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		IN THIS ISSUE
~~~ Foreword
~~~ Keep us Free!
~~~ News Snaps from Ireland
~~~ New Free Resources at the Site
~~~ Tales from the Irish Draw
~~~ Faulksrath Castle 		by Andrew Jackson
~~~ Cara Irish Penpals News
~~~ Visit Northern Ireland!	by Anne Griffin
~~~ Famous Irish Songs: Cockles and Mussels
~~~ Irish Quotations of the Month
~~~ Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
~~~~~~~~

Hello again from a very proud Ireland. The main 
focus of attention in these islands over the last 
few weeks has been the World Cup taking place in 
Korea and Japan. The Irish team did us proud and 
were welcomed back by a crowd of over 100,000 
fans. One can only imagine the outcome had the 
team actually won the competition!


Until next month, enjoy your Summer!

Michael


WE NEED YOUR HELP!

PLEASE - send this newsletter on to your friends 
or relatives who you think are interested in 
Ireland. By doing this you are helping to keep 
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KEEP THIS NEWSLETTER ALIVE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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FIANNA FAIL AND P.D.'s FORM NEW GOVERNMENT

Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn has led his party back 
into Government after the recent General Election 
by forging a coalition with their previous 
partners, the Progressive Democrats. P.D. leader 
Mary Harney will remain on as Tanaiste while 
Charlie McCreevey will continue to hold the key 
job in the Department of Finance.

IRELAND PAY THE PENALTY IN WORLD CUP SHOOT-OUT

An eventful Irish World Cup campaign led by 
manager Mick McCarthy saw the boys in green bow 
out on penalties after drawing 1-1 with Spain in
the last 16 of the competition. Memories of Genoa 
in 1990 flooded back as the penalty shoot-out 
began but it was not to be as Ireland missed 3 of 
their spot-kicks while Spain only missed 2.

In qualifying from a tough group the Irish team 
drew 1-1 with both Cameroon and Germany before 
beating Saudi Arabia 3-0 to reach the next stage. 

Damien Duff and Robbie Keane emerged as the Irish 
heroes as the team defied their critics and played 
some top class football despite the absence of 
their former captain, Roy Keane, who had been sent 
home in disgrace by Mick McCarthy after launching 
into a stinging personal attack. The midfield duo 
of Mark Kinsella and Matt Holland enhanced their 
reputations as top flight players with some 
vintage performances in the heart of the midfield.

The overall sense of frustration at the defeat to 
Spain was further compounded by the fact that Ian 
Harte had earlier had a penalty kick saved before 
Robbie Keane netted from the spot with only a 
couple of minutes remaining. An obviously 
disappointed Mick McCarthy and team did a lap of 
honour to thank the thousands of fans who had 
travelled tens of thousands of miles to support 
their heroes.

Niall Quinn, Steve Staunton and Alan Kelly each 
announced their retirement from international 
football and readily received thanks from their 
manager as well as an acknowledgment of their 
contribution to Irish football over the last 
decade and more.

Mick McCarthy has been reaffirmed as manager for 
another 2 years with the FAI hoping that he is 
still in the job in 2008 when the European 
Championships kick off. Ireland and Scotland have 
lodged a joint application to host that 
competition. In the meantime the next adventure 
for the boys in green is the qualifying rounds of 
the European Championships which will take place 
in Portugal in 2004.

The team arrived back in Dublin and were met in 
the Phoenix Park by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn 
and President Mary McAleese. An estimated 100,000 
fans packed the park and cheered wildly as each 
of the players were introduced, much to their 
shock, joy and appreciation.

MOTORING PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED

The Government has pledged to get the new points 
system that will force bad drivers off the road, 
up and running before the year is out. Drivers 
who repeatedly speed, drive while using mobile 
phones, jump traffic lights or any other 
dangerous practice will be fined and given 
penalty points. An accumulation of 12 penalty 
points in any 3 year period will result in a 
6-month driving ban and fine.

Road fatalities fell by 13% between 1997 and 2001 
but the figures for 2002 look likely to exceed 
those of last year, despite several measures to 
try to reduce the overall number of deaths.

AER LINGUS LIKELY TO BE SOLD OFF QUICKLY

The Irish state owned airline, Aer Lingus, is 
likely to be sold off just as soon as the 
international aviation industry recovers from 
recent setbacks. One of the options being mooted 
is that of a management buyout. Staff Unions are 
warning that they will oppose any attempt to 
privatise the company.

Recent record profits by budget airline Ryanair 
have put further pressure on the longer 
established airlines to cut costs and to become 
more profitable.

SAMARITANS LOG 400,000 CONTACTS in 2001

The Irish Samaritans have logged 400,00 contacts 
with people in distress in 2001. Despite the 
increase in the standard of living caused by the 
successful economy, the suicide rate in Ireland 
actually rose by 8% between 1900 and 2000. A new 
initiative by the organisation will see their 
volunteer staff go out into the city to try to 
meet and help people on the streets who might not 
have otherwise contacted them.

IRELAND OF THE RIP-OFF'S

Forget 'Ireland of the Welcomes', the Emerald Isle 
is rapidly becoming 'Ireland of the Rip-Offs' as 
prices continue to rise.

A recent survey has again shown that the cost of 
living in Ireland is on the increase. The cost of 
40 staple items in a Dublin suburb was EURO 296.31 
but the same items cost only EURO 232.82 in 
St. Tropez, the millionaire's playground in the 
South of France. Even Guinness is more expensive 
in Ireland, costing EURO 2.09 for a 500ml can in 
Dublin but only EURO 1.32 in France.

The Director of Consumer Affairs is expected to 
investigate and has already asked the major 
supermarkets to explain their pricing.

IRISH WRITER JOHN B. KEANE DIES IN LISTOWEL

One of Ireland's most famous and prominent 
writers, John B. Keane, has died at the age of 73 
years. The funeral of the author of such famous 
works as 'The Field', which was made into a 
successful film starring Richard Harris and Tom 
Berenger, took place in his native Listowel 
in County Kerry. It was attended by a huge crowd 
that included dignitaries and celebrities from 
around the world.

GOVERNMENT TO GIVE BABIES 5 FREE BOOKS

All babies born in 2001 are to receive 5 free 
books courtesy of the Irish Government as part 
of a EURO 2 Million literacy drive. One of the 
books is in Irish while the others contain tips 
for parents about how to use the books to 
promote reading at an early age.

INTERNATIONAL COURT REJECTS SELLAFIELD CLOSURE BID

The UN Law of the Sea Tribunal rejected the bid by 
Ireland to have the Sellafield Nuclear Power Plant 
in Cumbria closed. Further actions under European 
law are promised by the Irish Government. 

The Court did find however, for the first time, 
that Ireland had a legitimate interest in the 
issue of Sellafield and that improved co-operation
by the UK authorities regarding the running of 
Sellafield were required. Irish Government 
representatives are happy that this matter is now 
definitely one of international concern and as 
such is subject to international law. 

The court ruled against the British lawyers who 
maintained that the issue of Sellafield was 
outside of its jurisdiction. They court also 
rejected a British demand that Ireland meet all 
of the legal costs.

WORLD CUP EXPLOITS ENHANCE SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Footballing matters aside, one of the most obvious 
benefits of Ireland's participation in the world's 
biggest sporting event has been the extent to 
which Irish people have bonded and the degree to 
which a sense of community and belonging has been 
demonstrated.

All over the country Irish flags are waving, from 
houses, from cars, on construction cranes, 
everywhere. During the matches themselves shops 
and businesses closed down. People gathered in 
pubs and clubs as an estimated EURO 250 Million 
was pumped into the economy as a direct result of 
the World Cup 'feelgood' factor.

The sense of national loss at the defeat to Spain 
in the penalty shootout was quickly replaced by 
one of extreme pride as Ireland, having one of the 
smallest populations of all of the teams that 
qualified for Korea and Japan 2002, made it 
through to the last 16, only to be denied by the 
slenderest of margins.
 
Voice your opinion at these news issues here:

 https://www.ireland-information.com/cgi-bin/newsletterboardindex.cgi

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NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NEW COATS OF ARMS ADDED TO THE GALLERY:

The following 5 coats of arms images and family
history details have been added to the Gallery:

B: Baskin
C: Colley
K: O'Kane
N: Newcomen
S: Spaulding

View the Gallery here:

 http://www.irishsurnames.com/coatsofarms/gm.htm

We now have over 20,000 worldwide names available.
Get the Coat of Arms Print, Claddagh Ring,
Screensaver, Watch, T-Shirt Transfer or Clock for
your name at:

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NEWSLETTER FORUM

Voice your opinion at the Newsletter Forum here:

 https://www.ireland-information.com/cgi-bin/newsletterboardindex.cgi

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FAULKSRATH CASTLE 		BY ANDREW JACKSON

Foreword:
I have attached a copy of the poem my thirteen 
year old recently wrote for school after staying 
overnight in a hostel at the Faulksrath Castle 
in Kilkenny while on family vacation. 

We enjoy your newsletter. 
Thanks, 

Alan Jackson 

~~~

Faulksrath Castle

In the County Kilkenny
There stood a great castle
It guarded the area
With the help of many a vassal.

There was a man with name not known
Who became a great soldier
And, by the tale of the minstrel,
Earned the title of loyal defender.

There came a great threat
Under the disguise of darkness
And while defending his post, 
His soul fell into nothingness.

Yet his spirit stayed 
And the castle was rebuilt 
And made into a hostel
Right where the blood was spilt.

And if you go there today,
According to the host,
His ghost is on the balustrade,
Still at his post.

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CARA IRISH PENPALS NEWS

Many thanks to those Penpals who have upgraded. 
Upgrading allows you to upload a picture of 
yourself for viewing by prospective penpals at 
the website as well as being able to receive the 
list of the '50 newest penpals'.

Another benefit of upgrading is that you may have 
your listing shown in this newsletter. Here are a 
batch of the most recent Penpals who have helped 
to keep this service alive:

Name: James (full name available at the website)
City, Country: Dublin, Ireland
Age: 28
Interests: Ireland, travel, freedom & friendships, 
cooking, watersports, latin & rock music, u2, 
my dog! 
Message: HELLO :) I am James ,my birthplace and 
home is Ireland, please write me a mail!!
Picture: Yes

Name: Hugh (full name available at the website)
City, Country: Bantry, Ireland
Age: 45
Interests: Art, Music, Love, Food, Sun, Nature, 
Travel, Good company
Message: Sensitive and passionate West Cork 
sculptor/musician looking for female penpal 
initially but eventually a long term partner
Picture: Yes

Name: Ann (full name available at the website)
City, Country: Klippan Sweden 
Age: 25 
Interests: Horses, friends, travelling, Computers, 
Going out for a drink at the pub, social life + 
I would like to get a real Irish friend (even 
male friends!!) 
Message: Would love to get Irish Penpals all over 
the world!!
Picture: Yes

Name: Nancy  (full name available at the website)
City, Country: Massachusetts, U.S.A 
Age: 58 
Interests: Animals, Crafts, people, other 
cultures, video games, I've been known to stay up 
til the wee hours of the morning playing these 
things :>) 
Message: I would like to chat with anyone of any 
gender/age or marital status, from another 
country, preferably..Although I'm 58, I think/act 
a lot younger, so I would love to chat with 
Picture: Yes

Looking for a penpal to communicate with, either 
by email or 'snail-mail'? If you are then the 
first thing you need to do is to sign up for 
our FREE penpal service at:

 http://www.irishpenpals.com

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VISIT NORTHERN IRELAND!		BY ANNE GRIFFIN

Recently, following retirement) I've started 
living half of the year in my native Co. Antrim.  
The area I live in is on the outskirts of Belfast 
and is still very much as it was when I left 45 
years ago. Preparing for my drivers license it 
came back to me just how rural we still are. 
There were at least 5 questions on the test 
about 'the rights of sheep and shepherds'.   

I have spent many happy hours playing tour guide 
to visiting friends.... showing them what (in my 
humble and unbiased opinion) is the most 
beautiful part of Ireland. The Glens of Antrim, 
the Giants Causeway, the Mountains of Mourne. 
Touring the Castles and stately homes, marvelling 
at graveyards standing in churches over 900 years 
old. Having lunch in a small hotel right next 
door to it which has been in continuous operation 
since 1180. Whiling away hours in villages 
unchanged for hundreds of years. Laughing at the 
notion that mixed vegetables means 3 kinds of 
potatoes. Enjoying people who are the friendliest 
and most welcoming in all the world.   

No matter where you go, you will meet people who 
have 'people' somewhere in the U.S. This is one 
part of the world where they love Americans and 
enjoy having a little 'craich' with you anytime 
you want to spend a moment or two. Practicing the 
dances and reels of my childhood. Yes, they still 
hold country dances and yes, everyone seems to 
know what they are doing. It's a joy to watch and 
even more fun to participate. Don't be surprised 
if a local couple reaches out and grabs you and 
spends a good part of the evening teaching you 
the Moonlight Saunter!

For the youngsters, there is an abundance of 
clubs, discos, and all the other things that are 
near and dear to their hearts. Heaven knows there 
is no shortage of pubs. 

You probably are a little put off the North due 
to the 'troubles'. The media has done a wonderful 
job of making it seem that Belfast is a city under 
siege. Nothing could be farther from the truth. 
Yes, there are a few areas of the city where you 
would not want to go and walk around after dark. 
Having said that, I'll also say that there are no 
major cities in the world where that statement is 
not true. On your next trip to Ireland come see 
the wonderful, friendly North.

You'll be glad you did. 

Anne Griffin

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FAMOUS IRISH SONGS: COCKLES AND MUSSELS

Foreword: The famous statue of Molly Malone in 
Dublin stands at the junction of Grafton Street 
and Nassau Street, yards from Trinity College.

~~~

Cockles and Mussels

In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!

She was a fish-monger, but sure 'twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they each wheeled their barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!

She died of a fever, and no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O!
Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O!
Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O

Listen to the tune to this and other famous Irish 
songs here:

 https://www.ireland-information.com/irishmusic/

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IRISH QUOTATIONS OF THE MONTH
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 The great fallacy is that the game is first and 
 last about winning. It's nothing of the kind. 
 The game is about glory. 
 It's about doing things in style.

Danny Blanchflower, 1926-1993, of football

 I miss the things like camaraderie in the gym. 
 I don't miss being smacked in the mouth every day. 

Barry McGuigan in 1998, on retirement from boxing

 Horrocks-Taylor came towards me with the ball. 
 Horrocks went one way, Taylor went the other, 
 and I was left holding the hyphen.

Attributed to Tony O'Reilly

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Get great Irish gifts, terrific service and much 
more at IrishGlobalGifts.com

Go here to find out more:

 http://www.irishglobalgifts.com

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JUNE COMPETITION RESULT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The winner was: annmariekeane@hotmail.com
who will receive the following: 

A Single Family Crest Print (decorative) 
(US$19.99 value)

Send us an email to claim your prize, and well 
done! Remember that all subscribers to this 
newsletter are automatically entered into the 
competition every time. 

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I hope that you have enjoyed this issue.
Please keep the feedback coming!

Until the next time,

Stay Safe!

Michael Green,
Editor,
The Information about Ireland Site.

https://www.ireland-information.com
Click here to contact us