I am very fortunate to have the influences and guidance of my own dad, whom I admire and strive to emulate in so many ways, means, lessons learned and advantages given, but have also had several other dads who have had an impact on me; giving me guidance on doing the right thing, for no other reason than wanting me to do well.
From Gaelic Football to the festival to iIrish and other stranger things growing up that are burned into me – got a back like an ironwood, bent by the wind …. Joe Moran, Owen Lowry, Pat Kearney, Tom Byrne, John Lackey, Kevin McDonough … guys whose voices echo in my brain when I think about broader impact in what I want to leave behind.
I am not a father or a priest, but the opportunity to make an impact on those coming after us has been my purpose driven life, lit on the very first day of St. Ignatius High School, when Dad walked into my bedroom, and roughly said, this is the first day; each day, make sure you are trading a day of your life for something worthwhile.
I have never forgotten the moment or the meaning, as opportunities are encountered. I am the last of my name.
One of our very favorite activities for a fantastic summer has already begun. The U. S. Gaelic Athletic Association season, with Men’s, Women’s Gaelic Football; Hurling (Men’s) and Camogie (Women’s) and youth teams news and schedules are detailed in Taking the Fields of Glory on page xx. All are welcome to watch, learn a bit about the national sports in Ireland played here, and if so moved, new players and fan are aways welcome, no matter your experience level.
Costs are very minimal, and like Irish dance, they are a giving activity for many other sports, including soccer, rugby and lacrosse players looking for a fun summer activity, with benefits that last all year long. For many, they last a lifetime.
iIrish Welcomes New Columnists
We welcome two new columnists this month. Vaiva Neary has taken the reins of Cleveland Irish, and Chris Carroll is our new Columbus Irish Columnist. Their work is within, and on iirish.us, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok. As always, we respectfully ask for shares and comments; ideas and reviews on any of our web and digital platforms – what you like, don’t, want to see, and have seen – share your stories with us, so we can share more with you. Comments (most) on the website and social media are especially important, and appreciated.
History Tour of Ireland, Pics and Vids
We had such a fantastic AOH Irish History Tour to many of the locations and about many of the people in the Irish fight for freedom. We look forward to sharing some of the highlights with you.
Many are already lodged on iirish.us, but many more will be added as time allows. We again request your comments, your own stories, pics and videos too, as we continue to illuminate what being Irish means for each of us, in song and story, past, present, print and pic.
Merch Store
The iIrish Merch store has switched over to summer gear, including fun T-Shirts, books, bags and more. The winter hoodies and Crew Necks are still available, but we hope you will like the other merch now and to come even more. The Granite and the Rose Ladies V-Necks have been a hit – if you have any special requests, please let us know, we aim to provide what you most want.
Top 10 Things to Do
See the What’s the Craic?, Festival Focus, Taking the Fields of Glory, Wise Craics humorpage and more within for all that craic, and the details too. There is so much more inside.
iIrish is made in America. We have always been green and are proudly Irish, all year long.
…
Nuair a stapann an ceol, an damhsa déanann an amhlaidh
(When the music stops, so does the dance)
John
