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Harp Strings
The Official Newsletter of the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Volume 42
Issue 1
October/ November 2007
Welcome Your New Board
Seated are Tish Villegas, Joan Moody, Shirley Donohue, Eileen Burke-Faught. Standing are Terry Peak, Fr. Flanagan, Anton Hajek, III, Bill Merriman, Steve Mattick, Bob Meade, Vic Villegas, George Tracy, Kevin Patrick Dowd, Darryl Britten, MaryJo Quinn, Wayne Faught. Not shown are Bob Wehner, Patrick Clarke, Ked Mullins and Marcia Weiner
Grand Weekend ForThe Irish The first ever Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Weekend was an unqualified success. Diana Jordan and Carolyn Dowd worked hard to make this happen. Thanks to Bobby Jordan we had 89 players to cover the field at Pecan Valley. Fifteen volunteers came out to help with all the things that have to go just right to put on a great tournament. The weather was perfect for golf and the rain shower Saturday evening was perfect for the Irish Hooley. The Lion and Rose was our title sponsor for the golf and hosted our Hooley at their Sonterra location. If you missed either you missed a good time! Harp members who lent a hand are Margaret Burke, Eileen BurkeFaught, Joan Moody, Pat Peak, Melissa Schultz, Mae Kelly, Barbara Warnock, Laura Anthony and Charles Wilbert. Continued page 6
Founders wife Margaret Burke and Irishman of the year Joan Moody volunteered at the golf scramble.
HARP AND SHAMROCK SOCIETY OF TEXAS, INC. www.harpandshamrock.org E-mail: Shamrockeditor@aol.com P.O. Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212 PRESIDENT Anton Hajek, III VICE PRESIDENT Robert Meade 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Joan Moody TREASURER Wayne C. Faught SECRETARY Eileen Burke-Faught CHAPLAIN Fr. Flanagan BOARD of DIRECTORS Darryl Britten Terence Peak Bob Wehner Patrick Clarke Ked Mullins Marcia Weiner Mary Jo Quinn Tish Villegas Kevin Dowd George Tracy Victor Villegas Bill Merriman Shirley Donohue IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR Joan Moody- 2007
Editor in Chief
Kevin Patrick Dowd
Staff
Terry Peak Greg Lewis Joan Moody Eileen Burke-Faught Carolyn Dowd John McCarthy
In The Beginning... Harp and Shamrock Society Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1 “This is the first newsletter being sent to all the members of the society to keep you informed of what the Officers and the Board of Directors are planning for you. It is also one of the best methods of communicating with the total membership. It is our desire to be helpful and informative in meeting your need-to-know of the Society’s activities and plans.” Patrick J. Dowd, Editor, Founder
From the Laptop Of Your Editor Welcome to the new newsletter. For years this was a passion of Patrick J. Dowd, Founder, President, Parade Chairman, Irishman of the Year, my uncle and my friend. My task now is to continue to make him proud of our society and our newsletter. His words from forty years ago are my inspiration. Our mission remains the same, to promote the Irish in Texas and San Antonio. I’d like to take this opportunity to send a big heartfelt thank you to Mae Kelly for doing an outstanding job of keeping the newsletter going. It was basically and quite literally tossed in her lap. In the true Mae Kelly tradition she took it and ran with it. We had advertising for the first time. Mae kept the information and member news coming. The one constant in this life is change. We are looking at going paperless for the computer savvy among us. This will not only save us postage and printing costs it will also save a tree or two. Green is in, which is what the Irish have been saying all along. Think Green. Now we don’t have to wait till March to say that. We are going to be experimenting with electronic delivery. If you have e-mail make sure you get it to me. Our 40th year was a grand success that we are planning on building on. This year will be our 40th St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I’d love to see all the members who can, come out on that Saturday morning and show their support. This is your parade and your society. We can continue to thrive if you all come out and show your Irish spirit and show your support. Kevin Patrick Dowd Letters to the Editor e-mail: shamrockeditor@aol.com Snail-mail: 1862 Tumlinson Rd, Pleasanton, TX 78064
Calling all members...
20 October, Founders Day, 10-4 p.m. San Pedro Park, for info call Pat Peak:545-1633 28 October, Wine Tasting, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Casa Britten
Especially for veterans: 10 November, Veterans Day Parade for info call the editor:845-4424. 15 November, Memorial Service, 7 p.m. St. Francisco Di Paola Reception to follow at 201 Piazza Italia.
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Your New President
Tis himself! I am proud to be elected to the office of President of this Society during our fortieth celebrations. Admittedly it wasn’t such a tough campaign with no other candidates. The duties and responsibilities of this office are not to be taken lightly. I see myself working to reverse the economic drain our parades have been for so many years. These parades, and not the festival, are named in our Constitution as paradigmatic Irish cultural events for our Society. I often wonder what Burke, McShane and Dowd would propose as our cultural icons if they were here today, inventing this Society. In talking to members, I sense a shift as some long time members review how to continue funding our projects and our mission, as well as taking time to define our role as the guardians of Irishness in San Antonio! I ask our members to become more involved than ever before. Attend all the Society events. Volunteer to help at the Festival, the parties, and the fund-raisers. Increase your membership level. Join a committee. The social committee always needs party planners. The Festival never lacks for needing workers. Upcoming events include the very popular wine tasting afternoon and the Christmas Party. Make both of them. There may be a stew cook-off or a whisky tasting in our future. Do you want to help make this happen? Are you the one to take charge to make this happen? Anton Hajek, III
A Few Words From Our Past President
It has been a great honor and privilege to serve you for the past two years. I feel so lucky to have been the President of this Society during our fortieth birthday celebrations. This has really marked a milestone for us as a society. We have accomplished a lot and had a lot of fun doing it, from the Gala, parades, festivals, runs, scrambles and parties. But none of this could have happened without a hardworking and dedicated team. I was blessed to have had the best Board of Directors I have ever worked with. They are the ones that took the ball and ran with it, calling special meetings and hammering out the details to make each and every event run smooth. Each of the members besides working on special events had their own unique talents. I would like to thank them all in order. Melinda Britten for being there for me and being a wonderful secretary and for working with the scholarship committee. Patrick Clarke for being an artful writer of correspondences making it possible for us to give more money to the needy and being a great Santa’s Helper in every sense of the word. Rev. Creasy for being our spiritual leader. Jim Dowd with his soft voice and mannerisms, or not when needed, kept us anchored. I especially want to thank him for making all the meetings he did even when physically he should not have been there. Thanks Jim! Kevin Dowd rolled up his sleeves and was a major part of every event and I mean every event. He has currently taken on the Newsletter. Continued on Page 7 3
Wayne Faught thanks Lion and Rose owner Allan Tharp and his wife Elena after winning the chauffeured limo pub crawl.
Dana Goodman, Melissa Schultz, Carolyn Dowd, Pat Peak and Miranda Lynch were some of the volunteers who made the golf scramble a success.
Margaret Burke, George Tracy, Barbara Warnock and Mae Kelly hand out the boxed lunches.
Diana Jordan registering George Tracy as the rush to sign in begins.
On the set of Fox News First: Kevin Patrick Dowd, Lisa Craig, Ernie Zuniga, Nikki Macken Pacheco, Kimberly Crawford, Kenelly Phelan and brother Travis Phelan.
Kennelly Phelan and Tamara Wahrmund kick up their heels at the Hooley.
4
3rd place winners Tony Liberto, Chris Saenz and Billy Troutz. Not pictured: Gaston Prieto, MD. Putting contest winner Troy Brand with Diana Jordan. Troy is President of SSA Graphics and provided all the signs.
1st place winners Vickie Barbee, Roman Cantu, Mel Barbee, and Dave Smith.
2nd place winners Kenny Saks, Chris Ruble and Pete Hansen. Not Pictured Terry Powell
Having a grand old time at the Hooley are Terry Peak, Nikki Macken Pacheco, Eileen Burke-Faught and Shane Webb.
Our new president Anton(left) and his lovely wife Mary Ann(right) are joined by Susan Webb, Shane Webb and Pat Peak. At the table behind them are Margaret Burke, Mae Kelly and Barbara Warnock.
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Half Way To St. Pat’s continued
By Joan Moody
Reviews
Poor Man's Fortune, released on June 1, 2007
The music of Poor Man's Fortune speaks of the sensibilities of a group known for elements of "euro-trad" cultivated over the last ten years and their new CD expands on this. The music of France, England, Belgium, Scotland and Ireland performed with such grace and elegance is a joy to behold. In listening to it, one is mentally transformed to a house concert (an Irish Hooley) with all of its rollicking frivolity and the music is something to experience. www.Poormansfortune.com Harrel Sutherland sends the golfers off with a rousing tune at tee time.
Ron Wilson and Rod Campbell get a helping hand from Tom McKenna
Eileen and Wayne Faught were invaluable help with planning and executing these events. Shannon and Sean Faught were there to lend a hand also. Friends of the society Cindy Jordan, Miranda Lynch and Dana Goodman gave up their Friday afternoon to help out.
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears: by Cindy Brandner; published June 2007
Mermaid in a Bowl of Tears speaks of the struggles of Northern Ireland on the brink of revolution through the lives of the Riordans, their friends and associates. The Riordans left the corruption of Belfast for life in South Boston but were forced to make choices that led them to return. It is a tale of the human experience and the willing struggle for peace. (This book is the sequel to Exit Unicorns, by Cindy Brandner, published Dec. 2001. KPD) www.exitunicorns.com
News With An Irish Twist KCI Announces Manufacturing Investment in Ireland
Every one enjoys a reel now and then. The San Antonio Irish Dancers joined us for our Hooley at the Sonterra Lion and Rose. I’d like to thank Nancy Phelan, Keneally and Travis Phelan, Laralee Wahrmund, Chandler and Tamara Wahrmund, Keely Watson and Nikki Macken Pacheco. A grand time was had by all. Don’t miss the next one.
David Nelson and Bob Burke enjoy the Hooley Keely Watson showed us her stuff.
SAN ANTONIO (BUSINESS WIRE) Sept. 19, 2007--Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE:KCI), a leading global advanced wound care and therapeutic surfaces company, along with the Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheal Martin today announced KCI’s plans for the establishment of a Global Manufacturing Operation at the Irish Development Agency Business & Technology Park, Garrycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The investment, supported by IDA Ireland, will create up to 250 new jobs over the next five years. KCI designs, manufactures, markets and services a wide range of proprietary products that can improve clinical outcomes and can help reduce the cost of patient care www.kci1.com
Farm Report Sometimes you find Ireland mentioned where you’d least expect it. In the July/August 2007 issue of Grit, “America’s Rural Lifestyle Magazine,” there was a special section on cattle. Being on the rookie end of that subject I quickly turned to that section and read about the Kerry breed, imported from County Kerry, Ireland (www.kerrycattle.ie). Under this breed’s origin was written the term “Ancient Britain.” It was not until the next issue in the Letters to the Editor that a reader from Ireland corrected the misinformation about their origin. Neolithic migrants called “Firbolg,” so named because they arrived with leather bags of earth, seed and plants, brought Kerry cattle from the Mediterranean basin. The Kerry has the distinction of being the first breed developed primarily as a milk producer. Things you didn’t know you didn’t know. KPD 6
Word From Our Past President, continued
Wayne Faught as treasurer brought our books from stone tables to a computerized solution. Having the team of Eileen and Wayne was a lifesaver. Anton Hajek, I never saw some one go to the top so fast. I appointed him to the board in 05; he was elected 1st Vice in 06 and now President – Congratulations Anton!!! Eileen Burke-Faught was always there when I needed advice and help. She always made her home available for meetings and parties. She was a major part of every event. Mae Kelly’s hard work, dedication and knowledge of our Society’s History made the Newsletter one of the best I have seen for a social organization, also thank you for all your help during our St. Patrick’s Day events. Steve Mattick is the one who took the Bingo Ball and ran with it. Thanks for getting us this new resource. He also brought a minimum of one new member a month. Robert Meade was always there when I needed help, I knew if he was working on it, it was done and done right. Bill Merriman was always there even if he was a little late. Thanks for all your hard work on all our events especially the festival – beer, security and licenses. Lucille Mitrane had the ideas of our newest and profitable fund-raisers, the Wine Tasting and Bingo. Because of her gentle nudging in these directions we are now reaping the rewards. Joan Moody the best Irishman of the Year I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for always keeping us informed of all things Irish. Ked Mullins took on Publicity and has done a wonderful job. His work (with his family) on the parades is phenomenal. Pat Peak took care of membership and me with the bylaws, but I think she gave up on me with Robert’s Rules. Terry Peak, one of the original kids of the Society, kept us on the straight and narrow. Mary Jo Quinn is another long time member. Thanks for all your help especially with the Memorials. Bob Szczepanski have bar will travel, even when it wasn’t the best of times. Thanks Bob. George Tracy’s work with the St. Patrick’s Day Events made the parades and his dedication to get festival workers kept the beer booths running and money flowing. Victor Villegas kept us informed of all the events for the Kelly Irish Singers and is Mr. Festival. If not for Victor we wouldn’t have a festival. Tish Villegas single-handedly ran all our Social agenda, planning all parties, banquets and receptions until she got ill then it took at least four people to do her job. I don’t know how she did it all. Bob Wehner is responsible for all the great entertainment at the Arneson River Theater every Festival. How he filled the time slots with the budget we gave him is miraculous. Marcia Weiner, one of our newest members, helped us look at things in a new way without the burden of the past. Thanks Marcia. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Erin Go Bragh Darryl Britten
In Memoriam Dorothy Ford Landers Sept. 1, 1926 to Aug. 24, 2007 After a long courageous battle, a long-time past- member and friend, Dorothy F. Landers went to be with the Lord on August 24, 2007. Dorothy was a member of the Harp & Shamrock Society for many years and served in many capacities, including Secretary. She was a retired guidance counselor from Robert E. Lee High School, an avid golfer, a voracious reader and loved to travel. Dorothy leaves behind her twin daughters, Pamela and Patricia Landers and son Tony Landers.
Tommy Makem Nov. 4, 1932 to Aug. 1, 2007 “But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not I’ll gently rise and I'll softly call good night and joy be with you all” The Parting Glass A great voice of traditional Irish music has been silenced. In the 1960s the voice of Irish/American Music was The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. They even played the White House in 1962 at President John F. Kennedy’s request. “Along with the Clancys he helped lift Ireland out of the gloomy forties and fifties and restored self confidence to a people that badly needed a lift,” said his brother Peter Makem. Tommy Makem, 74, is buried in his beloved Dover, New Hampshire.
News Bits From Ireland On August 21 the 2007 International Rose of Tralee was won by Lisa Murtagh, 27, of New York. She is the fourth New York winner in the almost 50 years of this competition. The entire two day event was broadcast live on the RTE.ie web site. This is also a good site for the latest news from the old sod. We have to work on getting our San Antonio Rose Of Tralee up to Dallas and then on to County Kerry Ireland. After 38 years the English army has left Northern Ireland. What will happen now? Ireland is warming up at twice the rate of the rest of the world according to a new climate change report compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is still under going questioning on some financial dealings. Brian Murray, 46, and Mark O’Shaugnessy, 26, both part-time firefighters died Sept. 26 while fighting a blaze in Bray, Co Wicklow. Thousands came out for the funerals for Mark and Brian including members of the FDNY.
FYI On Sept. 24, 1725 brewery founder Arthur Guinness was born in Celbridge, Ireland. I celebrate his birth with every pint. 7
The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Newsletter Editor P.O. Box 15306 San Antonio TX 78212 www.harpandshamrock.org Email: Shamrockeditor@aol.com
The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Cultural
Educational
Civic
Patriotic
Social
Mark your calendar October 06 11 20 28
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Days of Caring Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting Saturday, 10-4 p.m. Founders Day Sunday, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Wine Tasting
November 3/4 08 10 15 22
Sat/Sun, Austin Celtic Festival Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting Saturday, Noon, Veterans Day Parade Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service Thanksgiving, Raul Jimenez Dinner
Sláinte agus soal chugat! Health and long life to you!
Sean ‘Tiger’ Faught shows us how to putt.