Irish American World

Gerry Adams in New York.

2009-06-14T14:07:00.006-04:00

Dr Brendan O’Leary spoke at the Unite Ireland forum held in Manhattan on June 14th 2009. He focused on three main points all of which dealt with practical realities.

Firstly he addressed the fact that some northern Catholics will not vote for a united Ireland in a border poll / referendum. O’Leary referred to this group as “cultural Catholics” and believes that without them a united Ireland cannot happen. He argued that their support is a prerequisite to re-unification.

Secondly he referred to the influx of immigrants and how they will affect voting patterns. He jokingly speculated that the final say in any referendum may fall to Polish Catholics with British passports. However, as the only game in town is now a purely political game, then Dr. O’Leary’s point is a serious one. Elections are all about the numbers and the immigrant vote could well become a group that politicians need to win over. While Dr O’Leary did not mention the gay and lesbian community, and they may only be around 2% of the population, this is another example of a group that has friends, family and loved ones who also vote. Given the DUP's recent hemorrhaging of support to the TUV, they (and unionism in general) cannot afford to keep alienating voting blocks with such abandon. Consequently I thought O'Leary's comments in this area were of value and provided much food for thought for all political parties in the North.

Finally he spoke of the need to bring over Protestant voters to the side of a united Ireland. He felt it was necessary for two reasons. Firstly, he believes without them a united Ireland cannot happen and also because he felt it was the principled thing to do. I cannot disagree with his position in this regard.

He went on to state that he does not believe demographic trends will deliver a nationalist majority via the cradle. He said historical data shows the nationalist population growing at 0.8% per annum, a trend he described as significant, and if continued this would bring a nationalist majority in the north by 2023. However, he was clear that he believes recent trends (last 5 to 10 years) show that the nationalist population seems to have leveled out at the 42% to 45% range so nationalism should not expect to out breed unionists. Hence he believes that a united Ireland depends on the support of three key stake holders, the support of immigrants, “cultural Catholics” and significant numbers from the Protestant community. He then went on to make a proposal that an Irish Federal arrangement was the political system most likely to bring about stable government in the event of a united Ireland. He specifically stated this was not a re-statement of the old Sinn Fein Eire Nua policy. Indeed Dr. O’Leary’s proposal is essentially consociationalism which has influenced his work in Iraq where he is an advisor to the government of Kurdistan and also his role as an advisor to the British and Irish governments on issues such as policing in the north of Ireland.

Irish Gifts Video

2009-05-18T11:57:00.003-04:00

Video showing cool Irish gifts from CelticClothing.com

Celtic goal against Rangers

2009-05-03T16:00:00.007-04:00

Talk about dedication to Glasgow Celtic. Watch this and pay attention to the commentary.

The next game between "Us and Them" is on Saturday May 9th, 2009.
Enjoy.

ShamrockFest - Washington DC.

2009-02-25T14:08:00.003-05:00

On Saturday March 14th ShamrockFest takes place at the RFK stadium in Washington DC. Only in its second year (we think), this is already an event that really packs a punch. This years headline band is Floggin Molly, but with 11 stages there is bound to be something for everyone. This is definately a PARTTEEEEE crowd, Shamrock Fest is not recommended for kids, strollers or old folks on zimmer frames, but all would be welcomed with a great big Cead Mile Failte if they decided to arrive. Based on last year the crowd figures could number around 20,000.

Los Angeles Irish Fair 2009

2009-02-14T17:15:00.005-05:00

This is a great event in sunny California. Your intrepid reporter has had the pleasure of visiting this event for some years now. Usually attracts at least 20,000 (probably more) Irish-Americans from the southern California region.

Weather is usually fantastic, family friendly, kids get in free and this year they have reduced the entrance fee to help those laboring under the current economic woes. Lots of entertainment in a great location with all amenities needed for a fun family excursion. Being an Irish event there are also several bars discreetly spread throughout the event. Definitely one to check out.

Luke Kelly Video

2008-10-18T13:45:00.005-04:00

A moving tribute to the Irish musical legend Luke Kelly. Includes commentary from Christy Moore, Shane McGowan, Gerry Adams and many more. Even Bono from U2 offers an interview but he's talking shite as usual, i'm embarrased everytime he (Paul Hewson) opens his mouth. See the complete video here.
Great orignial video and recordings that are masterpieces in Irish music. Covers his early life in the very poor Five Lamps area of Dublin, through the fame his love of Ireland, her music and her people brought him.

Wildwood Irish Weekend

2008-10-03T10:23:00.004-04:00

Well guys another wild Wildwood Irish weekend has come and gone. The weather was great, lots of Irish merchandise, lots of Irish music and pubs. Turnout was good on Friday and Saturday but Sunday seemed pretty light to me. This may in part be due to the fact that I spent most of Sunday near Keenans where the whole block was closed. Anyone know why the Keenans block was closed? Perhaps things were more lively further down near the food court. Personally I suspect the fact that the Eagles played at 4pm on Sunday (and a very late Saturday night party) contributed to the Sunday turnout.
Still, Saturday was great and it is still all it is cracked up to be and more. If you have been there then please let us know what you think of Irish weekend in Wildwood NJ.

St Paul Irish Music Fest

2008-08-11T19:28:00.007-04:00

Another spectaular event which was probably driven mostly by the fact that Floggin Molly headlined on Friday and Saturday night. But for us the best part of the weekend was the performance of local band Wild Colonial Bhoys .
Fronted by Adam and Geno, and backed up with accomplished musicians on fiddle, drums and bass, these guys really are immersed in Irish culture and music. Rumour has it that Adam was even an International Observer during the birth pangs of the peace process in the North of Ireland. You can check them out for yourselves here and here. The Wild Colonial Bhoys (the band spelling of Bhoys is a hat tip to the Celtic supporters)have perfected their craft and seem to be ready to reap the rewards. These guys should be on stage at every major Irish music festival in North America as they easily and happily performed a flawless set for the huge and appreciative crowd that turned out in their native Minneapolis / St. Paul. You will most definately see more of this band as the cream always eventually rises to the top.

Dublin Ohio Irish Festival

2008-08-11T19:09:00.004-04:00

Well this is a fantastic event. Set on extensive grounds with numerous (at least 6) stages this event really pleases the crowds with a wide range of Irish vendors, cultural events, lectures, exhibits and an entertainment line up that may be the best in the US. The weather cooperated this year which was great, last year lightning caused a temporary evacuation on Sunday.

Had a long chat with Chris Byrne and Rachael of Shanachai and the Unity Squad, great Irish performers and patriots. We later heard that Chris receltly completed his Masters degree and is now teaching a class in Criminal Law at a New York University. A multi talented guy indeed - one time Police Officer, musician, business man (owns his own pub), political guru and now a Professor. Well done Chris, now take a bow and get some rest.

We rate this as the best event in the US, are you familiar with this event? Let us know your thoughts.

Greater Hartford Irish Music Fest

2008-08-11T19:04:00.003-04:00

This event was a pleasant suprise. Featuring: Hair of the Dog, Enter the Haggis, Brigids Cross and many more the organizers managed to put together quite an entertaining line up. We hope to go back up to this one next year.

Long Island Irish Festival - Calverton NY.

2008-08-09T19:48:00.005-04:00

Organized by Charlie McKenna, this had to be one of the worst Irish festivals we have ever attended. Poor advertising, poor management and poor planning made this event a complete train wreck. In our opinion this "non event" is one to stay clear of in the future (if it ever even takes place again).
No more to be said really- a totally wasted weekend.

Chicago Irish Heritage Festival.

2008-08-09T19:40:00.003-04:00

A fantastic event with some excellent entertainment. The line up included Gaelic Storm, Solas, The Tossers, Seven Nations, Makem and Spain Brothers, and The Young Dubliners. The huge crowds were treated to wonderful weather, fantastic food, brilliant beer and marvelous music. This event also offers indoor and outdoor options, with the old converted school containing bars, music, an Irish library on the third floor along with a small museum. This event and building is a credit to the Irish of Chicago, a great event definately worth taking the time to see when in the Chicago area.

Celtic Fling and Highland Games - PA.

2008-08-09T19:19:00.005-04:00

This event was well attended but at $24.95 it is very expensive to get in. Once in the food and drinks tend to be on the expensive side. The long list of featured bands included Gaelic Storm and Scythian, both of which are good bands. Gaelic Storm in particular have developed a large and loyal following which is only to be expected given their consistantly good performances.

Were you there? Let us know what you thought.

Staten Island Irish Fest

2008-06-09T13:08:00.004-04:00

Just got back from the Staten Island Irish Fest. The oppressive heat was probably only one of several factors that contributed to the low attendance. One of two weekend highlights was that I heard a band called Shilelagh Law for the first time. They had two good songs that have the potential to be "great" songs. The verses in question were "Meet me at McClean" a tip of the hat to the Irish American experience in the Bronx, and "Christmas in NY" a sad but defiant ballad about the 911 attack on Manhattan. The second highlight was a nice chat with the irrepressable Seamus Kennedy who was also performing at the event. He is currently busy promoting his new book and then leaves for an Irish tour within the next week or two.

Chicago Gaelic Park

2008-06-03T14:25:00.009-04:00

I felt the line up at Gaelic Park was a little light this year. Weather was good but attendence was off on Saturday and Monday. Strangely Sunday had the biggest crowd. I went into the North Stage tent on Sunday night to watch a bit of the Black 47 set. While the rebel rousing lads put on a sterling performance as usual, I was still able to walk half way up to the front, this was the first time I have ever been able to do that at Gaelic Park's North Stage during a prime slot performance. The Makem and Spain brothers were there as were Seven Nations. Interestingly Seven Nations played the same North Stage on Saturday night, slightly more people than Black 47 but again there was room in the tent which is unusual. Were you there, what were your thoughts?

Jacksonville Irish Fest.

2008-06-03T14:14:00.008-04:00

Well the Jacksonville Irish Fest (JaxFest) took place in late April. They scored most of their points for having a top notch entertainment line up. Seven Nations kicked things off on Friday night with a concert featuring the Jacksonville Orchestra. On Saturday entertainment included Black 47, local lads Rathkeltair, The Tossers, LA's Young Dubliners and Florida's own Seven Nations. This intrepid reporter was impressed by a particular Screamin Orphan's song entitled "My Radio". The drummer from Screamin Orphans really is a talented girl who could go a long, long way. Were you there? What did you think? It seemed to me the attendence was down on last year, any thoughts? Was it not advertised enough?

LA Irish Fair

2008-02-26T13:39:00.012-05:00

On the west coast the LA Irish Fair took place on March 8th and 9th, and this intrepid blogger was there. Lots of sunshine, good Irish entertainment, vendors and family fun for the approx 20,000 people who attended the event. During it all I was fortunate enough to grab a beer with Steve and Paddy from Gaelic Storm. By the way, Gaelic Storm have a new fiddle player and she is smokin' (she plays the fiddle well too).
The event could have done with one more "name" band and they lose a point for the high food prices once inside the Fairplex venue (i'm guessing beer wasn't cheap either).
But having said that, the promoters of this event consistantly put on a very good Irish Music Festival that is well worth a visit. They scored a very credible 8 out of 10. Well done LA.
If you were there post a comment and let us know what you thought of the LA Irish Fair.

Shamrock Fest

2008-02-09T14:54:00.004-05:00

Well guys, Shamrock Fest is coming up on Saturday March 15th at the RFK stadium in Washington DC. Tommy Lee (yes that Tommy Lee) will be acting as DJ on one of the 11 stages set up for what promises to be one of the biggest St Patrick's day parties on the East coast. Let us know what you have to say about this event.