Joe Derrane dies at 86; Dance hall legend, master accordionist

By BIR News Room
July 28, 2016

Joe Derrane relaxing at his home in Randolph in 2010. Sean Smith photoJoe Derrane relaxing at his home in Randolph in 2010. Sean Smith photo

By Sean Smith, Special to BIR

Accordionist Joe Derrane, a beloved figure from the golden age of Boston’s Irish dance halls whose musical career experienced a revival during the 1990s, died on July 22 at the age of 86.

Derrane’s improbable “rediscovery” while in his 60s earned him a National Heritage Fellowship in 2004 from the National Endowment for the Arts, and brought his music to a new generation of admirers.

Celtic Thunder to return to Boston's Orpheum Theater in September

By Maureen Forry-Sorrell
July 27, 2016
Maureen Forry-Sorrell


Right on the heels of the release of their eagerly anticipated new album, Legacy, Volume Two, Celtic Thunder will kick off a 75 city tour of the US and Canada this summer. Known for their theatrical performances of traditional music, the five member male group will perform some of their most well-loved numbers from the past eight years.

The BIR spoke with Neil Byrne, one of the original members of Celtic Thunder, about the album, his life before Celtic Thunder, and their stop in Boston scheduled for September 18 at the Orpheum.

Replica cannon adds historic element to DorhesterHeights National Park

By Griffin Connolly
July 6, 2016
Griffin Connolly

By GRIFFIN CONNOLLY
Special to the BIR
The National Parks of Boston unveiled and dedicated a replica cannon brought to Dorchester Heights from Fort Ticonderoga during the 1776 Siege of Boston in a ceremony last month. The cannon, resting atop a six-and-a-half ton granite mount, will remain on permanent display, according to a press release from the National Park Service.

BIR History: FURY, FRAUD, AND FAILURE -- It’s summertime, and the livin’s not always easy

By Peter F. Stevens
July 6, 2016
Peter F. Stevens

By PETER F. STEVENS
BIR Staff
Early on the steamy afternoon of July 14, 1863, the worst riot in Boston’s annals erupted, a melee was sparked by Irish immigrants’ fury at the class and ethnic unfairness of the nation’s first Conscription Act, which allowed “sons of wealth” to buy their way out of the Civil War draft for $300. The sum was far beyond the reach of impoverished Irish families and fueled the epithet “rich man’s war, poor man’s fight.”

Perils abound after Brexit vote

By Joe Leary
July 6, 2016
Joe Leary

By JOE LEARY
Special to the BIR
In a stunning surprise the British people have narrowly voted to leave the 28-nation European Union (EU), with the Brexit (short for British exit) campaign winning 51.8 percent of the vote on June 23. Anger against rules issued by distant EU officials, a desire for unfettered British sovereignty, and a strong reaction to migrants from other EU countries were issues well exploited by self-serving, unknowing, right wing politicians hoping to gain from a vote to leave the union.

Now’s a good time to think about Irish dance possibilities

By Kiera Murray
July 6, 2016
Kiera Murray

by Kiera Murray
BIR Correspondent
People join the Boston Irish dance scene for a variety of reasons, maybe to embrace their Irish heritage, learn about Irish culture, engage in challenging physical activity, or perform and compete all over the world. For the next generation tapping their toes waiting anxiously to begin, or those hoping to start a new tradition, it is time to sign up for Irish dance. Shona O’Brien of the Keane O’Brien Academy said that September is a great time to begin, as it is the start of a fresh new year for students.

Hardball's Chris Matthews to receive Tip O'Neill award

By Ed Forry
July 6, 2016
Ed Forry

‘Hardball’ host Matthews named for O’Neill Diaspora Award
American political commentator, talk show host, and author Chris Matthews has been named the recipient of the 2016 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award. The announcement was made late last month at a special reception at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana.

Ireland's President Higgins rarely hesitant to air his opinions

By Bill O'Donnell
July 6, 2016
Bill O'Donnell

By Bill O’Donnell
Irish President In UN Rebuke – The ninth president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, is a 75-year-old veteran politician from the west of Ireland who has rarely been hesitant to air his opinions and ideas. This was evident in a speech he made recently to the Immigrant Council of Ireland that severely criticized members of the United Nations Security Council for not doing enough to aid migrants and help provide funding for refugees during the current crisis.

In Leitrim, the gracious Bush Hotel aims to ‘make people happy’

By Ed Forry
July 5, 2016

By JUDY ENRIGHT
Special to the BIR
Not every hotel has a book written about it, but the Bush Hotel in lovely Leitrim is not just any hotel.
A friend and I stayed there this spring and were delighted by the sincere and warm welcome extended by the staff of the 60-bedroom Carrick on Shannon hotel, its handy central location, ample and secure off-street parking, the cleanliness of the comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms (great water pressure in the shower), free WIFI, and the varied eating and drinking options on site.

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