stones Centuries ago, before wedding ceremonies moved from the bride's house to the church steps, and finally into the church itself, the joining of a couple was often conducted in a place of mystical significance. On Cape Clear, Co. Cork, there is a townland called Comillane where you'll find a pillarstone known as Cloch na Gealluna - 'The Trysting Stone'. It has a hole right through it and in pre-Christian times, a couple would join hands through the stone and in the presence of the local king, they would wed. Similarly, at Kilmaolcheader church near Dingle, Co. Kerry, stands a pillar with a circular opening near the top. It's said that a couple is engaged if they join hands through the opening.
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Dear Mr. & Mrs. Haggerty,
