We have all seen the beautiful tradition of placing candles in the windows at Christmas time. This tradition of placing candles in the windows of homes during the Christmas season was brought to America by Irish immigrants in the 19th century. However, beyond mere decoration as Irish Americans these Christmas candles have a special significance. They reflect the fortitude and … [Read more...] about A Christmas Candle in the Window
Andrew Higgins, the Irish American ‘Noah’ of WW II
It is an iconic image of WW II, a photo taken on June 6, 1944 showing American soldiers exiting a landing craft coming ashore at Omaha beach. A few months later on October 20th, another photo captured the moment General Douglas MacArthur “returned” to the Philippines, wading ashore from a landing craft. Neither of these historic moments would have been possible without one man, … [Read more...] about Andrew Higgins, the Irish American ‘Noah’ of WW II
JOHN DEVOY, A LIFE GIVEN FOR IRELAND
In a mid-19th century classroom in one of Ireland's new "National Schools", pointed to as an example of a more "progressive" British policy in Ireland as they provided non-denominational education, a teacher faced a rebellion. One of his young students, a short, dark-haired son of a brewery clerk, refused to sing "God Save the Queen" as required at the start of the school day. … [Read more...] about JOHN DEVOY, A LIFE GIVEN FOR IRELAND
GAA Corner
Many thanks to all the Division 3 members who volunteered at or attended the Grand Opening of the Rockland GAA’s Grand Opening of the new Pavilion/Clubhouse facility back in July. The weekend was a tremendous success and we were honored to have Gerry Adams in attendance on the Sunday. We were also honored and pleased to host the RCAOH Bagpipe Competition on July 22nd. There … [Read more...] about GAA Corner
“The Liberator”, Daniel O’Connell
Daniel O’Connell was born August 6. 1775 at Carhen near Cahirciveen , County Kerry. Though his family could trace their roots back to the famous chieftains of the 14th century, 18th century Ireland was dominated politically, economically and socially by the minority Protestant ascendancy. It was still an era of the Penal Laws; a world where many of the doors of opportunity were … [Read more...] about “The Liberator”, Daniel O’Connell