We present an eclectic look at the Irish world in this issue, from a gripping photo spread on Belfast's kids by photographer Tom Kump to a peek inside Dublin's oldest gym.

In between, we hear about a wedding in the new Ireland, learn how peace activist Michael Cullen still lives the message of nonviolence and find out what happens when two long-time friends collaborate to write a film script.

You'll discover the inside scoop on fast-paced musician Sharon Shannon and take in the swift moves of championship dancers performing at a Wisconsin dinner theater.

There's a lot to read, enjoy and share as we prepare to celebrate the high holy days of March. These stories will get you in the mood for St. Patrick's Day, which is quickly drawing nigh as we go to press. Until March!

And the Bride Wore Crimson
By Lynn Caldwell
I've had two weddings -- thankfully to the same man -- though they took place on two continents, Europe and North America. We officially tied the knot in a Baptist church on Vancouver Island -- where I call home when I'm not talking about Dublin -- in a morning ceremony. I walked down the aisle to an Irish fiddle player playing the air that my husband Martin had composed for me. [More]
 

Island Images Weave Rings of Silver and Gold
Special to The Irish American Post
The Ring of Aran, a natural companion to the claddagh, celebrates the heritage and culture of the Aran Islands. Created in time for Ireland's millennium celebration, the first Aran ring was presented by designer Thomas Taaffe Brady and Declan McDonnell, mayor of Galway, to 105-year-old Bridget Dirrane, on Jan. 1. [More]
 

What They Said
Wrapup of commentary from Northern Ireland and Ireland [More]
 

Camera Eye Turns Toward Belfast's Kids
By Martin Russell
Colorado-based photographer Tom Kumpf remains a creative, idealist visionary, not despite of but exactly because of his Vietnam War days. He uses a camera to capture the fragments of emotion stirred by war and turmoil. Kumpf's keen eye emphasizes a demonstrable understanding of the value he places on human beings.  [More]
 

A Hint of Housekeeping on the Auld Sod
By Betsa Marsh
With a finger of Bushmill's in a tumbler, I step back to admire my handiwork. No Girl Scout I, yet I have somehow managed to coax the little bricks of turf into flame for my first peat fire. It's smoldering away in an open hearth burnt ebony from generations of soot, and with each whiff of peppery smoke, I feel more and more like a true homesteader on the Old Sod. [More]
 

Shannon Shines from the Mountain Top
By Sean Laffey
Sharon Shannon and her band are coming to America in March. Nothing surprising in that, of course. It's the month that's in it which attracts Irish bands to celebrate St. Patrick's month with the Diaspora. But there is more, her U.S. tour will be interrupted by a few days sojourn in Japan (which is mad for Irish music). [More]
 

Dancing the Night Away
Special to The Irish American Post
The clickety-clack of hard shoes has made for Gaelic thunder over snowy central Wisconsin this winter as a line of young dancers demonstrate how stepdancing is really done. Judging by the audience handclapping and toe-tapping in time with the music, the kids' efforts are paying off in bucketfuls of rainbowed entertainment gold.  [More]
 

Cullen Still Pushes Peace
By Carrie Trousil
Almost four decades after being deported for his protests against the Vietnam War, Irish-born Michael Cullen was back. The unassuming, yet still fiery, activist was feted last October for his contributions to the civil rights movement and for his lifelong commitment to helping the less fortunate.[More]
 

Something strange in the cosmos
By Carrie Trousil
Susan Steger-Welsh never suspected she would be an award-winning, published poet. In fact, she had never even written poetry until she had "the dream." [More]
 

Friends Find Film World Fascinating
By Martin Hintz
When several Irish get together on a collaborative artistic project, you just know it has to be good. Witness The Straight Story, a poignant 1999 movie about an Iowa farmer who travels to Wisconsin on his lawn tractor to visit a dying brother.  [More]
 

Tinderbox Strikes Artistic Match
By Martin Hintz
Eamon Quinn rushed into McHugh's pub on Belfast's Queen Street. Tousled and breathless, he was between meetings and readings. Laden with playbills, posters and related printed material, the 29-year-old Quinn was making his rounds as administrator of the Tinderbox Theater. [More]
 

Dublin Lads Buff Bods
By Lindie Naughton
Turn off North King Street into Lurgan in Dublin's north inner city and a large, white building at the end of the street immediately smacks you in the eye. You have found the Hercules Amateur Weightlifting and Wrestling Club, affectionately known as the "Herc" and the oldest gym in Dublin Town. [More]