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  The Information about Ireland Site Newsletter 
                   January 2009
 
The Newsletter for people interested in Ireland 
 Now received by over 50,000 people worldwide 
      https://www.ireland-information.com 
          https://www.irishnation.com
              Copyright (C) 2009  

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		IN THIS ISSUE

=== News Snaps from Ireland 
=== New free resources at the site
=== Irish Sea Kayak Trip by Nathan Kingerlee
=== Three Famous Irish Painters
=== 'The Woman on the High-Nellie Bike' by Pat Watson
=== Michael Collins - a biography 
=== Gaelic Phrases of the Month
=== Monthly free competition result

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FOREWORD
========

Hello again from Ireland where the economy is of 
course dominating the collective conversation, just 
like everywhere else! Those of us old enough to 
remember the 1980s recession are perhaps 
better-prepared than the younger generation for 
the imminent period of austerity that is predicted 
to befall us. Ireland suffered more than most 
countries in the 80s with emigration and 
unemployment rampant. Maybe things will look a 
bit rosier this time next year!

We are continuing to work on our house-swap 
program and will email all those who have 
registered an interest once it goes live 
- see below.

Until next month,

Michael

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=======================
NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND
=======================

SHOWDOWN TALKS AIMED AT SAVING THE ECONOMY

The poor state of the Irish economy continues to 
dominate the Irish political scene as government 
representatives meet with employer and union 
officials in an attempt to reach a consensus about 
the best way forward. The government is insisting 
that 2 BN euro in savings must be eked from the 
public service which is seen as being overstaffed 
and overpaid. Initial opposition by Unions to any 
form of pay cut seems to be softening somewhat 
especially after Taoiseach Brian Cowen outlined the 
dire circumstances. The government provided both 
sides with its road map to economic recovery and 
predicted that:

* At least 120,000 more job will be lost by the end 
  of 2010 
* Income will fall by at least 10% 
* Government tax deficits will increase to 8 BN by 
  end of 2009
* Unemployment could reach 10%

It seems likely that the pain will be shared across 
the economy as the government appointed 'Commission 
on Taxation' is likely to recommend a whole raft of 
new taxes, possibly including some form of property 
tax but almost certainly to include an increase in 
the rates of direct income tax.

A central part of the plan however includes 
legislative protection for those home-owners who 
run into difficulty with their mortgage repayments. 
Given the huge amount of state aid being lavished 
on the banks the banking sector is unlikely to 
rock the boat by objecting.

The slowdown in the economy is having all sorts of 
economic effects as the deathknell of the 'Celtic 
Tiger' is sounded. Pub trade has picked up while 
restaurant trade has declined. The luxury goods 
and services sector is taking a big hit with 
prestige golf club memberships, spa resorts, 
gourmet food suppliers and car sales all declining 
rapidly (15,000 new car sales in January 2009 
compared with 48,000 new cars sold in January 2008). 
Sales in discount grocery stores have increased. 
Journeys across the border to Newry have also 
increased dramatically as Sterling continues its 
fall relative to the Euro. Border towns like Dundalk 
are already feeling the pressure with stores 
closing due to the loss of trade.

BLOODSHED IN THE IRISH BANKING SECTOR

Anglos Irish bank has been nationalised by the 
Government, effectively wiping out the value of 
shareholders stake. The bank was one of the bright 
lights of the economic boom of recent years and 
specialised in financing extravagant property 
schemes. The severe downturn in the construction 
sector hit Anglo harder than most other banks as 
it was so heavily invested in new construction. 
The government had planned a recapitalization but 
instead took over the entire bank rather than see 
it collapse.

Following hot on the heels of Anglos shame came 
the news that First Active Bank is to be 
integrated into Ulster Bank with the loss of 60 
bank branches and 750 jobs. First Active was 
one of Ireland's oldest building societies and 
achieved notoriety by offering 100% mortgages 
at the height of the property boom. It is 
unlikely to be the last big banking brand to 
disappear as a result of the current financial 
crisis.

100,00 NON-NATIONALS LEAVE IRELAND

Anecdotal evidence of the departure of the 
many Polish and eastern European workers from 
Ireland has been backed up by a government 
estimate that 100,000 have left the country. 
Nearly one fifth of the current unemployed are 
non-nationals who overall represent 12% of the 
population and 15% of the workforce. This 
disparity can be explained by the fact that 
many non-nationals were employed in service 
industry work that many native Irish shunned.
That trend is now being reversed with queues 
for these jobs now the norm.

CONGESTION CHARGE LIKELY FOR DUBLIN CITY

The groundwork is being laid for a traffic 
congestion charge to be imposed on motorists who 
enter Dublin City centre. A similar scheme has 
already been in operation in London since 2003 
and while Dublin is a much smaller city the 
traffic-jams can be just as bad. The plan may 
coincide with the proposal to have a directly 
elected Mayor for Dublin, who would have control 
over the city's dire traffic problems.

THE (ALMOST) NAKED COWBOY FROM NY CITY ARRIVES

The singing cowboy who wears only his underwear, 
hat and boots and is among the most visited 
attractions in New York City has arrived in 
Dublin to give the citizenry a boost. Robert 
Burck, who has a degree in political science and 
a Masters in Business, has earned and estimated 
US$8 M.illion singing his way to fame and fortune 
in Times Square in the New York. He is in Ireland 
to promote a competition run by Irish Entrepreneur 
Magazine cites his own unlikely success as 
inspiration for any budding new Irish businesses.


Voice your opinion on these news issues here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/newsletterboard/wwwboard.html

==============================
NEW FREE RESOURCES AT THE SITE
==============================

IRELAND HOUSE-SWAP LISTING

We are working on the online program to allow you 
to freely add and view details of other people who 
are interested in this service.

You can add your home-swap details to our new free 
listing service at:

https://www.ireland-information.com/irelandhouseswap.htm

IRISH HOLIDAY AND TOURIST BOARD

Post a question about holidaying in Ireland 
and we guarantee an answer will be posted on 
the board.

https://www.ireland-information.com/irishholidays-irishtourist/irishtouristboard.html

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:

F: Finucane
G: Golden, McGrady
N: Norton, McNulty

View the Gallery here:

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

THE PERFECT WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY OR BIRTHDAY GIFT!
We now have over 100,000 worldwide names available.
Get the Coat of Arms Print, Claddagh Ring,
Screensaver, Watch, T-Shirt Transfer or Clock for
your name at:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestgifts.htm



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YOU CAN HELP TO KEEP THIS FREE NEWSLETTER ALIVE!

Visit: 
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where you can get great Irish gifts, prints, 
claddagh jewellery, engraved glassware and 
much more.

Anne MacDonald ordered a family crest plaque:

 Hello, Michael,

 Received my plaque, carefully wrapped, 
 in good order. It is splendid! I am 
 thrilled, and I know that my dad, for whose 
 81st birthday this was ordered, will love 
 it. I would like to order another one! 

 Everyone who has seen the plaque has been 
 really impressed, even those who, as my 
 daughter says are 'not into ancestor 
 worship!'

 Again, my hearty thanks for this 
 first-class product.

 Best wishes for happy holiday season.

 Sincerely, Anne MacDonald

THE PERFECT WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY GIFT!

View family crest plaques here:

https://www.irishnation.com/familycrestplaques.htm

====================
IRISH SEA KAYAK TRIP 
by Nathan Kingerlee
====================

After a busy summer I decided to take three days 
off, pack a fifteen foot sea kayak with food and 
drink and explore the south west coast. My plans 
happened to coincide with what was probably the 
summer's best weather.

I paddled out from Snave Strand, at the head of 
Bantry Bay, on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The 
gentle southerly breeze barely stirring the water. 
For the entire afternoon I couldn't wipe the 
grin from my face as the coastline of the Beara 
Peninsula unveiled itself, in all of its rocky 
rugged beauty. With my heavily laden kayak a 
little tippy to begin with, until I became 
accustomed to it, I hugged the coastline. Past 
Whiddy Island Oil Refinery and Glengarrif 
Harbour. After a couple of hours paddling my 
stomach began to let me know it was past 
lunchtime, so spying a huge black rock protruding 
from the water I made for it. Leaving my kayak 
tightly wedged between slippery rocks I scrambled 
to the summit, passing numerous orderly piles of 
twigs spread across the flat top, which on closer 
inspection turned out to be abandoned gannet 
nests.

Invigorated after a lunch of freshly baked bread, 
slightly warm goat cheese and tomatoes I hit the 
water knowing I needed to make it to Bere Island 
to be assured of a good camping spot that night. 
This was a long paddle - head down - long deep 
strokes for three hours, cutting down the middle 
of Bantry Bay to take the most direct line. 
Roancarrigmore, a tiny island with a lonely 
lighthouse perched on it, was my first target. 
Once I reached this little island I knew Bere 
Island was only 2km further. Slowly, but 
eventually, my destination became closer and 
closer. With the wind increasing, the temperature 
dropping and the sun setting I was eager to land 
and set up camp. Hugging the outside of the 
island I paddled into a calm natural bay called 
Lonehort Harbour. Landing my kayak on a white 
sandy beach, I pitched my Vango tent in dusky 
twilight, fixed a line between two gorse bushes 
to dry my kayaking gear and climbed into my tent. 
After the compulsory 'I'm still safe' text 
messages I set down to the serious job of cooking 
dinner, making several cups of tea and attempting 
to open a bottle of red wine with a penknife!

The next morning dawned clear and cool, with the 
promise of a scorching day to come. After sausages 
and bacon, cooked on my powerful gas stove, I 
packed my kayak and while squeezing everything 
into the two watertight compartments had a 
revelation! For most of the previous day my kayak 
had wanted to veer to starboard, especially later 
in the day when the breeze increased. This had 
meant that every third stroke was a sweep stroke 
on the right to correct myself, which was hard 
work! Anyway my revelation was that my nine litres 
of drinking water plus three bottles of wine 
weren't distributed properly inside the storage 
compartments, meaning my boat was slightly 
lopsided, just enough to effect the steering of 
it through the water....

Paddling along the outside of Bere Island was 
impressive, with the British gun batteries and 
bunkers disappearing slowly under an unstoppable 
tide of nettles and gorse. A Martello Tower from 
the Napoleonic Wars thrust bluntly into the blue 
sky, while nearby nestled a Megalithic Burial 
Site and a romantic looking promontory fort, 
probably Iron Age or earlier. Bere Island has a 
rich history and played an important part in 
World War 1, only being returned to the Irish in 
1938.

I left Bere Island, crossing the mouth of
Castletown Bere Harbour and passing a solitary 
fishing trawler which threw up a lazy wash behind 
it. It was now I began to feel I was sea kayaking 
for real. Bantry Bay widened before me, miles of 
open water, the Beara Peninsula on my right, 
steadily increasing cliffs, headland after 
headland curving out of sight. While on my left 
the Sheep's Head Peninsula slowly tapered to a 
finish, exposing open sea beyond it.

Deciding to land for lunch is a decision that has 
to be well planned, as even in the gentle swell I 
was encountering, it's no mean feat to land 
safely. Locate a section of rocky shoreline which 
doesn't look too slippery, judge the swell as it 
surges upwards against the black rocks and rushes 
back down, sucking and gurgling. When a calming in 
the incoming swell seems imminent paddle alongside 
the rocks, timing it with the upward surge of 
salty water, pull off the neoprene spray deck, 
slide out of the boat onto the rocks and as the 
water begins to rush back downwards grab the 
handle and heave the boat onto the rocks, while 
all the time keeping the paddle securely in one 
hand!

This article is continued in the online 
edition of this newsletter:


https://www.ireland-information.com/jan09.htm#article

Nathan Kingerlee runs an outdoor adventure 
company, Outdoors Ireland,  based in Killarney, 
Kerry. Specialising in guided trips, from a  
half-day to a week, activities include hiking, 
hill walking, canoeing  and rock climbing. You 
can contact Nathan at 
http://www.outdoorsireland.com  
 or info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.




  



Feat successfully completed, I looked around my picnic spot. I had landed in a narrow inlet, which was basically a cleft in the cliffs. There was just enough space to drag my kayak onto the warm boulders which made up the floor. On one side was the water, now appearing docile. On the other three sides were vertical sandstone cliffs which towered overhead and thrust most of this inlet into shade. At the very back of the cleft were the scattered ancient remains of a Massey Ferguson tractor, which I guessed a weary farmer had pushed (or driven) over the edge. I sincerely hoped that with the progress of REPS and environmental awareness there would be no more dumping while I sat there enjoying my lunch.

Technically launching from the shore after lunch should have been easier. A case of sitting into my kayak on the rocks, gripping my paddle tightly and when the right sized surge of water rose upwards seal launch myself into the swell and paddle away. Not the case! I ended up with the bow of my kayak in the water and my stern still perched on the rocks. Because of the sharp narrow shape to the kayak's hull as the swell rushed downwards I capsized and then slithered the rest of the way into the water upside down. After the initial shock and realisation of how cold the water actually was I Eskimo rolled upright, shook the water out of my ears and vowed to find easier picnic spots in future!


My intended destination that evening was Garnish, a 21km paddle away from lunch. The security of the mainland was left behind as I cut straight towards Crow Head, avoiding the many indented bays and inlets. Crow Head was the furthest into the Atlantic Ocean I strayed. As far as I know it's the most south westerly point of mainland Ireland. And it felt it… Medium, choppy swell rolled under my kayak from random directions, making me constantly adjust my balance; my face stung from two days of sun and sea salt; gannets on the lookout for mackerel soared and cried overhead, before diving in unison; the water roared and boomed against the cliffs on my right; no one else by sea or land for miles and miles. At one stage I stopped paddling and simply sat still, bobbing in the edge of the Atlantic, savouring the peace and tranquillity.


To save time and for a little more excitement I wanted to paddle through a narrow, tight passage between Crow Head and Crow Island. The passage, or channel, was three hundred metres long and at it's narrowest I doubt I would have had the width to turn my kayak around. Carefully entering into it was like paddling into darkness, such was the difference between the dazzling sunlight and the gloomy shade. I emerged into a large calm bay with Dursey Island and Dursey Sound in front of me. The difference between one side of the three hundred metre channel and the other side was like stepping from a storm into a swimming pool! The sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon line and thinking about pasta and tomato sauce and warm red wine I put my foot down.


Cutting through the bay towards the Sound, a couple of dolphins suddenly appeared and began accompanying me. Then there were six of them! Streaking through the water in pairs, jumping high into the air alongside me and carving in circles around my kayak. Most spectacular of all was when they dive bombed towards me from deep underwater. From the depths they would race straight upwards aiming directly at my kayak, I could see their pale stomachs as they sped at me, then at what seemed like the very last minute they would veer sharply off and avoid me. The twenty minutes I spent paddling towards Dursey Sound accompanied by six friendly dolphins was the high point of my trip.


I had heard worrying reports from friends about tricky sea conditions in Dursey Sound; however it was calm and gentle as I paddled through it, with soft swell slowly rolling in. Two carefully perched fishermen waved at me from the rocks. The fantastic little cable car (Ireland's only cable car) was trundling across the Sound, hanging from taut cables, high over my head. Judging from the many ruined cottages, crumbling church and overgrown graveyard on the island I would guess that at least a hundred people lived there once. Now only six remain…
I left the Sound, passing Mealaun Point on my left, and veered sharp right, heading towards Garnish Point and safe harbour. Although the swell wasn't huge it was the largest I had encountered so far. It rolled slowly under my boat, then seemed to accelerate towards the vast overhanging black cliffs, which glistened wetly in the sinking sun. The waves crashed in great echoing booms sending spray high into the air, where it seemed to hang in slow motion. The rolling hillside above the cliffs seemed hazy with mist which, on looking closer, was actually spray blown high into the air.


I couldn't see the water my boat was moving through! I was paddling through a thick carpet of dirty white foam which covered the water's surface all around me, absorbing noise. Every time I did a forward stroke my paddle blade and sometimes my hand disappeared into the foam, which had a bit of a surreal feeling to it.
Leaving the foam and echoing booms behind me I circled Garnish Point, surfed through a narrow gap between Garnish Island and a smaller unnamed island and landed on the rocky beach of Long Island. It felt good to stand up and stretch. That night, propped against a comfortable rock in my trusty sleeping bag, I watched the moon rise, sparkling on the still waters of Allihies Bay; and later slept under the stars beside my driftwood fire.
Dazzling sunshine woke me the next morning and the sounds of local lobster fishermen preparing for their day's work. After a lazy start I paddled to meet a friend who was joining me at Allihies Beach for my final day's kayaking. We circumnavigated Cod's Head and headed across the wide open expanse of Coulagh Bay, aiming for three small islands huddled off the tip of Kilcatherine Point. As Noel and myself paddled and chatted I heard a snorting noise from my left and glancing over saw, ten or fifteen metres away, the crest of a big, big dark-bluish back rising out of the water.  It was a large whale, less than fifteen metres away! Only the crest of its back was breaking the water, and that was big, so I can only guess how big the entire whale was! Ignoring us (or oblivious to us) it sank below the water heading towards Lamb's Head, on the Iveragh Peninsula. Later in the day we caught one or two more sightings of probably the same whale, far in the distance; cruising the deepening waters of Kenmare Bay, in no hurry to be anywhere.


Having the safety of another person with me gave me the confidence to really explore the caves and strange rock formations eroded into the three small islands; Bridaun, Bridaun Beg and Inishfarnard. We landed in a little narrow inlet on Inishfarnard for lunch and stretched out on warm soft grass to enjoy sandwiches, grapes and chocolate chip cookies, while wondering how the sheep had managed to land on these rugged shores.
Paddling along the coastline of Kilcatherine Point towards Ardgroom I could feel the excitement of the exposed bays, high cliffs and Atlantic swell diminishing behind me and it was with regret that I pulled out my soggy map to navigate to our finish point. The coast was still really interesting, with all kinds of undercut inlets, little arches and strange choppy waves, but we continued past them, all for another day<.br>

We were finishing at Bird Point, but continued a kilometre past it as according to our map there were caves there worth exploring. We weren't disappointed! Slightly overhanging cliffs beckoned us into a high cathedral-like entrance, which protected two vast caves. Despite the summer temperatures outside, in the caves our breath condensed and hung in the air before us. The slightest noise we made echoed eerily under the high roof, while my Tikka head torch only dimly illuminated our path. The slick damp walls of the caves glistened and eventually the walls and ceiling tapered to a tight finish thirty metres back. Ancient tombs, Viking rendezvous points, smugglers dens, wreckers hideouts; the possible histories seemed to clamour through the empty space.


All I can say is what a trip!




Nathan Kingerlee runs an outdoor adventure company, Outdoors Ireland,  

based in Killarney, Kerry. Specialising in guided trips, from a  

half-day to a week, activities include hiking, hill walking, canoeing  

and rock climbing. You can contact Nathan on 
www.outdoorsireland.com
  
info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63.






==========================
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https://www.irishnation.com
==========================

===========================
THREE FAMOUS IRISH PAINTERS
===========================

Walter Osborne was born in 1859. He painted mainly 
in the French Brittany region of Quimperle but 
moved to England in 1884. His paintings of rural 
scenes that dominated his early years gradually 
gave way to an 'impressionistic' interpretation of 
those subjects that he had great empathy for, 
namely women, small children and old people. His
superb images of young girls at play are still 
cherished by the National Gallery of Ireland: 
The Dolls School, The House Builders.

John Lavery was born in Belfast but was educated 
in Glasgow, London and Paris. He originally worked 
as an apprentice photographer but harboured 
ambitions to be a portrait artist. He became an 
official war artist and eventually a chronicler of 
his times with paintings such as 'The Ratification 
of the Irish Treaty in the English House of Lords, 
1921' and 'Blessing of the Colors: A Revolutionary 
Soldier Kneeling to the Blessed'. His most
famous work was perhaps that of his wife, Lady 
Lavery, 'The Red Rose' which was a painting that 
had a number of incarnations before it forever 
bore the face of the woman who was to adorn the 
Irish Pound note for half a century.

William John Leech was born in Dublin in 1881 and 
studied under Walter Osborne at the Royal 
Hibernian Academy Schools. He became increasingly 
interested in sunlight and shadow and this perhaps 
might explain why the famous painting 'The Goose 
Girl' was accredited to him. So proud of this 
wonderful interpretation of a girl in a bluebell 
field was the National Gallery of Ireland that 
they adopted the image as their logo, only to 
finally have to accept that the painting was in 
fact completed by the Englishman Stanley Royle. 
He can be regarded as one of the great Irish 
colorists as can be seen by his superb image: 
'Les Soeurs du Saint-Esprit, Concarneau, c. 
1910-1912' which has to be one of the finest of 
all Irish paintings.

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====================================
THE WOMAN ON THE HIGH NELLIE BICYCLE 
by Pat Watson
====================================
                                                                 
Mary and John were finishing their breakfast when 
there she was, standing in the open doorway of 
their farmhouse kitchen. 
'Does Michael Joseph Kelly of Clooneen Mor live 
here?' That was her opening remark. 
'And good morning to you too' said Mary, 
'And whose asking?' 
'I must speak to Michael Joseph, is he here?' 
'No he's gone since early morning.' 
'When will he be back?' 
'Not until late tonight'. 
'I'll wait', she said as she sat in the chair 
inside the door. 
'What do you want with him?' 
'It's private between him and me.' 
'But we're his parents surely you can tell us.' 
'I will not divulge anything.'
'But you can't stay here all day and not tell 
us what you want with Mike.' 
'I'll wait.'
'Not in here?' 
'I'll wait outside so,' and she stood up. 
'Stay where you are, enough people have you seen 
already.' After that silence fell. 

Up to now Mary had done all the talking. John who 
never had much to say was weighing up the 
situation. First he thought that this woman was 
here on her own behalf, after all, their Mike 
was a hot-blooded young fellow. 'Na' it was years 
since she saw forty and she was thin as a whip, 
pinched even. Her high Nellie bicycle, which he 
could see out the window, was pre-war, possibly 
twenty years old. Not even a hot-blooded twenty 
year old could do anything for her. It must be her 
daughter, but she had no wedding ring. Maybe she 
was an aunt, a maiden aunt with some sort of 
profession, a poultry instructress or something 
of the sort. If so he hoped the niece would be 
better looking and not as sour. He knew Mary was 
thinking the same thing. She didn't get far with 
the questions. He would have a go.
'Did you come far?' 
'Far enough.'
'How did you find the way?' 
'I asked.' 
'Who did you ask?' 
'A nice woman, said her name was Kate, she came 
two miles out of her way to show me.' 
'And asked plenty of questions I'll wager?' 
'She did.' 
'And did you tell her your business?' 
'Only that I was looking for Michael Joseph.'
'Did ye meet many?' 
'A few.'
'And did they speak to ye?' 
'Kate told them who I was looking for.'

Glory be to God thought Mary, did she have to 
meet the greatest gabby gut in the parish, and 
to cycle two miles with her, the whole country 
will have it by now and we still don't know. 
They must find out. She had been too sharp. 
She would try again. 
'Will you have a cup of tea'? 
'No thanks.' 
'Ah go on it's in the pot.' 
'Alright so' She downed the tea and two buttered 
scones. She didn't look comfortable. 
'Will you come out to the henhouse with me to 
look for eggs?' 
'No' she said, stone faced. 
'Are you sure' The penny dropped, the eyes 
softened, both women knew that there was no 
toilet in the house. 
'I will so' Mary felt that a woman-to-woman talk 
especially in a compromising position would 
bring information but all she got was, 
'That's a great relief.' 
'Can you not just tell me, I won't let on I know 
anything?' 
'Only Michael Joseph.' 
'Well can you give me a hint?' 
'No it's between him and me' So much for that 
approach.

The day wore on in the same vein. Between silences 
Mary and John took turns at questioning but all to 
no avail. They had dinner, they had evening tea, 
and they took another trip to the henhouse but 
still to no avail. She would not budge. Finally 
they heard Mike coming in the lorry. Nobody moved 
until he came into the kitchen.

She stood up smartly and asked?:
'Are you Michael Joseph Kelly of Clooneen Mor?' 
'I am' Whereupon she took an official looking 
envelope out of her pocket and handed it him. 
He looked at the envelope. He looked again at the 
bearer from her face to her toes and back again to 
her face. Mary wondered what was he thinking. Was 
he wondering could I have been that drunk? 

He opened the envelope. As he read his face 
reddened, then he guffawed. 
'Is that all you want? 
Look Mother it's only a summons for driving over 
some private property and you thought! Ah it 
serves you right' They all laughed with relief.

'Thanks for the tea, the henhouse, the dinner, 
the tea and the henhouse' She said as she sailed 
off on her high Nellie.


'The Woman on the High Nellie Bicycle' 
is one of sixty lyrical yarns from 
'Original Irish Stories' by Pat Watson, 
Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Ireland. 
First published in March 2006.
To get your copy email the author here:

pjwatson@utvinternet.com

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==========================

=============================
MICHAEL COLLINS - A BIOGRAPHY
=============================

Michael Collins was born in Cork in 1890. He 
attended school and then worked as a local 
journalist (writing sports reviews) before 
moving to London at the age of 15 to work for 
the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). 

In London Collins associated with the Irish 
community and became keenly aware of the history 
of Irish nationalism. He joined the Irish 
Republican Brotherhood in 1909. By 1915 he had 
risen though the ranks of the London branch
of the IRB and was aware of the increasing tension 
in Dublin between the various factions of 
republicanism. He returned home and helped in the 
recruitment that was necessary before any uprising 
could be successful. He also joined the Gaelic 
League, an organisation that stressed the use of 
the Irish language as another means of 
nationalistic expression. 

Despite the extreme unlikelihood of any success 
the Easter Rising went ahead and resulted in the 
destruction of a large part of Dublin city centre 
as well as the execution of the seven leaders of 
the revolt. This was the mistake by the British 
that turned the tide in favour of the insurgents
for the first time. Public sympathy towards the 
executed men increased so much that Collins, 
DeValera and the remaining leaders could see that 
nationalism was about to peak in the country.

Collins was imprisoned in Frongoch internment camp 
where his credentials as a leader were further 
recognised by his captured comrades. After his 
release Collins quickly rose to a high position in 
both Sinn Fein and the IRB and started to organise 
a guerrilla war against the British. He even broke 
DeValera out of prison in England. The War against 
the British continued on through 1920 and 1921
despite the introduction of the 'Black and Tans' 
- mercenary soldiers introduced into Ireland by 
Churchill.

The British Prime Minister, Lloyd George, 
eventually compromised and offered a partition of 
Ireland and a 'Free State'. Collins and Arthur 
Griffith had been sent to London as the Irish 
delegation because DeValera knew that the ultimate 
aim - independence - was not attainable.

The resultant civil war that broke out between the
pro-treaty and anti-treaty factions was bloody 
indeed but Collins defeated his former 
comrades-in-arms only to eventually have his own 
life taken in an ambush in Cork in 1922.

==========================
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===========================
GAELIC PHRASES OF THE MONTH
===========================

PHRASE:		Cad ba mhaith leat? 
PRONOUNCED:	cod buh woh latt?
MEANING:	What would you like?

PHRASE:		Ar mhaith leat caife, tea, bainne?
PRONOUNCED:	air wott lat caffey, tay, bonn-yah
MEANING:	Would you like coffee, tea, milk?

PHRASE:		B'fhearr liom liomanaid, beoir, uisce beatha
PRONOUNCED:	byarr lum lee-mun-oid, byorr, isk-ihh bah-ha
MEANING:	I would prefer lemonade, beer, whiskey

View the archive of phrases here:

https://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm

==========================
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==========================

The winner was: anniekennedy@live.co.uk
who will receive the following: 

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

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

=================================================

I hope that you have enjoyed this issue.

Until next month!

Michael Green,
Editor,
The Information about Ireland Site.

https://www.ireland-information.com

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