Emerald Reflections Online

The Other Irish Saints

by Brian Witt

Everyone knows of the triumvirate of Irish saints: Patrick, Brigid and ColmCille, or Columba. But, as we go into the season and time to honor St. Patrick, it is good to remember other Irish saints.

Many of the saints of Ireland contributed to the title "The Land of Saints and Scholars". Many were associated with the Celtic Church, and the center of study that ColmCille set up on the island of Iona, off the Scottish coast. Many were responsible for the re-conversion of Europe, both as missionaries and scholars.

One who wasn't was St. Kevin, who set up a monastery at Glendalough in Co. Wicklow. Kevin's one man hermitage was later expanded to an entire religious community. And since Kevin's idea of penance was to bathe naked in the waterfalls of Glendalough in winter, this might have proved more than a little inconvenient.

St. Brendan the Navigator sailed from the Dingle peninsula in Kerry to America using sea maps that other Irish had used. His very detailed account of the voyage, the Navagatio, full of tales of smoking islands, sea monsters and sitting atop of a whale, were authenticated by author Tim Severing in his book, the Brendan Voyage. It was said that Christopher Columbus had a copy on his first voyage to the new world.

The patron saint of Limerick, St. Munchin, was responsible for the "Curse of St. Munchin", whereas people from Limerick for many years would refuse to buy goods made in Limerick. Some manufacturers found a way around this by selling goods through distributors in Cork.

If you visit Lemanaghan on the Shannon, drink a glass of milk. St. Managhan owned a cow that was stolen and slaughtered, and reduced to bones. But Managhan prayed over the rendered animal, and it was restored to complete life and parts. Managhan was so pleased by this that he decreed that all milk in the parish would forever be free.

Mananghan was also involved in a land dispute with Ciaran, the founder of the monastery at Clonmacnoise. The two had argued about the limits of the monastic boundaries. Ciaran and Managhan agreed to meet and walk off the limits. Ciaran overslept, and Managhan walked all the way over to the wall of Clonmacnoise. When Ciaran awoke, he begged Managhan to at least let him claim the land that would be covered by the distance his cap would fly. Managhan agreed, and Ciaran let his cap fly. It landed at the site of the original boundary.

The Irish had the "Twelve Apostles of Erin". These were the two Ciarans, the two Brendans, the two Colms, Ruadan, Mobi, Lasserian, Ciannech, Senach, and Nimid. Of course, there were more saints than that. And one has to have a scorecard in order to tell who was who in the hagiography of these saints. There were scores of St Colms, 200 named Colman, 13 Caman, 13 Dimian, 12 Maidoc, 4 Colga, 10 Gobhan, 18 Comin, 14 Brendan, 14 Finian, 23 Aidan, 30 Cronan, 15 Lugad, 16 Lassaran, 19 Foilla, 34 Mochuma, 15 Conall, 15 Dermod, 20 Ultan, 22 Cillian, 37 Moluan, 43 Lasrian, 58 Mochua, 55 Fintan, and 60 Cormac.

Tales of mystical acts also play into the lives of these saints. It was said that Kevin stayed in such a state of devotion that birds built a nest in his hands. St. Finian of Moville went into the woods to gather wattles, and was entranced by the song of a bird in the trees. When he emerged from the forest, his small monastery was filled with hundreds of men, and was a fully functioning community. He had been in the woods for over 150 years. St Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, he of the floating cap, was asked for alms from a poor man. Having none, he tossed wheat to him. As the grains hit the beggar, they turned into gold. Birds seemed to have been attracted to these saints, too. Wild ducks followed St. Colman. Brendan the Voyager once heard the music of heaven being played through a bird, and stood entranced for 24 hours.

However, Ireland would never have achieved its status as the "Land of Saints and Scholars" if not for the rise of the Celtic Church, and the exporting of Irish scholars and missionaries to Europe. As Europe fell deep into the funk of the Middle Ages after the fall of Rome and Roman authority waned, the Celtic Church established by Patrick, and strengthened by ColmCille, would help revive and maintain Christianity.

Many were originally part of the community of Iona, off of Scotland, and later Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumbria. These men would go onto the European mainland to start the re-conversion of Europe. They started monasteries, universities, and other places of learning.

The monasteries weren't just places of religious worship. They were places of earning, and gave rise to many of the universities of the later part of the millennium. Scholars, as well as religious, would populate these places. The value of an Irish education was considered priceless. Students would be introduced to Latin, Hebrew, Greek, geometry, astronomy, medicine, and law, as well as religious study. The Celtic Church was in high flow at this time. (Interestingly enough, these churchmen, a few generations, if that, removed from the Druids, were carrying on the educational standards of the Druids, whose cirricula was uncannily similar to the Irish educator.)

Columbanus was one of the first. A Leinsterman, he would become a scholar of Hebrew, Latin, and geometry, as well as a poet. His trips to Europe led him to convert the Austrasians, whose king. Sigebert, tried to keep him near by offering large amounts of treasures and land. Colombanus, however, was not swayed. His life mission was to try to convert as many as possible, to found monasteries, and to get himself involved in any possible controversy that the Church had going. He railed against Arianism, attacking Pope Boniface IV for harboring Nestorians, adhered to the old Roman Easter, and generally went after any one who disagreed with him. However, he was known as a sweet talker, and one who could bring the most ardent of enemies to his cause in face to face argument. He was a potent writer, as well as an orator. When he died at Bobbio, the monastery he founded in Italy, he was being asked by the king of the Galls and the Lombards to live among them.

Others who made the journey to convert the Germans were St Magnus, who founded two abbeys in Germany. St. Desle, founder of a monastery at Lure, still has his chalice on display in the church that he started.

St. Gall was the assistant of Columbanus, started a monastery on Lake Constance. The city of St. Gall stands there today. He is known for his conversion of the Swiss. Gall would refuse the bishopric of Constance, and that of Luxeiul, in France. He was elevated to a prince of the Holy Roman Empire by King Sigebert II. The Abbey of Lake Constance was a center of Irish learning for many centuries.

The other Irish saint who was known for his missionary work among the Swiss was St. Fridolin. Fridolan was also known as Fridolanus the Wanderer. He was the son of a minor Irish king. He spent much of his life working among the Swiss and Germans. He was a councilor to King Clovis. He founded monasteries in Saxony, Alsace, Strasbourg, and throughout Switzerland.

St. Fursa was the nephew of Brendan the Navigator. He is noted for being the second most active Irish missionary in the area of France. His first work was in England, and then on to France. He was well received, and established a number of monasteries that he soon stocked with fellow Galwegians. Kings and princes fought over the establishment of these monasteries, and often awarded large tracts of land for their use. In the case of Fursa, princes and kings almost went to war to win his attention. Fursa was credited with being the author of a number of miracles. He is also noted for his visions of the otherworld. It was said that Dante's "Divine Comedy" was based on Fursa's visions. Copies of his visions circulated throughout most of Europe for centuries.

St. Fiacre was another Irishman of royal birth. He brought over a large number of disciples to the mainland. He was to influence the French, and convert many. He became the Bishop of Meaux, where he was said to have performed a number of miracles. He was honored by the inclusion of the nine lessons of his honor into the breviaries of France. The following was the start of the nine lessons: "Ireland is dignified by the luster of a new lamp. That island glitters, to the Meldi, by the presence of a great light. The Former sent us Fiacrius; Meaux received the which was sent. The joy of both is in common; the latter possesses a father, the former a son."

Ficare's grave was a stop for pilgrims for many centuries. A device to carry the pilgrims to the grave was called the "fiacre", a name that still exists today.

Other Irish saints included Cathal, who settled among the Italians, and re-converted many of them. He was the patron saint of Tatrentum, or Tarento. As the bishop of Tarentum, he is credited with stopping the ebb of Christianity on the peninsula. His name was given to the Sicilian city of San Cataldo. He was famed as a scholar in Ireland before he began his work in Italy. It was said that he attracted "Gauls, Angles, Scots and pupils from other lands" during his time in Lismore.

St. Dympna is the patron saint of the insane. She was the daughter of the King of Monaghan, and served as an abbess in Gheel, in France. Fursa's brothers, Foilan and Ultan, founded a monastery in Brabant. A brother and sister, Gunifort and Dardaluch, whose parents were of royal birth, went to Germany to preach and teach. Gunifort is the patron saint of Pavia in Italy. She was the patroness of Fressing, in Germany.

St. Kilian became the patron of Franconia. He was brought to preach by Pope Conan, and had great success. He converted Duke Gosbert, but angered his pagan wife, who Kilian kept insisting Gosbert divorce. She had Kilian executed. Kilian's bible is displayed on his feast day at the Cathedral of Wurtzburg each year.

So, when you think of the saints of Ireland this coming March, or any time, remember the myriad of names and saints. Ireland, the land of saints and scholars, can offer so many to choose from.

New Dublin

UPCOMING DATES

• Jan. 3 to Mar. 13 - St. Patrick's Day committee meetings each Monday 7:00 p.m., Sommer's

• Mar. 6 - Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Sommer's

• Mar. 6 - General Membership Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Sommer's

• Mar. 15 - St. Patrick's Program, 7:00 p.m., New Dublin Sr. High Aud. ( South Entrance)

• Mar. 16 - Irish Caroling, 5:30 p.m., St. Joseph's Residence

• Mar. 17 - Ceili, 7:00 p.m., Crystal Falls Featuring "Flip of the Coin" and John Ahearn doing the dance calling. Donations accepted at the door

• Mar. 18 - Irishfest under the Big Top Tent, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.,

F & M Bank, featuring Leahy's Luck. ($1 admission)

• Mar. 18 - Parade (Wisconsin's largest) 1:30 p.m., Downtown New Dublin

We desperately need volunteers for all our festivities. To donate your time or talent, please call any of the following Shamrock Club Hot Lines: (920)-982-3891, 982-5892, 982-6969, 982-9955, 982-4366, 982-3282 or e-mail to:

barring4@athenet.net.

For more information on what's happening in New Dublin please visit our web site: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/NonProfitBlvd/new dublin/index.html

Shamrock Club Of New Dublin
Proudly Announces
Irishman of the Year and
Irish Rose 2000

The Irish Man of the Year for 2000 is Dave Barrington, (Fluf) and Irish Rose is his wife Bonnie.

Fluf has been an active member of the Shamrock Club of New Dublin since its very beginnings when we were called the "St. Patrick's Day Committee". He has helped out in the past with all aspects of our festivities including the Parade, Irishfest, Ticket and Button Sales, Poster Ads and has been an official "mourner and pall bearer" in Finnegan's Wake. He has previously served the Shamrock Club as a Trustee and is currently serving as Parliamentarian, keeping our meetings running smoothly and updating our Constitution and By-laws as needed.

His wife Bonnie has always supported him in his efforts and has been in charge of the "Barrington Float" for the Parade in the past. Bonnie also makes a mean soda bread which has been a favorite with family members for years.

Fluf and Bonnie have four daughters, Heather (Will) Pickett, Erin, Colleen, and Shannon. As you can see by their names they are truly an Irish Family!

Fluf comes from a traditional Irish Catholic family and is the 5th of 9 children. His mother Margaret (Collier) Barrington was our first Irish Rose and his sister Judy McDaniels was Irish Rose in 1998. Also his uncle Clifford (Tip) Collier was a past Irish Man of the Year.

The Shamrock Club of New Dublin is very proud to have Fluf and Bonnie as our Irish Man and Rose for the 2000 St. Patrick's Festivities. We invite any and all to New Dublin (New London, WI) during the week of March 13-18, 2000 to help us celebrate the first St. Patrick's Day of the Millenium.

Rock County

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• March 12 - St. Patrick's Parade in downtown Beloit starting at 1 p.m.

• April 26 - General membership meeting at the Janesville Senior Center, 69 S. Water St.

It was with great sadness that we read of the death of Robert Higgins in the February Emerald Reflections. We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.

Since our November meeting we have been saddened by the death of two of our members. E. Jean Whelan died on Dec. 13 and Cy Finnegan died on Jan. 4. Jean was a registered nurse, retiring in 1989. Jean, along with her husband, Dick, started the Junior Swingsters under the auspices of the Beloit Recreation Dept. This was a group of children age 10 to 13 who were taught etiquette and social dancing. Jean also started the Future Nurses Club at Beloit Catholic High School in the early 60s. Cy was a long time member of the Shamrock Club and was our president in 1990 and was the 1992 Irish Person of the Year. He was instrumental in organizing our annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Beloit and was a faithful supporter of our Club float with which he participated in many area parades in Rock, Green and Lafayette Counties.

We welcome our new members Elnora McGinniss and Vivienne R. Martin.

Our Irish Person of the Year is Ken Flanigan. Ken lives in Rockton, Illinois with his wife, Kay, and son Kyle. Ken was our president in 1998 and 1999.

Patricia Flanigan Mahlum is our Irish Rose this year. Pat is a sister of Ken Flanigan. Pat was our Historian at one time. The Flanigans and the Mahlums and eight other relatives went to Ireland in 1994.

We hope to see all of you at the parade on March 12.

Shamrock Club of
Greater LaCrosse Area

This announces the selections of our club for Irishman and Irish Rose for 2000. Meet Dennis O'Brien and Pam Love. Congratulations to you both. They will be honored at our annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet on March 11 at the Forest Hills Country Club. Our Club members will receive details on our Blarney Newsletter. Their own stories follow.

DENNIS O'BRIEN

The two toughest parts of putting out an autobiography are: (1) an opening line; and (2) what should go into it? Someone very close to me provided me with the solution to both: check out the obituaries! With (1) out of the way, let's get on to (2).

I was born to Eugene and Arleen O'Brien in Black River Falls, Wisconsin almost 60 years ago. They are still living there and enjoying life to the fullest as they approach the ages of 91 and 83. After years of schooling and job positions from the west coast to the east coast I settled down in LaCrosse where I have taught mathematics / statistics at UW-LaCrosse for the past 31 years. During this period I also became the proud father of a son Darrin, now an engineer with GE in Louisville, KY, and daughter Darci, now an RN at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse.

Throughout those years I have been fascinated by my Irish heritage. After all, with a name like O'Brien it is as if one is wearing a badge of identification. My first chance to visit the island came in 1996 while I was teaching in Scotland. By the way, my wife Diane and I were married in the Braemar Castle which is situated in the Grampian Highlands of Scotland. We took our auto over to Ireland and put on a couple of thousand miles touring the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Both of us fell in love with the people and the country.

We returned to the Emerald Isle in 1998 and again put on miles seeing new sights and visiting some former acquaintances. In 1999 two good friends of ours asked if we would drive them around Ireland and thus we found ourselves returning at that time. We are now looking forward to our next visit. When we retire in two or three years it is our desire to spend more time tracing our ancestors. Diane and I have roots in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and of course, the USA.

My wife and I are actively involved in the LaCrosse Ireland Friendship Exchange which was formed to establish a sister city / twinning relationship between LaCrosse and a city in Ireland. We have been members of the Shamrock Club of Greater LaCrosse Area for approximately ten years. We have marched in countless parades, participated in many of the club activities such as campouts and Everything Irish, and I am also a past president of the club. It is indeed an honor to join the elite group of past Irishman of Year in this last year of the millennium.

PAMELA LOVE

On the first day of 1954, I was born to Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Love. I was born in Salem Mass. due to my father doing his surgical residency there. I have three sisters with whom I'm very close. Cyndi, in Denver; Beecher, in De Soto; and Lisa in Lansing, Iowa. I was third in the order. My Dad wasn't supposed to be able to have children so we were all a surprise. Maybe it was boys he wasn't supposed to have.

It's through my Dad that the Irish heritage comes to play. His grandfather was from Northern Ireland, and he married a women from Scotland, so Scots-Irish would be the proper combination. My mother was very much Italian, so we were really a mix. I refer to this as being American.

Like all other Irish, Italian families we were raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools. After graduating from St. George I attended the University of Iowa. Later I married an Irish man with the name Regan. We had two wonderful children Kristoffer and Tiffanine. I lost my mother as a very young girl so being a mother was something I held very sacred. Whether it was at hockey games, football, basketball, volleyball, softball, or skiing we spent a great amount of time together which I enjoyed very much.

I worked in La Crosse for G. Heileman Brewery for 22 years. Last August we all lost our jobs, so I now find myself back in school trying to become a nurse. I always wanted to be an RN so this will be a great chance - a very scary chance that is.

This past Jan. 11, I lost my dad. He had lived with me for many years and was a big part of my being involved with the Shamrock Club of La Crosse. He really loved Christmas so it was with the Rotary Lights that I became involved. My close friend Sharon Candahl got me further involved and to her I am thankful. Working with anything that has Christmas attached to it is really all my pleasure. I always get more out of it than I put in.

My Dad was very proud that I was asked to be the Irish Rose and it is for him that I will do the best job I can. I know he will be smiling the whole time, it was and will always be his special gift to all. Happy St. Patrick's Day to ALL!!!

Dane County Shamrock Club

UPCOMING DATES

• Mar. 17 - Flag Raising. Capitol Building Rotunda, noon

• Mar. 17 - Luncheon, Jingle's Coliseum, 2 p.m.

• Apr. 11 - Board Meeting, Jingle's, 6:15 p.m.

• Apr. 11 - Membership Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Story Tellers and Singers: John Gleeson, Eamon O'Neill, Geraint Wilkes.

• May 9 - Board Meeting, Jingle's 6:15 p.m.

• May 9 - Membership Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Featuring: Election of Officers, Raffle Drawing, and Patricia Gehy will speak on Irish Genealogy.

• June 3 - Bus trip to Irish points of interest in Milwaukee with John Gleeson as guide. Details to follow.

The February meeting was enjoyed by all in attendance. Ginny O'Brien and friends entertained us with music, a little history, and many, very funny jokes!

The St. Patrick's Day events are coming up quickly! Check your mail for a registration sheet for the St. Patrick's Day Luncheon! Following the flag raising, we will hold a luncheon at Jingle's at the Coliseum. Mike O'Brien is offering bus service to and from the Capitol as part of your lunch cost! Be sure to send in your reservations, prepaid, by March 10. The bus will leave from Olin Park (across John Nolen from Jingle's) at 11 and 11:30 a.m. to take you to the square. After the Flag Raising, the bus will return you to Jingle's for your lunch. Remember, the bus is provided only to those who have paid reservations for the luncheon, so sign up today!

I am very pleased to tell you that the Annual Thomas R. Green Memorial Flag Raising Celebration will be held in the Capitol Rotunda this year! We are very happy to once again be able to perform on the main floor of the Capitol. The Flag Raising will be held at noon on St. Patrick's Day and will be one hour long. Please join us for this wonderful, Madison tradition and bring a few friends.

You should have received some raffle tickets from our club in the mail. Please, try and sell at least two of your tickets. If you are unable to sell these tickets, please mail them back to Eamon O'Brien (2667 Coffeytown Rd., Cottage Grove, WI 53527), or return them at a Membership Meeting. The raffle is the only fund raiser for our club. It is important that we sell as many tickets as possible! What would you do with the $1000 prize? Or, would you choose the two tickets to Ireland ($1000 value)?

The election of officers for the DCSC Board is fast approaching. If you are interested in being a Board Member, or know of anyone who is interested, please contact Barb Gallenberg.

Barbara Ann Meade Gallenberg
Is Dane County's 2000
Irish Person of the Year

The Dane County Shamrock Club has selected Barbara Ann Meade Gallenberg as our Irish Person of the Year for her service and dedication to the Club. We offer her our congratulations! Barbara was born in Dousman, Wisconsin to Lowell and Catherine Loomis Rausch, her mother being of Irish descent. Barbara's maternal great-great grandparents, Phillip and Mary Quinn Meade, along with his mother Bridget, emigrated from County Louth in 1851 to Muskego, Wisconsin. Emigrating from Ireland in the 1840s and settling in Eden, Wisconsin were her other maternal great-great grandparents, John and Anna Flood Lyman. Great Grandfather James L. Meade of Muskego met his wife Mary Ann Lyman of Eden in the late 1870s while visiting his Irish uncles who had immigrated to Eden in the 1840s and 1850s. Barbara's paternal great-great grandparents, John and Catharine Connelly Loftus, immigrated to the United States in 1838 from Galway in County Galway. They settled first in Maryland, and by 1850 in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Barbara, her mother, and other family members had the good fortune of visiting Ireland four years ago.

Nurturing in her a great love of the outdoors and gardening, Barbara was raised on a dairy farm. She attended Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha. She has a Bachelor of Business Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master's of Science in Continuing Vocational Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a business teacher, Barbara taught for a number of years at Hustisford High School, Norris School for Boys - Mukwonago, and Madison Area Technical College.

Marrying her high school sweetheart, Bernard, in 1970, the couple has five children: Bernard Jr. (B.J.), Patrick, Deborah, Joseph and Robert. Being extremely proud of his Irish heritage, Bob also helps out in the Shamrock Club.

Barbara is an usher and Eucharistic Minister at our Lady Queen of Peace Parish and is active in her children's schools. Being involved with the Dane County Shamrock Club, she was Chairperson of the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Capitol in 1997, 1998 and 1999. In addition, Barbara was Vice President and in charge of monthly programs in 1998-99 and is currently President for the Club. Her husband, Bernard, is also active in the Club as Vice President and is in charge of monthly programs. Barbara enjoys learning all she can about her Irish heritage. Through her involvement in the Shamrock Club, she is able to help provide Irish programs and field trips so others can come to appreciate their Irish heritage as much as she does.

The Dane County Shamrock Club will honor Barbara on March 17 at the noon Thomas R. Green Memorial Flag Raising Celebration at the Capitol and the luncheon immediately following at Jingles Coliseum Bar.

Dane County March 17 Celebrations

The Dane County Shamrock Club will hold its Annual Thomas R. Green Memorial Flag Raising Celebration in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday, March 17. The Celebration begins at noon, and will end at 1 p.m.

The Dane County Shamrock Club is very proud of this annual tradition held in Madison. The Irish Flag is the only other nation's flag that has ever flown over our State Capitol building!

Please join us on St. Patrick's Day as we present the Irish Flag, and the Irish Person of the Year. You will enjoy traditional Irish music and dance. The Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers as well as Trinity Irish Dancers are scheduled to appear. Adults and children alike will enjoy the traditional bagpipes as well as join in a sing-along with The Children of the Arts Preschool.

Following the Flag Raising Celebration, there will be a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon held at Jingle's Coliseum Bar. A bus will be provided to the luncheon from the Capitol. Call Barb Darcey at (608) 837-3095 for details.

For information about the Dane County Shamrock Club, please contact Eamon O'Brien at (608) 839-4662.

Fox Cities Shamrock Club

Our Feb. 9 Membership Meeting was enjoyed by all. John McGuinness facilitated a lesson in conversational Gaelic. Giles Clark brought his guitar and entertained us with some Irish ballads.

For those interested in ongoing Gaelic lessons we will be having a session on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. before our membership meeting at 7:30 p.m. These are held at 1216 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton.

The 4th Wednesday of each month Gaelic will be at 7:30 p.m. following our Board Meeting at 7 p.m. sharp. These are held at Conkey's "Between the Pages" in Appleton.

Note the change in time for just the membership meeting from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

The Appleton Breadsmith bakery will be making traditional Irish Soda Bread on both March 17 and 18. Be sure to call a day ahead to order yours -- it goes fast.

No Membership Meeting in March - we will be having a corned beef and cabbage dinner instead on Monday, March 6 at Mark's Eastside in Appleton. Cocktails at 6 p.m. - dinner at 6:30 p.m.

One of our new members, Rhonda Wofford will be visiting Ireland again with John Gleeson's group. She plans on staying an extra week to discover on her own additional places in Ireland. She will tell us about her trip at a future membership meeting.

Oops! Van Abel's will celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 18.

We welcome new members Bob and Dixie McLaughlin, and John and Maggie Wilson.

Menasha Irishfest

Menasha Action Council will host Irishfest on Saturday, March 18. Doors open at 5 p.m. at Germania Hall, 320 Chute St. in Menasha, Wisconsin. The 6-9 p.m. event includes a dinner and show.

The cost is $20 per person and includes dinner, beer, soda, and entertainment. A family style sit down dinner of corned beef and cabbage, broasted chicken, boiled potatoes, cooked carrots, coleslaw, soda bread, dessert will be served. Entertainment will be provided by Druids Table, step-dancers, and a bagpiper. Seating is limited to 300 people and tickets must be purchased in advance.

For information contact: Menasha Action Council, 232 Main Street, P.O. Box 432, Menasha, WI 54952. Telephone 920-725-4822

Milwaukee President's Message

Congratulations to our very deserving honorees Jack Noonan, Irishman of the Year; Mary McAndrews, Irish Rose; and Muriel Crowley, Parade Marshal. There are bios of all in this issue. They will be honored at the Shamrock Club's 40th Anniversary Party on April 8 at the ICHC.

For the Shamrock Club as well as most of the Irish (and wanna be Irish) Community, March is a very busy month. The Milwaukee chapter will start on March 5 at the museum. There will be a program from noon until 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 11 starts with mass at St. Patrick's Church on 7th and Washington with the beautiful organ music, Shamrock Club Choir, and Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drum Band. After Mass there will be an "All You Can Eat" breakfast at the Community Center down the block for $5.

The parade starts promptly at noon and travels from 53rd to 74th streets along North Ave.

The Post Parade Party will run from 1-7 p.m. The charge for this very entertaining event is $6; ages 6-12 $3 and under 6 free. There will be Irish dancers and music along with food, wine, beer and soda.

Please look at the March calendar for the other events. Don't forget April 8 when the Club will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Please make plans to attend.

I would like to remind you of the security guard that is always present at the events at the ICHC. His van is parked just inside the gate of the parking lot behind the building. You will know your car is safe when you see Eddie's smile and wave.

At the March meeting we will be taking nominations for the Board of Directors. Think about running for an office. It would be a good and interesting election if we had more than one person running for each office.

Next month we will have a report on the State Meeting.

When you make plans for an extended vacation, please notify your membership chairman. The post office returns Emerald Reflections to us and the cost is 33¢ per item. This is an unnecessary expense.

We have (11) eleven events left at the Bradley Center. Please call Katy Voss at 352-6479 and tell her when you would like to work an event. We have six Bucks games, three Admirals and two Disney on Ice Shows. There is generally a few minutes when you can see these events as you choose. We thank those who have volunteered so much with special thanks to Katy for the great job of scheduling the required number of people for each event.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to March celebrants.

Milwaukee's Irish Honorees for 2000

The Milwaukee chapter of the Shamrock Club is proud to see that three long time, very deserving members are our honorees for the year 2000. They are Irishman of the Year Jack Noonan, Irish Rose Mary McAndrews, and Parade Marshal Muriel Crowley. These people have given almost 100 years of combined service to the Shamrock Club. Muriel is a return honoree, having served as one of the first Irish Roses. We are very proud of these three.

Pictured left to right: Mary McAndrews, Jack Noonan,
and Muriel Crowley

JOHN F. (JACK) NOONAN

Youngest of three children of Roy T. Noonan and Hazel A. Franks. Brother Tom (deceased), sister Mary Noonan Bold of Franklin.

I was born 2/5/31 and raised in Milwaukee. Graduated St. Thomas Aquanis Grade School in 1945. Graduated Don Bosco High School in 1949. Entered U.S. Navy March 1951, honorablely discharged February 1955. Father of four children: Dennis, Ann, Peggy, and John, all of whom live in Milwaukee.

Married to Olivia Zielinski on 4/24/71. Club member since 1969. Served on Shamrock Club Board of Directors total of seven years as Sgt. of Arms and Trustee. Volunteer at Folk Fair, Irish Fest, Bradley Center, Post Parade Party, etc. Charter member of the Color Guard Pipes and Drums. Also worked a year and half on organ restoration at St. Pats.

Worked at Debelak Bros. Plumbing & Heating and Sewer Construction for over 30 years as purchasing agent, accounts payable, billing, etc., retiring in Dec. 1992.

Hobbies and interests include movies, live theatre, cruises, and running. Olivia and I have visited Ireland five times since 1973. Our trip to Rome and Germany in 1980 included a Papal audience and Passion play. I've been a runner approximately 25 years covering over 23,000 miles. Veteran of 15 marathons including Boston in 1991 and Dublin in 1997.

Irish ancestry: paternal grandfather, Thomas Noonan born Town of Boyle, Co. Roscommon on 12/22/1840 came to America in 1862 and worked on the railroad in Toledo, Ohio until his death. Great grandparents Michael Noonan and Ann Dillion of Athlone Co. Westmeath. Maternal grandfather Gustave F. Frank born 1830s in Madrid, Spain. Maternal grandmother Lizza O'Brien of Scottish and Irish ancestry.

MARY McANDREWS

As I said at the February meeting, being the Irish Rose is a dream come true. I was introduced to the Shamrock Club by Joe and Mary Stephens soon after I moved to Milwaukee in 1970 to teach at Nicolet High School. I had grown up in Madison and attended the University there before teaching in Janesville and Madison. After 26 years at Nicolet, I had a total of 33 years of teaching high school English - usually 9th grade.

Since my retirement in 1996, I've enjoyed devoting more time to everything Irish. After years in the culture tent at Irish Fest and the culture booth at Folk Fair, I'm now in charge of the Shamrock Club membership table at the former and the culture booth chair. Since the opening of the ICHC, I've organized volunteers. I've served the Shamrock Club as secretary and am currently secretary of Celtic Women International and the ICHC Cultural Arts committee. My other major interest is the city of Milwaukee and, as a member of Historic Milwaukee, Inc., give a lot of city tours. I've recently joined the HMI board as you guessed it - secretary!

Anthony P. McAndrew, my grandfather, emigrated from Glencastle, County Mayo (near Belmullet), to New Richmond in the 1880s. He married Elizabeth Padden, a first generation Irish-American whose family also came from Glencastle. My German family followed the same pattern. Christian Ingwersen left the Schleswig-Holstein region in the 1880s to settle in Wyoming, Iowa, where he married Erne Levsen, whose Schleswig-Holstein family had arrived a generation earlier. My parents, Allan McAndrews and Helene Ingwersen, met in Madison.

After my first year of teaching, I traveled in Europe and, while in Ireland, found cousins in County Mayo. In recent years, I've visited Ireland almost every year, have taken three of John Gleeson's tours and have gone on my own. One of the trips was a two-week stay with one of the Mayo cousins who I had met during the first visit thirty years before.

The Shamrock Club has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my thirty years in Milwaukee. I am deeply honored to represent the club as Irish Rose 2000.

MURIEL CROWLEY

Blame it on Donn Goodwin, (God rest his soul) that the Crowleys belong to the Shamrock Club. Muriel and Raymond's youngest daughter Maureen was in Donn's Latin class, and he encouraged her to join the club. After a while, their oldest daughter Cathleen also joined. Ray would drive them to St Rose's for the meetings, and after a year Ray said, "Well, as long as we are there every month, we may as well join, too." We've been willing Shamrock Club members for almost two decades.

The Club has probably benefited most from Muriel's talents as a member of the Craft Club. Genevieve Farley, (God rest her soul), took Muriel under her wing, and taught her to crochet Irish tams, which resulted in many tams being sold at the Folk Fair sales booth. Muriel worked for Folk Fair for 18 years, in the Cultural or Sales booths. Muriel coordinates the events each year at the Milwaukee Public Museum, doing both a Christmas and St Patrick's Day show, centering around the Irish cottage. She proudly points out that the cottage was furnished for the most part by members of the Shamrock Club.

Muriel puts up the Christmas decorations each year in the cottage, too. In addition, for many years, Muriel was a part of the contingent that would design and decorate the Christmas tree at the Governor's mansion in Madison.

Like many other Club members, Muriel has been an active volunteer at Milwaukee Irish Fest since its inception. This will be her 20th year. She has worked in the cultural tent, the information booth, and the Shamrock Club's membership information booth. She has also been a part of the Leprachaun and Mythmakers contests, the baking contest, and worked back stage in many of the Children's plays.

Muriel and Raymond are truly blessed. They have two great sons-in-law in Chuck Ward, (Cathy), and Dennis Murphy, (Maureen). It also means they never have to pay to get in to see Blarney perform. Their grandchildren are Bridget and Colin Ward, and Brendan and Keelin Murphy. Muriel and Ray will also be celebrating 50 years of marriage in December, 2000.

Muriel's Irish roots go back to her great-grandfather, George L. Taff, born 1828 in Dublin, and emigrated in 1845. Her great grandmother was Catherine Margarita Lewis, born 1833 in Cork City, and emigrated in 1847. Both were Famine Irish emigrants.

Two streets, two parades. Mitchell Street, March 16, 1985, the Irish Rose for our 25th anniversary. North Avenue 2000, our Parade Marshal for our 40th anniversary, and our 34th annual parade. Who could ask for anything more? I feel extremely proud and honored to be your Parade Marshal 2000. It will be a day in my life that I will never forget. Thank you so much.

Welcome New Members

Lafayette Co. - Mr. and Mrs. Martin Roche.

Milwaukee - Kathryn and Dennis Behling; Mitchell and Darlene Considine; Mickey McGeoghegan; Alice Dunn Zwick (referred by Martin Ardinans)

PLEASE NOTE

If you are more than two months behind in membership dues you will be dropped from the membership list. All questions please refer to Membership Chairperson, Tom Smith, (414) 384-4119.

Important Notice:
Emerald Reflections Date Change

Content for Emerald Reflections will be due on the first of the month starting March 1. Copy received after the first of the month will not appear. Emerald Reflections is delivered via bulk mail and this gives the post office five days to process and get it out. As a result of this delay, some members do not receive them in time for some events.

Thankyou for your cooperation. Get notices to Williamson Press at 1909 W. White St., Milwaukee, WI 53204, by the first of the month starting Mar.1.

Shamrock Club At the Museum

The Shamrock Club will be at the Milwaukee Museum on Sun., March 5, from 12 to 3 p.m. We will have dancers from Cashel-Dennehy, John Richey and friends, and craftspeople. We will be in the auditorium for the dancers and musicians, and the European Village, near the Irish Cottage with the craftspeople. For information, call Muriel Crowley at (262) 782-4323. Museum admission required.

Cashel-Dennehy's Off To Ireland

Cashel-Dennehy presents Off to Ireland, Sunday April 2nd at Memorial Hall, Seventh St. and Lake Ave., Racine, Wisc. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and show starts at 2:00 p.m. A great time for all, this is a fund raiser for Cashel-Dennehy to offset expenses of dancers' trips to Ireland and the world championships.

Bakery and beverages will be available before the show, at intermission and after the show. Other performers include Shamrock Club Pipes and Color Guard, Ceol Cairde, Jeff Ward, and Vocalist Jeanne Sherkenbach. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for youth under 18 years old. For groups of 20 or more we have reduced ticket prices of $5. Any questions? Call (262) 554-6725 in Racine. Look for the fliers at ICHC, Irish Fest Office, and your favorite Irish pub.

Schooner Fare Concert

Maine's Schooner Fare will bring its energetic style of Yankee folk music to Milwaukee on Saturday, April 15. The 8 p.m. show will be held at the Pitman Theater at Alverno College, 3401 S. 39th St. Reserved seat tickets are $16 and $14, tickets for ages 18 and younger are $8.

Proceeds from the concert ad book and a raffle will go to LaCausa Crisis Nursery which offers parents a safe place to leave their children if they feel they may harm them or are unable to care for them due to domestic violence, homelessness or a medical emergency.

Schooner Fare's Steve and Chuck Romanoff and Tom Rowe are one of folk music's most popular and enduring acts. They will celebrate 25 years together later this year. The April 15 show will be the trio's only Wisconsin appearance in 2000.

For tickets and information, call Kathy Schultz at (414) 332-8521.

Phil Coulter
Highland Cathedral Tour 2000

Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee

Phil Coulter, Ireland's outstanding composer/pianist will be headlining a concert at The Pabst Theatre on Sunday March 5 at 8 p.m. as part of a 15 city US tour during March, 2000. Phil will be accompanied by his five piece ensemble and vocalist Aoife. This tour celebrates the release of "Highland Cathedral," Phil's latest album for RCA Victor.

As a composer Phil is best known to American audiences as the author of such classic Irish songs as "Steal Away," "The Town I Loved So Well" and "The Old Man." But he has also written such pop favorites as "Puppet on a String," "Congratulations" and "My Boy," which was the only song by a non American composer ever to be a hit for Elvis Presley. As a pianist Phil is best known as the creator of a unique series of 13 albums which began with "Classic Tranquility." These phenomenal albums have made Coulter the biggest record seller in Ireland. One year he managed to out sell the combined totals of U2, Chris DeBurgh, Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison. In recent years Phil has collaborated with James Galway to release two best selling albums for RCA Victor.

Phil's live performances are always a treat, combining his beautiful piano music with his natural gift for story-telling and his love of vaudeville. His five piece band plays an array of Irish instruments including uilean pipes, violins, drums, tinwhistles, bodhran, mandolin guitars. American record buyers will be familiar with the glorious singing of Aiofe from her guest appearances on "Legends" and "Winters Crossing" from Phil and James Galway and "Healing Angel" from Roma Downey. Coming from the same village in Donegal as Enya and Marie Brennan of Clannad, Aoife has according to one critic, "a voice like an Irish dawn." Whether singing an old familiar Irish love song or a brand new composition written specially for her by Phil Coulter, Aoife is guaranteed to charm US audiences as she weaves her magical spell.

Tickets for the Sunday, March 5 concert are $30 and available at the Pabst Theatre Box Office by calling (414) 286-3663.

Club Needs Your
Photos and Memorabilia!

To help celebrate the Shamrock Club's 40th birthday we need the help of the membership. If you have photographs and memorabilia from the club's past (recent and distant) please share them with us. We wish to print a special scrapbook and souvenir program to commemorate memories of the past 40 years of the Irish community. All items will be returned in good condition, we just ask that you share them with us for a short time and let us acknowledge your contribution in print.

For information contact Lisa Blake at (414) 299-0467 and leave a message or forward photos and memorabilia to: Lisa Blake, P.O. Box 5196, Elm Grove, WI 53122-5196. Please send photos and memorabilia with stories and identification on a separate piece of paper. Please do not write on the photos (unless you already have). Please send an SASE for photos and memorabilia to be returned. All donors will be acknowledged. If you wish to donate as a patron or place an ad in the program please contact Lisa at the above phone number.

Post Parade Party Committee

The largest family oriented St. Patrick's Party in Wisconsin needs volunteers to make this event a success. If you can help, contact one of the following people. It all happens Sat., March 11, 2000; 1 - 7 p.m. at the ICHC, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Chairman: Joe Hughes: 332-0504 / [W] 241-5021

Entertainment: Barry Stapleton 645-6019
and Brian Witt 423-4383

Food: Jean Cardwell 544-9391
and Sue Dundon 258-9067 / [W] 276-3393

Bar: Dale Brenon 354-4536 / [W] 651-2241

Publicity: Bob Hamill, 786-1693

Cash: Sharon Murphy 641-0906 / [W] 453-8655

9th Annual St. Patrick's Day
Monster Irish Ceili
And Set Dance

Peace Action will benefit from the 9th annual St. Patrick's Day Monster Ceili and Set Dance to be held Sunday, March 5 from 1:30 - 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Academy - Marion Center, 3195 S. Superior / Lake Dr., Milwaukee. Admission for adults is $7; Children 6-16 $3; and free to children under 6.

A ceili is a traditional Celtic gathering of friends and family joining together in a celebration of music and dance. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. with a short concert of traditional Celtic music by Milwaukee's largest ceili band, Ceol Carde (which translates from Irish Gaelic to "the Music of Friends"). Ceili dancing will be taught by Julie Clark from 2-4 p.m. Irish set dances will be taught from 4-6 p.m. by Jim and Kathie Vint. Beginners are very welcome! Many volunteers will be on hand to teach young and old alike this lively and very fun Irish dancing! Beverages, snacks and homemade bakery will be available at the hall.

This is an affordable family event for all ages and has become a favorite event in Milwaukee. Plenty of free, well lit parking is available. For further information, call Kristina Paris at (414) 372-3060.

Set Dance Classes

It's not too late to register for the set dance classes offered on Sunday afternoons from March 12 to April 2. Set aside 2 to 4 p.m. for four weeks and join the lively action at Irish Spring House on Calhoun Rd., south of Greenfield Ave., in New Berlin.

It's not necessary to come with a partner, but smooth-soled shoes are important. Advance registration is recommended. The $15 fee covers all four classes; registration at the door on Mar. 12 will be $20. Instructors include Jim and Kathie Vint and Joanna Dupuis.

For more information or to register please contact Kathie or Jim Vint, 8205 Jackson Park Blvd., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213 or call (414) 258-3370.

Blarney Marks
25 Years of Irish Music

Blarney, Milwaukee's foremost proponents of Irish folk music, will celebrate their 25th anniversary this March with a special Reunion Concert on Saturday, March 25, 2000 at the Irish Fest Center, 1532 Wauwatosa Avenue at 8:30. An $8 donation is asked at the door.

All current and former members of the band will be performing at this concert. All funds raised will be used to establish the "Blarney Collection and Dedicated Fund" as part of the John Ward Irish Music Archives. The funds will be used to document the history of Irish music in Milwaukee over the past 200 years.

Blarney will be releasing their latest CD "Songs Worth Singing" in early March and this will also be available at the Reunion Concert.

Blarney was founded in 1975 by Ed Ward, who also went on to start Milwaukee Irish Fest. The band has five recordings to their credit and has traveled throughout the US performing at festivals and Irish music venues. Current band members include Kevin Stapleton, Dennis Murphy, and Chuck Ward. Ed and Chuck are past Shamrock Club Presidents, and other band members also served as club officers over the years.

Whirligig

Whirligig is a group of innovative musicians who create vibrant and multi-faceted arrangements of music rooted in the Irish and Celtic tradition.s. Based in the musical melting pot of New York City, and playing over 20 instruments between them, they infuse their music with a wide variety of influences and sounds from other folk and world music traditions, as well as with flavors from the fields of jazz, rock and classical music. The group has been featured on NPR's "World Cafe," and were chosen to be Artists in Residence at New York University in March 1998.

Each member of Whirligig brings to the group a broad range of talents, and a diverse scope and perspective from having worked with some of traditional and contemporary music's most highly respected artists.

Having been compared to groups such as Altan and the Bothy Band, they bring a wide ranging cultural mix with some intriguing musical cross-pollinations. Irish songwriter, Tommy Sands has compared their music to a swarm of bees, whirling and feasting on flowers of many colors then back to center again. Whirligig with its swirling and infectious sound, its buzzing harmonies and melodic flights are appropriately named and not to be missed.

Celtic Music Association of Madison

March 12 - St. Pat's Eve Festival - 4 pm to 8:30 pm at The Park Ponderosa Ballroom in McFarland

• 4:00 The Snug with De Luain Dancers

• 4:35 Irish poetry reading

• 4:45 Trinity Academy Irish step dancers

• 5:15 Family dance with Mickey's Most Wednesdays Ceili Band

• 5:45 Far From Home and Celtic singers Navan with De Luain Dancers

• 7:00 Ceili dance with The Flying Cow Ceili Band

E-mail stpats@celticmadison.org or call 246-4198 or 233-6298 for more information. Association of Madison Events

Scottish Echoes
A Celebration of Tartan Day

After the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden on April 6, 1746, the British Parliament passed the Disarming Act. This Act imposed severe penalties, not only for carrying or possessing arms, but for wearing the kilt, plaid or any other tartan garment. The bagpipes were prohibited as "an instrument of war." It was not until April 6, 1782 that the Act was repealed and the Highlands rejoice with the news.

"LISTEN MEN"

This is bringing before all the Sons of the Gael that the King and Parliment of Britain have forever abolished the Act against the Highland Dress that came down to the Clans from the beginning of ule world to the year 1746. This must bring great joy to every Highland heart. You are no longer bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander. This is declaring to every man, young and old, Commons and Gentles that they, may after this put on and wear the Trews, the Little Kilt, the Doublet and Hose, along with the Tartan Kilt, without fear of the Law, of the Land or the jealousy, of enemies.

Annette Griffin

A very special concert on St. Patrick's Day will take place in the Hallamor of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center of Wisconsin when singer and harpist Annette Griffin returns to Milwaukee. Annette has entertained at Irish Fest in Milwaukee as well as Dublin Castle in Ireland.

Annette has appeared in several of Budweiser's St. Patrick's Day commercials, and she has been featured on a tourism promotion video screen by Aer Lingus on its transatlantic flights into Ireland.

Annette has been the featured entertainer for dignitaries here and abroad such as former Irish President Mary Robinson and current President McAleese at her inauguration, "The Duke of Edinburgh", Prince Phillip, President and Mrs. Reagan, former Prime Minister John Major, French President Jaques Chiac, Mr. Tony Blair, Prince Charles, his brother Prince Edward and the Clintons, to name just a few. She is the featured performer at the famous Ashford Castle in County Galway.

Open Mic Night

On March 4, 2000 the Shamrock Club and the ICHC will host the first ever Collegiate Open Mic Night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Start the Green Season off right with an evening of impromptu performances centering around Irish literature and/or music in a comfortable setting. Refreshments and beer will be available (I.D. required). No cover charge. For information or to volunteer, call Lisa Blake at (414) 299-0467.

Advertising Rates

40th Anniversary Souvenir Program

Patron:$10
(Your name will be listed as a patron sponsor of the souvenir program)

Business Card: $15

1/4 Page Ad: $25

1/2 Page Ad: $50

Full Page Ad: $100

Front and Back Inside Covers: $200

Please send to Beth Brzycki, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233

40th Birthday Party
Reservation Form

Name:_____________________________________

Address:___________________________________

City:_______________________________________

Zip:________________________________________

Telephone Days:_____________________________

Evenings: ___________________________________

No. of Complete Package Tickets _____ x $25_____

No. of Concert Only Tickets ____ x $10 __________

Total Amount Enclosed $_______________________

15th Annual Special Mass to Honor

Name:_________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________

City/State/Zip:___________________________________

Phone:________________________________________

Number of Reservations_______ Amount$ __________

Bus Reservations will not be taken after March 5