Editor’s Corner: The Clash of the Ash, and Other Halloween Treats
by John O’Brien, Jr. @Jobjr
What is the National Sport of Ireland? Some think it is Gaelic Football; it is not. It is the ancient game of Hurling – kind of like field hockey but in the air. I could try and describe the Clash of the Ash but hop on to see the best of the best compete in a super-charged, grace and power-fluid motion, action-packed game, uninhibited by such silly things as time outs, penalty boxes, or broken sticks. The game does stop for injuries, eventually. On YouTube (all over, but GAA.ie is a good place to start).
The annual Al O’Leary Tournament is Saturday October 2nd. Come on down to Akron, and see teams compete in Hurling, and the woman’s version, called Camogie (no difference in the two games, so no idea why it is goes by a different name).
ClevelandGAA have a golf outing fundraiser on October 9th at Coppertop Golf Course in Valley City – check out @ClevelandGAA for details. Also coming up is the @CincinnatiGAA Golf Outing, on October 15th, an annual fundraiser for the Cincinnati Gaelic Athletic Association. Cinci GAA is a bunch of good guys in Cinci trying to foster the Irish culture, keep it alive and make it thrive, without enough support: [email protected]
There are loads of other events, music, dance, sports and so much more coming this month. Check out Out & About iIrish within for gigs and gatherings to attend safely when you do your part and meet organizers ½ way. www.iIrish.us also has these listings, and much more.
Two new Pittsburgh Columnists join us this month; Diane Byrnes writes Pittsburgh Happenings, and Marie Young (and her Irish Language students at the University of Pittsburgh) writes Éasca Péasca (Easy Peasy), on people, places and Irish language graces. Natalie Keller of Medina joined us last month, in Irish at Heart with great experience, tips and stories on moving to, living and working in Ireland. That brings us to twenty-four columnists from across the U.S.A. bringing you the movers, shakers and music makers each month.
627 locations now distribute iIrish each month, including Giant Eagle, CVS, Marcs and Leader Drug. If we are missing a location that you would like us to add, please let us know and we will check it out. The complete list of all locations is on the website: www.iIrish.us.
Last, but in no way least. Congratulations to The Treehouse, celebrating twenty-five years as a premier gathering and music place for the Irish and all of their friends. Paul Jones and crew are a tremendous asset to our community, with great staff, great food and some of the best music around.
Nuair a stadann an ceol, stadann an rince
(When the music stops, so does the dance)
John
