Sullivan's Irish America

Sullivans Hollow, Mississippi

2012-02-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Since I first saw this, I note the following site updates matters past Clara Sullivan - http://listsearches.rootsweb.com/th/read/SULLIVAN/1999-02/0920241745
JC Sullivan

This was contributed by "English" english@c-zone.net

"From various sources I prepared the following data. Please note all of it is not proved, as these sources were internet sources, mainly census data, but a couple of brief family excerpts. A good source was the Chester Sullivan book on Sullivan's Hollow; however, in that book he says Thomas Sullivan came from South Carolina, stopped off in Alabama - census records show that Thomas Sullivan was born in Georgia, one site I found gave his place of birth as Columbia (I have not confirmed this to my satisfaction). Anyway, since the Sullivans were probably one of the most notorious families in Mississippi's history, I thought I might post this and see if anyone can help me out."

Ginny Walker English

Descendants of Thomas Sullivan

Generation No. 1

1. THOMAS SULLIVAN was born January 15, 1775 in Columbia, Georgia, and died June 10, 1855 in Sullivan's Hollow, Smith County, Mississippi. He married (1) MAUD ELIZABETH ARNOLD. He married (2) MARY POLLY WORKMAN.Notes

"The Hollow was settled by Thomas Sullivan, who was born in 1785. In 1807 he came to Mississippi from Bishopville, in up country South Carolina, bringing his wife Elizabeth, four or five of their children, and his brother John. They came west in wagons drawn by horses and oxen on the Natchez to Fort Stephens Wagon Road, which passed within five miles of Old Jaynesville. Sometimes people moving into the Southwest would settle temporarily and make a crop along the way. The Sullivan family followed that practice by spending a year in Alabama (Washington County).

John did not stay long in Mississippi before returning to South Carolina. Originally settling in southeastern Simpson county on the upper reaches of Bowie Creek near what became Old Jaynesville, the Sullivans later moved twelve miles east into what would become Smith County, where they built the log house still inhabited by their descendants." (emphasis added). p. 6

NOTE: Smith County 1850 Census shows Thomas Sullivan, family number 314 age 65, born in GEORGIA. Also shows wife Mary age 47 born in Georgia. See additional census records below.

Sullivan's Hollow lies south of Mize in a system of hills drained by Sullivan's Hollow Creek from its headwaters near Thomas Sullivan's house to where it joins Bunker Hill Mill Creek. Originally the Hollow was six miles long and three miles wide, running in a northerly crescent from west to east. Sullivan's Hollow in time expanded until it encompassed the southwest corner of Smith County and parts of Covington and Simpson counties. By the turn of the century what was generally known as Sullivan's Hollow was the area bounded by Mize on the north, Hot Coffee on the southeast, and Mount Olive and Saratoga on the southwest. (p.8)

Thomas planted his corn with a stick. He raised sweet potatoes, field peas, and a small amount of cotton used to make the family's clothing. He took any excess cotton on a two-week trip to Mobile or Natchez, where he sold it, saving the money against the time when the Indian lands would officially be opened and sold to white settlers. He bought only coffee and salt. He and his family kept chickens, hogs, and sheep for wool, and "They had the woods full of cattle." (p.9)

Thomas Sullivan had two Negro slaves. It is said that he was good to them but "made them work mighty hard". (p. 10) Thomas Sullivan became known to his descendants as "Pappy Tom". (p. 10)

Thomas Sullivan died in 1855 in the house he had built. It is said that before his death he complained of darkness in the daylight.

Children of Thomas Sullivan and Maud Arnold are:

1. JAMES "JIM"2 SULLIVAN, b. 1810, Mississippi.

2. MARGARET "PEGGY" SULLIVAN, b. 1812; m. JACOB JAMES JAKE HARVEY, 1827.

3. THOMAS HOGTON (HOG TOM) SULLIVAN, b. 1814.

4. LODERICK (LOD) SULLIVAN, b. 1816, Mississippi.

5. STEPHEN SULLIVAN, b. 1816; m. MARY A. DUNFORD, 1850.

6. OWEN SULLIVAN, b. 1817.

7. JOSEPH SULLIVAN, b. June 1818, Sullivan's Hollow; d. February 15, 1895, Sullivan's Hollow.

8. DANIEL SULLIVAN, b. 1819.

9. CELIA SULLIVAN, b. 1820; m. NORRIS OWEN, SR.

Children of Thomas Sullivan and Mary Workman are:

FREDERICK2 SULLIVAN, b. February 20, 1821, Sullivan's Hollow, d. April 15, 1897, Sullivan's Hollow.

THOMAS JEFFERSON SULLIVAN, b. 1823; d. 1897, Sullivan's Hollow; m. MARY ELIZABETH STEWART.

CAROLINE SULLIVAN, b. 1824; d. 1872; m. H. ALLEN BYRD.

HENDERSON (HENSE) SULLIVAN, b. 1825.

ELIZA JANE SULLIVAN, b. July 28, 1827, Sullivan's Hollow; d. 1890, Rapides Parish, Louisania; m. CALVIN ATES, 1850.

MARK D. SULLIVAN, b. March 29, 1830, Sullivan's Hollow, d. August 17, 1913, Sullivan's Hollow.

WILEY (BIG WILEY) SULLIVAN, b. August 30, 1833, Sullivan's Hollow; d. April 18, 1904. m. ANNIE THERRISA REDDOCK.

MARY ANN SULLIVAN, b. May 19, 1835, Sullivan's Hollow; m. JOHN L. SPELL, September 1865.

SAMUEL SULLIVAN, b. June 11, 1839, Sullivan's Hollow; d. January 25, 1917; m. SARAH E. HATHORNE.

CORNELIUS (CONN) SULLIVAN, b. 1841, Sullivan's Hollow; m. JANE WIGGINTON.

LOUGHTON SULLIVAN, b. May 24, 1844, Sullivan's Hollow; d. August 20, 1898; m. MARTHA JO (MATTIE) WEST.

ALEXANDER M. SULLIVAN, b. October 09, 1847, Sullivan's Hollow; d. March 20, 1937, Smith County, Mississippi; m. MARYAN CATHERINE KEYES.

CLARA SULLIVAN, b. 1822, Sullivan's Hollow; m. JAMES "JIM" TEW.

Mallow Heritage Centre

2011-11-16T03:11:00.000-08:00

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

Phone: 022/50302 Fax 022/20276 E-mail: mallowhc@eircom.net

__________________________________________________________________________________

27/28 Bank Place,

Mallow,

Co. Cork.

Ireland.

Dear Sir/Madam,

The County of Cork comprises one- tenth of the land of Ireland and is the largest County in Ireland. County Cork also had the second largest population in Ireland during the Nineteenth Century. For this reason the County was administratively divided into three Dioceses, these being Cork, Ross and Cloyne. When the Heritage Centres were set up, a Centre was allocated to each Diocese. The one you are presently dealing with is the Centre for the Diocese of Cloyne, i.e. forty-six parishes out of the one hundred and twenty parishes within the County of Cork and holding 1,000,000 entries on our database, the third largest record database in Ireland.

The Centre for the Diocese of Cork was set up in Cork City some years ago but will not be providing a research service for a number of years. Then we have the Diocese of Ross, which incorporates most of West Cork. This area is known as a black spot in Irish Genealogy. A centre was established for this area some years ago but has since been closed due to legal difficulties. Mallow Heritage Centre is the only Centre that provides a Research Service in Co. Cork. Many people decide to carry out research in our forty-six parishes, which helps them to identify whether their ancestors originated in the Cloyne Diocesan area and if not, to eliminate this area from their research.

Our Application Form is attached. On receipt of this Application Form, together with the appropriate fee, I will be delighted to carry out a search on your behalf.

If you choose to pay our fees by credit card our website is at www.mallowheritagecentre.com.

Mallow Heritage Centre Online service is now operating – access through www.rootsireland.ie. This site is part of the Irish genealogical Online Record Search system (ORS), a national initiative organized by the Irish Family History Foundation.

This site contains the largest collection of Parish records for Co. Cork (North & East) that are searchable online. The complete indexes, listing surname, first name, and year are yours to search freely. To view a detailed record you can purchase credit online for instant access.

Yours sincerely,

Susanna Russell

Mallow Heritage Centre

27/28 Bank Place,

Mallow

Co. Cork,

Ireland

The Mallow Heritage Centre holds the records of forty-six parishes in North and East Cork which forms the Diocese of Cloyne.

Ancestor’s Name: _________________________________

Ancestor’s Place of Birth in County Cork:_____________________________

Ancestor’s Father:_____________________________________________

Ancestor’s Mother (including her pre-marriage surname)___________________

Ancestor’s approximate year of birth:______________

Ancestor’s religious denomination: ______________________________

Did your ancestor marry in Co. Cork Yes or No?__________________

If yes, (a) to whom:_____________________

(b) approximate year:_________________

(c) names of children born in Co. Cork:__________________________

___________________________________________________

When did your ancestor emigrate? _________________________

Names of brothers and sisters of your ancestors? _________________

___________________________________________________

Did you ancestor’s parents emigrate? ________________________

Further information (if necessary use a separate sheet):

_________________________________________________

Please fill in your name and address below:

_____________________________________

____________________________________

Please tick the Search required.

q Initial Search

q Priority Service

q Single Search

Please forward Euro €65.00 (US $90) per family for an Initial Search, (key family provided if located) or Priority Service, (Service provided within 21 days) Euro €90 (US $125). Single Search, Euro €40 (US $55) (A single search aims to locate the Baptismal record or Marriage record of an individual). This fee applies whether the result of the search is positive or negative. The cheapest method of payment appears to be by personal cheque in your own currency made payable to Mallow Heritage Centre.

All the above fees include a search of the 46 parishes of the Diocese of Cloyne.

All searches include a family assessment - over generations-, of all sources and data available at Mallow Heritage Centre (i.e. further generation searches, Census Records, Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Applotment Records, Graveyard Inscriptions, National School Records). Any records located in addition to the requested search will be provided at a further cost, if required.

If the search proves negative the client will be advised on alternative search routes if appropriate.

Online Record: www.rootsireland.ie

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

The following is a list of the Computerised ROMAN CATHOLIC Parish Records.

PARISH BAPTISMS MARRIAGES

Aghada 1792-1895 1785-1897

Aghinagh 1848-1895 1858-1895

Glanworth & 1836-1899 1836-1899

Ballindangan

Ballyclough 1807-1922 1805-1922

Ballyhea 1809-1922 1811-1922

Ballymacoda 1835-1899 1836-1899

Ballyvourney 1822-1895 1871-1899

Banteer 1828-1922 1828-1922

Blarney 1820-1922 1779-1922

(GAP 1814-1821

Buttevant 1814-1905 1820-1920

Carrigtwohill 1817-1922 1818-1922

Castlelyons 1791-1910 1830-1922

Castlemagner 1832-1899 1832-1898

Castletownroche 1810-1922 1811-1922

Charleville 1827-1922 1774-1922 (GAP 1815-1827)

Churchtown 1812-1909 1813-1922

Clondrohid 1807-1895 1822-1894

Cloyne 1791-1922 1791-1895

Cobh 1812-1908 1812-1899

Coachford 1820-1895 1820-1895

Conna 1832-1911 1844-1922

Doneraile 1815-1922 1815-1899

Donoughmore 1803-1895 1790-1899

Fermoy 1827-1899 1828-1899

Glantane 1829-1895 1858-1895

Grenagh 1840-1899 1840-1899

Imogeela 1835-1899 1834-1899

Inniscarra 1814-1895 1814-1899

Kanturk 1822-1922 1824-1922

Kildorrery 1824-1899 1803-1895

Killavullen 1805-1895 1806-1895

Killeagh 1829-1896 1823-1897

Killnamatyra 1803-1894 1803-1895

Kilworth 1829-1899 1830-1899

Lisgoold 1807-1895 1822-1899

Macroom 1805-1898 1780-1899

Mallow 1809-1922 1758-1922

(GAP 1810-1817 & 1829-1831)

Meelin 1866-1899 1867-1899

Midleton 1819-1899 1810-1899

(GAP1855-1865

Milford 1827-1896 1823-1895

(GAP 1844-1858)

Mitchestown 1792-1899 1815-1899

(GAP 1802-1814

Mourneabbey 1829-1907 1829-1907

Newmarket 1833-1906 1822-1922

Rathcormac 1792-1899 1829-1899

Shandrum 1793-1917 1793-1922

Youghal 1803-1899 1802-1906

MALLOW HERITAGE CENTRE

The following is a list of computerised CHURCH OF IRELAND Parish Records

PARISH RECORD YEAR

AHERN Baptism No Records

Marriage 1846 - 1892

BALLYCLOUGH Baptism No Records Marriage 1845 - 1898

BALLYHEA Baptism 1764 - 1899

Marriage 1780 - 1844

Death 1777 - 1898

BALLYHOOLY Baptism 1894 - 1897

Marriage 1850 – 1899

BALLYNOE Baptism 1882 - 1899

Marriage 1858 - 1896

Death 1886 - 1898

BRIDGETOWN Baptism 1859 - 1871

Marriage No Records

BRIGOWN Baptism 1768 - 1898

Marriage 1810 - 1848

Death 1810 - 1899

BUTTEVANT Baptism 1800 - 1899

Marriage 1845 - 1899

Death 1800 - 1899

CARRIGALEARY Baptism No Records

Marriage 1848 - 1871

CASTLEHYDE Baptism 1768 - 1827

Marriage 1775 - 1899

CASTLELYONS Baptism 1815 - 1839

Marriage 1846 - 1898

Death 1890

CASLTEMAGNER Baptism No Records

Marriage 1849 - 1899

CASTLEMARTYR Baptism 1800 - 1898

Marriage 1845 - 1894

CASTLETOWNROCHE Baptism 1829 - 1899

Marriage 1845 - 1895

CHARLEVILLE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1845 - 1899

CLONDULANE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1848 - 1889

CLONMEEN Baptism 1889 - 1896

Marriage 1848 - 1862

Death 1892

CLONPRIEST Baptism No Records

Marriage 1851 – 1870

CURRAGLASS Baptism 1894 - 1898

Marriage 1846 - 1897

DONERAILE Baptism 1730 - 1900

Marriage 1741 - 1895

Death 1700 - 1899

DONOUGHMORE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1845 - 1887

Death 1899

DRISHANE Baptism 1877 - 1900

Marriage No Records

DROMTARRIFFE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1849 - 1888

FARAHY Baptism No Records

Marriage 1845 - 1898

FERMOY Baptism 1822 - 1899

Marriage 1838 - 1899

Deaths 1800 - 1899

GLANWORTH Baptism No Records

Marriage 1846 - 1881

GLENVILLE Baptism 1877 - 1899

Marriage 1851 - 1899

GORTROE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1846 - 1872

KANTURK Baptism 1878 - 1899

Marriage No Records

KILBOLANE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1846 - 1894

KILBRIN Baptism No Records

Marriage 1845 - 1898

KILLEAGH Baptism 1782 - 1880

Marriage 1776 - 1876

KILSHANNIG Baptism 1731 - 1899 Marriage 1845 - 1898

Death 1731 - 1899

KILWORTH Baptism 1887 - 1899 Marriage 1845 - 1897

Death 1887 - 1899

KNOCKMOURNE Baptism 1899

Marriage 1745 - 1790

MALLOW Baptism 1732 - 1899

Marriage 1780 - 1899

MONANIMY Baptism No Records

Marriage 1845 - 1879

MOURNEABBEY Baptism 1832 - 1884

Marriage No Records

Death 1850 - 1874

NATHLASH Baptism 1844 - 1868

Marriage No Records

NEWMARKET Baptism No Records

Marriage 1846 - 1895

RAHAN Baptism No Records

Marriage 1847 - 1894

Deaths 1881 - 1886

RATHCORMAC Baptism 1800 - 1899

Marriage 1821 - 1897

Deaths 1800 - 1899

TULLYLEASE Baptism No Records

Marriage 1860

WATERGRASSHILL Baptism No Records

Marriage 1848 - 1895

WHITECHURCH Baptism No Records

Marriage 1848 - 1877

Iowa chaplain was among first to die at Pearl Harbor

2011-11-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Posted by: "FCoolavin@aol.com" FCoolavin@aol.com

Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:04 am (PST)

All,
I posted this article from Catholic News Service several years ago. It is a good reminder of the bravery and courage of our military chaplains. It deserves to be re-run on this Veterans Day.

J. Michael Finn
Ohio State Historian
Ancient Order of Hibernians
Columbus, Ohio

Iowa chaplain was among first to die at Pearl Harbor

By Patrick Downes Catholic News Service_ (http://www.catholicnews.com/index.html)

HONOLULU (CNS) -- Father Aloysius H. Schmitt, a 32-year-old Navy chaplain frm Dubuque, Iowa, had just finished celebrating the 6:15 a.m. Sunday Mass on Dec. 7, 1941, on board the USS Oklahoma, a battleship in port at Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese struck.

The first torpedo hit the massive ship forward on the port side. A second hit the center. Torrents of water poured into the gaping holes caused by the explosions.

As the attack raged, Father Schmitt went to the ship's sick bay to minister to the wounded and dying. But within minutes it became clear that the Oklahoma itself was mortally stricken and the call was given to abandon ship.

The book ``Trapped at Pearl Harbor, Escape from the Battleship Oklahoma,'' by Stephen Bower Young, describes what happened next to the young chaplain. ``Trapped at his battle station on the second deck below when the ship went over, Father Schmitt helped several sailors escape through a porthole to safety,'' it says. ``When he in turn tried to squeeze through, he was unable to do so, quite possibly because of the breviary in his pocket.

``Then seeing that other sailors had entered the rapidly flooding compartment for a means of escape, Chaplain Schmitt insisted that he be pushed back inside to assist them. True to his commitments as a priest and a naval officer, he urged them on, helping them to safety out of the porthole before
water engulfed him there.''

Jack Henkels, a Catholic park ranger at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, researched Father Schmitt's story during the 1990s. He wrote an article for the fall 1997 issue of the Arizona Memorial newsletter. Henkels cited the account of two eyewitnesses in his story. ``He told the men trying to pull him out (to) let him back in,'' Henkels wrote. ``They protested, saying that he would never get out alive, but he insisted, `Please let go of me, and may God bless you all.'''

Another account by Pearl Harbor chaplain Jesuit Father Francis X. O'Connor, published in the Oct. 5, 1944, issue of The Witness, newspaper of the Diocese of Dubuque, related the story as told to him by the shipman who had tried to save Father Schmitt. It said, ``The sailor did not want to let him go but finally yielded to his demands. The sailor hoped he was going in to clear his pocket but reports
that Father seemed to think that there were others in the compartment by now.''

There were. After the priest helped them escape, the 35,000-ton ship gave a lurch, and less than 20 minutes after the first torpedo hit, it rolled over and settled into the mud in the harbor. Two-thirds of the crew survived the attack; 448 men died.

Father Schmitt was the first U.S. Catholic chaplain to be killed in World War II. The next day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, would have been the sixth anniversary of his ordination.

On Oct. 23, 1942, the Navy posthumously honored the chaplain with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for ``distinguished heroism and sublime devotion to his fellow man.'' `His magnanimous courage and self sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,'' the citation said. ``He gallantly gave up his life for his country.''

In his book, Young questioned the appropriateness of the relatively minor honor: ``One can only wonder why the Navy did not see fit to grant Lt. Schmitt a much higher award, for he gave his life so that others might live, the highest sacrifice an individual can make.''

Father Schmitt is most likely buried at Punchbowl Cemetery in Hawaii, in a grave with about 400 other unidentified bodies recovered from the Oklahoma. His name is engraved there in the Courts of the Missing. He also is memorialized on a plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center at Pearl Harbor along with the only other chaplain who died in the Japanese attack, Presbyterian Rev. Thomas L. Kirkpatrick of the USS Arizona.

A chapel was named after him at his alma mater, Loras College in Dubuque. Three years after his death, the Navy presented the chapel with a crucifix made from wood from the Oklahoma's teak deck, with the body of Christ cast from metal from the ship.

His chalice, bent in the attack, also was recovered from the ship and presented to the college.

County Cork Roots

2011-11-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

I understand there is a fine heritage center housed in the Old Gasworks Building on Upper Bridge St., in Skibbereen (www.skibbheritage.com.) They provide a comprehensive explanation about An Gorta Mor and just how it impacted the area and the people residing there. The people of Skibbereen were living in one of the worst areas in the nation to be affected.

The Center also has other resources for those interested in pursuing their family history. Griffith's Valuation Index is the first Irish property ownership record. The records they have cover 1848 - 1866. The Tithe Applotment books are from 1823-1837. I understand they also have a Catholic record database of baptisms and marriages for some West Cork parishes.

From the U.S. their telephone is 011.353.28.40900 or fax 011.353.28.40957. Within Ireland it is 028.40900)

Sullivan's Irish Whiskey

2011-10-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Some time back, Cleveland City Councilman Pat O'Malley returned from a trip to Ireland. With him was a gift for his Aide, Erin Sullivan - a bottle of Sullivan's Irish Whiskey. Made from Irish apples, at the time it was distilled by John Sullivan & Sons, Dublin.

After thanking O"Malley she said, "I'll have to have my dad over when we open it." Then, as an afterthought, she said, "Maybe that's not such a good idea."

Had she invited me it might have been polished off at one sitting! 8-)

Commentary on British Subpoena of Boston College by Michael Cummings

2011-09-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

IRISH AMERICAN UNITY CONFERENCE
BOX 55573
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20040 September 27, 2011

Dear Editor:

Our U. S Attorney General has been overcome by an episode of royal arrogance so breathtaking it staggers the imagination. It occurs by way of the latest effort of the United Kingdom to control Ireland’s past, present and its future!! How so?

Her majesty’s government had the imperial gall to demand U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder enforce a subpoena provided by the police force in Northern Ireland, a Department better known for murders and mayhem than for law enforcement.

The instrument used is the misbegotten Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) sold as an aid to law enforcement in the fight against terrorism. How is this done in a country with more uniformed terrorists on its payroll in N. I. than there are Arab terrorists? The British hold those lovely parties at the Embassy for a supporting cast of fawning diplomats and hangers-on always impressed with Royal Dalton China and the finest Scotch. They then produce a subpoena demanding documents held by one of the nations’ premier Catholic universities, Boston College. 'Be a chap and go fetch these records for us like a good fellow!'

No police force in a modern democracy, nor in China, has as many unsolved murders of Catholics---nearly a thousand--- as has the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Not only gall but ironry, because Britain refuses to disclose two reports (Stevens, Stalker) that document the collusion of the RUC with loyalist criminals in a record of lawlessness that stands alone for its violence and corruption. Britain has had this police force refusing to cooperate with Ireland , the U. S. Congress and anyone else, in covering up the role of the British Army in the largest State-terrorist act of the conflict, the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

Americans of all faiths, creeds, colors and national origin should be outraged. But decades of British media schmoozing since
Bloody Sunday have perfected the lie of an ‘honest broker’ role and many see the Belfast Agreement of 1998 as closing this chapter. Think again. This is just another step, another chess move in the never-ending story of Britain’s need to control Ireland. But for those so inclined, may I suggest some thoughts that might be conveyed to our elected officials before they collaborate in this injustice!

The Attorney General should delay or decline the response to the subpoenas because they are contrary to public policy i. e. support of the Irish peace process. It represents a politically inspired fishing expedition to interfere in the political affairs of Ireland. It appears focused on Gerry Adams.

The MLAT states the U. S. should enforce the subpoena unless it violates our laws and practices. But what about the lawlessness of the Requesting Party i. e. Britain? They are the single largest violator of European Political & Civil Rights accords and Human Rights Conventions.

The Police Ombudsman for N. I. in January, 2007 reported many areas of police collusion in murder with loyalist paramilitaries. Why is the U. S. government assisting the RUC/PSNI, the most discredited police force in of any modern democracy?

In 2006, in order to get the MLAT adopted, the British Government assured U. S. Senators that they were NOT interested in pursuing pre-Good Friday Agreement prosecutions. Now the first action they take pursuant to this Treaty is to selectively request documents and tapes that might have something to do with a 40 year old case which the Police Ombudsman indicated they never investigated in the first place. Why should the U.S. government fall for this British bait and switch tactic? It is insulting not only to U. S. Senators but to the American people.

The British (through the Attorney General) claim the Belfast Accord did not grant amnesty. Oh, but it did for British-paid
terrorists! Jolly Old England has refused to cooperate or prosecute those who committed the Dublin-Monaghan bombs that killed 33 and injured hundreds. Nor have they pursuied the killers of solicitors Patrick Finucane and Rosemary Nelson. They have refused to comply with a unanimous request of Dail Eirean for information on the Dublin Monaghan case. The British have ignored requests from the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe for full independent inquiries into the murders of Finucane and Nelson. What part about the word “cooperation” do they not get?

Attorney General Holder, in response to the debacle of Operation Fast and Furious, declared there are a lot of ‘Operations’ in the Justice Department going on that people are not aware of, including himself. Perhaps there are Operation Royal Snowjobs the British are running by using the U. S. Justice Department as patsies.

In October, 2006 the Independent International Panel Chaired by Professor Douglass Cassel of Notre Dame Law School
concluded “in 24 cases involving 74 murders, evidence linked the RUC/PSNI and the UDR (British Army) with loyalist
paramilitaries …and the investigation and ensuing prosecution of murdered Catholics were inadequate by any standard.”
How can the Chief law enforcement officer of the U. S. think of ever turning anything over to this gang of uniformed thugs?

In March, 2010 Jane Winter of British Irish Rights Watch, in testimony before the U. S. Helsinki Commission, indicated that the Ballmurphy murders by the British Army of 11 Catholics and the loyalist killings of 15 Catholics in McGurk's Bar, both
in 1971, have yet to be properly investigated. The British refuse to allow an inquiry into the murder of solicitor
Patrick Finucane ...despite compelling evidence that the police, the Army and the Intelligence services were all
implicated in his murder...” Why should the U. S. give any priority to getting Boston College records when Britain has yet to
even investigate crimes, never mind prosecute the slaughter of Catholics?

In sworn testimony before the U. S. Helsinki Commission, Raymond McCord, a Unionist whose son was murdered by the UVF, testified that senior UVF man Mark Haddock was involved in many murders, one bombing, punishment attacks and drug dealing and worked for the British intelligence services for 12 years. He stated “ the British did collude with terrorist organizations …they are no different than Muammar Gaddafi’s government blowing up a jet with 300 people on it… [his] … was one revolting act of terrorism: the terrorists in N. I. committed thousands of acts of terrorism—many by police agents.” Where does the British government, with so much blood on its hands, get the nerve to make the United States a
partner in their treachery and lawlessness!!!

One of the reasons the U. S. Attorney General argues the subpoena should be enforced and complied with is “there is no reason to conclude the United Kingdom is not engaged in a bona fide criminal investigation.” Anyone with a sophomoric
knowledge of the British version of law, order and justice in Northern Ireland must conclude THAT THE BRITISH DO NOT KNOW HOW TO CONDUCT A BONA FIDE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION!!!

In 1996 Dr. Anthony Lake spoke at Georgetown University and concluded his remarks by stating “..we are determined to continue supporting the people of Northern Ireland …as they take risks for the peace that they themselves must build.” There is no one who took more risks for peace than Gerry Adams, an elected Member of Parliament and a current Member of the Irish Dail. There are elements of the British government that would prefer to see instability, the return of troops
and the restoration of the police State in N. I. The objective of this subpoena is to meddle in the affairs of Ireland
and to destabilize a peace process in which the U. S. has invested so much time and effort. The fact that this subpoena could contribute to destabilizing the peace process is another reason the Attorney General can decline to enforce it.

Why isn’t the Attorney General using the MLAT to get information from the British government about the pardon of Libyan bomber el-Megrahi so that the families of the American victims might know whether the U. S. government or British Petroleum is Britain’s true partner in law enforcement?

In testimony before the House International Relations Committee in 2005, Mitchell Reiss, Special Envoy of the
President to Northern Ireland, spoke of the fundamentals of justice and how …in a democratic society, it is the responsibility of elected politicians to uphold the rule of law and cooperate with authorities.” This was the call of British government
officials after the slaughter of 14 innocent people on Bloody Sunday. After 40 years of lying they admitted that
the killings were murders but found no reason to charge the murdering Paratroopers. Compliance and enforcement
of this subpoena would not serve the purposes of law but MAKE A MOCKERY OF THE RULE OF LAW. The U. S. would be giving a stamp of approval for every tool of repression…internment, kangaroo courts, paid perjurers (supergrasses), censorship, and State-sponsored assassination of elected officials…… used by the British and other despots. Does our Constitution and history of freedom struggles mean nothing to this Administration?

In March, 2011 Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Commission on the Security and Cooperation in Europe, expressed his concern over the British government adopting an Inquiries Act which would empower the government to limit independent action by the judiciary. It would also block scrutiny of State actions…particularly in light of the British government’s continuing refusal to heed calls for independent public inquiry into police collusion, and to release the findings of its own inquiries into collusion (Stalker, Stevens).” Britain isn’t interested in the facts or truth of any crime. It is about keeping a lid on their cesspool of lawlessness while continuing to meddle in the affairs of Ireland.

This is as much a struggle for American dignity and American justice as it is a struggle for the terrible truth of Britain’s misrule in Ireland. It is a struggle Americans must win!

Sincerely,

Michael J. Cummings, Member
National Board
12 Marion Ave
Albany, NY 12203-1814

First trip to Ireland, 1993

2011-09-19T13:28:00.001-07:00

Centennial of Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument, Cleveland, OH

2011-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hibernian's dedication to Irish history keeps Cronin's 1880 design alive as part of 175th anniversary commemorative coin

2011-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Davey

Sometimes Irish History can be found in the most unlikely places , as Richard Quinn discovered in an antique store. Quinn's research and years of commitment to Irish history have produced enough information on the Youngstown's Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) to fill five books. As a Historian for Youngstowns's Joseph T. Nally AOH Division, he is following in the foodsteps of his grandfather, who was also a Hibernian.

After many trips to the library viewing microfiche articles, his research showed that, next to Cincinnati, Youngstown was one of the oldest AOH divisions in the state. Looking in the Vindicator's archives as far back as 1869, Quinn discovered Youngstown had seven AOH divisions at one time. An avid history collector led him to an antique shop in Pennsylvania where he found an original post card depicting an AOH design. Not knowing what he found, he started on a quest to find more information it. He learned the 1880 design was by Youngstown Hibernian Cornelius J. Cronin. It was to be used as an emblem for the state of Ohio but was never officially designated as such. Quinn contacted Michael McCormack, AOH National Historian with his findings. It was declared the emblem is one of the oldest on record for the Ohio AOH. McCormack recommended it be used as part of the design on the official coin commemorating this year’s 175th anniversary of the National AOH.

The back of the coin depicts Cronin's emblem. At their recently-concluded 78th Biennial Ohio State Board Convention in Boardman, Quinn was honored with their Historian’s Award. It was presented by State Board President Joe Casey and State Historian J. Michael Finn for his outstanding work in the area of Irish History. The award was originated in 2003 to recognize outstanding work among the Ohio's Division Historians. This is the second time Quinn has received this award. In addition to his dedication to Irish history. He has discovered more AOH-donated stained glass windows in Catholic churches than anyone in Ohio.

More information on the AOH can be found at their Ohio website, http://www.ohio.aoh-laoh.com

Lorain Avenue Reunion - "Memories on Lorain"

2011-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Boland Berry Division, AOH, 2011 Steak Roast

2011-06-14T14:02:00.001-07:00

Top 50 Irish Books

2011-05-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

Irish Units in the Confederacy

2011-04-28T17:47:00.001-07:00

IRISH MEN IN THE CONFEDERACY

Much has been written about the Irish in the military service of the United States. Irish Medal of Honor recipients, too, are well documented. However, a lesser known aspect of the American Civil War is our service in the Confederate States of America (CSA).

In 1861, several cities in the American south and Midwest had large Irish populations, namely New Orleans, Savannah, Galveston, Mobile, Memphis, Charleston, Nashville, St. Louis and Louisville. Many Irishmen joined local militia units that were also social in nature. Members drilled, marched and learned to use firearms. In Border States, such as Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, Irish served in both the Federal and Confederate armies and navies. Sometimes brother fought against brother. In some units, Irish-born soldiers, if not wholly composing the units, numbered at least two thirds of the unit.

During the evening just prior to the battle of Fredericksburg it was reported CSA musicians played “The Bonnie Blue Flag”. During the battle itself, Meagher's Irish Brigade was decimated as they attacked Marye’s Heights. A Confederate Irish Unit (possibly the 2nd Georgia) was opposing them. An officer in that unit was Willie Mitchell, who was the son of John Mitchell, General Meagher's friend, fellow prisoner in Australia and fellow Young Ireland member. Following the war, Mitchel was imprisoned with Jefferson Davis. Upon release he later edited a Pro-Southern newspaper in Richmond.

In his diary, later published as The Valiant Hours, Cleveland’s Thomas F. Galwey, Co. B, 8^th OVI, reported that after the battle of Fredericksburg both USA and CSA troops ceased-fire so the dead could be collected and buried. ”Jim Gallagher told us that he had met a man from the 16^th Mississippi Regiment (an Irish regiment, it seems). They all, Confederate and Federal parted on good terms and bade one another a sincere goodbye.”

The state of Alabama fielded several units. Montgomery was the terminus of the Louisville & Nashville railroad. Traditionally, Irish worked the railroads and it should not be surprising to find Irish communities in Montgomery and Mobile during these times. Irish units reportedly were the Alabama Light Dragoons and Mobile Dragoons. Co. B, 24th Alabama Inf. (Emmett Guards); 24th Alabama Cavalry Battalion

The 24th Alabama Cavalry Battalion was organized on 31 December 1863, with three companies. Like their Federal counterparts, young men staffed the units. Most served under General Joseph Wheeler in the Cavalry Corps, assigned to the Brigades of Philip Dale Roddey and Moses Wright Hannon. In January, 1865, they were transferred into James Hagan's Brigade. The battalion was involved in the Atlanta Campaign at Resaca and the siege of the city. As they withdrew southward they continued to confront Union forces throughout Georgia and the Carolinas. They eventually surrendered with the Army of Tennessee at Durham Station, Orange County, North Carolina, 26 April 1865.

Another unit, Co. I, 8th Alabama Infantry (Emerald Guards), was from Mobile. The 8^th was the first Alabama unit to enlist “for the war.” Co. I had 104 Irish-born out of 109. Patrick C. Loughry, who was killed in action at the battle of Seven Pines, commanded them. C. P. B. Branegan, later killed at Gettysburg, succeeded him. John McGrath assumed command, only to be wounded at the battle of The Wilderness, Spotsylvania. He was forced to retire on 27 December, 1864.

Instead of butternut and gray, the men of the Emerald Guards wore dark green uniforms. Their banner was unique as well. On one side was a Confederate First National flag ("Stars and Bars") on one side with a full-length figure of George Washington in the center. On its opposite side was a green field, with a harp surrounded by a wreath of shamrocks, and the slogans, "ERIN GO BRAGH!" (Ireland Forever!) and "FAUGH A BALLAGH!" (Clear The Way!). An enlistment banner for the unit at that time proclaimed: “Men of the Auld Sod! Sons of Erin! The deep green uniforms of Company I, 8th Alabama Emerald Guard should be seen again on the Field of Honor! Good men of Irish origin or ancestry are needed to command and fill the ranks. March under the green banner once again. Contact Major Michael Kelley for information.”

At the Battle of Frazier’s Farm they engaged Meagher’s Irish Brigade. The 8^th Alabama fought in some of the bloodiest and most savage battles of the Civil War - Sharpsburg (Antietam), 2^nd Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. When rumors of surrender reached them they became indignant and “tore their battle-flag into shreds to retain as mementos. Of 1,377 men on its roll, the 8th lost 300 killed or mortally wounded, over 170 died of disease, and 236 were discharged or transferred; 16 officers and 153 men surrendered.”

More on the unit can be found on two websites - http://www.tarleton.edu/~kjones/wilcox.html#8th-Inf

http://www.37thtexas.org/html/CoI8thAla.html

The state of Louisiana fielded several Irish volunteer units, among them:

13th Louisiana Infantry - Capt. O'Leary's "Southern Celts", Co. B, St. Mary's Volunteers;

1st Louisiana Infantry - "Emmett Guards", Co. D, E. The First Louisiana was one of two brigades of Louisiana infantry which served with the 2nd Corps Army of Northern Virginia. 7,534 officers and men served in the various regiments during the war. 1,743 1st Brigade, sons of Louisiana, gave their lives for their country, in the war. A larger number of the Brigade was captured when they were overrun at Rappahannock Station, Virginia, November 7, 1864.

7^th Louisiana Infantry – Co. C - "Sarsfield's Rangers"; “Irish Volunteers”. Of the 974 men in the 7^th, 331 were born in Ireland. Mustered into service for the duration of the war on June 5, 1861. Though composed mainly of farmers, laborers, and clerks, Gen. Richard Taylor referred to the 7th as a "crack regiment". The original colonel of the regiment was Harry T. Hays, who went on to become a distinguished General with the 7th coming under the command of his lieutenant colonel, Davidson B. Penn for the remainder of the war. The unit’s major engagements were:

Sharpsburg (Antietam). Brigade at this time did not number over 550 men. The command was reduced, losing more than one-half (323 killed and wounded);

Gettysburg. Total loss: 7 officers and 29 men killed, 22 officers and 178 men wounded, and 4 officers and 91 men missing;

Winchester. 2 officers and 10 men killed, 8 officers and 59 men wounded, making a total of 12 killed and 67 wounded. On June 13, 2 men killed 3 officers and 8 men wounded, and 3 men missing. Total of the two days' operations: 14 killed, 78 wounded, 3 missing.

Of the total wartime rolls of 1,077 men, 190 were killed and 68 died of disease. The regiment suffered only a ten percent desertion rate, a trivial number when compared with other regiments with such diverse ethnic backgrounds.

6th Louisiana Infantry - "The Emeralds", Co. B, F. Commanded by Colonel Isaac Seymour;

The 6th was composed of almost all Irish laborers from New Orleans. Organized at Camp Moore, Louisiana on June 2, 1861 the unit was almost immediately sent to Virginia, where it participated in the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run). After the battle the 6th was placed in an all-Louisiana brigade that included the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Louisiana and Wheat's Special Battalion. The brigade, initially commanded by Brig. Gen. Richard Taylor, became known throughout the Army of Northern Virginia as the "Louisiana Tigers." When it surrendered to the US government on April 9, 1865, less than 60 of the original 1,146 that fought throughout the war were present.

Colonel Charles de Choiseul, descendant of a commander of the original Wild Geese, was promoted to commander of the Wheat’s “Tigers.” Upon learning of this he said, “I am the victim of circumstances, not of my own will. Whether the Tigers will devour me, or whether I will succeed in taming them, remains to be seen. What is more likely, is that they will remain in their high state of undiscipline. For the officers, at least the majority of them, are worse than the men. " (Letter, Charles de Choiseul to Emma Louise Walton, September 5, 1861} An incident in November of that year appears to validate de Choiseul’s perception.

Two members of the “Tigers” shared a bottle of whiskey with members of the 21^st Georgia Volunteers but the Georgian took off with their bottle. When a fight broke out several “Tigers” were ordered confined to the guardhouse for brawling. A small group of drunken comrades attacked the guard in an attempt to liberate the prisoners and Col. Harry Hayes of the 7^th La. was struck. Privates Michael O'Brien and Dennis Corcoran admitted to being the ringleaders of the attack. In December, military justice had its day.

According to the papers of Randolph Abbot Shotwell, “The doomed men (O'Brien and Corcoran) maintained a remarkable coolness, never flinching when the priest bade them farewell and stepped aside, never flinching when at the curt word of command, twenty-four muskets came up to a direct level, never flinching when again the command rings out 'Aim!' Nor was there a sound - for I had covered my eyes - when amid the painful silence came the word 'Fire!' and was drowned in the crashing volley that ensued. Both men fell forward riddled with bullets. Death was instantaneous. "

On July 1 during the first day's fighting at Gettysburg, the 6th Louisiana, now a part of Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays' Louisiana Brigade, was engaged north of town. At dusk on July 2 the brigade breached the Federal line on Cemetery Hill. Although Hays' attack was successful, it was not supported, and Federals drove them off Cemetery Hill from the Eleventh Corps. The 6^th Louisianans forever resented this lost opportunity.

Rev. James B. Sheeran, a native of Ireland, was the Chaplain of the 14^th Louisiana Regiment. He published his diary as Confederate Chaplain. A prisoner of war, Fr. Sheeran spent time at Fort McHenry before being released from Fort McHenry. He became an itinerant clergyman after the war and founded Holy Rood Church, Morristown, New Jersey, where he is interned

In his doctoral dissertation, Catholic Military and Naval Chaplains, 1776 - 1917, Dom Aidan Henry Germain, S.T.L., J.A., J.C.B., called out both federal and confederate chaplains. Among the Irish surnamed Catholic Chaplains in the CSA were the following priests:

Bannon, John, St. Louis;

Croghan, C.J., Hospital, Montgomery, White Sulphur Springs, VA.

Cunningham, James T., 3^rdMississippi Regiment Infantry

Jordan, William H., 18^th North Carolina

O’Connell, Laurence P., Hospital, Montgomery, White Sulphur Springs, VA

O’Keefe, M. Virginia. Assigned to General Blanchard.

O’Riely, Thomas, Kinston, LaGrange, Marietta, Newman and Griffin, GA.

Ryan, Patrick, Post Chaplain, Charleston;

Sheeran, James, C.SS.R, 14^th LA Infantry;

Whelan, Peter, Savannah, “Montgomery Guards”, 1^st Georgia Volunteers.

Just why did we fight? The popular notion that we have all been taught is that it was to end slavery. Author James B. McPherson, however, attempts to answer the question in a much more scholarly light in What They Fought For, 1861 – 1865. Confederates fought for as many different reasons than did Federals. On the southern list was, and remains, the right of a state to secede from the Union. Intertwined in their cause was the moral issue of slavery. Surprising to some is the fact that many on either side did not fight to save the ‘peculiar institution.” What is known, however, is that all thought the fight would be of a short duration – how wrong they were. Many, like Cleveland’s “Hibernian Guards” and Savannah’s “Montgomery Guards” were initially local social and militia units, the latter being popular throughout the nation at the time.

Be that as it may, nowhere in the Constitution is there any mention of the union of the states being permanent. A textbook written by Judge William Rawle, was used at West Point before the war. A View of the Constitution states, “The secession of a State depends on the will of the people of such a State.” Interestingly, no Confederate leader was ever brought to trial for treason. To do so would have a meant a trial and resulting verdict on the issue of the constitutional legality of secession. The verdict had already been set by popular thought of the time and the decisions of victories in battle.

Why have we Irish historically been so eager to fight? David Walsh, published in the International Workers Bulletin, December, 1994, declared the Civil War era to have been a time “When Great Ideals Gripped The American People.” "In 1863, a 33-year-old Ohio private wrote that he had not expected the war to go on so long, but no matter how long it took it must be prosecuted, "for the great principles of liberty and self government at stake, for should we fail, the onward march of Liberty in the Old World will be retarded at least a century, and Monarchs, Kings and Aristocrats will be more powerful against their subjects than ever."

Perhaps the answer to my question lies in the words of the Ohio private. Irish liberty, indeed, was retarded for centuries when “Monarchs, Kings and Aristocrats” were more powerful than any of us. Reflecting further another question comes to mind. What are the forces of evil that bring brother to fight brother, or in the case of a Federal infantryman named Driscoll, father to kill son? If we could isolate and identify when evil is disguised as good, could we then prevent holocausts from occurring? Perhaps it is up to the voice of the Irish to take the lead. After all, haven’t we earned the right to do so?

Bibliography: The Valiant Hours, Galwey, Thomas F., Stackpole Co., Harrisburg, PA, p.67.

Fortin, Maurice S., ed. "Colonel Hilary A. Herbert's History of the Eighth Alabama Volunteer Regiment, C.S.A in Alabama Historical Quarterly, XXXIX (1977), 5-321.

Hoole, William Stanley, ed. History of the Eighth Regiment Alabama Volunteers (Infantry). (University, AL: Confederate Publishing Co., 1985 reprint of an article first published in Perry & Smith's Directory of the City of Montgomery, Alabama (1866).

Trueheart, Charles William. Rebel brothers: the Civil War letters of the Truehearts. (College Station, TX:

Texas A&M University Press, 1995).

A Civil action, 11/11/99, By William Gordon http://www.nj.com/features/ledger/d8e823.html,

Staff Writer.

http://archives1.archives.nd.edu/calendar/cal1865a.htm, Notre Dame Archives Calendar, 1865,

Dissertation, Catholic Military and Naval Chaplains, 1776 – 1917, submitted to the Faculty of the Philosophy of the Catholic University of America in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Washington, D.C., 1929.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/may1999/mcp1-m19.shtml. James B. McPherson’s What They Fought For: When Great ideals gripped the American people. David Walsh, 5 December e1994.

http://www.geocities.com/pelicanregt/ - Homepage of the 7^th Louisiana.

http://www.users.fast.net/%7eezifra/6thla/

http://home.earthlink.net/%7esdriskell/1stlabrg/1stbhis.htm

The story of Father James Coyle, Birmingham, Ala. Murdered by the KKK.

2011-04-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Rt. Rev. James Coyle, murdered by the Ku Klux Klan

"A Cheese Whiz Sandwich?"

2011-04-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

This week I was reminded of the following event. During some of our grade school years we brown-bagged our lunch daily. I remember one day getting what I thought was MY brown bag from where the class kept their lunches. I opened it up and it was like, OMIGOD, a meatloaf sandwich! Yeah Mom!!! Just then another boy at our table opened what he thought was HIS brown bag lunch and, almost in tears, shouted "A Cheese Whiz sandwich? What the hell's wrong with her?" I didn't say a word and enjoyed eating his lunch.

Fr. Peter Whelan, O.S..B., C.S.A.

2011-04-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

To describe the life and times of one immigrant to the American South could be also be aptly titled "Holy Men in Modern Times." One chapter would describe Wexford-born Peter Whelan. Oh, he was human, to be sure, but his devotion to God and his fellow man is evident in the way he chose to live his life. He was also a Confederate Chaplain to Irish-Americans in the Montgomery Guards, part of the 1st Georgia Volunteers.

Peter Whelan was born in 1802 in County Wexford, Ireland. He attended Birchfield College in Kilkenny for two years, where he received classical and mathematical education. He may have been influenced by the desperate appeal of John England, the bishop of the new diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. Priests were sorely needed, particularly in the South. He was ordained a priest of the Benedictine Order in Charleston on November 21, 1830. He offered his first Mass in the state of Georgia in 1835 in the home of Robert Semmes. In 1854 a yellow fever epidemic claimed the life of Savannah's first Bishop, Frances Gartland in 1854. Father Whelan was summoned to Savannah and was stationed there for the remainder of his life.

In September 1861 Bishop Augustine Verot was named the third Bishop of the Savannah Diocese, which was formed in 1850. Arriving at his new post from Florida, he was asked to send a chaplain to Fort Pulaski. The Fort, on the Savannah River, guarded the approaches to the city. It was thought to be impregnable as no artillery shells could be directed at it from any nearby land. Part of the garrison there were Catholic troops, in particular the Montgomery Guards, mostly Irish from Savannah.

The militia unit was organized on August 20, 1861. Not having their own banner, Captain Lawrence J. Guilmartin contacted the Sisters of Mercy in Savannah. After Mass on Saint Patrick's Day, 1862, a presentation ceremony was held. Private Bernard O'Neill was appointed standard-bearer and Major John Foley presented it to him.

Father Whelan was present on April 10, 1862 when Federal forces began an artillery bombardment of the Fort. Using new 'rifled' artillery, the rounds were able to reach the outer walls from Tybee Island, more than a mile away. Thirty hours later, with one wall breached by the shot, it was determined that the entire ammunition magazine was in danger of exploding. If that happened the entire garrison would be killed. Colonel Charles H. Olmstead agreed to surrender. Now prisoners-of-war, Father Whelan and the Montgomery Guards were transported to Governor's Island, New York. Bernard O'Neill hid the banner on his person.

Wartime conditions persisted for prisoners and Father Whelan, through the office of Father William Quinn, pastor of St. Peter's Church, Barclay St., New York, applied for the position of Prison Chaplain so he could offer daily Mass at Castle William. Through Father Quinn he was discharged and put on parole. Father Whelan could have left but he chose to remain with his men and minister to them. He eventually returned to Savannah where the Vicar General assigned him the task of overseeing the spiritual needs of the confederate military posts in Georgia.

On one occasion another Confederate chaplain, the Reverend James Sheeran of the Fourteenth Louisiana, on leave from Virginia, visited him. In his diary he observed, “He stands nearly six feet with drab hair, coarse ill shaped countenance, round or swinging shoulders, long arms, short body and long legs, with feet of more than ordinary size.... One day he met a brother priest, to whom nature was no more liberal than to himself. "Well," said he, "...your mother and mine must have been women of great virtue....because they did not drown us when the first saw us. None but mothers of great...patience would have raised such ugly specimens of humanity."

During May of the same year Fr. William Hamilton, pastor of Assumption Church in Macon, accidentally came upon Andersonville Prison and stopped to learn how many Catholics were there. His experience led him to petition the Vicar, suggesting a priest be provided; Father Whelan was asked. He arrived at Andersonville on June 16, 1864. Even though other priests and the Bishop visited briefly, Whelan remained for four months. Although he never penned his feelings, a pastor from Macon did. "I found the stockade extremely filthy: the men all huddled together and covered with vermin....they had nothing under them but the ground."

At the fall of the Confederacy, Father Whelan returned to Savannah and served there until 1868. During this time he was called to be a defense witness in the trial of Andersonville Prison Commandant Henry Wirz. At the trial, evidence was not introduced that demonstrated that Wirz had constantly written Richmond to obtain better food and supplies for the prisoners. Testifying on behalf of his fellow Catholic, Whelan said, "He may sometimes have spoken harshly to some of the prisoners but during my time in the stockade I never heard that he had taken a man's life, and I have seen him commit no violence."

At the age of sixty-nine, and in failing health from his wartime tribulations, he administered his last baptism in 1871 and died in February of the same year. The funeral procession was reported in the Savannah Evening News as the longest ever seen in the city. After a 10:00 a.m. Mass a procession of eighty-six carriages and buggies of civilians, religious societies and Irish organizations escorted his mortal remains through Savannah's crowd-lined streets to the Catholic Cemetery. Colonel Olmstead led Confederate Army and Navy veterans. An officer who knew Father Whelan said, "I followed this good old man to his grave with a sense of exultation as I thought of the welcome that awaited him from the Master whose spirit he had caught and made the rule of his life."

Bibliography

Gilliam Bowen, Diocese of Savannah

Father Whelan of Fort Pulaski and Andersonville, Georgia Historical Quarterly, Spring, 1987.

Fr. .,

US WAR HEROES HONORED IN CO. MAYO, IRELAND

2011-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

U.S War Heroes are honoured in County Mayo.

Many world historians claim that the USA entered world war one, in time to help with the cleaning up operations. Well if they did they certainly lost a lot of men in battle during the time they were involved. Many of those that died came from all parts of America and a lot of those were emigrants from Europe who were drafted soon after they arrived in America. When the war was over, there were many US war cemeteries scattered around Europe, and they are a testament to America’s great sacrifice.

The US government in a very humanitarian gesture, offered to repatriate the bodies of fallen soldiers to their home places in Europe, if the families requested this. In County Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland, an area, which actually faces out across the Atlantic Ocean towards America, many of the family’s did just that.

Some bodies were repatriated and buried , then they were forgotten, their families were poor and probably couldn’t afford the money to develop the graves at the time, so with the passing of the years, there was no sign of a grave or even a marker to say that they existed, with hindsight it would have far been better if they were buried in the U.S military cemeteries in Europe where they would have received the respect and attention they had earned & deserved.

For the past two years in County Mayo, a small group of local men have continued to find and develop the graves of those unfortunate US Soldiers, they have been doing this out of their own pockets and expense as a labour of love.

The trio are led by the Chairman of the Mayo Peace Park, Garden of Remembrance memorial, Michael Feeney, which is a magnificent memorial to the fallen, Michael together with Ernie Sweeney & John Basquille a former British soldier do this work. They identify the soldiers who have no graves and Mr Pat Gorman in Dixon, Illinois does the rest, Pat researches the soldiers records and when he has this established, he applies for a proper US military marker for the graves and the US Dept of Veterans Affairs ship the marker headstones over to Ireland. They have developed a grave for US Army Chaplin Fr PJ Gallagher, in Belcarra, they have done a complete grave for Marine Martin Cooney from Achill, and In September of this year they rededicated the graves of three further Mayo born U.S. soldiers, two of whom had died in world war one and the other soldier was a veteran of world war two and Korea , who died in retirement in Ireland.

This work has been going on for the past few years and they have developed graves for a number of British soldiers as well. They are extremely grateful to the US Dept of veterans affairs for all their assistance in supplying the markers, it is it is great that they have done so, as their group could not possibly afford to do it out of their own resources. In all honesty they can barely afford to continue what they are doing right now, as it take a lot of planning, time, effort as the materials have to be purchased and paid for and transported around. They continue do it as a labour of love.

The Politics of Belfast Paranoia.

2011-03-31T14:42:00.000-07:00

     I was taking a short-cut through the downtown parking lot when I saw them coming towards me. In America I wouldn't give it a second thought. But this was Belfast, and fear immediately gripped my gut. Rather than turning and running, I picked up my pace and veered left, remaining outwardly calm and trying to show no outward sign of fear. None of the four men made any moves toward me. As I passed within uncomfortable distance to them I forced myself to look at one of them. I saw no hatred on his face or fear in his eyes, only a ‘is there something wrong with you buddy?' look. And, for the first time in my life, I knew paranoia.

     It remained vivid as I awoke in the relative safety of my suite in the Europa Hotel and I knew exactly when the nightmare had begun - my second night in Ireland, when I'd stopped with friends in a West Belfast pub to enjoy a few pints of Guinness and a se sion of
traditional Irish music. While there I decided to call a friend from Bangor, County Down. Stephen knew I was coming to Ireland but didn't know exactly when. He'd become a 'policeman' since I'd last seen him in America. A policeman, just like my dad in Cleveland had been.
   Two friends with me that evening were Tomas, a Sinn Fein Councillor, and his spouse. Because I was having difficulty dialing
Stephen's number, I came back to the table to ask for help. My Irish friend was eager to help and I was certainly grateful. After picking through the American and British coins I held out in my palm, he dropped the appropriate ones into the slot and dialed the number in Bangor. He listened for a moment then handed me the receiver. "You're connected," he said with a smile, and then returned to the table. The call went unanswered on the other end and, returning
to our table, I sensed a change in everyone. Tomas and his spouse were ashen-faced, as if they had just received some earth-shattering news.

In my absence, my American co-traveling friend at the table had informed them the phone number he'd dialed was to the home of a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (R.U.C.), Northern Ireland's 'police force.' They were terrified and shocked that I knew an R.U.C. man. I had been to their home and could betray their internal security. My political education had taken a sudden new direction during this, my second night in Ireland. An unnatural uneasiness came over me.

Nationalists in the North of Ireland are, simply put, at war. Their targets? The British Army, economic structures and loyalist paramilitaries. And, because of innumerable injustices inflicted against them over the years, I learned that anyone wearing either uniform is an enemy, including my friend from Bangor, the young man who had stayed at my home in America. They've learned to hate the British Army and R.U.C. uniform and the man wearing it and I learned the Irish Republican Army (IRA) is the only entity Nationalists truly trust to protect them.

Later in the week Stephen and I met at the Crown Bar, across from my hotel. He'd changed little since I'd last seen him except he now sports a mustache and he's married. His spouse, who must remain
nameless, was a charming hostess. We drove to their neighborhood where I was given the grand tour. Stopping first for a sandwich, we then pub-hopped, having a few pints of Smithwicks together as we caught up on each other's lives. I also told him, without naming names, what had happened in the Falls Road pub in West Belfast. It was déjà vu - my friend and his spouse became ashen-faced. They,
too, were terrified and shocked that a nationalist might know their name and telephone number and possibly even be able to find out where they lived. The rest of the evening for me was 'double-think' before speaking. For example, while discussing President Clinton I found myself whispering the word Republican; in the North of Ireland it means a supporter of Irish Nationalism. And in Bangor you won't find any.

Most unionists/loyalists, including the upper echelon of the R.U.C., equate membership in the Sinn Fein political party with membership in the IRA. Therefore, by extension, anyone associated with Sinn Fein condones IRA violence. When innocent men, women and children are killed by bombs, unionists/loyalists feel outrage, the same outrage Nationalists feel when innocent Catholic men, women and children are killed by the R.U.C, the British Army or loyalist paramilitaries.

Obviously, I'm not calling either of my friends by their real names but suffice to say they are both Gaels. Tomas is a man who, through a stilted political process, is attempting to better the lives of his family and people. And because of that, he's a target.

Stephen can be best described as fun-loving and apolitical; the kind of young man that would rescue a kitten from the tree where it's stuck. I fear for both my friends. Many Sinn Fein Councillors, who aren't even paid, wear heavy body armor under baggy clothes. All have party-provided, elaborate security in their homes. It's not unusual for them to be shot at or murdered in their homes, in front of their children. Sometimes even their children are murdered.

I'm afraid Stephen's work will eventually make him hateful and blindly prejudiced. I'm also afraid because, like Tomas,he,too, is a target. It's no wonder I had the damn nightmare.
I now wonder if either of these two friends or their families will ever trust me again when I go back to Ireland.

You can bet I truly understand what freedom is. 'God save Ireland!'

2011 Postscript. I have since returned to Ireland and found vast changs had taken place. For example, the R.U.C. has been re-named Police Service of Northern Ireland, and they now actively recruit Cathlics (even though Catholics now mistrust them for being PSN).

I traveled with an American Congressman during this first trip. We met leaders of the north Ian Paisley and the then-U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, sister of John F. and Robert Kennedy.

SULLIVANS VISIT IRELAND.

2011-03-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

“It was a dream that my family has had since the christening of the ship and we felt so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to be involved with the festivities.” Those words describe the feelings of Kelly Sullivan Loughren, granddaughter of Albert Sullivan, one of the Fighting Sullivans. Her father, James, is the son of Albert, the only one of the five brothers who married. He and his four brothers from Waterloo, Iowa perished when their ship, the USS Juneau, was torpedoed and sunk during the sea battle for Guadalcanal in 1942. “My brother John and I made a promise eight years ago that we would go to Ireland if the ship ever made it there,” she said. Thomas Sullivan, Loughren’s great-grandfather, left Trafrask, Adrigole, Co. Cork, in 1849. Accompanying him during An Gorta Morta, the Great Hunger, was his wife Bridget Agnes and his brother Owen.

Both Gunner's Mate George Sullivan, 27, and Coxswain Francis Sullivan, 25, had four years of prior Navy service. Joe (Red), 23, Matt, 22 and Al., 19, became seamen, second class, when they enlisted and were assigned to the new $13,000,000 light cruiser, Juneau, the first American war ship commissioned in camouflage. Nine months later, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, near the Solomon Islands, she was steaming toward base when an explosion sent her to the bottom.

"It just happened all at once and the Juneau was gone, reported an officer who witnessed it from another ship. One of the most extraordinary tragedies that have ever been met by any family in the United States, spoke Henry A. Wallace, Vice President of the United States, referring to the sinking. The Navy issued a statement: "Loss of the five Sullivan brothers ranks as the greatest single blow suffered by any one family since Pearl Harbor and probably in American Naval history. Even though the Navy has alleged that in wartime it had been Navy policy to separate members of the same family, no evidence of that policy existis. Presence of the five Sullivans aboard the USS Juneau was supposedly, according to the Navy, at the insistence of the brothers themselves and in contradiction to the repeated recommendations of the ship's executive officer. Serving together had been one condition of their enlistment. The lads were the sons of Thomas F. and Aletta Sullivan, 98 Adams Street. Mr. Sullivan was born on a farm in Taylor Township, Allamakee County, Iowa, near Harpers Ferry, Iowa.

On April 17, 1997 Kelly Ann Sullivan Loughren and John Sullivan, grandchildren of Albert and the daughter of James and Sally Sullivan, were present at Stapleton Pier, Staten Island New York for the formal commissioning into the US Navy of the second The Sullivans (DDG68). Kelly is a schoolteacher in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Arleigh Burke Class destroyer, with a crew of 26 officers and 315 sailors, is commanded by Richard A. Brown. The DDG68 visited Ireland this year for the O’Sullivan clan reunion and festivities. Loughren and her brother John stood on the shore to watch the ship come in. According to Loughren the locals welcomed the crew with open arms and made sure they experienced a taste of Irish culture.

"As a member of the crew of USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68), it was great to be part of this historic trip to Ireland,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer Ed Flynn of Boston. “Additionally, to be on a ship named after the five Irish-American Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, was an honor."Flynn described the symbolism of the ship's Shield, dark blue and gold representing the sea and excellence. They are also the Navy's tradition colors. Red is emblematic of courage and sacrifice. The five interlaced swords honor the five brothers killed in action and commemorate their spirit of teamwork and patriotism. The upright points of the swords allude to the present ship's combat readiness and its missile system. The boarder reflects unity and the eleven stars represent the battle stars earned by the first USS THE SULLIVANS; nine for WW II and two for the Korean War. The trident, symbol of sea prowess, symbolizes DDG 68's modern warfare capabilities; the AEGIS and vertical launch system. The fireball underscores the fierce battle of Guadalcanal where the five brothers courageously fought and died together and highlights its firepower of the past and present USS THE SULLIVANS. The inverted wreath, a traditional symbol of the ultimate sacrifice, is in memory of the brothers. The shamrock recalls the Irish heritage. The arms on the Seal are blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the name "USS THE SULLIVANS" at the top and "DDG 68" in the base in gold.

A reception for the family was held on board the ship. Lougren said she felt like a proud mother when she saw the officers and crew at their best. “Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime, so amazing that it is difficult to explain in words. I only wish that I could bottle the feeling I get every time I'm on the ship! We were so honored to take part in this history making event for the best ship in the Navy.”

The ships crew met all the Sullivans from Castletownbere. Flynn said the people of Ireland and County Cork were “very warm and genuine to all of the ship’s crew. “It was a trip of a lifetime, and to be an Irish-American and visit Ireland on a US Navy ship – is something you could only dream of.” Flynn described his feelings for the World War II heroes. “The Sullivan brothers were courageous and loyal. Our country and the world itself is a better place because of this outstanding family. The motto of our ship is We Stick Together. It was also the motto of the Sullivan brothers. That is something we are all proud of."

JC Sullivan is an Irish-American writer residing in northeast Ohio. He witnessed the commissioning of the ship at Staten Island, New York.

USS THE SULLIVANS

2011-03-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

My Fight with Caveman

2011-03-13T18:16:00.001-07:00

Just this week I had been thinking of updating a story I had previously written about when my family moved from the west side of Cleveland to the east side. When I wrote it JC was TJ to protect the guilty. I submitted "We're Moving to the East Side?" to the editor of the Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine. They had previously published "My First Flight". The new editor however had rejected this one, saying it appeared "contrived". Thinking about him this week for some reason, it was my intention to trim the original story and just post the part about my fight with "Caveman." In this morning's Plain Dealer is "Caveman's", Addison Anderson's, obituary.

In 1954, midway through the 7th grade, our family moved to the Buckeye Road area of Cleveland. I went from a mostly Irish-Catholic grade school to one that was primarily Hungarian. Why we moved is another story.

As far as I was concerned, the east side was the other side of the world. I was uncomfortable with the thought of moving again after only four years. I had plenty of good friends, was a Boy Scout, the catcher on the CYO baseball team and a guard on the basketball team. The new school had no sports teams at all. I would miss it all: school, friends, neighborhood and sports.

The house we were renting was smaller than our west side home and it sat in the rear of a front house. While the family was busy settling in, my education was restarted at St. Margaret of Hungary grade school.

Wanting to make my best and baddest impression on my first day at school, I carefully scanned the available supply of the clean clothes that were unpacked. The choices were pretty limited. Being the third of nine children of a Cleveland cop never allowed a budget for new and fashionable clothes. Hand-me-downs were the order in our family. I selected my favorite and best pair of trousers to wear, the pair that fit me best. Black with a gray stripe down the side, the cuffs were 'pegged', considerably smaller than the legs. A non-descript shirt completed my ensemble and, with growing feelings of uneasiness and dread, I headed off to begin the new day.

The 7th grade teacher, Sister Mary Broken Knuckles, was beyond the golden years. Halfway through the morning the school bell clanged loudly. A Fire Drill? Air raid? What, we get a recess? Now here was something different from St. Vincent De Paul - recess. Probably for the teachers' mental health rather than anything we students might gain. A fifteen-minute break to be spent outside in the playground. Great. The line out to recess was surprisingly orderly. Once out in the playground I was approached by a classmate.

"Hi, my name is Addison Anderson. When did you move here?"

Trouble began right away for what I heard was, "Hi, my name is Anderson Anderson." A little confused at meeting someone with the same first and last names, I repeated my question. "What's your first name?"

"Anderson," I again heard repeated.

"And what's your LAST name?"

"Anderson."

Still confused, I repeated the first question. "What did you say your FIRST name is?"

"ANDERSON, MY NAME IS ANDERSON ANDERSON" he exploded. "You a wise guy or something? You wanna fight me?"

I wasn't a wimp but I didn't want to fight anybody. The last fight I was pushed into was at St. V's. That one was with Gary Dixon, the class bull’s hitter who deserved to get knocked around a bit. That one was a draw. I was average in height and thin, but wiry. Now, faced with a fight on my first day at school, I hadn't any idea how to extricate myself from the challenge. I was also the new kid on the block. To back out of a fight would mean that I was 'chicken', a label that any red-blooded school kid feared being applied to him. Following my base instincts I scowled, "Name the time and place."

"In the lavatory, right after school," Anderson quickly responded, still angry with me for what he perceived as my attempt to make him look like foolish. Anderson had another name too - Caveman. Not a bad moniker for someone about to engage in a fight. Kind of intimidates the opposition right away. The word about the fight got around. The lavatory after school was crowded with guys trying to get ringside seats to witness the fracas.

Caveman and I immediately began the time-honored tradition of warrior dialogue as we slowly circled each other. "Come-on, wiseass, make a move."

“Besides being ugly I notice you don't use deodorant."

That was enough to begin the first and only round. We pounced on each other, trading headlocks, hammerlocks and half nelsons, finally rolling on the floor clutched in hand-to-hand combat. Caveman was the home team, cheered on all his partisan supporters. The fight probably lasted only about five minutes with no bloodshed. We tired quickly and, to my recollection, the fight was deemed a standoff, nobody losing, and winning each other's respect. Caveman might have had a different recollection of who won!

During the 7th and 8th grade Addison had the greatest birthday parties at home. His mother cleared out his bedroom and allowed us to have pillow fights in the dark, with refreshments served afterwords. It was great fun until the year we broke a bedroom window and his Mom freaked a bit about it.

In later years while I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, someone wrote me with his address in El Paso. He invited me to his "humble abode" but I was never able to scrape together the necessary $$ to get there. We lost touch after that. I'd heard he went to Viet Nam and,like so many returned veterans, suffered some issues afterwards. He apparently lived in plain sight here in the Cleveland area but we could never locate him for class reunions and breakfast get-togethers. I was saddened to learn he was right under our noses the whole the time.

I will see you on the other side Anderson Anderson

The Ultimate Bus Trip

2011-02-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

The bus trip was not even conceived when the inspiration that came to him on September 11 of last year. Now, in March of 2002, his dream was realized.

When New York Fire Department Chaplain Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., lost his life on that fateful September day, Akron, Ohio resident John Ferguson was so moved by what happened he was inspired to write a song. The song honors Father Mychal Judge and the thousands who lost their lives. John and his fellow band members from Fergie and the Bog Dogs produced a CD "A Song For Fireman Father Mychal Judge."

"When I got the news about how he died, which was kind of reported along with everything else, everything kind of stopped there for me," he said. "Goodness, a Catholic priest who was administering the last rites of the Church for a fallen firefighter; it was all in sync with my culture as an Irish-American " Ferguson has memorialized Fr. Judge, who was a first-generation Irish-American. "I think he should be remembered in the lore of the Church in this nation. Children and adults should look up to a man like this - a modern day hero."

Ferguson, a US Navy Vietnam veteran, put pen to paper and inked his feelings about events. A catharsis took place and the words taken from his heart became lyrics to the melodic strain of an old Irish air. The idea of creating a fund was born and volunteers immediately lined up behind the project. Dr. Dennis McCluskey, Akron, Ohio, paid for recording and studio time. Hugh Hearty, Fairlawn, Ohio, contributed the CD-ROMs themselves. The initial run of 500 was quickly gone.

Events overtook the artist and the idea of supporting the Franciscan Fund for Father Mychal took on a life of its own. "When I actually started out with the fund I didn't contact anybody, I didn't talk to anybody," he said. "I just wanted to one day take the song to his New York firehouse." The fund drive is kind of a spin-off, a secondary thing in his mind from when he started out. "I think Father Mychal should be remembered in the lore of the Church in America and I wanted to be involved in some way...and that's what I'm doing now. As time goes by I find I've been sent down the road on a quest. It's a mystery to me...it kind of stopped me cold.

Ferguson was put in touch with Franciscan Father Patrick Fitzgerald, another New York City Fire Department Chaplain. "The Franciscans already have a memorial fund set up." The Father Mychal Judge Fund will be used to provide emergency short-term financial assistance to those who suffered loss or injury on that day and in its aftermath, and on a longer term to reach out to those in need of continuing support. In particular, it will seek to assist those who are not included in established categories but whose needs are no less real, those who might otherwise "fall between the cracks."

"I started working in connection with them," Ferguson said. "Fr Mychal was a first-generation Irish-American and was involved with immigration; it fit right into my interest. These funds collected will be available for all children - I heard there are some who lost both parents." Regardless of their citizenship status or their faith, nonetheless, Ferguson knows a lot of them are Catholic kids from Catholic countries. "I would like them to know that if they need something they can go to the Franciscan friary."

The weekend of March 24, 2002 began about 0800 hours on Friday when a busload of men and women of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies AOH, parked their vehicles at an Akron Fraternal Order of Police Lodge left on an Anderson Lines bus that was their transport for the next few days.

After rolling out of Akron the driver got on the PA system and introduced himself. “Please don’t call Mr. Bus driver or Bus Driver guy,” he pleaded. “My name is “Skip.” That drew an immediate response from John Conley. “OK, Skip the bus driver,” he shouted.

Ferguson's dream was on Saturday afternoon when he presented a $20,000.00 check for the Franciscan Fund to Father Fitzgerald at the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi on W Thirty-First St in midtown Manhattan. Also in attendance were representatives from the Firefighters Foundation of America. Andy Woodward, Raleigh, NC. Gene Moore, Chaplain, Swift Creek, N.C. They had presented five vans to the NYFD. Lt. Patrick Concannon of the NYFD invited the Akron delegation across the street to Engine 1 and Ladder 24, where Fr. Mychal kept his Chaplain's car. Ferguson, accompanied by his son Damien, an Akron firefighter, and Paddy Taylor on mandolin, sang the song to Fr. Mychal to the gathered firefighters. The moving event was capped off when Irene Uhaley sang, “God Bless America.” It brought tears to the eyes of a few.

While in New York the Akron contingent were hosted by Division President 12 President John Murphy and Treasurer Jerry Callahan, the latter being the gentleman responsible for a wonderful dinner of corned beef and cabbage and roast beef. He announced we had received a special Friday-in- Lent dispensation by local Hibernian Chaplains. and Division 412’s Rourke et al at their Brooklyn Clubhouse.

On Saturday evening we all gathered at Cranberry’s on Grand Avenue in Elmhurst. There our local homebred talent, “That Irish Band” and “Fergie and the Bog Dogs” charged the atmosphere and the audience-energized crowd. A complementary buffet was set up for us by Cranberry’s owner, John Brown. I left on the first bus back to our hotel.

About 2:30am I heard sirens and the voices of a crowd outside my window. Without my glasses on, I peered through the window to see what appeared to be about 3 police cars. Thinking of the movie ‘The Fighting Sullivans,’ the first thought that came into my mind was, “Oh no, the Conley brothers are at it again!” It turned out, I later learned, it was a NYFD Fire Engine Ladder (not a truck you understand). The boys from the NYFD had given some of the Hibernians a ride through New York City on their engine. With lights and sirens blazing, they roared through the city with their Irish-American cargo, stopping at New York Irish pubs, such as O’Neill’s, Sean O’s and the like. The experience of those who rode summed up their feelings about it – they’re not going to believe us.”

Along the way they picked up a Chinese-American U.S. Soldier just in from overseas for a sister's wedding. Unfortunately he missed it. The hook and ladder dropped him off at his father's house at dawn, again, sirens and lights blazing. I imagined the soldier's father chiding his son, "You no hang out with Irish boys no more!"

We Hibernians capped off our weekend on Sunday morning with Mass at the historic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

ROGER'S RUDE AWAKENING

2011-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

A “Memorial Service” was held in Cleveland, Ohio on August 9, to celebrate a lad of Irish descent, as opposed to a decent Irish lad. Many came to shed a tear, sing a song and share a few pints. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made to a cash bar. The first 49 years of Roger Stanton Weist’s life were laid to rest.

The list to be a Pallbearer was long and distinguished. In the end, chosen were Roger’s friends Carol Gilligan, Sheila Harrison, RB Baird, Bob Weist, Danny Berry, Rasa Chambers, Brendan Gorman, Fred & Kay Mertes, Tom Sammon and Kathy Whitford.

This was an unusual venue – the Avon Oaks Country Club in Westlake, Ohio. But Roger was an unusual man. Fiercely proud of his Irishness, active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, serving as both Boland-Berry Division President and later as Ohio State Board President.

Roger’s family was present and they all argued about which was the favorite of the 17 in the Kerrigan-Weist clan. “I’m Mom’s favorite ‘cause she wore my picture on her key ring,” shouted one. “Yeah, but, you’re the one who put it there,” cried another. Roger’s dear mother Angela was saddened to lose her son. She announced she had applications for anyone who wanted to apply for the job.

When it came time to share memories of Roger’s first 49 years, I couldn’t help remembering the softball game at the West Side Irish American Club. The AOH put together a team, which included Roger. When it came time for Roger to step up to the plate, he swung and smacked the softball farther than this writer had ever seen a softball go. He immediately took off for first base as the center fielder watched it sail over his head into a parking lot and land somewhere under some cars. When he was finally able to retrieve the ball, it was thrown to a teammate in center field who then threw it another teammate at second base. The second basemen threw it to first base. Alas, Roger, not being a tiny figure of man, was thrown out at first base!

Roger (seen in a photo below) is a man with many, many friends, as was evident with the large and spirited crowd that was present.

"Grieving" friends and family

Funeral Director Danny Berry rolls in the cake casket

Friends and family sit silently as Roger is eugollized.

Friends of Roger, happy about something; we know not what.

The late Harry Simon with some young Irish chick.

Roger's sisters auction him off.

Sullivan is an internationally published writer residing in northeast Ohio. Up to the time he wrote this story he had been a good friend of Roger Weist. 8-)

Owen and Martin Kilbane - from Kathy & Paul Harvey

2010-10-11T05:20:00.000-07:00

You can really tell the seasons are changing as it is still dark on our way up to Grafton to see Owen this morning, the upside is that I don't leave my sunglasses sitting on my head. It is hard for us to believe that we have only been going to visit O for less than 6 months, but Saturday morning trips up to Grafton feel like second nature to us now, and Paul and I look forward to those special Saturdays that end in an odd number. We can only hope that we bring as much joy and laughter to Owen's life as he brings to ours. We know that in Owen we have found a friend for life!

As many of you know, Owen has been suffering with some health problems of late, and he has a hernia that is causing him a huge amount of discomfort. The good news is that he should be having surgery within the next week to have the hernia fixed, and I would ask that you all send positive and healing thoughts his way!

On the visit today we spent a good deal of time talking about karma, or paying it forward and how important it is to try and touch the world in a positive way. And then on our way out of Grafton, I saw my husband do exactly what we talked about, he stopped to lift a wee woman who was in wheelchair into her mini-van. So to Owen...you do have a legacy and it thrives in each and everyone of us who loves you and who you love back! xoxo Kathy & Paul

Note from JC - this text was too large to post on Facebook, hence the link. Paul is a brother Hibernian of Owen and Martin in the Medina County, Ohio Irish Brigade Division.
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Irish Veterans Memorial Project

2010-08-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.irishveteransmemorialproject.com/

Irish Family Books

2010-08-30T05:23:00.001-07:00

Top 50 Irish Books

2010-08-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

County Cork Genealogical Resources

2010-08-30T05:09:00.001-07:00

County Mayo Genealogical Resources (2)

2010-08-30T05:06:00.001-07:00

Co. Mayo Genealogical Resources

2010-08-30T05:04:00.001-07:00

Sullivan combat dead interred in Richmond, Virginia's Hollywood Cemetery

2010-08-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

Andrew J. Sullivan, Co. L, 12^th Reg’t., South Carolina. D. 06/19/1864. Soldiers Section U, Sect. 279.

Dennis Sullivan, Co. D, 8^th Alabama. D. August, 1861. Soldiers section, Lot unknown.

Dennis O. Sullivan, Co. H, 7^th Reg’t, Louisiana. d. 28 APR 1865. Sect. W, Lot 261.

James H. Sullivan, Co. B., 30^th Reg’t, Virginia. B. 1841. D. 13 DEC 1906. Soldiers section East Lot 14.

John E. Sullivan, Co. E, 2^nd Reg’t, Maryland. D. 15 Aug 1863. Gettysburg section, Lot 1.

John S. Sullivan, Co. G, 27^th Reg’t, Georgia. D. 28 SEP 1864. Section V, lot 454.

Pleasant M. Sullivan. Co. B, 10^th Virginia. B. 1839. D. 24 Jun 1862. Soldiers Section O, lot 237.

T. Sullivan, Co. B, 2^nd Reg’t, South Carolina. D. 13 JUN 1864. Soldiers Section U, lot 578.

William R. Sullivan, Co. A, 49^th Virginia. D. 12 JUN 1864. Soldiers Section U, lot 577.

The Best Irish Whiskey

2010-04-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

We were meeting Plain Dealer reporter Janet Cho for lunch at Cleveland's Irish Harp Restaurant and Pub. She was doing a story on my discovery that Medal of Honor recipient James Corcoran (Indian Wars), did not have an MOH stone at his final resting place in Calvary Cemetery. The Medal of Honor Society concurred and was sending one to Calvary. I had contacted the Plain Dealer thinking that perhaps a story about it might find Corcoran's descendants. (A descendant, Patti K, later told me she cried when she read the first of the three articles about it and realized it was her family we were trying to locate)

With me at the Harp that day was Blane P., Vietnam medic and fellow member of American Legion Post #196, Brecksville. I didn't see anyone who might look like what I pictured Janet Cho to look like so we bellied up to the bar. We'll define Blane as a very hard drinker and first-time visitor to the Harp. He bellowed out to the bartender, "What's your best Irish whiskey?" Glancing at the rows of whiskey bottles behind the bar I saw a familiar product. There in it's very own prominent wooden cradle, hanging upside down, was a bottle of Midleton Irish Whiskey ($125.00 usd in Ireland ).

The young lady who was bartending said, "Why, that would be our Midleton sir."

"How much IS a shot?" I saw it coming.

"It's twenty-five dollars a shot sir."

After a momentary pause Blane inquired again. "What's your next-best Irish whiskey?"

MARCH, 1777 General Washington to General John Sullivan. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799.

2010-02-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Morris Town, March 15, 1777.

Do not, my dear General Sullivan, torment yourself any longer with imaginary Slights, and involve others in the perplexities you feel on that Score. No other officer of rank, in the whole army, has so often conceived himself neglected, Slighted, and ill treated, as you have done, and none I am sure has had less cause than yourself to entertain such Ideas. Mere accidents, things which have occurred in the common course of Service, have been considered by you as designed affronts. But pray Sir, in what respect did General Greene's late command at Fort Lee, differ from his present command at Baskenridge? or from yours at Chatham? And what kind of separate command had General Putnam at New York? I never heard of any, except his commanding there ten days before my arrival from Boston, and one day after I had left it for Harlemheights, as senior Officer. In like manner at Philadelphia, how did his command there differ from the one he has at Princeton, and wherein does either vary from yours at Chatham? Are there any peculiar emoluments or honours to be reaped in the one case and not in the other? No, why then these unreasonable, these unjustiafiable Suspicions? Suspicions which can answer no other end, than to poison your own happiness, and add vexation to that of others.

General Heath, it is true, was ordered to Peeks Kill. So was General Spencer, by the mere chapter of accidents (being almost in the Country) to Providence to watch the motions of the fleet, then hovering in the Sound. What followed after to either or both, was more the effect of chance than design.

Your ideas and mine, respecting separate commands, have but little analogy. I know of but one seperate command properly so called, and that is in the Northern Department, and General Sullivan, General St. Clair or any other General Officer at Ticonderoga, will be considered in no other light, whilst there is a Superior Officer in the Department, than if they were placed at Chatham, Baskenridge, or Princeton.

But I have not time to dwell upon Subjects of this kind; in quitting it, I shall do it with an earnest exhortation, that you will not suffer Yourself to be teized with evils that only exist in the imagination, and with Slights that have no existence at all; keeping in mind at the same time, that if distant armies are to be formed there are several Gentlemen before you, in point of rank, who have a right to claim a preference. I am etc.

Time Enough for the Kilbane Brothers

2010-01-25T03:51:00.000-08:00

Manifest Destiny -John L. O'Sullivan, 1839.

2010-01-02T02:28:00.001-08:00

Excerpted from "The Great Nation of Futurity," The United States Democratic Review, Volume 6, Issue 23, pp. 426-430. The complete article can be found in The Making of America Series at Cornell University

The American people having derived their origin from many other nations, and the Declaration of National Independence being entirely based on the great principle of human equality, these facts demonstrate at once our disconnected position as regards any other nation; that we have, in reality, but little connection with the past history of any of them, and still less with all antiquity, its glories, or its crimes.

On the contrary, our national birth was the beginning of a new history, the formation and progress of an untried political system, which separates us from the past and connects us with the future only; and so far as regards the entire development of the natural rights of man, in moral, political, and national life, we may confidently assume that our country is destined to be the great nation of futurity.

It is so destined, because the principle upon which a nation is organized fixes its destiny, and that of equality is perfect, is universal. It presides in all the operations of the physical world, and it is also the conscious law of the soul -- the self-evident dictates of morality, which accurately defines the duty of man to man, and consequently man's rights as man. Besides, the truthful annals of any nation furnish abundant evidence, that its happiness, its greatness, its duration, were always proportionate to the democratic equality in its system of government. . . .

What friend of human liberty, civilization, and refinement, can cast his view over the past history of the monarchies and aristocracies of antiquity, and not deplore that they ever existed? What philanthropist can contemplate the oppressions, the cruelties, and injustice inflicted by them on the masses of mankind, and not turn with moral horror from the retrospect?

America is destined for better deeds. It is our unparalleled glory that we have no reminiscences of battle fields, but in defence of humanity, of the oppressed of all nations, of the rights of conscience, the rights of personal enfranchisement. Our annals describe no scenes of horrid carnage, where men were led on by hundreds of thousands to slay one another, dupes and victims to emperors, kings, nobles, demons in the human form called heroes. We have had patriots to defend our homes, our liberties, but no aspirants to crowns or thrones; nor have the American people ever suffered themselves to be led on by wicked ambition to depopulate the land, to spread desolation far and wide, that a human being might be placed on a seat of supremacy.

We have no interest in the scenes of antiquity, only as lessons of avoidance of nearly all their examples. The expansive future is our arena, and for our history. We are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of God in our minds, beneficent objects in our hearts, and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past. We are the nation of human progress, and who will, what can, set limits to our onward march? Providence is with us, and no earthly power can. We point to the everlasting truth on the first page of our national declaration, and we proclaim to the millions of other lands, that "the gates of hell" -- the powers of aristocracy and monarchy -- "shall not prevail against it."

The far-reaching, the boundless future will be the era of American greatness. In its magnificent domain of space and time, the nation of many nations is destined to manifest to mankind the excellence of divine principles; to establish on earth the noblest temple ever dedicated to the worship of the Most High -- the Sacred and the True. Its floor shall be a hemisphere -- its roof the firmament of the star-studded heavens, and its congregation an Union of many Republics, comprising hundreds of happy millions, calling, owning no man master, but governed by God's natural and moral law of equality, the law of brotherhood -- of "peace and good will amongst men.". . .

Yes, we are the nation of progress, of individual freedom, of universal enfranchisement. Equality of rights is the cynosure of our union of States, the grand exemplar of the correlative equality of individuals; and while truth sheds its effulgence, we cannot retrograde, without dissolving the one and subverting the other. We must onward to the fulfillment of our mission -- to the entire development of the principle of our organization -- freedom of conscience, freedom of person, freedom of trade and business pursuits, universality of freedom and equality.

This is our high destiny, and in nature's eternal, inevitable decree of cause and effect we must accomplish it. All this will be our future history, to establish on earth the moral dignity and salvation of man -- the immutable truth and beneficence of God. For this blessed mission to the nations of the world, which are shut out from the life-giving light of truth, has America been chosen; and her high example shall smite unto death the tyranny of kings, hierarchs, and oligarchs, and carry the glad tidings of peace and good will where myriads now endure an existence scarcely more enviable than that of beasts of the field. Who, then, can doubt that our country is destined to be the great nation of futurity?

The Irishman

2009-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

by

JC Sullivan

To be released on March 17, 2010, what could be a more appropriate date for a film simply titled, “The Irishman”? The movie is based on “To Kill the Irishman”, Rick Porello’s true life crime story of one of Cleveland’s most colorful Irish-American gangsters, the late Danny Greene.

Greene’s hard luck began on the day he was born. His mother, Irish-born Irene Fallon, who had married his father only a few days earlier, died in childbirth at St. Ann’s Hospital. His father John, also Irish-born, unable or unwilling to raise him, abandoned him to Parmadale, a Catholic orphanage. Six years later, when he re-married, his father brought the boy into the home. Danny soon ran away from his alcoholic father and ended up being raised by his maternal grandparents, Patrick and Sarah (Tate) Fallon, in the Collinwood section on Cleveland's east side. When his father died in 1959, the newspaper obituary didn’t even mention Danny, only his children from the 2nd marriage.

With little adult guidance, Danny’s attentions drifted from schoolwork to extra-curricular activities, “shooting dice and street fighting”. He was a handsome, likeable and athletic, traits that endeared many adults and youngsters to him.

A high school dropout, he joined the Marines in 1951, later receiving an honorable discharge. He eventually ended up back in Cleveland working the Lake Erie docks and ocean ships as a laborer in Local 1317 of the International Association of Longshoremen. When their union President ran into a conflict of interest situation, the popular Danny was appointed as an interim Trustee. When the next election was held, he was elected IAL President. Thus was the beginning of his eventual associations with organized labor and the Cleveland Mafia, then-headed by James “Jack White” Licavoli, and an unbelievable maze of underworld characters.

As mobsters do when their ‘families’ are threatened by others muscling in on their territory and income, they kill each other. In 1977, after at least seven previous attempts, they finally got to him after his girlfriend used a tapped phone line to make a dentist appointment for him. A car bomb awaited him outside Dr. Candoli’s office, just like the car bomb Greene used to blow Shondor Birns into two pieces. Despte his Irish-sounding name, Shondor Birns was Jewish.

Filmed in Detroit, the flamboyant and always-green-clad Greene stars Ray Stevenson. Fellow mobster Shondor Birns is portrayed by Christopher Walken. My Cleveland vice detective father, the late John J. Sullivan, arrested Birns on more than one occasion. Val Kilmer is a Cleveland police detective who becomes friends with Greene. Others rounding out the troupe include Vinnie Jones, Marcus Thomas, Linda Cardellini, Laura Ramsey, Paul Sorvino, Mike Starr, Tony LoBianco, Vinnie Vella, Steve Schirippa, Jason Butler Harner, Robert Davi and Fionnula Flanagan.

It will indeed be a monumental screen-writing task for the movie’s script writers and film editor to give us a top view of the Cleveland and northeast Ohio crime family genealogy that Executive Producer Porello laid out in his book.

Dublin - Ohio that is.

2009-11-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

by

JC & Cairenn Sullivan

"If I have the honor conferred upon me to name your village, with the brightness of the morn, and the beaming of the sun on the hills and dales surrounding this beautiful valley, it would give me great pleasure to name your new town after my birthplace, Dublin, Ireland."

Never would John Shields, surveyor of the land nestled on the banks of Ohio's Scioto River, have imagined his words being quoted 189 years after he spoke them. And, never in his imagination would he have pictured folks coming from near and far to honor the culture of his native land.

The growth of the Dublin Irish Festival is a continuing indicator of the popularity of Irish culture and it's phenomenal growth. Hosted by the City of Dublin, Ohio, you know you're in for a special experience when drive in and are immediately greeted with references to Ireland - from the shamrocks painted on city-owned property to the street names sporting monikers such as Tullamore, Gullway and Emerald Parkway.

Held in conjunction with the Columbus Feis, parking is adjacent to the festival grounds or close by at Coffman High School, where the Feis is staged. Stops for the free shuttle are well marked. Upon entering the festival grounds, clearly marked signs direct you to the six stages and/or areas you might wish to begin in. The reasons one attends an Irish Festival are varied but if the strings linking all of us can be summed into four categories - music, food, shop and camaraderie. The latter includes refreshments, of course.

SHOPS
Shopping at the vendor tents at Irish Festivals for a few years now, we've found one thing missing - tanktops. We have sweaters, sweatshirts and tee shirts coming out the yazoo - but no tank tops. Well, thanks be to God for Philadelphia's Dennery's. Now, there may be others, but Mike's is the first we've seen. Brilliant.

"We came in here yesterday and the City Manager, Tim Hansley, was out in the parking lot. He actually took time to tell us exactly where to go, led us to our spot, even though that wasn't what he was doing at the moment," said exhibitor Pat Foley. "So, everybody has been really helpful." Foley makes wood furniture with an Irish motif - "all the way from shallows to tables, display cases to music boxes with Irish tunes." Because of the special niche they occupy, meaning no one else is doing exactly what the Foleys do. Pat and Sheila will exhibitors at the Milwaukee Irish Festival - the first year they applied.

Other noteworthy exhibitors were Keltic Outfitters, Columbus, Ohio, a source for County Tartans in necktie and shawl and scarves; Cahill Crafted Garden Houses and Gazebos with the Enchanting Thatch Roof Collection, William Cahill, Cincinnati, Ohio.

MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
There is musical variety at the Dublin Festival to suit every eclectic taste. Being Clevelanders we are, quite naturally, drawn to the rock stage. The most energetic groups booked were Tempest and the Prodigals. Of the two, Cairenn liked Tempest best because of their authentic fashion. They've been recording since 1988 and have played more than 1000 performances and have released 7 CD's. Although they've been described as folk-rock, their style is based around traditional folk music and they definitely rock.

"If you're going to rock, make something original with your rock," Cairenn said. "However, I can see that when a good song is a good song, it can be done in many different ways. That's what keeps it young and alive for generations to come. I preferred Tempest for the original work that they did. They actually are rockers."

JC, on the other hand, preferred the Prodigals. The group voted #1 in an Irish Echo newspaper Readers Poll. The Prodigals hail from Cavan, Clare, Dublin and New York; they feature a driving, high-energy take on Irish music, fusing strong traditional elements with a rock energy.

Being one who likes that old time rock and roll, JC, too, enjoyed Tempest very much. "But I also liked the Prodigals interpretations of songs that I knew. I like their musical approach to some of these 'old' tunes. It's just as original when you set your own style and interpretation to it.

The lads, Greg Grene, lead vocals/button accordion, Andrew Harkin, bass, Ray Kelly, lead vocals/guitar and Brian Tracey, drums/percussion/background vocals, formed two years ago and are already playing some of the highest-prestige venues around, evidenced by their appearance in Dublin. When they are not on the road they are the resident band at Paddy Reilly's Music Bar in Manhattan, a position they took over from Black '47.

It's always refreshing, of course, to see so many of our youth attracted to our culture. This could not be more evident than in the work of St. Louis Irish Arts, Inc. Founded in 1972, they are a well-established school with a variety of programs in traditional Irish music, song and dance. Instruction is offered in music, singing and step dancing for children and adults. Classes in fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, harp, harmonica, flute and bodhran are held at a learning center and workshops through.

God bless their work - they bring out the best in us.

The lads in the Civil War uniforms were not reenactors but a group headed up by David Kincaid - the Irish Volunteer. Their niche is "the Irish Volunteer - Songs of the Irish Union Soldier 1861-65." Using his background as a musician in the roots-rock band, The Brandoes, David began to do research to find the ballads of the more than 160,000 Irish who fought in the famed Irish Brigade.

Listening to the tunes is a delightful experience. One can imagine themselves around a Union campfire with the Army of the Potomac. Kincaid et al does more than sing, however. His real contribution is the teaching of Irish-American history to our youth and those of us who are life-long students. How many of us knew, for example, that the courageous Michael Corcoran, initial leader of the Irish Brigade, refused to march his unit for the purpose of honoring England's Prince of Wales? The simplicity of the guitar, fiddle and mandolin played to Irish tempo and tunes, is time-honored. Hearing the Gaelic songs caused a tingling sensation in the body, as if the genes passed to the current repositor from the ancient ones have said, "Thanks, I haven't heard that one in awhile."

The Irish Volunteer is a collection of twelve songs from the American Civil War, centering on the Union army's famed "Irish Brigade," recruited and commanded by Brigadier General Thomas F. Meagher. The album is the product of years of research, including Civil War reenacting, and seven months of arranging and recording. Great care was taken to give the album an authentic, 19th century feel and sound, from the use of only period style instruments and vocal harmonies, to the enlisting of some of the finest musicians in Irish traditional music.

We saw them at the Milwaukee Irish Festival and we've seen them in Dublin. Donegal's Altan, lead by the forever young and beautiful Mairead ni Mhaonaigh. A renowned fiddler and Gaelic singer, she and the group continue to give the audience Irish ballads, jigs and modern, folk-influenced music with the sounds of flute, fiddle, guitar and other instruments. Their performance in Dublin was as fresh today as it was when Frankie Kennedy was still with us. Undated and therefore popular with many, their music reaches into the strands of time. This is reflected in the success of the nine albums they've produced during a thirteen-year musical career, which has also landed them a contract with Virgin Records.

TOUR
No visit to Dublin is complete without experiencing the beauty of the Church of St. Bridgid of Kildare. We had the fortune of being guided by Dr. Robert Fathman and his beautiful wife Gina (Rodgers). Originally from Detroit, he is the unofficial Mayor of Dublin. "The church was constructed in 1991. When the parish was first established, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass was celebrated in the horse barn," he said. "With horses in the stalls, a dirt floor beneath their feet and faith in their heart, parishioners sat on bales of hay." The renovated original horse barn is still standing.

"The exterior structure is modeled after the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Kildare," Gina added. "Inside one finds contributions from various Catholic churches in Ohio and the world. The hand-carved doors date from the Spanish Colonial period, an original gift to us from Holy Family Church in Columbus. The two bronze angles, Michael the Archangel, and Angel with Jug, are from 17th century Naples."

The altar contains a stone from the 13th century central tower of the St. Brigid of Kildare Cathedral in Kildare, Ireland. A hand-carved statue of St. Bridgid is from Italy and rest on an elaborately carved 16th century Sicilian wood column. "The Vestment Case is walnut, and was made in the mid 1800s for St. Augustus Church in New Straitsville, Perry County, Ohio," Gina offered.

We wrapped up our visit on Sunday morning, finding many visitors from around the country and State. Cleveland's Ed & Ann O'Donnell were on their first visit to the festival. "I'm duly impressed," he said. "With the resources of the City of Dublin to help, there's no other Irish Festival in Ohio that currently comes close to this."

Indeed, the City of Dublin provides the finest of rest facilities. Everything is either a permanent fixture in Coffman Park or the type that are inside trailers. None of those small portable-types are used, making it a truly world-class Festival. It could not be staged without the, count 'em, six hundred volunteers from among its 29,000 residents.

Were there any complaints? We only heard one - there was no Guinness to be had!

The O'Sullivans of Skibereen and Sullivans of Cleveland, Ohio

2009-11-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

by

J.C. Sullivan

Counties Kerry and Cork have certainly contributed many, many successful and storied sons and daughters to the world. One such story is that of the O’Sullivans of Skibereen and Cleveland, Ohio. A stonecutter by trade, he emigrated from Cobh to Ellis Island. From there he traveled to Ohio where he worked the stone quarries and built a home in Grafton, Ohio. He always referred to America as “This magnificent country.” His spouse was Catherine Harty from Clonmel, County Tipperary. It is believed she emigrated through Canada.

Like so many of the famine era, Frank J, Sullivan left from Cobh to Ellis Island and from there made his way to Cleveland, Ohio. He was later described as a “handsome version” of the American union leader John L. Lewis. Whoever saw the comparison was probably not aware that John L. Lewis had Vera O’Sullivan roots himself.

Frank J. married Margaret Jamieson, and eventually eight young Sullivans were added to the clan; Frank C., Delphine, William, Edwin, Thomas L., Katherine, Charles and John, who was called “Jack.” All the sons except Charles would work in the paint business at one time or another. But it was Frank Charles who landed a job at Arco Paint in the early 1900s.

Initially working as an electric company linesman and business agent for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), he was elected union treasurer and moved the family to their headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. However, he found the politics of it distasteful and sent his growing family back to Cleveland where a relative gave them a place to stay until Frank J. could return. The family eventually settled on Cleveland’s near West Side, in the predominantly Irish parish of St. Colman.

Frank landed a job at the Municipal Light Company and taught electrical theory at night at a technical school. His brother-in-law was Divisional Sales Manager at Arco Paint and brought him aboard, part-time, as a mail sorter. Frank J.’s son, Frank C., joined him at the firm. After three years Frank J. left the firm to be come the Eastern Sales Manager for Acorn Chemical Co. Frank C. joined his father two years later, in 1918.

Frank C. was blessed with the best of the Ui Suileabhain genes, personable, intelligent, handsome and one who readily made friends. His early leadership was evident at West High School where he was president of the honor society and his senior class and captain of the basketball team. During his summers he attended classes at the Culver Summer Naval School, an extension of the Culver Military Academy in Indiana. It was there he met his future bride, Margaret (Peg) Wilhemy.

Even though he entered Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Frank C. never severed his ties with Acorn. In his spare time he sold Acorn products to farmers in southwestern Ohio. Here he learned a hard lesson that he took with him throughout his career. Knowing the farmer was buying products from a competitor, Frank told him Acorn’s product was just as good. The astute farmer said the product he was currently using was “no damn good.” The farmer bought two drums off Frank but told him to never compare his product with his competitors’.

The union of Frank C. and Peg Wilhemy produced Frank C., Jr., nicknamed Sully, Margaret Patricia, Joan, Catherine, Suzanne and Tom. “We had a very happy upbringing,” Sue said. “My dad traveled a fair amount, but when he was home, there was a lot of togetherness. Sunday afternoon was everybody lying on the floor reading the paper.”

Frank was exempted from service in World War II due to his age and family status but four of the Sullivan boys served overseas. Following the war Frank played a key role in Acorn’s success. During the years of the Depression he negotiated a deal that would mean giving up a salary in exchange for 30% of the profit he would be able to generate. His philosophy was simple – hire the best salesmen in the industry and let them do their jobs.

His attempt to purchase the company failed so, with the owners’ blessing, he struck out and joined Basic Metals to sell aluminum pigment to Acorn and all aluminum coatings companies. He brokered a contract with Basic Metals to market and distribute the aluminum pigment and inside of a year, in 1947, he bought the company out. Republic Powdered Metals was formed, known today as RPM, Inc.

Frank’s son, Thomas C. Sullivan, a U.S. Navy veteran, has lead the company to become a $2 billion enterprise, becoming a world leader in specialty coatings. Although RPM doesn’t ring any bells with readers, they will recognize the names of Day-Glo and Rust-Oleum among others. As Chairman of the National Paint & Coatings Association, which represents some 400 manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, he negotiated a milestone agreement establishing lead exposure warnings and education programs. He was named CEO of the Decade by Financial World magazine was honored by the Cleveland Irish community at their 2007 Walks of Life Award.

This writer was pleased to have met Tom Sullivan at the 2007 Walks of Life awards in Cleveland as I was able to finally to meet a member of the family that I knew about for so very long. I told Tom a story my late father told me. An undercover Cleveland police officer (detective), Dad had entered an office on Franklin Avenue, on Cleveland’s west side (Acorn Chemical/Refining). As he walked into the office the secretary looked up and said, “Good morning, Mr. Sullivan.” My father was stunned. His immediate thought was “How the heck would she know who I am?” Dad heard a door open behind him. The secretary looked over dad’s shoulder and a look of astonishment came over her face. Dad turned around and said it was like looking into a mirror. Details of their conversation are long lost but I’m certain that Frank J. and John J. attempted to cross reference both our families’ Cork roots. And both families have not forgotten those roots, giving back to the community from which we spring.

Tom Sullivan’s wife, Sandy, has been very involved in many community endeavors.
“My mother was very involved in different organizations for the betterment of other folks,” said Sandy Sullivan. “I was always trying to get my hand in a little bit of this, and Tom was always saying, “Hey, you have a huge responsibility with our family, and let’s wait until our kids are grown. Then I promise you that I’ll get involved along with you.’”

Founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in 1968, the Sullivan family supports The Urban Community School, a safe haven where children of all ethnicities and religious persuasions go to learn. Its current endowment is $9 million. The family is also involved with the old Saint Patrick’s Church on Cleveland’s near West Side, St. Malachi Church and Malachi House, the latter founded by Tom’s sister Kaki. The Malachi House provides a home for the terminally ill who are indigent.

In October, 2007, yet another generation of Skibereen O’Sullivans assumed leadership of the firm when Tom announced his retirement. Like his father and grandfather, Frank C. Sullivan attended Culver Military Academy but pursued his university education at the University of North Carolina as a Morehead Scholar. Now President and Chief Executive Officer, RPM International Inc., Frank received his B.A. degree in 1983. From 1983 to 1986, he held various commercial lending and corporate finance positions at Harris Bank and First Union National Bank prior to joining RPM as a Technical Service Representative from 1987 to 1988 and as Regional Sales Manager from 1988 to 1989 at RPM's AGR Company joint venture. In 1989, he became the Company's Director of Corporate Development.

He became a Vice President of the Company in 1991, Chief Financial Officer in 1993, Executive Vice President in 1995, President in 1999, and Chief Operating Officer in 2001 and was elected Chief Executive Officer in October 2002. He serves on the boards of The Timken Company, The Cleveland Foundation, the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Digestive Disease Center Leadership Board, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Ohio Business Roundtable.

Cleveland, northeast Ohio and elsewhere have been enriched by an enormously successful family who has managed, despite the trappings of wealth, to keep their feet on the ground. Way to go Sullivans! And, once again, thank you Ireland.

Stone Mad - A Gem in the Inner Ring

2009-11-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

by

JC Sullivan

The first story about the family that appeared in the Mayo News is framed and hanging in a place of honor on a wall at the Tree House in Cleveland’s historic Tremont area. The pub thrives, with an upbeat crowd always present. They’ve purchased property here and elsewhere in Cleveland and continue their leadership and entrepreneurship. “They” are the Leneghan and Campbell families, with roots in Ballycroy.

Clevelander Patrick J. Campbell joined Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance in April, 1998, rehearsing in Newcastle, England. He then performed for eight years, ten shows a week, six days, at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino and Venetian Hotel, both in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was during his time he met a lovely Dublin lass and fellow Irish dancer, Rebecca Brady. She became Mrs. Campbell and, in 2006, they returned to Cleveland to continue their affiliation with Irish dance. This time, however, it’s there own dance academy, above their own tavern.

The Brady-Campbell Irish Dance School is teaching youngsters the joy of Irish dance in a hall above P.J. McIntyre’s, an elegant Kamm’s Corner Irish pub. “We want kids to come and learn what we’ve learned through our leap in Irish dancing, and have fun doing it, both competitively and recreationally.”

More can be learned about them at their website, bradycampbellirishdanceschcool.com. “There’ll be a new session in September,” he said, “with an Open House in August.”

Below the dance hall is the pub. Patrick is President and co-owner, along with his cousin, Tom Leneghan. Patrick’s father, also Patrick, is a Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland native. He married an Irish-American girl, Mary McIntyre, whose parents were from Achill and Newport, Co. Mayo. The name PJ McIntyre’s is derived from Patrick’s initials and his mother’s maiden name.

Christ called Peter the rock of his church. Another Peter, Leneghan, has built his rock, Stone Mad, in an upscale pub/restaurant on Cleveland’s near west side, in what’s called the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. Stone Mad is in a changing area that used to be prominently Italian. While there are still Italian-Americans living there, there’s also Vietnamese, African-American and Hispanic communities residing there.

Where on God’s green earth does a name like Stone Mad come from? “I met a stone mason in Ireland who had written a book called Stone Mad.,” said Pete, not to be confused with his cousin ‘Irish Pete’.

Eileen Sammon is a co-owner of Stone Mad. She’s been with Tom & Pete Leneghan since 1996. “I came from the restaurant end of this business and hey kind of took me under their wing. They’re two guys I really grew fond of,” she said. Paul Jones, also a long-time Tree House employee, is the Bar Manager. “When we first started talking about this we wanted to do a Bocce Ball court. When Pete had his Central Park carriage business he used to go to a restaurant that had one so he wanted to incorporate that here.”

HAVING A BALL IN BALLINA - Reprinted with permission

2009-11-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

by Mike Morley

While looking through the Irish papers recently, I ran across some mouth-watering classic pastry dishes from Ballina Mayo, guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving feast a truly elegant affair. Here’s just a few of the creations offered by Ballina baker Michael Foley: Penny plum cake, queen cake, anglesey cake, barm brack, saffron brack, plum pudding, chancellor’s pudding, orange, lemon almond and custard puddings, raspberry puffs, cheese cakes, parliament gingerbread, wellington biscuits, Victoria biscuits, and Italian gingerbread. Also on the menu are rhubarb, apple, cherry, currant, and gooseberry pies; mutton, lamb and beefsteak pies, mince pies and shrewsberries for your dining pleasure. Top off your feast with ginger nuts, coffee, and sweets of all kinds. Foley will even provide after-dinner cigars.

All these scrump-tilli-icious items to grace your holiday table, “And Many Others Too Numerous to Mention” can be found at Michael Foley’s Confectionary and Italian Warehouse on Knox St, in Ballina Mayo- “All orders punctually attended to”. Do you suppose Mr. Foley is affected by the current “hard times” in post “celtic tiger” Ireland? I can assure you with confidence that he is not.

In the News section we read: “An inquest was held at Ardnaree on yesterday, before Meredith Thompson, Esq. Coroner for county Sligo, on the body of a man named Thomas Munally of Cloonislane. …it appeared that the deceased and his family, consisting of a wife and eight children, have been in extreme destitution for several weeks; they had pawned their entire clothing, and all other available articles, for the purpose of purchasing food. On last Friday morning the deceased proceeded to join a working party under the drainage, when, after working for a short period, he dropped down from exhaustion in consequence of want of food, and shortly after expired. The jury unanimously found the following verdict-‘Death from starvation.’"
Truth is, Foley’s ad, along with Mr. Munnally’s shocking death, were both featured in the Ballina Chronicle of May 2nd 1849! The brutal starvation of Ireland had then been in progress three awful years. (Incidentally Michael Foley is also one of 3 carpenters listed in Slater’s directory of Ballina. One wonders whether the busy baker was also moonlighting in the booming coffin trade).

Reading that paper one might imagine the printer had somehow badly mixed together stories submitted from two entirely different countries- countries as different as the earth and moon… one flowing with riches, commodities and the warmth of social interaction; the other barren, toxic, uninhabitable.

The previous July the Telegraph reported the doings of Sir Roger Palmer, owner of no less than 90,000 acres in Mayo: “At Islandeady (between Castlebar and Westport) his 'crowbar invincibles', pulled down several houses, and drove forth the unfortunate inmates to sleep in the adjoining fields. On Thursday we witnessed the wretched creatures endeavouring to root out the timber of the houses, with the intention of constructing some sort of sheds to screen their children from the heavy rain falling at the time. The pitiless pelting storm has continued ever since, and if they have survived its severity, they must be more than human beings”.

Surely among the evicted were families with names common to North Mayo: Gallagher, Durkan, McHale, Barrett, McNulty, Brennan, Henry, Doyle, Harkin, Dogherty, Foy, Kelly, Loftus, Gaughan, and Lavelle.

On his extensive holdings around Castlebar and Ballinrobe another notorious and ruthless English landlord, George Charles Bingham, 3rd Earl of Lucan, was also evicting his tenants en masse:

Historian Cecil Blanche Woodham-Smith (Fitzgerald) - “The Reason Why”: “To the Earl of Lucan famine horrors were so many convincing demonstrations of the urgent necessity of clearing the land. The land could not support the people, could never support the people; so the people must go. He did not consider it was his responsibility, any more than the English Government considered it was their responsibility, to arrange how the people should go and where. He was getting nothing from his estates… A large part of the population of Ireland must disappear. Ten thousand people were ejected from the neighbourhood of Ballinrobe, and 15,000 acres cleared and put in charge of Scotsmen.

Several populous villages in the neighbourhood of Castlebar completely disappeared, farms being established on the sites. Behind Castlebar House the Earl of Lucan established a large dairy farm. …in the town of Castlebar itself -- whole streets were demolished and the stones from the walls used to build barns and boundary walls… 'crow-bar brigades' (would) pull down cabins over the heads of people who refused to leave them. The Bishop of Meath saw a cabin being pulled down over the heads of people dying of cholera: a winnowing sheet was placed over their bodies as they lay on the ground, and the cabin was demolished over their heads. He administered the Sacrament for the dying in the open air, and since it was during the equinoctial gales, in torrents of rain.

A 'machine of ropes and pulleys' was devised for the destruction of more solid houses. .. at one crack of the whip and pull of the horses the roof was brought in. It was found that two of these machines enabled a sheriff to evict as many families in a day as could be got through by a crowbar brigade of fifty men. Six thousand evictions might involve more than 40,000 people, as the average Irish family consisted of seven persons.

Sick and aged, little children, and women with child were alike thrust forth into the cold snows of winter... the few remaining tenants were forbidden to receive the outcasts ... The majority rendered penniless by the years of famine, wandered aimlessly about the roads and bogs till they found refuge in the workhouse- or the grave.

“The Castlebar Union workhouse had been built to hold 600-700 persons, but had never contained more than 140… Very many died, and since there were no coffins, their bodies were left to rot in the dead house. But there was food, however revolting, however meagre; and the Union was besieged. On October 26th, 1846, the Earl of Lucan, Chairman of the Board of Guardians, had declared the workhouse bankrupt, and, in spite of vehement protests from the Poor Law Commissioner, ordered the Castlebar Union to be entirely closed down. Starving mothers dragged their children to the Union doors and besought that they at least should be taken in. Whole families made their painful way from the wild lands and collapsed moaning in the courtyard when they were refused.”

Irish family names of South Mayo: Walsh, Burke, Gibbons, Prendergast, Joyce, Murray, Gallagher, Lydon, Heneghan, Murphy, O'Malley, Kelly, Moran, Duffy, O'Connor, Waldron, Farragher.

LORD LUCAN

PERFECTLY “LEGAL”: “It appeared that a new system of clearing land was being adopted in Mayo and that the processes now before the courts were novel in Ireland. There had previously been a right of levying a distress on goods and chattels for rent, but this year in Mayo there were no goods and chattels left, so the person of the debtor was to be attached -- that is, he was to be imprisoned. The husband and father was to be removed, and the wife and children were to be left to fend for themselves.”

It was a variation of Britain’s clearing and plantation policies carried out by Lord Mountjoy following Kinsale and the “Flight of Earls”; and later by Cromwell. But since slavery in the British Empire had ceased just 40 years earlier, the Irish families could no longer be sold overseas for a profit. They were simply left to die.

The Ballina paper also carried regular news of: “THE MILITARY FORCES IN IRELAND” As of May 9, 1849 there were “Ten regiments of cavalry, twenty-six of Infantry, and nine depots of infantry regiments are now stationed in Ireland, making in round numbers a total of about 31,000 men of ranks.”

45 regiments. Were they distributing relief, building shelters, manning field hospitals? Rev. Dr McEvoy, parish priest of Kells, wrote in The Nation, 25 October 1845: “With starvation at our doors, grimly staring us, vessels laden with our sole hopes of existence, our provisions, are hourly wafted from our every port. From one milling establishment I have last night seen not less than fifty dray loads of meal moving on to Drogheda, thence to go to feed the foreigner, leaving starvation and death the sure and certain fate of the toil and sweat that raised this food.”
Woodham-Smith described such a convoy of food being moved to Waterford for shipment to England: "The barges leave Clonmel once a week for this place, with the export supplies under convoy which, last Tuesday, consisted of two guns, 50 cavalry and 80 infantry escorting them on the banks of the Suir as far as Carrick".
I find it astounding how any rational person, no less one of Irish descent, would focus on “the potato” to explain why millions of Gaelic-speaking Irish Catholic men and women, their boys and girls and infants, were abandoned to die the horrible slow death of starvation; while others, English and Protestant, were sustained with little inconvenience to their lifestyles- other than having on occasion to actually encounter the desperation, death and dying going on all around them; or read about it in their weekly paper over tea. And it’s sad to read breezy commentary about “The Potato Famine” in this newspaper.

©Mike Morley 2009 E-mail: IrishTV@ameritech.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ONLINE EXTRA!
The copy below was well fit to be included with the print edition of “Having A Ball in Ballina” column, but would not fit well into the space allowed. Read on!

Nine years after casting out tens of thousands of his Irish tenants to starve in the cold, the Earl of “I will not breed paupers to pay priests” Lucan was involved in yet another slaughter. Unlike his mass murder in Mayo, this carnage was on a much smaller scale, involving mere hundreds. But, because it involved the death of British troops, not Irish civilians, the incident is renowned world-wide, rather than hidden from popular history.
On October 25, 1854 in the Ukraine, Lucan was the cavalry commander who ordered the 7th Earl of Cardigan, a brother-in-law whom he despised, to lead the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava.
Later, true to the history of Britain and its butchers, the teflon Lord was not only cleared of any blame, But appointed KCB (Knight Commander, Order of the Bath) and Colonel of the King’s Royal Irish 8th Hussars (a unit that charged at Balaklava). He was then raised to lieutenant-general, then general, and finally- field marshal.
The 250 soldiers who died needlessly at Balaklava have been immortalized by Lord Tennyson. But the uncountable families whose emaciated bodies were tumbled into mass graves all over Ireland are not so much unremembered as actually denied by their own people, themselves in denial. The dead have been rendered invisible, bereft of memorial or memory.
* * *
That May of 1849, as thousands wandered the roads in rags and huddled in ditches against the cold, the Ballina paper carried several other, often surreal, items:
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Robert and George Scott at the Commercial House, Arran Street, Ballina announce the “Most Fashionable Stock of Clothing Ever Imported to Ballina.”
Not to be outdone, a rival ballyhoos: ”First Arrivals of Spring Goods. The Western Woollen Hall, Knox's Street, Ballina. Alexander Little, Proprietor, has returned from the different markets (being the sixth time within seven months) with a stock of goods unparalleled in Ballina for variety and cheapness, compromising All the Newest Designs suitable to the present season, and begs to say he purposes visiting the markets monthly, so as to select every new style coming out.”
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Several persons were summoned for deserting the Workhouse without permission from the Master, and taking with them clothes belonging to the Union. Some of them were allowed to return to the Workhouse, and the rest were sentenced- some to 24 hour confinement in the bridewell, and others to fourteen days imprisonment in the gaol, with hard labour.  One man was sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment with hard labour, for breaking a window and taking off some bread. He alleged he did this through the effects of hunger, but it was shown he made a habit of thus getting his bread.
The deaths from cholera on Friday last- and it is yet only in its infancy-are enough to show the frightful ravages that may be expected to follow… Rev. Mr. Anderson's statement has been …more than confirmed, for whereas the number of starvation deaths mentioned by the Rector amounts only to eighty-seven for the week, it is set down by the second witness of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN! But the discrepancy can be easily accounted for... The fact is that in order to screen the Commissioners, and keep the public in the dark as to the real extent of the mortality, many of the workhouse officers through the South and West make it common practice to falsify the returns”.
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PAINTING, GLAZING, AND PAPER HANGING ESTABLISHMENT, Top of King Street, Ballina. ROBERT GIBSON - Has just received a well-selected assortment of ROOM PAPER, suitable for Parlour, Drawing-room, Bed-room, and Halls, which he offers for sale on the most moderate terms. He also begs leave to state that he is well supplied with WINDOW GLASS, OILS, COLOURS, and PREPARED PAINTS of every description. PAINTING BRUSHES, PLASTER PARIS, ROMAN CEMENT, &c.
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From the 26th Feb. to the 13th March there arrived in New York about 6,394 emigrants. The deaths on the passage out amounted to 75 in all.
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(For the tourist trade) Doctor Whittaker of Ardnaree, Ballina offers: A Neat Furnished Cottage. With Large Garden, Stable, and Coach House- to be let for the summer months in Ballina.
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Matthew Kilkelly, convicted at the last Ennis assizes of an attempt to murder Mr. Wallplate, suffered the extreme penalty of the law in front of the county gaol on Monday. He appeared deeply penitent.

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THE ARMY-  List of Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates Killed in Action at Gujrat, on the 21st of February, 1849, or who subsequently died of wounds received:  (Note: GUJRAT in the North West Indian Punjab was the site of the decisive battle of the Anglo-Sikh War. General Sir Hugh Gough commanding British and Indian troops defeated Sikhs, the Punjab army, and their Afghan allies. The Punjab then was annexed into British India for the British East India Company. Note also the predominantly Irish names of the rankers.)
10th Regiment of Foot- Killed-Corporal George Mason, Privates Samuel Whitehead, John M'Hough, Andrew Walsh, Francis Kenyon, Henry C. Stagg, George Davies. Died of Wounds-Private Patrick Lawlor.  29th Foot- Killed-Privates John Gibson, John Sullivan.

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THE CHOLERA - ENNIS UNION- Every cholera hospital in this union was closed by order of the guardians on Wednesday last. Dr. Cullinan informed the board that the state of the Ennis fever hospital was very unsatisfactory, the greatest disorder and confusion prevailing there.

The following is a return of the entire cases in the workhouse cholera hospital up to Saturday. Admitted, 494; died, 78; discharged, 100; remaining, 100. Cholera and fever are spreading through the electoral divisions of Kilfinny and Croagh.

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Mr. Martin's herd(sman) at Tullyra, county Galway, caught a woman of the name of DONOHOE killing a lamb on Thursday, and he locked the offender up in a stable while he went for the police, but when they arrived the unfortunate woman had hung herself with her apron!

(Note: Why would a woman end her life simply for fear of being charged with taking food, most likely meant to keep her family alive? It is certain the poor woman knew that the current penalty doled out by to Irish people by Irish courts for almost ANY offense, be it “receiving stolen goods” or murder, was “transportation beyond the seas”. That meant being shipped to British plantations in Australia or elsewhere to serve a sentence of at least seven years, often life.

Of course, no matter what the term, removing a destitute person from their family and transporting them 8,000 miles to the other side of the world WAS effectively a life sentence. And many convicts would die even before the long arduous sea journey. At the same time Mrs. / Miss Donohoe hanged herself, another woman, Mary Hegarty was sentenced in Cork, May 14, 1849 to 7 years’ transportation for “stealing” yet another lamb.

Ship records show 2184 Irish persons arrived in Australia as convicts during 1849 alone. Their “crimes” mostly involved “larceny” of food or clothing, or of small amounts of money to buy these items of survival.)

---------------------------
Colonel Chatterton, K.H., Grand Inspector General was entertained at dinner, on the 24th inst., by the members of the High Masonic Order of Princes Grand Rose Croix, No. 1, Cork, at the Rooms, Tuckey St.
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A vessel to take out convicts has arrived at Kingstown; a party of the 96th is the escort. (Kingstown is now Dun Laoghaire, near Dublin.)

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The goods and chattels of Gort workhouse were sold under execution last week by the High Sheriff of Galway, at the suit of the creditors.

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Two hundred orphans from the workhouse will be sent from Dublin to Australia; 150 children belonging to convicts were sent to that colony last week.

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Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), which had been suspended last year, has been resumed by her Majesty's Commissioners.

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Owen MORAN crept into his mother's house and died, the same day his brother Larry was found dead in a field; same day his sister, Mrs. WHELAN, with her mother and child, found dead in a deserted forge. The two brothers, the sister, the brother-in-law, and child all dead the same day, of starvation, at Kilimore, county Galway.

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On Friday night a party of men broke into the auxiliary workhouse in the village of Clare, and carried away three bags of meal.

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DESECRATION OF THE SABBATH- It is disgraceful in a professedly Christian country to see men and women carrying about and exposing for sale fish, vegetables, and other articles of merchandize on the Sabbath day, as is the custom in Ballina. In the principal thoroughfares, and even while Divine Service is being celebrated, the passer-by is invited to make purchases. Are the people so distitute of the common decencies of morality as to encourage so obnoxious a practice? If the authorities have any jurisdiction in the matter, perhaps they would take this hint.

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William LEE, a boy of three years, died of starvation on its mother's back, in Limerick, last week! He had been living on water-cresses for several days.

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THE CHURCH (of Ireland, Anglican)  The Lord Primate consecrated on yesterday (Tuesday) the Rev. Robert Knox, D.D., to the Bishopric of Down and Connor and Dromore. His grace was assisted by the Lord Bishop of Kilmore. The consecration was held in the Armagh Cathedral. The Bishop elect of Down and Connor and Dromore will be enthroned in the cathedral of Lisburn, on to-morrow, the 3rd and in the cathedral of Dromore on Saturday, the 5th of May.

The Bishops of Down and Cork were entertained by the Fellows of Trinity College at dinner, on Wednesday.

The Rev. Dr. Sadleir preached an excellent sermon at Trinity College, Dublin, on Thursday, when full service was performed. The 8th psalm was chanted by the choir.

(From the 8th Psalm):

What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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©Mike Morley 2009

Sullivan's Ireland

2009-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

My last time in Ireland we drove past many mass graves from An Gorta Mor, The Great Hunger. While there I dreamed we were driving past two women on the roadside who were weeping. I told the driver to stop but he didn't. I said, “But, they’re Irish women.”

In the same dream I had entered some property to relax and enjoy the scenery by a beautiful lake. Two men, one the son, the other the father, and with airs of self-importance and superiority, announced it was THEIR land and I should remove myself. When a young man, my favorite fight move was always a headlock, so I sprung one on him, twisted his neck, and killed him. I then had to do the same with his father.

I always interpreted that dream as both of the men being the spirits of self-righteous planters, those who were given Irish land taken from the those who rightfully owned it.

The old women? I believe they were spirits of the famine who continue to suffer unimagineable grief, still bound to the land, and not yet having moved on. I pray for their souls.

The Ultimate Bus Trip

2009-11-14T20:54:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Bus Trip

by

JC Sullivan

When New York Fire Department Chaplain Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., lost his life on that fateful September day in the year 2001, Akron, Ohio resident John Ferguson was so moved by what happened he was inspired to write a song. The song honors Father Mychal Judge and the thousands who lost their lives. John and his fellow band members from Fergie and the Bog Dogs produced a CD "A Song For Fireman Father Mychal Judge."

"When I got the news about how he died, which was kind of reported along with everything else, everything kind of stopped there for me," he said. "Goodness, a Catholic priest who was administering the last rites of the Church for a fallen Firefighter; it was all in sync with my culture as an Irish-American" Ferguson has memorialized Fr. Judge, who was a first-generation Irish-American. "I think he should be remembered in the lore of the Church in this nation. Children and adults should look up to a man like this - a modern day hero."

Events overtook the artist and the idea of supporting the Franciscan Fund for Father Mychal took on a life of its own. "When I actually started out with the Fund I didn't contact anybody, I didn't talk to anybody," he said. "I just wanted to one day take the song to his New York firehouse." The fund drive is kind of a spin-off, a secondary thing in his mind from when he started out. "I think Father Mychal should be remembered in the lore of the Church in America and I wanted to be involved in some way...and that's what I'm doing now. As time goes by I find I've been sent down the road on a quest. It's a mystery to me...it kind of stopped me cold.”

After the song came together Fergie, as his Hibernian brothers and sisters call him, discussed it with his friend, Akron musician and accordionist Gordon Shaffer, who encouraged recording it. Volunteers immediately lined up behind the project. Ferguson and his fellow band members from Fergie and the Bog Dogs produced a CD-ROM, "A Song For Fireman Father Mychal Judge." Ferguson’s son Damon, an Akron Fire Department Lieutenant, backs him up on vocals, rhythm guitar and bass; Paddy Taylor, mandolin; Mike Gaffney, rhythm guitar and vocals, Bruce Samsol, vocals and keyboard; Frank Onusic, tin whistle. Dr. Dennis McCluskey, Akron, Ohio, paid for recording and studio time. Hugh Hearty, Fairlawn, Ohio, contributed the CD-ROMs themselves. The initial run of 500 was quickly gone.

Fergie was put in touch with Franciscan Father Patrick Fitzgerald, another New York City Fire Department Chaplain. "The Franciscans already have a memorial Fund set up." The Father Mychal Judge Fund will be used to provide emergency short-term financial assistance to those who suffered loss or injury on that day and in its aftermath, and on a longer term to reach out to those in need of continuing support. In particular, it will seek to assist those who are not included in established categories but whose needs are no less real, those who might otherwise "fall between the cracks."

"I started working in connection with them," Fergie said. "Fr Mychal was a first-generation Irish-American and was involved with immigration; it fit right into my interest. These funds collected will be available for all children - I heard there are some who lost both parents." Regardless of their citizenship status or their faith, nonetheless, Fergie knows a lot of them are Catholic kids from Catholic countries. "I would like them to know that if they need something they can go to the Franciscan friary."

The weekend of March 24, 2002 began about 0800 hours on Friday when a busload of men and women of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies AOH, parked their vehicles at an Akron Fraternal Order of Police Lodge left on an Anderson Lines bus that was their transport for the next few days.

After rolling out of Akron, our Anderson Lines driver got on the PA system and introduced himself. “Please don’t call Mr. Bus Driver or Bus Driver guy,” he pleaded. “My name is “Skip.” That drew an immediate response from John Conley. “OK, Skip the bus driver,” he shouted. Fergie, the man whose inspiration lead up to this particular morning, kicked off the beginning of our trip with a prayer for safe travel and return. Someone had a box of donuts on the bus. It kept being passing back and forth like a beach ball at a Bruce Springsteen concert.

After a lengthy delay at the Lincoln Tunnel, because the Holland Tunnel was closed due to a fire, we arrived at our home for the next two days, the Pan American Hotel. Within the hour we were back downstairs for a ride to meet the brothers and sisters of New York Divisions 4 and 19. At Hibernian hall Baile na nGael, we were warmly greeted by President John Murphy and Treasurer Jerry Callahan, the latter being the gentleman responsible for a wonderful dinner of corned beef and cabbage and roast beef. He announced we had received a special Friday-in-Lent dispensation from local Hibernian Chaplains.

Fergie’s dream was realized on Saturday afternoon when he presented a $20,000.00 check for the Franciscan Fund to Father Fitzgerald at the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi on W. Thirty-First St in midtown Manhattan. The service was precluded by the combined bands of Fergie and the Bog Dogs and That Irish Band. Also in attendance were representatives from the Fallen Firefighters Foundation of America. Andy Woodward, Raleigh, NC. Gene Moore, Chaplain, Swift Creek, N.C. They had presented five vans to the NYFD. Fr. Fitzpatrick gave us a warm welcome and spoke fondly of his brother Franciscan. When later asked if he’d have us back next year he told us, “I’d have you back next MONTH!”

Lt. Patrick Concannon of the NYFD invited us across the street to Engine 1 and Ladder 24, where Fr. Mychal kept his Chaplain's car. Fergie, accompanied by his son Damien, an Akron firefighter, and Paddy Taylor on mandolin, sang the song for Fr. Mychal to the gathered firefighters. The moving event was capped off when Irene Uhalley sang, “God Bless America.” It brought tears to the eyes of a few. I am honored and proud to count all these fine folks as friends.

Before we headed back to the Pan American Hotel, Skip, the bus driver, took us to Ground Zero. My God, you cannot imagine. We passed the church where Fr. Mychal’s body had been taken and laid on the altar. The fence surrounding it was covered with pictures, memos and the like. A somber crowd walked around it, pausing to look at everything.

The scene reminded me of the Civil War battlefields of Antietam, Maryland and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. At Antietam, I was visited by an apparition in my hotel room. He carried a sword and harbored terrible anger. Just as there are “ghosts” at Antietam and Gettysburg, there is also remaining spiritual energy in New York City. While at Ground Zero, I said a silent prayer for those whose spirit, like those at our Civil War Battlefields, might still be lingering there, asking God to help them let go to join the forces in His light.

On Saturday evening we all gathered at an Irish pub called Cranberries on Grand Avenue in Elmhurst. Our local homebred talent, “That Irish Band” and “Fergie and the Bog Dogs” charged the atmosphere and energized the crowd. A complimentary buffet was set up for us by Cranberries owner, John Brown. We were honored with the arrival of a Hook and Ladder and FDNY firefighters.

You’ve heard “The Rest of the Story.” Now, there is plenty more to this evening that I’ll call “The Unwritable Story” because it cannot be printed. It will have to remain as part of the oral tradition of the Ohio AOH and Ladies AOH by the chosen few who participated in the event(s). I’m not talking about anything obscene here, of course. No, I’m only speaking of some events that those who were not there will not believe. You’ll have to ask around to find out. A little hint, you ask? OK – only one. Ask about the Chinese-American Army Sergeant home on leave. Due to air travel delays he missed his sister’s wedding. That’s all I’ll tell you. As I said, you’ll have to find out the Rest of the Story from those who were there.

We capped off our historic weekend on Sunday morning with a 10:15 Palm Sunday Mass at the historic Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Cardinal Egan celebrated the Mass and addressed the issue of pedophile priests. There were TV cameras in the church and reporters and protestors outside. If I were Bishop I wouldn’t have had the cameras in the Church. Of course, if you give the Press Conference outside they have the opportunity to ask their leading questions. Afterwards, a LAOH member said of the Cardinal, “He looked like a General” (as he stood his ground amidst cries in the mainstream media for him to resign.) All Hibernians agree that something has to be done about allegations of sexual abuse by priests and the way things have been handled but we all agree, too, that our faith remains as strong as ever.

We blew out a tire on the trip home, which caused a delay of about an hour and a half. I arrived home at 0115 hours, a bit tired but still energized by the events of the weekend. Like other Americans, the events of this experience only confirmed my previous feeling, we’re all New Yorkers!

Looking back over events, Ferguson, a humble man with a gentle spirit, said, “My cup has been filled.”

Contributions to the fund continue to arrive. The song for Fr. Mychal CD-ROM can be obtained by sending your inquiry to: John Ferguson JohnFergie8@aol.com.

Sullivan is a member of the St. Brendan Division of the AOH and has served in both State and National offices of the AOH.