tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148101762012-01-17T23:13:00.781ZNear a misty stream in Ireland in the hollow of a tree Live mystical, magical leprechauns who are clever as can be. With pointed ears, turned up toes and little coats of green, The leprechauns make their shoes, trying hard to ne'er be seen. Only those who really believe have seen these little elves. If you believe and look with your heart, you can see them yourselves.Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.comBlogger2031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-22368799194879808812012-01-17T22:51:00.003Z2012-01-17T23:13:00.791Z

O'BRIENSBRIDGE, Ireland — Synthetic Irish bars may be thriving around the world, but in Ireland the real thing is in danger of extinction.One of the best-loved rural pubs has long been The Old Mill Bar and Restaurant, a picturesque ivy-clad tavern with red-washed walls and vintage tobacco signs. It is situated in the center of O’Briensbridge, a one-street village on the banks of the River Shannon

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-74917660135369358302012-01-17T22:47:00.000Z2012-01-17T22:48:53.787Z

DUBLIN (AP) -- A famed entrepreneur who was once rated Ireland's richest person was declared bankrupt Monday as a bank pursues him for debts exceeding euro2.1 billion ($2.7 billion). Lawyers for tycoon Sean Quinn withdrew his opposition to a Republic of Ireland bankruptcy order sought by the former Anglo Irish Bank, the reckless lender at the center of Ireland's calamitous property crash. The

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-42767778425424457462011-10-23T23:22:00.001+01:002011-10-23T23:24:06.219+01:00

First Confession by Frank O'Connor All the trouble began when my grandfather died and my grand-mother - my father's mother - came to live with us. Relations in the one house are a strain at the best of times, but, to make matters worse, my grandmother was a real old countrywoman and quite unsuited to the life in town. She had a fat, wrinkled old face, and, to Mother's great indignation, went

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-34092169885369422952011-05-26T22:42:00.002+01:002011-05-26T22:45:35.641+01:00

President Obama made quite an exit Monday as his armored car attempted to leave the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland.As crowds of onlookers patiently waited for a glimpse of the president, the White House motorcade began to peel out of the embassy via the exit ramp Monday morning. But when the car--the armored Cadillac nicknamed "The Beast"--holding Obama and wife Michelle reached the gate, a loud

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-27872511890696520672011-05-24T02:40:00.003+01:002011-05-24T02:46:19.952+01:00

'Ireland carries a blood link with us', says Obama Obama says US will give what help it can to IrelandPeace Bell: IT SEEMED providential, the way the clouds blew away, clearing a bright-blue patch over College Green, just moments before President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrived.“O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma,” chanted the reserved area crowd, estimated at about 30,000. Not only the

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-14641275533832956982011-01-31T22:45:00.001Z2011-01-31T22:45:45.109Z

The last few weeks has seen some unprecedented political upheaval in Ireland. Set against a background of a worsening economy and a financial crisis the drama began when the Green Party announced that they would be leaving the coalition government. They indicated that they would be prepared to support the passing of the Finance Bill, which brings into effect the recent tax and cut budget that was

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-15103333222900175452009-12-07T17:06:00.000Z2009-12-07T17:07:09.245Z

Mizzenwood at the height of tourist season You don't see anyone? Maybe its because everyone is home watching the radio! Gentle Reader, I suppose every country has one, A uncle Charlie (or in this case a town that sits in the corner  and provides such fun that even though it should have been removed years ago to make room for the chicken coop just seems to engender such memories that folks

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-9408651547720320112009-10-30T22:23:00.000Z2009-10-30T22:25:00.432Z

SECOND LISBON TREATY PASSED The Lisbon Treaty has been passed by the Irish electorate in a second referendum. The final result was 67.1% in favour to 32.9% against, which represents a 20.5% swing to the 'yes' campaign. The result may have enduring consequences for Ireland with those in favour of the treaty arguing that voting 'yes' will assist Ireland in emerging from her economic woes. Many

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-49169456257755324572009-07-01T02:19:00.000+01:002009-07-01T02:20:13.018+01:00

IRISH ECONOMY AT THE CROSSROADS The severe downturn in the Irish economy which was in part fuelled by a property bubble and which has been compounded by world events is at a critical juncture. The Irish government has acted decisively and increased taxes significantly while reducing spending. It has also recapitalised the banks and plans to set up a 'bad bank' to absorb the dodgy loans that the

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-46093517450840045292009-05-01T23:40:00.000+01:002009-05-01T23:41:51.126+01:00

Churches not consulted about blasphemy law proposalIn this section »Thousands of motorists miss NCT deadlineState 'committed' to aid targetSchools forced to raise 30% of fundsCriticism of Department of Finance rejectedIreland passes EU target for employment of womenDormitory towns lose most commutersCAROL COULTER, Legal Affairs EditorTHE MAIN churches were not consulted about the proposal to

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-29940877985628578282009-03-13T01:00:00.001Z2009-05-22T02:01:10.656+01:00

Translation: “Speak Irish with me" Gentle reader,You may never go to Ireland or eat a real meal of Irish stew, or even drink a cup of authentic Irish coffee but you can if you squint real hard through your rose colored glasses get a flavor of what it's like not only to be Irish but to understand what heaven is like here on earth.Here are some sayings & phrases for March 17…Beannachtaí na Féile

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-24185946524246476012009-02-25T01:35:00.002Z2009-02-25T01:37:38.946Z

AN August night in the sea-scented village of Kinvara finds us at Connolly’s, a pub so permanent that if some codger were to tell you it was here before Galway Bay, lapping now just outside the door, you’d nod and buy him a pint. My wife and I are hunched at a small table with friends when a smiling woman in a peasant skirt sits beside us, carrying a perfectly appropriate accessory in this corner

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-73935557023912339772009-02-02T22:54:00.002Z2009-02-02T23:02:09.994Z

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's government plans to inject 8 billion euros ($10.3 billion) into the country's top two banks and is in talks to underwrite some of the lenders' potential bad debts, a source close to the talks said on Monday.The recapitalization plan, which is set to be unveiled later this week, doubles the amount Dublin had originally said it would invest in Allied Irish Banks (AIB) (

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-75269079271855923842009-01-05T17:02:00.001Z2009-01-05T17:05:10.515Z

The end of Waterford Crystal is a "national disaster" for Ireland, the mayor of the south-eastern Irish city said today.Jack Walsh, Waterford's mayor, said the announcement that the company had collapsed had implications across the Republic."Waterford Crystal is a huge national brand and its importance goes beyond even the manufacturing plant in Waterford. It is not just the workers at Waterford

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-15859903483338149032008-12-24T01:29:00.000Z2008-12-24T01:30:30.592Z

Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Advance on $7.7 Billion Bailout By Ian Guider and Louisa NesbittDec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Bank of Ireland Plc and Allied Irish Banks Plc surged in Dublin trading after the government said it will inject 2 billion euros ($2.8 billion) into each of them to protect the Irish financial-services industry from collapse. Bank of Ireland climbed as much as 44 percent, the most

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-76036587522812990162008-12-16T00:13:00.000Z2008-12-16T00:14:46.291Z

Ireland to inject up to $13.5 billion in banksBy Simon Kennedy, MarketWatchLast update: 5:20 a.m. EST Dec. 15, 2008LONDON (MarketWatch) -- The Irish government said late Sunday that it will provide as much as 10 billion euros ($13.5 billion) to recapitalize the country's banking sector.In a statement the Department of Finance said the move is intended to "ensure the long-term sustainability" of

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-35932662428555928482008-11-09T00:35:00.000Z2008-11-09T00:36:28.667Z

The Gospel Gentle Readers, As you know it is a difficult thing to go back to school even if you have not completed even primary school. For Christians they receive much in terms of "education" but many times they are sadly lacking in what we would call the basics. What my job is in these next blogs is to bring you along a wee bit so that you may speak with a little more assurance about

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-37189417345489819882008-11-08T22:10:00.002Z2008-11-08T22:26:22.070Z

Gentle Reader, We have just witnessed a historic and momentous event in American History. This event, regardless of your politics and preferences, represents many positive and thank worthy things worth recognizing.I along with the rest of you have been the recipient of countless emails and heard a steady stream of why the candidates that we considered for president were not worthy of our

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-73227156377375736312008-11-03T22:16:00.002Z2008-11-03T22:23:49.105Z

Website investment is shrewd marketing Sunday, November 02, 2008 As the public tighten their belts, surfing online when considering a purchase will become more popular, so companies should ensure they have an attractive website, writes Dermot Corrigan.Hard times are upon us, according to the experts. Even if they aren't, the perception is such that they may as well be. This means that customers

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-44812832568583586122008-07-27T19:23:00.001+01:002008-07-27T19:28:39.732+01:00

French president to discuss EU crisis in Ireland6 days agoDUBLIN (AFP) — French President Nicolas Sarkozy heads to Dublin Monday to discuss the way forward after Ireland's shock rejection of a key European Union (EU) treaty, plunging the bloc into fresh turmoil.Protests are expected during the flying visit, including talks with Prime Minister Brian Cowen as well as pro- and anti-Lisbon Treaty

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-17009505196289184492008-07-04T00:01:00.001+01:002008-07-04T00:03:47.560+01:00

Don't forget to check out www.irishchristians.ie. New events, jobs and accommodation are being added every day. Also our Christian directory for Ireland continues to expand into the most complete guide to the Christian church in Ireland.Events coming up in the next few monthsAbbey Arts Festival... X-Presso.July 7, 2008The Father Heart ConferenceJuly 11, 2008Kingdom Come Summer ConferenceJuly 13,

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-9289958540724651972008-07-02T23:40:00.001+01:002008-07-02T23:41:51.941+01:00

CARDINAL Sean Brady has issued an indirect rebuke to right-wing Catholic groups who campaigned in the Lisbon Treaty referendum against a "Godless Europe".The cardinal was speaking yesterday in Belfast at the installation of the new Bishop of Down and Connor, Noel Treanor, who for three decades represented the Irish bishops at the EU institutions in Brussels. Calling on Irish Catholics to recall

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-47627122622960938102008-06-24T02:27:00.001+01:002008-06-24T02:32:57.963+01:00

Heavy rains, high winds batter IrelandThe heavy rain and strong winds which battered the country early today, causing hazardous driving conditions in certain parts and forcing the cancellation of fast ferries has eased significantly this evening. A major clean-up operation got under way in Galway this mornin after flash-flooding caused serious disruption yesterday. Flooding affected roads in the

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-79116495128825480662008-06-17T02:03:00.001+01:002008-06-17T02:10:47.197+01:00

The Irish had to fight for centuries to win their independence, and theirs is a fierce and proud record. They have just extended that record by voting to reject the Lisbon Treaty, the instrument by which the European Union intends to achieve its final status as a sovereign entity, a new United States of Europe.Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and his cabinet, in conjunction with the main

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-43642806278678551292008-05-17T00:23:00.001+01:002008-05-17T00:25:34.940+01:00

BERTIE AHERN RESIGNS AS TAOISEACH It has been argued that the biggest mistake Bertie Ahern ever made was indicating that he would resign as Taoiseach before the next General Election. Just as Tony Blair in the UK found out, once you indicate that you are prepared to leave office then your position quickly becomes untenable. Had Bertie Ahern decided to face down the opposition parties calls for

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-72343430319898537692008-04-27T00:34:00.001+01:002008-04-27T00:36:07.582+01:00

Have you ever seen river Dance? If not your in for a treat!!

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-72874853412161353652008-04-06T22:22:00.001+01:002008-04-06T22:26:38.257+01:00

How To Dance In The Rain(author unknown)It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-50585190555961851492008-03-31T00:42:00.000+01:002008-03-31T00:43:16.977+01:00

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-2001102695032281182008-03-17T19:42:00.001Z2008-03-17T19:43:38.718Z

Gentle Reader, Here is a wee moment of why I love Ireland....

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-73544789512939105762008-03-17T00:10:00.003Z2009-05-22T02:03:20.921+01:00

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-60055649010480827962008-02-25T23:50:00.002Z2008-02-25T23:54:07.616Z

Fowl play as Irish pick a turkey puppet for EurovisionIT IS the show that helped launch the careers of stars such as Abba and Celine Dion.But now the country that has won the European Song Contest more than any other has voted to be represented at this year's event by a puppet.In a move likely to come as an even greater shock to Eurovision fans than Finland's winning death metal entry two years

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1251458233043497882008-02-17T23:31:00.002Z2008-02-17T23:48:52.391Z

Common ground is found in IrelandIf a nation as large and diverse as the United States can tie itself in knots over immigration, then what chance does so small and homogenous an isle as Ireland have to accommodate legal and illegal emigres from far different countries and cultures?According to Roddy Doyle's debut short-story collection, the surprising -- and welcome -- answer is: quite a

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-49639016448086493082007-12-04T21:32:00.000Z2007-12-04T21:35:52.048Z

Just to let you know some of the events coming up in the next few months, and in 2008 EssentialDecember 14, 2007Xpresso Arts CafeDecember 15, 2007Ignite the FlameJanuary 13, 2008Teenstreet "beyond 48"February 9 - 11, 2008Ireland & Global WarmingFebruary 16, 2008 Celebration of Hope with Franklin GrahamApril 4, 2008Focusfest 2008June 13 - 14, 2008Summer Madness 2008June 27 - 30, 2008Urban SoulJuly

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-21032313826410850752007-11-22T20:33:00.000Z2007-11-22T20:43:55.255Z

HOW DID DUBLIN GET ITS NAME?The Gaelic name for Dublin is 'Baile Atha Cliath' which translates literally as 'town of the hurdle ford', a description of the bank of wooden hurdles built up across the river Liffey by the Vikings. The word 'Dublin' is actually a composition of two Gaelic words: 'dubh' meaning 'black' and 'linn' means 'pool' (or 'mire'). Thus the literal translation of the words from

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-89872431398728873492007-10-30T22:38:00.000Z2007-10-30T22:43:37.726Z

Ireland is the world's friendliest country, according to a survey drawn up by the Lonely Planet travel guide group.Ireland beat the US and Malawi as the friendliest travel destination in Lonely Planet's 2008 Bluelist.Irish people have "a deliciously dark sense of humour" and "a welcoming attitude towards strangers," Lonely Planet said."The famous ability of the Irish to find craic or fun times

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-3139578989645548682007-10-19T21:13:00.000+01:002007-10-19T21:22:38.727+01:00

DUBLIN, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Irish healthcare services group United Drug (UDG.I: Quote, Profile , Research) said on Monday it had bought U.S. pharmaceutical sales and marketing services company Alliance Healthcare Information Inc for up to $10.5 million in cash."Alliance brings additional scale to our existing U.S. Contract Sales Outsourcing and Consultancy business and will allow us to broaden our

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-38828957758241184842007-10-16T21:59:00.000+01:002007-10-16T22:05:08.549+01:00

Sir Bobby Robson is 74 years old. He has spent longer than he cares to remember over the past two decades fighting serious illnesses. After surgery to remove a brain tumour last year, he suffered a reaction and lost the feeling in his left side. Earlier this year, he revealed that he was battling cancer for a fifth time. Yet nothing, it seems, can douse the fires that burn inside him, nothing can

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-45002389801587508402007-10-04T22:00:00.000+01:002007-10-04T22:03:00.570+01:00

Just to let you know some of the events coming up this OctoberHIS Isles 40 Days of PrayerSeptember 15 - October 24, 2007Hope for the SeparatedOctober 5 - 06, 2007Emerge leadership trainingOctober 5 - 06, 2007Graham Kendrick & band in Concert - Out of the ...October 5, 2007Graham Kendrick & band in Concert - Out of the ...October 7, 2007Belfast Bible College Open DayOctober 9, 2007Insideout Men's

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-42795531398914252972007-09-30T19:48:00.000+01:002007-09-30T19:50:37.606+01:00

HARPERS OF IRELAND TO GATHER AT DÁIL TO SAVE TARAOn Saturday 22nd September 2007 at 3 p.m. the harpers of Ireland will gather at Dáil Éireann to demonstrate publicly the strength of their opposition to the destruction of historic cultural sites at the Tara/Skryne Valley as a result of the current route of the M3 motorway.The harpers will assemble with their harps along Kildare Street, and will

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1996162047100885952007-09-21T18:23:00.000+01:002007-09-21T18:26:39.694+01:00

Who Should Make the Coffee?A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee."The husband said, "You are in charge of the cooking around here so you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."Wife replies, "No,

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-37030769343988927202007-09-18T20:45:00.000+01:002007-09-18T20:47:38.716+01:00

DUBLIN, Ireland: Britain has fulfilled its promise to reduce its troops and military bases in Northern Ireland to peacetime levels, an expert report on the cutback program concluded Monday.The report from the Independent Monitoring Commission said Britain had more than honored its two-year cutback plan, which was launched in August 2005 in response to peacemaking moves from the outlawed Irish

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-3560990095704297002007-09-11T19:10:00.000+01:002007-09-11T20:02:31.586+01:00

The elders of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ireland aren't usually on the streets of Belfast at 2 a.m., an hour more associated with sin than with the business of their church. So, when they emerged from the Martyrs Memorial Church after a five-hour meeting Saturday to make an announcement, the time of day alone was an indication that something unusual was afoot. Northern Ireland First Minister

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-83119169268058231442007-09-03T23:28:00.001+01:002009-05-22T02:04:28.099+01:00

Churches in Ireland can no longer rely on simple strength of numbers to put forward their point of view, according the primate of the Church of Ireland, Archbishop Alan Harper. Instead, the power and quality of the argument of their case and strength of analysis would be the litmus test, he added in this week’s edition of the Church of Ireland Gazette. The Archbishop said: “We can no longer rely

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-46069711044471325992007-08-28T21:50:00.000+01:002007-08-28T21:55:36.378+01:00

Irish firm harnesses waves for energyTuesday, 28 August 2007 20:21 An Irish company is claiming a break-through in the attempt to generate electricity from wave power. Ocean Energy's prototype wave energy converter has been taken into Galway docks tonight, after successfully completing eight months of testing.The Ocean Energy buoy, which coped with waves of more than 8m in height, is now going to

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-33639753783114871272007-08-19T21:57:00.001+01:002007-08-19T22:04:25.901+01:00

Are the Irish Good Drivers?Hmm. None of this is intended to scare you - most visitors who drive in Ireland go home intact, if chastened by the experience.About 40% of drivers on Irish roads have never passed a driving test. Yes, they are driving legally and are (for the most part) fully insured, but on what is called a provisional license. This is really intended to be a license that allows

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-42037758384143943142007-08-14T19:10:00.000+01:002007-08-14T19:17:45.175+01:00

On the day that the British Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee called for a reassessment of Britain's Mideast policy, including dialogue with Hamas and Hizbullah, the Labor Party chairman of the committee, Mike Gapes, once again drew comparisons between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the troubles in Northern Ireland. Saying that the lessons of Northern Ireland, where the Irish

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-65924826577967877982007-08-13T21:18:00.000+01:002007-08-13T21:20:04.169+01:00

Gentle readers, We are all creatures of impulse. It's a great mistake to get everybody ready to give money and then not pass the hat. Some years ago in Hartford we all went to the church on a hot, sweltering night, to hear the annual report of Mr. Hawley, a city missionary, who went around finding the people who needed help and didn't want to ask for it. He told of the life in the cellars where

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-82255638506131050712007-08-12T21:24:00.000+01:002007-08-12T21:31:10.326+01:00

Some of the best humor comes straight from Ireland, itself, and the subject will often involve a wee bit of drink:Just after O’Hara punched in on the time clock at work, his foreman called him over, telling him he had a phone call in the front office.O’Hara returned from the front office with a mournful expression on his face and his head was hanging low.His foreman asked, “Was it bad news?”“To

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-59497520639853298372007-08-07T21:13:00.000+01:002007-08-07T21:17:22.621+01:00

Ireland's youngest king of chess takes on the world Published: 07 August 2007 A player so young he cannot read or write is astonishing the chess scene in Ireland by taking on opponents more than twice his age. At the tender age of five, Shane Melaugh is being hailed as a child prodigy, and has already become the youngest person to represent Ireland as a member of the under-12s team.Shane, who

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-27709112870493167392007-08-02T18:00:00.000+01:002007-08-02T18:04:14.145+01:00

Who or what brought peace to Northern Ireland?Posted at: 00:01Nearly four decades of Britain's military campaign in Northern Ireland will end today as the flag of 39 Infantry Brigade is lowered in Ulster and the troops stationed there will adopt the usual role of soldiers anywhere in the United Kingdom. At the height of the troubles, there were 30,000 British troops in Ulster, but this year's

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-51719181524264984312007-08-01T17:12:00.002+01:002007-08-01T17:17:27.119+01:00

The longest tour of duty is over It was as a last resort that Harold Wilson sent troops to Northern Ireland in 1969. Now, after 38 years, the deployment is finally at an end. By David McKittrick Published: 31 July 2007 Today the Army will formally end Operation Banner, the longest continuous deployment in UK military history, and will bring almost all the troops back home after almost four

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-25398362002291020852007-07-27T00:08:00.000+01:002007-07-27T00:14:02.694+01:00

The Irish computer system that issues Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers is open to fraud because it cannot recognise foreign names!Since 2000 more than 650,000 PPS numbers have been issued to non-nationals and the Department of Social and Family Affairs are unable to check if the applicant is already on the system because the database is not big enough.Also there is no way to automatically

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-15285813855067473862007-07-10T18:47:00.000+01:002007-07-10T18:50:34.521+01:00

End of Shannon stop-over creating challenges for the West of Ireland[Published: Monday 9, July 2007 - 15:23]The head of Shannon Development has warned that the end of the Shannon stop-over is creating challenges for businesses in the West of Ireland. Kevin Thompstone said the region relies heavily on transatlantic air services to drive inward investment and overseas tourism.He has called on the

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-21830022526329137552007-06-28T01:26:00.000+01:002007-06-28T01:31:52.666+01:00

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELANDBERTIE AHERN FORMS A NEW GOVERNMENT Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has formed a third successive Government with his ruling Fianna Fail party entering into a coalition with the Green Party and the PDs. His Government will also be supported by 4 independent T.D.s which means that the new coalition has a very comfortable working majority. The formation of the new Government was a

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-51502039013290512302007-05-21T19:26:00.002+01:002010-02-10T19:16:58.864Z

(In this poem Manchan tells how he went off to be a Hermit, but disciples gathered around him, and he found himself the head of a small group of monks! This is how Celtic monasteries often began in the time period of 500-1100 A.D. The poem describes what these early type of monastic communities were like. They were small in number, twelve monks being considered the right size. We first read

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-5606537416247136522007-05-13T15:42:00.000+01:002007-05-13T15:46:36.539+01:00

Welcome to Galway Arts Festival, Ireland's largest annual arts festival, taking place each July in the city of Galway. Founded in 1978, the Festival collaborates with artists and companies throughout the world to produce and present an international programme of theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy involving hundreds of artists and performers. Galway Arts Festival is

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-75098618831570178212007-05-01T00:34:00.000+01:002007-05-01T00:36:37.797+01:00

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND======================= NORTHERN IRELAND PARLIAMENT TO BE RECONVENEDIn yet another historic landmark the Northern Ireland Assembly is to be reconvened on May 8th after a deal between the Unionist DUP and Nationalist Sinn Fein was finally struck. Prior to the announcement the DUP had never directly negotiated with Sinn Fein. Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams had never actually

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1176505200421554842007-04-13T23:56:00.000+01:002007-04-14T00:00:55.720+01:00

...Celtic ChurchIntroduction.This short history of the Celtic Church in Ireland follows quite naturally from my studies on the live of Patrick. I compiled it from many sources, hoping to be able to shed more light on the background of Patrick’s upbringing, the kind of Churches he was establishing etc. I did not compile it to promote going back to those good old days of St. Patrick, nor as a proof

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1175961340895935652007-04-07T16:55:00.000+01:002007-04-07T16:55:40.896+01:00

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1175792102330429162007-04-05T17:53:00.000+01:002007-04-05T17:55:02.330+01:00

Keep the heart from hateYour mind from worryLive simply, expect a lot, give muchFill your life with loveScatter sunshine...forget yourself...Think of othersDo as you would be done byDo this for a month and you,ll be surprised

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1174752419583894912007-03-24T17:06:00.000Z2007-03-24T17:06:59.583Z

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1174686664403148502007-03-23T22:49:00.000Z2007-03-23T22:51:04.403Z

May you see God's light on the path aheadWhen the road you walk is dark.May you always hear,Even in your hour of sorrow,The gentle singing of the lark.When times are hard may hardnessNever turn your heart to stone,May you always rememberwhen the shadows fall—You do not walk alone.

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1174158910771613762007-03-17T20:12:00.000Z2007-03-17T20:15:10.773Z

FREE KIDS GAMES TO PRINT:Go here to print off some simple games to teach kids about Ireland:http://www.ireland-information.com/freegames.htmA-O-L USERS GO HEREFIND OUT ABOUT SAINT PATRICK HERE:http://www.ireland-information.com/saintpatricksday.htmA-O-L USERS GO HERE

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1173974353465577452007-03-15T16:56:00.000Z2007-03-15T17:00:42.013Z

In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs. Sir John Pentland MahaffyWell, Gentle Reader, I see that whenever I speak of things more serious than the color of Brinity Spears underwear many of our loyal readers head for the nearest pub to drown their intelligence in a pint of black (Irish beer to you uninitiated). I spoke with one of our neighbors who told me “I

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1173825450697134922007-03-13T23:34:00.000Z2007-03-13T23:37:30.700Z

Under a mushroom!The most famous (or infamous) Irish fairy of them all is the stuff of many a fantasy and folktale and one of Ireland's most beloved symbols. The leprechaun legend is especially popular around St. Patrick's Day. Here's a brief overview of this famous Irish legend. Standing only about two-feet-tall, this little old shoemaker with twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks looks friendly, but

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1173547649477829502007-03-10T17:23:00.000Z2007-03-13T15:40:48.540Z

Gentle reader, Everything that I have wanted has been frustrated! If you want to more then search my back blog entries and let me know when you find them (I’m just too lazy to look for myself) Anyway to bring you up to date when I wanted to rebuild our family castle in Mallow (Ireland, where else) I managed to raise 200 million dollars only to be stopped by circumstances beyond my ability to

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1173204073261435942007-03-06T17:57:00.000Z2007-03-06T18:01:13.263Z

Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart.Margaret Jackson Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat.Alex LevineO Ireland isn't it grand you look--Like a bride in her rich adornin? And with all the pent-up love of my heartI bid you the top o' the mornin! John

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1172779368530976512007-03-01T19:59:00.000Z2007-03-01T20:02:48.530Z

REMINDER ....9 days from today, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. ....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLSTo prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone : 888-382-1222 . It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1172358831245277502007-02-24T23:11:00.000Z2007-02-24T23:13:51.246Z

Getting Irish Citizenship has a number of advantages. For a start you will be able to pass Customs within the European Union much easier than before and if you are interested in working within the EU then having a passport of an EU country will make things a lot easier. There are potential Health and Welfare benefits also. Eligibility: If you have 1 or more Irish born parents then you are

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1172184118222391902007-02-22T22:40:00.000Z2007-02-22T22:41:58.236Z

For St Pat's day. A story for you!A rich woman sat up late one night carding and preparing wool, while all the family and servants were asleep. Suddenly a knock was given at the door, and a voice called, "Open! open!""Who is there?" said the woman of the house."I am the Witch of one Horn," was answered.The mistress, supposing that one of her neighbours had called and required assistance, opened

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1169937908427978242007-01-27T22:44:00.000Z2007-01-27T22:45:08.443Z

Leperchauns Secret Gate Gentle Reader, I was told recently (by Himself) that I get too "preachey" at times. So here’s a bit of Irish humor to liven up the owd blog! Paddy was found dead in his back yard, and as the weather was a bit on the warm side, the wake was held down to only two days, so his mortal remains wouldn't take a bad turn. At last his friends laid him in the box, nailed it

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1168803969504710002007-01-14T19:43:00.000Z2007-01-14T19:46:09.506Z

Gentle Reader, It's time to share again so today may I suggest: ~Dance Like No One's Watching~ We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with, we will certainly be happy when they are out of

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1168121962794975202007-01-06T22:15:00.000Z2007-01-06T22:20:57.433Z

Even when storm-cloudsAre filling the air,We know there's a rainbowJust waiting somewhere,And when the storm's overOur rainbow will beShining brightly in gloryFor both you and me.

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1167335907164952382006-12-28T19:55:00.000Z2006-12-28T19:58:27.176Z

It is not known for certain when Christianity first arrived in the British Isles. Legendary accounts would indicate that it arrived almost immediately after the death and Resurrection of Christ. The Gospel message could in fact have been communicated early on by Christian Roman soldiers transferred to posts in Britain. We do know that the Galatians were Celts. These also may have spread

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1167257898400327842006-12-27T22:16:00.000Z2006-12-27T22:18:18.410Z

During the coming Christmas season May you be blessed With the spirit of the season, which is peace,The gladness of the season,which is hope,And the heart of the season,which is love

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1165618614263579532006-12-08T22:52:00.000Z2006-12-08T22:56:54.266Z

...was far more than just an entertaining Christmas song to Irish Catholics when the Protestant rulers in England were determined to “stamp out” Catholicism. Much as the grandmothers of modern Russia kept the faith alive while Christianity was outlawed in the USSR, the Catholic faithful found a way to remind the old generation and teach the new. The song was originally written as a clandestine

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1165255705189760442006-12-04T18:07:00.000Z2006-12-04T18:08:25.190Z

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1163012731477613432006-11-08T19:04:00.000Z2006-11-08T19:11:10.433Z

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND======================= RYANAIR ATTEMPTS TO TAKE OVER AER LINGUSLow-cast airline Ryanair has made a dramatic bid to take over its arch rival Aer Lingus by buying a 19.2% stake in the company, just days after the former State airline floated on the stock exchange. The Irish Government still holds a 28.3% stake in Aer Lingus with the Employees owning a further 9.85%. Union

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1160959458675178562006-10-16T01:39:00.000+01:002006-10-16T01:44:18.693+01:00

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND======================= IRELAND MOST VULNERABLE TO US ECONOMIC PROBLEMSThe imminent slowdown in the US economy that is being part-caused by a drop in house prices thereis likely to have a serious effect on the Irish economy. Ireland exports over 14% of GDP to the US, a figure which is far in excess of most other EU countries. Any serious reduction in exports to the US

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1158540424028089582006-09-18T01:43:00.000+01:002006-09-18T01:47:04.053+01:00

Ireland, as all her schoolchildren used to learn, was known in the golden age of monasticism as Isola sanctorum doctorumque - the 'Isle of saints and scholars'. There were indeed many sancti and many docti at that time, and several even managed to be both. The martyrologies list numerous saints, some with well-documented lives, others known only nominally. At least 350 Colmáns, twenty Ultáns,

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1157301426069116262006-09-03T17:35:00.000+01:002006-09-03T17:37:06.090+01:00

CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTSNew laws are being introduced in an effort to reduce illegal immigration into Ireland. All non-nationals will be required to carry biometric identity cards. New powers will be given to allow for the immediate detention and deportation of illegal immigrants. The new laws will also prevent illegal immigrants from using marriage as a means of achieving residence in

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1154701787168095842006-08-04T15:21:00.000+01:002006-08-07T00:15:22.716+01:00

Dia dhuit ar maidin, Good morning Gentle Reader, If nothing else we Irish can spot a good laugh at a hundred paces. if you have ever listened to a Dubliner or a Corkonian in every day speech you would understand just how the English language is enriched by their pronunciation and application of every day words. When I was growing up I used to think the arthritis was named after someone called

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1154452584947349342006-08-01T18:08:00.000+01:002006-08-01T18:16:24.986+01:00

ECONOMY CONTINUES TO BOOM DESPITE GLOOMY FORECASTSThe new worth of Irish citizens has been estimated at EURO 150,000 per head, which puts Ireland near the top of the international 'wealth league table', second only to Japan. The economic boom of the last decade has created over 30,000 m-illionaires, with net worth increasing by over 350% in the last 10 years. The recent report by Bank of Ireland

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1153927814978690652006-07-26T16:28:00.000+01:002006-07-26T16:33:41.733+01:00

Is fiú cuimhne a choinneáil ar an méid seo a leanas.Más ionann an ghuí agus ardú an mheoin agus an chroí chun Dé, is gá duitse, atá ag tabhairt faoin ardú seo, bheith i gceannas ar do mheon agus ar do chroí. Tá iomaitheoirí ar do thóir, ag baint na sál díot. Tá sé deacair go leor suíomh gréasáin Tearmann nó SacredSpace a bhaint amach gan éalú trí rois de phictiúir agus d’fhógraí, a chuireann

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1153581622069841082006-07-22T16:19:00.000+01:002006-07-22T16:33:30.716+01:00

When in Cork, don't whatever you do miss out on the fun and spectacle of the covered English Market off Grand Parade, where dozens of stalls sell everything form tatty old paperbacks to the trendiest of olive marinades, stout farmers' boots to pizza, stinging red peppers, large ladies' knickers and farmhouse cheeses. South of the city centre, St Finbarr's Cathedral across South Gate Bridge has a

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1152105136276494722006-07-05T14:11:00.000+01:002006-07-05T14:12:16.280+01:00

  Gentle Reader,  This is too good not to share I try to travel lite   A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1151442272360920052006-06-27T22:03:00.000+01:002006-06-27T22:04:32.376+01:00

© Dennis Flaherty

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1151327286046144502006-06-26T14:02:00.000+01:002006-06-26T14:08:06.046+01:00

Gentle Reader, We appreciate beauty not the "fake plastic kind" but the beauty of God's creation for example. This location was sought out as a peaceful retreat by St. Kevin because of its remoteness and serenity, but several disciples who wished to follow his teachings built a temporary hamlet of churches, chapels and living quarters in the valley below the site of his hovel. This soon grew and

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1150308405546208182006-06-14T19:02:00.000+01:002006-06-16T17:35:27.540+01:00

I found in each great church moreo'er,Whether on island or on shore,Piety, learning, fond affection;Holy welcome and kind protection.I found the good lay monks and brothersEver beseeching help for others,And in their keeping the holy wordPure as it came from Jesus the Lord.Written by Aldfred, king of the Northumbrian Saxons, who was educated in an Irish monastery. These lines were in reference to

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1149516363575023832006-06-05T15:05:00.000+01:002006-06-20T17:00:24.203+01:00

Some folks ride the train of life Looking out the rear, Watching miles of life roll by, And marking every year. They sit in sad remembrance, Of wasted days gone by, And curse their life for what it was, And hang their head and cry. But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different vent, I look forward to what life holds, And not what has been spent. So

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1147618181161273632006-05-14T15:47:00.000+01:002006-05-14T16:03:36.750+01:00

If you like this story, please feel free to share it with your friends and family. Especially your mom :)Here's the storyMotherhood - It will change your life We are sitting at lunch when my daughter usually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family". "We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say,

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1146577337549562282006-05-02T14:40:00.000+01:002006-05-03T14:24:15.210+01:00

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELAND ROAD DEATHS CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON NON-NATIONALSThe increase in non-nationals working in the Irish economy has had an adverse effect on the road traffic accident statistics.Despite representing only 9% of the workforce deaths of non-nationals represents 25% of the total number who have lost their lives on Irish roads in 2006. Many of these were uninsured, untaxed and possibly

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1146404080875651072006-04-30T14:31:00.000+01:002006-04-30T14:34:40.880+01:00

Certain traditions ascribe the building of the original castle to King John or at least to his time. It seems certain that there was a very early Norman structure on the site, of what type would be impossible to say, but probably attributable to the Norman De Rupe or Roches who had displaced the native O'Keeffes from the district and driven them further west. A date is given for this early

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1144682416948088862006-04-10T16:13:00.000+01:002006-04-10T16:39:15.450+01:00

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and says to the first man he meets, "Do you want to go to heaven?" The man said, "I do Father." The priest said, "Then stand over there against the wall." Then the priest asked the second man, "Do you want to go to heaven?" "Certainly, Father," was the man's reply. "Then stand over there against the wall," said the priest. Then Father Murphy walked up to

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1143385457218474722006-03-26T16:02:00.000+01:002006-03-26T16:08:06.653+01:00

An Irish TaleIt was in the good days when the little people, most commonly called fairies, were more frequently seen than they are in these unbelieving times, that a farmer, named Mick Purcell, rented a few acres of barren ground in the neighborhood of the once celebrated abbey of Mourne, about thirteen miles from the city of Cork. Mick had a wife and family. They all did what they could, and

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1142792503026142932006-03-19T18:19:00.000Z2006-03-19T18:21:43.026Z

NEWS SNAPS FROM IRELANDIRISH-LANGUAGE SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO GROWThe number of students attending all-Irish speaking schools has increased by more than 60% in the last decade. The number of actual dedicated Gaelic-speaking schools has more than doubled in the same timespan. The recent decision to recognise Irish as an official language of the European Union, as well as a 'feel-good' factor about

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1142698932022404752006-03-18T16:16:00.000Z2006-03-18T16:22:12.023Z

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1142609101847522242006-03-17T15:17:00.000Z2006-03-17T15:33:43.126Z

May the blessing of light be upon you,Light on the outside, Light on the inside.With God's sunlight shining on you, May your heart glow with warmth,Like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes,Like a candle in the window,Welcoming the weary traveller.May the blessing of God's soft rain be on you,Falling gently on your head, refreshing

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1142608617934857112006-03-17T15:11:00.000Z2006-04-26T17:11:23.776+01:00

(as well as all the others )May God grant youthe strength and faithto count your blessings,not your your crosses;count your gainsnot your losses.Count your joysnot your woes;Count your friendsnot your foes.Count your smilesnot your tears;Count your couragenot your fears.Count your full yearsnot your lean;Count your kind deedsnot your mean.Count your healthnot your wealth;And love your neighbouras

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14810176.post-1142347937614013242006-03-14T14:43:00.000Z2006-03-14T14:52:17.616Z

Irishman finds a Genie lamp and rubs it. Out comes the Genie and asks "Master you have released me from the lamp and I grant you three wishes, what would you like" Irishman scratches his head, then answers "A bottle of Guinness that never gets empty. "Granted master" retorted the Genie and produced the bottle. The man was delighted and got drunk on this one magic Guiness bottle for weeks then

Himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13356410838022449007noreply@blogger.com0