Shannon Heaton to look at ‘heritage, authenticity,’ “expression’ in launching ‘Irish Music Stories’ as individual narratives

By BostonIrish.com... (not verified)
September 6, 2016

By Sean Smith
Special to the BIR

Shannon Heaton: “I think it’s amazing that so many of us have come to Irish music in different ways. I’m eager to tuck into the backstory behind so many influential, innovative, important voices in the tradition. ” Andy Cambria photoShannon Heaton: “I think it’s amazing that so many of us have come to Irish music in different ways. I’m eager to tuck into the backstory behind so many influential, innovative, important voices in the tradition. ” Andy Cambria photo
Irish musician Shannon Heaton knows that a good story told well can entertain, illuminate, even educate. It’s something she’s experienced as a singer of songs from Irish, English, Thai and other folk traditions, as a writer of her own songs and prose, and, in more recent years, as the parent of a young child.

RIP to a Priest, Pastor, Patriot

By Bill O’Donnell
September 6, 2016
Bill O’Donnell


RIP to a Priest, Pastor, Patriot – Although Bishop Edward Daly, who died last month at 82, was best known beyond Derry’s walls for the iconic image of him bravely waving a blood-stained hanky while giving cover on Bloody Sunday, he was best known in this Northern Irish town as a humble parish priest, the Minister of Faith. “Ned” or “Eddie” to intimates, he served for 20 years as the Catholic bishop of Derry.

HISTORICAL MYOPIA: As a majority of Irish Americans reportedly embrace Trump, lessons hard-learned by our immigrant ancestors are evaporating

By BostonIrish.com... (not verified)
September 6, 2016

By Peter F. Stevens
BIR Staff

In politics, the word “pivot” evokes breathless excitement in the media. Now, the “Trump pivot” draws nigh, his acolytes and witting or unwitting political pundits salivating that they can pretty up the Pompadoured One and convince voters that all of his racist, sexist, religious, and ethnic bile matters not a bit, that what he says now is all that matters – even if it is 180 degrees from previous rant. “Never mind,” as arch-comedienne Gilda Radner used to say. For the true-believer Trumpite, his cant of the Wall, mass deportations, and so forth, is what counts. In short, “pivot” is merely a five-letter synonym for a four-letter word – “lies.”

Take care when citing matters of ‘principle’

By BIR News Room
September 6, 2016

As a mediator, I am often surprised when people raise objections “as a matter of principle” on issues far removed from things I would consider of such overwhelming importance to invoke that noble standard. Defined as “a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right or wrong,” a “matter of principle” certainly applies in areas of virtuous and ethical behavior but rarely to less consequential issues.

Brexit may not happen as many are anticipating

By Joe Leary
September 6, 2016
Joe Leary

The surprise vote of the British people to leave the European Union known as “Brexit” has caused much confusion, turmoil, and regret throughout Ireland, Britain and all of Europe. The reaction to the decision by the UK both inside and outside of Europe has caused serious doubt that a full Brexit will ever happen. It certainly won’t happen in the form that the people who voted for it expect it to.

Many of the most outspoken advocates of Britain leaving Europe are now modifying their positions as they come to realize what exactly it will mean.

All of Ireland has lost a friend

Ed Forry
By BIR News Room
September 6, 2016

Robert J. (Bob) Dunfey, Sr.’s pride and joy was the house he had built in Ballyferriter, Ireland, with the most amazing view of ocean and cliffs. His purpose was to have new generations of family reconnect with Irish relatives. His school master and archeologist cousin, Denis O’Connor, helped Bob select the perfect Irish name: Feorann: “Edge of the sea, a verdant bank on a mountainside.” Over 35 years, Mr. Dunfey expanded that word’s meaning to include “a bit of heaven to be shared with all!”

Dropkick Murphys to host NH festival

By BIR News Room
September 6, 2016

The Dropkick Murphys will host an Irish Festival at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Guilford, NH, on Sat., Sept. 17. The event will feature two stages of music with James Fearnley of The Pogues, Blood or Whiskey from Dublin, Old Brigade and more.

Also on site during the festival will be Murphys Boxing, bringing eight bouts of professional boxing. VIP packages include great seats to the main stage show, great seats to all the boxing matches as well as a VIP reception area available throughout to mingle with the band and their friends and family.

Boston Irish Honors event set for Oct. 28

By Ed Forry
September 6, 2016

A former United States Senator, the region’s newest Irish American CEO, and a pioneering Boston Irish family will be the honorees at next month’s Boston Irish Honors luncheon, the season’s premier celebration of Irish-American achievement in Massachusetts. The luncheon, which serves as an anniversary celebration for the Boston Irish Reporter, will be held at the Seaport Boston Hotel on Friday, Oct. 28.

Irish fest planned for Marshfield on Sept. 10-11

By Maureen Forry
September 6, 2016

September is the month for Irish Festivals in the Greater Boston area.

In addition to the Dropkick Murphys festival in New Hampshire, the BIR is looking forward to raising a pint at the South Shore Irish Festival on Sept 10 and 11 at the Marshield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St in Marshfield, MA.

This two-day event (Saturday 11a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m.-8 p.m.) will feature live performances from such local favorites as John McDermott, Erin’s Melody, the Fenian Sons, Aoife Scott and the Fighting Jamesons.

Cork’s O’Donovan boys capture Olympics spotlight A silver in rowing, a worldwide salute for style and wit

By BIR News Room
September 6, 2016


CORK – For many across the world of Olympics-watching, Paul and Gary O’Donovan have taken home to Ireland not only a silver medal for rowing at the August Games in Rio de Janiero but also a medal of another sort for the ebullience and Irish wit they displayed in front of tens of millions after their second-place finish.

Images of the happy brothers openly chatting to Irish television via satellite after the race about urine tests, “podium pants,” and how they plan to celebrate their achievement instantly spread around the earth.

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