Tag: Irish people

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Irish Rejection of Seanad Abolition is a National Disgrace

Michael Green

The defeat of the proposal to abolish the powerless Seanad House in the recent Referendum in Ireland is a damning indictment of the Irish people. The Seanad House is the upper house of the Irish parliament. It cannot prevent legislation from Dail Eireann (the main parliament) being enacted and has for decades been used as a way to bail out failed politicians and to reward public figures who supported the Government of the time. It is not accountable to the Irish electorate with many members of the Seanad either being appointed by University Graduates or directly by the Government of … Continue reading Irish Rejection of Seanad Abolition is a National Disgrace

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Milo O’Shea: More than just the ‘Irishman with the Eyebrows’

Michael Green

Milo O’Shea: More than just the ‘Irishman with the Eyebrows’ The famed Irish actor Milo O’Shea has died. He was a renowned performer and had a marvellous career on both stage and screen. Born in Dublin in 1926 his parents were both entertainers, his father a professional Singer and his mother a Harpist and Ballet Dancer. His earliest role was in a radio production of ‘Oliver Twist’ when he was just ten years old. Encouraged by his parents he pursued his dream of being an actor and left for America. Like so many aspiring actors his ‘day-job’ was a lot … Continue reading Milo O’Shea: More than just the ‘Irishman with the Eyebrows’

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Saint Patrick’s Day Traditions

Michael Green

The Wearing of the Green The tradition of wearing Shamrock to celebrate Saint Patrick seems to date from the seventeenth or eighteenth century. This was a very turbulent time in Irish history. The suppression of the Gaelic way of life by the ruling British invaders resulted in many aspects of the Catholic religion in Ireland being forced underground. Strict laws were enforced which prevented the Catholic population from attending schools so ‘hedge-schools’ were operated in secret. These were schools run outdoors in secluded places (sometimes literally ‘under a hedge!). The teaching of religion was also forbidden so it is only … Continue reading Saint Patrick’s Day Traditions

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Ned Kelly, Irish-Australian Outlaw Finally Laid to Rest

Michael Green

The infamous Irish bushranger Ned Kelly has been buried in an unmarked Australian grave some 132 years after his death. Despite being hanged in 1880 it was not until 2011 when DNA evidence from one of his living relatives was matched against bones and remains found in a derelict Melbourne Jail that any funeral could take place. For a time there was a legal wrangle over the ownership of the remains but in the end his descendants won the right to give him the Catholic burial he is said to have wanted. A crowd of over 500 people turned up … Continue reading Ned Kelly, Irish-Australian Outlaw Finally Laid to Rest

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Daniel O’Connell – The Life and Times of The Liberator 1775 – 1847

Michael Green

By Anthony Lynott Daniel O’Connell, affectionately known as The Liberator or The Emancipator was an Irish political activist. His activism and many accomplishments spanned a period of almost 50 years beginning in the latter part of the 18th century. He would be mostly known for his campaign for, and achievement of, Catholic Emancipation, followed by his unsuccessful campaign for the repeal of the Act of Union that formed the Union of Great Britain and Ireland. O’Connell was born August 6, 1775 at Carhen near Cahirciveen, County Kerry to Morgan and Catherine O’Connell of Derrynane. At one time a wealthy landed family, … Continue reading Daniel O’Connell – The Life and Times of The Liberator 1775 – 1847