45_3 by Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas

Established 1966

Harp Strings

The Official Newsletter of the Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Summer 2011 Volume 45 Halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Mark your calendar for the Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day Hooley and Irish Stew and Irish Soda Bread contest. On September 17, 2011 at 4 pm at the “O’Beethoven Garden Pub”.

Issue 3

President Obama Home in Ireland

Start working on your family’s favorite Irish Stew recipe for the rematch of the Irish Stews. You must register in advance to participate in the cookoff. There is a $10 entrance fee and prizes will be awarded. A select team of judges will judge the stew using The Irish Stew Appreciation Society International, Inc. guidelines. The application will be available on line and on page 7, or call Carolyn or Kevin Dowd. Like last year, You are invited to be a judge in the PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD. Come hungry! For a $5 donation you will be given tasting bowls, spoons and a ballot form to complete. Proceeds help support the St. Patrick’s Day parade. New this year is the Irish Soda Bread Tasting Category. Donations are requested for Irish Soda Bread to be sold with the Irish Stew. If you would like your Soda bread to be entered into the tasting contest you must register in advance. We are also accepting donations of liquor or wine to be added to the Basket O’Cheer to be raffled off the day of the Hooley.

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Left: The Memorial Services Detachment Friday Squad Color Guard leads the St. Patrick’s Day parade once again. Right: Military Ambassadors at the grandstand. From left: USCG Pettty Officer F. Mendez, President Terence Peak, Grand Marshal Sister Helena Monahan, Staff Sgt. J. Pas, and Major P. Ferguson. www.harpandshamrock.org

Ireland’s Taoiseach Enda Kenny stands behind President Barack Obama as he addresses the crowd at College Green in Dublin. More on the Presidents visit to Ireland inside.

HARP & SHAMROCK

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Est. 1966

HARP AND SHAMROCK SOCIETY OF TEXAS, INC P.O.Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212

PRESIDENT Terence Peak 210-829-3920 VICE PRESIDENT Kevin P. Dowd 210-845-4424 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Pat Peak 210-545-1633 TREASURER Patricia Lopez 210-778-4416 SECRETARY Dana Goodman 20-219-7356 CHAPLAIN Fr. McNamara 210-635-8539 BOARD of DIRECTORS Melissa Schulz 210-445-2777 Melinda Britten 210-699-8632 Carolyn Dowd 210-896-1598 Darryl Britten 210-215-9952 Elissa O’Brien 210-348-6877 Steve Mattick 210-212-7800 Joan Moody 210-656-2666 Erin O’Brien 210-348-6877 John Smith 210-240-7736 Brenda Tobey 210-523-0761 Bill Merriman 210-259-3482 Tyler Tully 210-688-0079 IRISHMAN OF THE YEAR Bill Merriman - 2011 Editor in Chief Kevin Patrick Dowd 210-845-4424 The Staff:

Joan Moody Terry Peak John McCarthy Pat Peak Carolyn Dowd Melissa Schulz Mariee Pilkington

Obama in Ireland

The President started his speech with a joke about coming home “to find the apostrophe that we lost somewhere along the way!” To which the ever playful Irishman in the crowd hollered “I’ve got it right here!” President Obama spent the better part of his speech honoring the rich history and spirit of Ireland and finished with the following: “But standing there in Moneygall, I couldn’t help but think how heartbreaking it must have been for that great-greatgreat-grandfather of mine, and so many others, to part. To watch Donegal coasts and Dingle cliffs recede. To leave behind all they knew in hopes that something better lay over the horizon. And for Even the President is ready to play in the GAA! America’s sake, we’re Taoiseach Kenny presented President Obama with a grateful so many others hurley stick. from this land took that (Official White House Photos by Lawrence Jackson) chance, as well. After all, never has a nation so small inspired so much in another. Irish signatures are on our founding documents. Irish blood was spilled on our battlefields. Irish sweat built our great cities. Our spirit is eternally refreshed by Irish story and Irish song; our public life by the humor and heart and dedication of servants with names like Kennedy and Reagan, O’Neill and Moynihan. So you could say there’s always been a little green behind the red, white and blue.”

From the Laptop  of Your Editor “Sinna Fianna Fáil, atá fé gheall ag Éirinn…” “Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland...” The Irish National anthem(above) is sung in Irish, of course, by our Kelly Irish Songsters. We performed at the local GAA official launch of the San Antonio Defenders Gaelic football team. There was even a front page spread in the San Antonio Express Sports section July 30. We had forecast for rain that day but it never came. We could use any little bit of rain we can get. This drought and 40+ days of triple digit temperatures is frying my brain! With no relief in sight. Fall is just around the corner. Which means our Halfway to St Patrick’s Day celebration and Irish stew and soda bread competition is coming. The ‘O’Beethoven’ is air conditioned! Come and join us for the singing, dancing, food and FUN! Kevin Patrick Dowd shamrockeditor@gmail.com www.harpandshamrock.org

From Your President Irish Unity and Gaelic Football I had the pleasure of attending the San Antonio Gaelic Athletic Club’s (SAGAC) kickoff game on July 30th, at Olmos Basin. In spite of the heat, the lads played well. Unfortunately, Dallas played a better game. While the loss was unfortunate, the game turned out to be a great opportunity for all of San Antonio’s Irish to come together. The Harp and Shamrock Society, the Irish Cultural Society, and the Ancient order of Hibernians all made it out in force. The Scottish Society was there as well. The sight of half a dozen tents and about 150 spectators on the San Antonio side was quite impressive. Also impressive was the noise made by the Defender’s cheering fans. Between breaks, cheering was replaced by laughter, bad jokes, and Tom Macken’s excellent play-by play. I seem to remember the Gaelic term for good time is “Craic”, which aptly describes the event. Getting the event together was not an easy task. Tyler Tully, Jason Binkley, and Adrian Brett have put together a fantastic program. In only four months the lads have moved the SAGAC from idea to a squad of two teams, bolstered by plenty of support from friends and family. It was an almost impossible task, but they have put together a great program.

Halfway continued

If you are interested in helping or would like to volunteer for the day of the event please contact Carolyn Dowd 210-896-1598. Last year we had a ton of Irish items in our store and it was a big hit. Melinda and Daryll Britten do a great job with our wee Irish store. Folks are needed to help at the Irish store and to help with serving the food during the tasting. Congratulations to our newly elected officers : President: Terence Peak 1st Vice President: Kevin P. Dowd 2nd Vice President: Bob Meade Treasurer: J. T. Norris Secretary: Dana Goodman New Board Members Melissa Schulz Melinda Britten Bill Merriman Ryan Stone

Owenmore Manufacturing

You’ll find truly Irish and unique items created by Clare and Stephen Kelly. Gleaned from thier website: Owenmore Manufacturing was started over 10 It should be noted that in addition to Tyler, Jason, and years ago when they moved to Gurteen, County Sligo. Adrian’s contribution’s to getting the event together, The name is taken from the river Owenmore that the event was a success due to the contributions of is 400 meters from the property. Clare's talent and The Harp and Shamrock Society’s Kelly Singers, Tom expertise as a seamstress are responsible for the high and Shelia Carrola and the Irish Cultural Society, Tom standard and superb quality of the exquisite waistMacken, Brian Clark, the Lion and the Rose Pub, and coats they produce, as well as one of a kind Wedding the AOH. and Bridesmaid dresses. Stephen's skills are in his hands as he can make almost anything out of any To learn more about the SAGAC, become a fan on given material. He cuts by hand, and paints and draws Facebook http://www.facebook.com/sanantoniogac his designs on time clocks. Steven is also responsible Or check out the website: www.sanantoniogac.org. for the design and composition of the Waistcoats they produce. Like the one they did for President Obama. Please take a moment to see their wares for yourself. Terence Peak www.owenmore-mfg.com www.owenmoreireland.com www.harpandshamrock.org 3

St Patrick’s Day Parades and Festival

Cusack Award winner Carolyn Dowd.

Paseo del Rio dyeing the “River Shannon” for our celebration. Sue Weller, Past Irishman of the Year Richard

Donovan, Elissa O’Brien and Melinda Britten

Irishman of the Year Bill Merriman.

Fire on the Mountain Cloggers

Robert Doyle

Inishfree Irish Dancers Mud King Justin Holley and Mud Queen Shanon Wasielewsk

Rod Campbell and Ron Wilson

www.celtictexas.com

President Barack Obama watches as First Lady Michelle Obama draws a pint at Ollie Hayes’ Pub in Moneygall, Ireland. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

www.harpandshamrock.org

St. Patrick’s Day at the Alamo If you missed the St. Patrick’s Day at the Alamo you missed the most important and poignant event this society undertakes. The echo taps played during the wreath laying ceremony and the recitation of the names of the Irish and Irish-Americans who sacrificed their lives on these hollowed grounds. At right Eileen Faught reads the names while Master of ceremonies Terry McDonald looks on, and the taps play. Below right Grand Marshal Sister Helena Monahan and Irishman of the Year Bill Merriman with President Terence Peak lay the wreath at the doors of the Alamo. Thanks to Arnie Garza, Band Director Central Catholic and Providence Mighty Button Band. Thank you toVincent Villarreal, C.C.H.S. Class of 2011 and Drum Major(top right), and Analisa Rodriguez, Providence H.S. class of 2012 Drum Major(left) for playing taps.

Tom Ewing lead the Kelly Irish Songsters in the lobby stage during the CCE Convention. We also sang the Irish national anthem before the dinner. More pictures at: Comhaltas San Antonio on Facebook or www.ccesa.info

The Beethoven Dance Band (left) entertained the runners before the race. Who thought it was a good idea to give Terry Peak a pistol(above)? “On your mark, get set... bagpipes!” Sue Branon did a great job sending the runners off from the start line. www.harpandshamrock.org

News From and About Ireland For the first time in the history of the Irish government they have issued an advisory about traveling to Britain after the rioting and the trouble spreading across the United Kingdom. There are plenty of disturbing videos online and on the news.

Seems like Ireland is feeling the heat of this warming planet. The Marine Conservation Society (MSC) warns beach goers to be careful as the Irish sea has turned into a “jellyfish soup.” They go on to say: “We should consider jellyfish populations as important indicators of the state of our seas,” and that the Irish Sea is covered in “...large numbers of moon, lion’s mane, blue and compass jellyfish.” www.irishweatheronline.com

Protests against planned cuts and changes to Dublin Bus services have taken place across the city. A number of groups organized demonstrations as part of the ‘Save Our Bus Services’ campaign. A petition against planned cuts was handed into the head office in response to the company adjusting the services across the city to match demand. Stay tuned. http://www.dublinbus.ie Sligo news: Two women have been elected to the offices of mayor and deputy mayor of Sligo for the first time. Fianna Fáil Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady won the mayoral election. Councillor Veronica Cawley was elected as deputy mayor. http://www.rte.ie Problems grow between Ireland and the Vatican. Taoiseach Kenny unleashed his scathing attack on the Holy See during what many see as an historic Dáil speech that plunged relations between the Republic and the Vatican to an all-time low. Kenny’s speech is also seen as heralding a new chapter in the Dáil’s approach to the Catholic Church, which once wielded enormous political power in the country. 6

In Memoriam Ida Lucille McKay Ida Lucille McKay, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 in San Antonio. She was born February 23, 1919 in Brownsville, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Judge James A. McKay, Jr.; and daughters Mary and Madelyn. Ida is survived by her children, Michael, Patrick, Dennis and Marie; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Irish Farm Report Major bid underway to curb flatulence in Irish cows ByJAMES O’SHEA Staff Writer @ IrishCentral.com Irish experts are trying to cut Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by curbing flatulence and belching in cows. The Department of the Environment has stated that Ireland has one of the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions per head in Europe. There are 6.6 million cattle and 4.6 million sheep in the country. “The long term goal is to identify animals that produce lower levels of methane,” said Richard Dewhurst, head of animal research and bioscience department while speaking to the Irish Sunday Times. He believes Ireland’s carbon footprint can be greatly reduced by a controlled diet for cattle that includes concentrate feed as well as silage. A control test of two different groups of animals discovered that the silage-only diet led to far more methane gas emission than a mixture of both diets. “Animals fed on a silage diet produced twice as much methane as those who were fed on a silage and cereal concentrate diet,” said Dewhurst. However, he pointed out that the concentrate diet was far mor expensive than silage. He said the option was under active review to offer financial subsidies to feed the cows the concentrate diet. http://www.irishcentral.com

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Erin Takes Manhatan

I took my first trip to Manhattan in February. While my guests – society board members Elissa O’Brien and Melissa Schultz – and I enjoyed a number of attractions, including Strawberry Fields and the Met, the highlight of the trip for me was the Irish Echo “Top 40 Under 40” reception at Rosie O’Grady’s. I was absolutely blown away by the notable guests in attendance (Consulate General of Ireland Noel Kilkenny and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg among them), the caliber of my fellow honorees and the overall hospitality shown by the guests and the Irish Echo staff. I would sincerely like to thank the Irish Echo staff for the honor, as well as past society president Joan Moody, who nominated me, and everyone else who has supported me personally and professionally over the years. I was honored and proud to represent the society to our fellow Irish Americans from around the country, and I look forward to further opportunities to do so in the future. Erin O’Brien

GAA Sports Report This will be the new sports column for the newsletter from now on. The excitement is growing for Gaelic Football in Texas and our San Antonio Defenders. A little history from the GAA website:

The Gaelic Athletic Association / Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is a 32 county sporting and cultural organisation that has a presence on all five continents. It is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation and is celebrated as one of the great amateur sporting associations in the world today. The GAA is a volunteer led, community based organisation that promotes Gaelic games such as Hurling, Football, Handball and Rounders and works with sister organisations to promote Ladies Football and Camogie. It is part of the Irish consciousness and plays an influential role in Irish society that extends far beyond the basic aim of promoting Gaelic games. The Association has its headquarters at Croke Park in Dublin where it has been based on a full time basis since 1908.

I’ll need to ask the guys “What is Camogie?” The Defenders can be found at: www.sagac.org and/or facebook.com/SanAntonioGaelicAthleticClub

Attention! Attention!

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The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas Newsletter Editor P.O. Box 15306 San Antonio, TX 78212

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Mark Your Calendar September

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17 Saturday 4p.m. Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Hooley Beethoven Maennerchor 422 Pereida St. 2nd Annual Irish Stew Tasting First Irish Soda Bread competition More information inside. 24 Saturday 7pm -10pm Ceili Mor Comhaltas San Antonio St. Pius X - Monsignor Martin Hall 3909 Harry Wurzbach Road More info: http://www.ccesa.info www.harpandshamrock.org

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