Shamrock Club 2009 Honorees Annnounced

The Shamrock Club is proud to announce its 2009 Irish honorees. They are Chuck Ward, Irishman of the Year; Kathy Donovan, Irish Rose; and Bill Sherry, Parade Marshal. Selection is done on the basis of service to the Shamrock Club, the Irish community in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and service to the community. All three embody those qualities. For more information, http://shamrockclubwis.com.
 

Irish Fest Names Mike Dahm as Volunteer of the Year

Milwaukee Irish Fest recently announced that Mike Dahm is its Volunteer of the Year, an annual award given to individuals involved in the festival who demonstrate skills and commitment beyond the typical volunteer duties. I

This is Dahm’s 14th year working with Irish Fest and he continues to show his dedication and enthusiasm for the organization. He has worked at the Irish Fest Center, served on the Board of Directors, and is currently a member of the Finance Committee and manages the auxiliary bank. He volunteers for various Irish Fest projects and works behind the scenes not only during the festival, but throughout the year.

"Mike is one of the unsung heroes of Irish Fest and has been very involved in its progress over the years. We are all very grateful for his hard work," said Jane Anderson, executive director of Irish Fest.

Dahm says that Irish Fest has become a fa.m.ily affair. His wife Lori is a Board member and his children, Katie and Danny, also volunteer. It is an event they look forward to every year. 

"The best part of Irish Fest is the people. My wife and I have developed so many close friends that Irish Fest has become like a second fa.m.ily to us," said Dahm. "The relationships you can develop simply by volunteering in your community are a.m.azing."

 Milwaukee Irish Fest is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, showcasing more than 100 entertainment acts annually at the four-day, 16-stage event at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Lake Michigan. Passionately committed to igniting a love of Irish culture in all people, Irish Fest teaches Ireland’s music, dance, dra.m.a, sports, culture, children’s activities and genealogy at the festival and through year-long programing. For more information, visit www.irishfest.com.

Irish Eyes Light Up IAHC Art Gallery

The display showcases paintings and photography from Irish-American Chicagoans. The work will focus on atmospheric paintings of Irish landscapes, portraits of important figures of Irish history and images from a Chicago photographer's travels in Ireland and the States.

Artists include Pa.m. Ryan, Mary McCloskey and Tom Joyce. Students of the Center's Traditional Celtic Art Class will also be exhibited. 

Irish Eyes runs from Sunday, March 1, through Sunday, March 29. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment by calling the IAHC at 773-282-7035. For more information, visit www.irishahc.org. 

Programing at the Irish American Heritage Center is supported in part by generous grants from the Illinois Arts Council, and CityArts grants from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
 

Sen. Mitchell Meets Mitchell Scholars in Dublin

Never too busy for the future American leaders who bear his na.m.e, Sen. George Mitchell recently stopped in Dublin to meet with the 2009 class of George J. Mitchell Scholars and attend a private US-Ireland Alliance dinner held at the home of Derek and Siobhan Quinlan. The senator spent 90 minutes talking with 10 of the 12 Mitchell Scholars currently studying in Ireland.

Exhibiting his knowledge of each Scholar, Mitchell asked them each very specific questions. He asked former U.S. Naval Academy stand-out runner Victoria Moore if she is still running while in Dublin. Moore and other Mitchell Scholars ran a marathon in Greece last year and are continuing with more runs while in Europe. 

Andrea Laidman told the senator about her work in the area of immigrant integration in Ireland, an internship arranged by Minister of State Conor Lenihan. Mitchell told fellow Maine resident, Erin Rhoda, that he knows of another Maine fa.m.ily with the sa.m.e last name who might be relatives.

The senator told Albion College grad Catherine Fontana that he owes Albion a visit because he had a to cancel a planned visit after being appointed by President Oba.m.a and Secretary of State Clinton as Middle East Envoy. MItchell asked the Fontana introduce him when he can reschedule the appearance. 

Jose Canto, currently studying at UCD, will attend Georgetown Law School next fall. Senator Mitchell told Jose that he too would be at Georgetown in the fall since an endowed chair is being created in his honor and he promised Canto that he could be the first to sit in his "chair."

Trina Vargo, President of the US-Ireland Alliance, noted that "Sen. Mitchell has met each of the nine classes of Scholars without fail. He reads every Alliance newsletter which updates him on where the Scholars are and what they are doing. He takes genuine pride in their accomplishments and interest in their lives and careers. Despite a hectic schedule which few could match, his special interest in them is sincere and felt by the Scholars."

Celtic Woman Show Back on the Road

The international Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, has announced a brand-new "Isle of Hope" Tour, stopping in over 70 cities. The tour kicked off on February 13, 2009, in St. Paul and includes multiple shows in New York, Boston, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Jacksonville, a.m.ong others.

Four years ago, Celtic Woman traveled from Ireland to a.m.erica and captivated millions with their inspiring songs of hope and love.   Their journey to stardom is a drea.m. come true for vocalists Chloë, Lisa, Lynne, Alex and Celtic violinist Máiréad. 

Fans have the opportunity to experience Celtic Woman’s most magical production yet, featuring brand-new renditions of "Fields of Gold" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," as well as two original anthems entitled "Oh a.m.erica" and "The Call" by Brendan Graha.m., writer of "You Raise Me Up."  Musical Director David Downes has composed stunning new music for the 19-member ensemble featuring the wonderful voices of Celtic Woman and the energetic musical inventiveness of Celtic violinist, Máiréad.

The show will also featured cornerstone favorites such as "The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun," "Danny Boy," and "Spanish Lady," a.m.ong others that are featured on their latest release "Greatest Journey: Essential Collection" CD/DVD.

Celtic Woman won over audiences worldwide with its renditions of Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary hits.  In four short years, the group has sold more than four million CDs and DVDs, played seven US tours, and performed for more than 800,000 people.  Meanwhile, the three Celtic Woman PBS Specials have aired more than 13,658 times on 685 PBS stations across the country, covering 97% of US television households.

The group has also appeared on several national television shows including Live with Regis and Kelly, Martha Stewart, CBS Early Show, Brian Boitano’s Skating Spectacular: Skate for the Heart, and The Bonnie Hunt Show.

Na.m.ed the #1 Top World Music Artist by Billboard Magazine, Celtic Woman albums ("Celtic Woman," "A Christmas Celebration," and "A New Journey") have held the #1 position on the magazine’s World Music chart for 90 consecutive weeks.  Their recent album, The Greatest Journey Essential Collection, debuted at #1.
 

Celtic Woman "Isle of Hope" Tour Dates

3/10                 Providence, RI            Dunkin’ Donuts Center
3/11                 Wilkes-Barre, PA        Wachovia Arena
3/13-14            New York, NY           Radio City Music Hall
3/15                 Wallingford, CT          Chevrolet Theatre  - 2 shows 
3/17-18            Baltimore, MD             France-Merrick PAC
3/20, 21, 22     Boston, MA                 Citi Performing Arts Center – Wang Theatre
3/24-25            Atlanta, GA                Fabulous Fox Theatre
3/26                 N. Charleston, SC        Coliseum
3/27                 Birmingha.m., AL          BJCC Concert Hall
3/28                 Tallahassee, FL           Leon County Civic Center
3/30-31            Jacksonville, FL          Times Union Center for the Performing Arts
4/2                   Gainesville, FL            O’Connell Center
4/3                   Pensacola, FL              Civic Center Arena
4/4                   Orlando, FL                a.m.way Arena
4/5                   Ta.m.pa, FL                   Ta.m.pa Bay Performing Arts Center – 2 shows
4/8-9                Memphis, TN              Orpheum Theatre
4/10-11            St. Louis, MO             Fabulous Fox Theatre
4/16                 Baton Rouge, LA      Baton Rouge River Center
4/17                 Houston, TX               Toyota Center
4/18                 Grand Prairie, TX       Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
4/19                 Austin, TX                  Frank Erwin Center
4/23                 Phoenix, AZ                Dodge Theatre
4/24                 Costa Mesa, CA          Orange County PAC – Segerstrom Hall
4/25                 Los Angeles, CA        Greek Theatre
4/27-28            Palm Desert, CA         McCAllum Theatre
4/29                 San Diego, CA            SD Open Air Theatre
5/1                   Fresno, CA                  Saroyan Theatre
5/2                   Santa Barbara, CA      Santa Barbara Bowl
5/3                   San Jose, CA               San Jose Civic Auditorium
5/5                   Sacra.m.ento, CA          Memorial Auditorium
5/6                   Oakland, CA               Paramount Theatre of the Arts
5/8                   Spokane, WA              Spokane Arena – Star Theatre
5/9                   Portland, OR               Rose Quarter – Theater of the Clouds
5/10                 Eugene, OR                Hult Center for the Performing Arts
5/12                 Salt Lake City, UT      E Center of West Valley
5/13                 Boise, ID                     Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
5/15, 16, 17     Seattle, WA                Para.m.ount Theatre
5/27-28            Ft. Myers, FL              Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
5/29, 30           West Palm Beach,       Kravitz Center
6/1                   Savannah, GA             Johnny Mercer Theater
6/2-3                Charlotte, NC             Ovens Auditorium
6/5                   Roanoke, VA              Civic Center Performing Arts Theatre
6/6                   Raleigh, NC                Progress Energy CPA – 2 shows
6/7                   Portsmouth, VA          Ntelos Pavilion
6/8                   Vienna, VA                 Wolf Trap
6/10-11            Cincinnati, OH            Aronoff Center
6/12                 Youngstown, OH       Chevrolet Centre
6/13                 Cleveland, OH            Playhouse Square Center
6/14                 Richmond, VA           Landmark
6/16                 Lexington, KY            Rupp Arena
6/17-18            Nashville, TN             TPAC
6/20-21            Philadelphia, PA         Mann Center for the Performing Arts
6/22                 Trenton, NJ                 Sovereign Bank Arena
6/23                 University Park, PA    Bryce Jordon Center
6/24                 Fort Wayne, IN           Allen County War Memorial
6/26                 Kansas City, MO        Sprint Center 
6/27                 Little Rock, AR          Alltel Arena
6/28                 Tulsa, OK                    Mabee Center Arena
7/1-2                Morrison, CO              Red Rocks Amphitheatre

For more information: www.celticwoman.com
 

Irish Happenings in Wisconsin

Courtesy of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
http://shamrockclubwis.com/page65.html

March 13 — [MADISON]; The Currach; Brocach; 7 W. Main, Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
March 13 — [WAUSAU]; Beoga; Shoulder To Shoulder; venue to be announced
March 13 — [GREEN BAY]; Blarney; St. Brendan's Inn, 234 S. Washington; 8 p.m.
March 13 — [MANITOWOC]; Manitowc St Patrick's Day Parade; Starts on the corner of Washington and S. 8th St. Ends at Bank First National, N. 8th St; Fireworodks to follow; 6 p.m.
March 13 — [MADISON]; Sha.m.rock Club of Dane County meeting; Coliseum Bar; 5.30 p.m.
March 13-14 — [PLYMOUTH]; Sha.m.rocks and Shenanigans - An Irish Music Show; Plymouth Art Center; 4 p.m.; (920) 892-8409
March 14 — [FENNIMORE]; Greenfyre; Eagle Creek Inn; 7 p.m.; traditional St. Patrick's Day meal
March 14 — [FOND DU LAC]; Rising Gael; Windhover Center for the Arts; 7 p.m.
March 14 — [LA CROSSE]; Shamrock Club of La Crosse St Patrick's Day Parade; Downtown La Crosse; Noon
March 14 — [LA CROSSE]; The Kissers; Nighthawks Tap; 10 p.m.
March 14 — [RACINE]; Racine St Patrick's Day Parade; Noon; State and Main Streets to City Hall
March 14 — [MT HOREB]; The Pints; Grumpy Troll; 8 p.m.
March 14 — [PRAIRIE DU CHIEN]; Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade; downtown Prairie du Chien. 10 a.m.; parade with festivities to follow at many local businesses, 608-326-8555
March 14 — [STURGEON BAY]; Stugeon Bay St Patrick's Day Parade; Downtown Stugeon Bay; 11 a.m.
March 14 — [KOHLER]; Blarney; The Horse and Plow, The American Club; 8 p.m.
March 14-15 — [MANITOWOC]; And They Call it Ireland; Palace of Reifs Mills; 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday show at 1 p.m.; 920- 732-3172
March 15 — [OSHKOSH]; Barrage; Grand Opera House; 8 p.m.
March 15 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Java Cat; 3918 Monona Drive ; 2 p.m.; 608.255.2015
March 15 — [MADISON]; St. Pat's Eve Festival;- 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; High Noon Saloon; 2:30 Turner Collins; 3:00- The Curragh; 4:00 - Cashel-Dennehy School of Irish Dance; 4:45 - a.m.y McFarland and Maria Terres; 5:30 - Navan; 6:00 - Trinity Academy of Irish Dance; 6:45 Greenfyre; Sponsored by Celtic Cultural Center of Madison
March 15 — [BELOIT]; Rising Gael; Suds O'Hanahan's Irish Pub; 3 p.m.; Ian Gould; 6 p.m.
March 15 — [KEWAUNEE]; Hardbean and McHonzik ; The Cork; 2 p.m.; The Cork's 8th annual all-day St. Pat's Party
March 15 — [KEWAUNEE]; St Patricks Day Parade; Noon
March 15 — [MADISON]; Rigel; Olbrich Botanical Gardens; 2p.m.
March 15 — [MADISON]; Madison 12th Annual St Patrick's Day Parade; 1:30 p.m.; Capitol Square
March 15 — [LORETO RIDGE]; Beoga; St. Patrick's Church, S 8280 Hwy G; 3 p.m.; Tix: Flower Shop and Village Gifts, Spring Green, Plain Kwik Stop/Shell, Dietz, Reedsburg, or 608/524-4899
March 16 — [PLYMOUTH]; Blarney; 52 Stafford; 7:30 p.m.
March 17 — [WAUSAU]; Karan Casey; ArtsBlock: Grand Theater; 7:30 p.m.
March 17 — [EAU CLAIRE]; Green Tea; Stone's Throw; 9 p.m.;
March 17 — [PLYMOUTH]; Irishman's Walk; Event begins at the corner of Eastern/Highland. It continues to Stafford Street, ending at the 52 Stafford Irish Guest House; Parade begins at 11 a.m.; (920) 893-0552
March 17 — [MADISON]; The Kissers; High Noon Saloon; 8 p.m.
March 17 — [FOND DU LAC]; The Pints; UW Fond du Lac; noon
March 17 — [MIDDLETON]; The Pints; Claddagh Irish Pub; 6 p.m.
March 17 — [MIDDLETON]; The Pints; The Club Tavern ; 10 p.m.;
March 18 — [JANESVILLE]; The Kissers; UW-Rock County, Janesville; 8 p.m.
March 18 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
March 19 — [MIDDLETON];Rising Gael; Claddagh Irish Pub; 8.30 p.m.
March 20 — [APPLETON]; Greenfyre; Thompson Community Center; 6 p.m.
Private event March 20 — [FOND DU LAC]; Stone Cross; Windhover Center for the Arts; 7 p.m.
March 20 — [MADISON]; The Currach; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
March 21 — [LA CROSSE]; Boys of the Lough; Viterbo University; 7:30 p.m.
March 21 — [NEW LONDON]; New Dublin Irish Fest and Parade ; 11 a.m.
March 21 — [NEW LONDON]; New Dublin St Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest; Parade 1 p.m.; Irish Fest 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Rising Gael; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Seven Nations - 3 p.m.; under the big top by Festival Foods
March 21 — [PLYMOUTH]; Theiss and O'Connor; Plymouth Art Center; 4 p.m.; (920) 892-8409
March 21 — [ST CROIX]; Sweet Colleens; Festival theatre; 8 p.m.
March 21 — [NEW LONDON]; Rising Gael; Shamrock Heights; 8 p.m.
March 21 —[FORT ATKINSON]; Reilly; Paddy Coughlin's Pub, 14 E. Sherman Ave; 7.30 p.m.
March 22 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Java Cat; 3918 Monona Drive ; 2 p.m.; 608.255.2015
March 22 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins and An Blas; The Brocach; 5 p.m.; On the Capitol Square, 7 W. Main; 608.255.2015
March 24 — [MADISON]; Greenfyre; Madison Catholic Womens Club; 4 p.m.
March 25 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
March 27 — [MADISON]; The Currach; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
March 28 — [OCONTO FALLS]; Tony Kenny Celtic Nights; Falls Area PAC; 8 p.m.; (920) 848-7469/(920) 848-SHOW
March 28 — [LA CROSSE]; Green Tea; Howies' Live/Loons; 9.30 p.m.;
March 29 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Java Cat; 3918 Monona Drive ; 2 p.m.; 608.255.2015
April 1 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
April 8 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
April 10 — [MIDDLETON]; The Pints; Claddagh Irish Pub; 9 p.m.
April 10 — [MADISON];Green Tea; The Brocach Irish Pub; 8 p.m.
April 11 — [MIDDLETON]; Green Tea; Club Tavern; 8 p.m.
April 15 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
April 17 — [WAUSAU]; Green Tea; Malarkey's; 408 3rd St.; 9 p.m.; 715-298-2782
April 18-19 — [APPLETON]; Riverdance; Thrivent Financial Hall; Box Office: 920-730-3760
April 18 — [MARSHFIELD]; Green Tea; Chestnut Center for the Arts; 5.30 p.m.
April 22 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
April 26 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins and An Blas; The Brocach; 5 p.m.; On the Capitol Square, 7 W. Main; 608.255.2015
April 29 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins; Brocach; 7 W. Main Madison; 11.30 a.m.; 608.255.2015
May 1 — [WAUSAU] Green Tea; Cruise-In Wausau; 3 p.m.
May 2-3 — [MADISON]; 2009 Welsh Weekend; First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave.; variety of events beginning at 10:30 a.m.
May 3 — [MADISON]; 77th State Gymanfa Ganu; First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave.; 2:30 p.m.; te bach to follow
May 8 — [NEENAH]; Green Tea; Cranky Pats; 10 p.m.
May 9 — [MADISON]; Rising Gael; Madison Area Music Awards ; 7 p.m.
May 9 — [MADISON]; Rising Gael; Alchemy Cafe ; 10.30 p.m.
May 14 — [WISCONSIN RAPIDS]; Green Tea; Mead School ; 5.30 p.m.
May 15-17 — [FITCHBURG]; Fitchburg Days; McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Road; Green Tea,Rising Gael
May 20 — [LA CROSSE]; Shamrock Club of La Crosse Yearly elections; Cedar Creek Country Club; 6 p.m.
May 23 — [ONALASKA]; Shamrock Club of La Crosse; Onalaska Sunfish Parade; noon
May 24 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins and An Blas; The Brocach; 5 p.m.; On the Capitol Square, 7 W. Main; 608.255.2015
May 28 — [OSHKOSH]; Belfast Cowboys and the Tossers; Waterfest; 7 p.m.
May 29-31 — [OSHKOSH]; Oshkosh Irish Fest; Dublin City Ra.m.blers; U2 Zoo; Creevey with Kathleen Keane; Cé Leahy's Luck; Gaelic Storm; athas; Celtic Nations Pipes & Drums; Caledonian Scottish Dancers; Blarney; Leach a.m.phitheater; UW Oshkosh
June 20 — [OSHKOSH]; Sandcarvers; O'Marro's Public House; 9 p.m.
June 24 — [GREEN LAKE]; Green Tea; Concerts in the Park; 7 p.m.
June 26 — [MIDDLETON]; Green Tea; Capital Brewery; 8 p.m.
June 27 — [WAUSAU]; Green Tea; Malarkey's; 9.30 p.m.
July2 — [LA CROSSE]; Green Tea; Riverfest La Crosse; 2 p.m.
July 23 — [LA CROSSE]; Green Tea; Oshkosh Waterfest; 6 p.m.
July 26 — [MADISON]; Turner Collins and An Blas; The Brocach; 5 p.m.; On the Capitol Square, 7 W. Main; 608.255.2015
July 27 — [WISCONSIN DELLS]; Rising Gael; Downtown Music Dells; 7 p.m.
July 31 — [BELOIT]; Green Tea; Music at Harry's Place; Riverside Park; 7.30 p.m.
August 7-9 — [LA CROSSE]; La Crosse Irish Fest; Sea.m.us Kennedy, more; Southside Fest Grounds
August 8 — [a.m.HERST]; Green Tea; Feel Good Fest; 4 p.m.
August 12 — [WISCONSIN DELLS]; Rising Gael; Downtown Music Dells; 7 p.m.
August 14-24 — [ST CROIX]; Sea Marks by Gardner McKay; Festival Theatre; 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
August 19 — [WISCONSIN DELLS]; Rising Gael; Downtown Music Dells; 7 p.m.
September 12 — [MADISON]; Mad Celt Festival; VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Road CV; 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Green Tea, more
September 25-27 — [MINERAL POINT]; 17th Annual Cornish Festival ; Events across the city; more tba
September 28 — [kMADISON]; Turner Collins and An Blas; The Brocach; 5 p.m.; On the Capitol Square, 7 W. Main; 608.255.2015
October 4 — [CHIPPEWA FALLS]; Green Tea; Heyde Center for the Arts; 2 p.m.
December 3 — [WISCONSIN RAPIDS]; Patrick Ball; McMillan Library; 7 p.m.; 715-422-5129
February 6 — [a.m.HERST]; Green Tea; 6th Annual Winter Fest; 7.30 p.m.
March 5 — [PRAIRIE DU SAC];Green Tea; River Arts Center; 7 p.m.
April 14 — [EAU CLAIRE]; Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas; Schofield Auditorium; University of Wisconsin EC; 7 p.m.; 800-949-8932 

AmericanStyle Magazine Announces Itinerary for Ireland Arts Tour

Meet Ireland’s leading contemporary craft artists during  a 10-day luxury arts tour this spring. AmericanStyle magazine and Professional Travel, Inc., in partnership with the Crafts Council of Ireland, will lead participants to studios and private collectors’ homes, special gallery receptions and exclusive curator-guided tours of exhibitions at museums throughout the country.

The escorted trip from May 13 to 23, 2009, will include stops in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Belfast. While visiting historic sites in the cities and the countryside, participants will enjoy upscale accommodations and fine dining with other collectors and representatives of AmericanStyle magazine.

Participants will visit the studios of artists working in fiber, ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass and metal. Tour highlights include stops at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Craft Gallery and Dublin’s Tower Design Centre.

For a detailed itinerary of featured artists, gallery visits and tour stops, visit the Arts Travel section ofwww.AmericanStyle.com.

The mission of AmericanStyle magazine is to inform craft enthusiasts and art collectors about the significance of handmade objects of art. Launched in 1994 by The Rosen Group, AmericanStyle provides art lovers with valuable tips on decorating, interior design, display and lighting ideas for everything from designer jewelry and art glass to collectible teapots, art furniture and sculptural cera.m.ics. More than 250 arts festivals, gallery exhibitions and museum events are listed in the Datebook section of each issue. For more information, visit www.AmericanStyle.com.
 

News from Ireland

Munster's Newest Athletic Facility Is Opened In Co. Clare

Co. Clare's first synthetic running track has been officially opened at the Lees Road Sports and amenity Park in Ennis.

The mayors of Ennis and Clare opened the 400-meter track in February , which is complemented by an athletic field capable of hosting a range of track and field events.   The new 900k euro facility is jointly funded by Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council.  A 600k euro Sports Capital grant was provided by the Department of Arts, Sports & Tourism.

The ceremony also included the officially opening of a newly upgraded cross country running track and a car park with a capacity for 228 parking spaces, including eight disabled spaces.

The Lees Road Sports and amenity Park, which is located on a site of approximately 134 acres of woodland at Drumcliffe, comprises four conventional playing pitches, a floodlit all-weather pitch, a cross- country running track, woodland amenity walks and  Clare's first specifically designed and purpose built Skateboard Park.

Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said the provision of the synthetic running track enhanced the County's sports and recreational infrastructure.

She noted that new facility was in line with the objectives of the recently launched "County Clare Recreation & Sport Strategy 2009-2011," the first of its kind to be developed in the county.

"One of the primary objectives of the strategy is to achieve universal access to recreation and sports activities through the promotion and development of new and existing multi-purpose community facilities. I have no doubt that the people of Co. Clare will benefit greatly from what is now one of the most comprehensive and state of the art sports and amenity complexes in Ireland," commented Mayor Taylor Quinn.

The mayor continued, "I want to congratulate everyone associated with the project especially the main contractors Thornton's and Michael Boland. Both the car park and the running track have been completed to a high standard and quality of finish.  I would like also to wish all athletic clubs and other sporting associations using the facilities every success and many years of enjoyment."

Mayor of Ennis Councillor Peter Considine stated that the new facilities added another dimension to the attractiveness and public appeal of the Lees Road Sports and amenity Park. 

Considine said that every effort should now be made to attract regional and national athletics events to Lees Road.

He explained, "John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council and Olympic silver medallist was very impressed by the running track when he visited Less Road last month.  He rightly said that the managers of Lees Road should not limit their ambitions for the sports complex hosting local events only."

The mayor also noted that there was significant potential for the further development of Lees Road and expansion of the range of leisure facilities available.

"One of the many ways in which we can further develop Lees Road is to introduce passive water-based activities. The Sports and Amenity Park is located very close to Ballyalla Lake and there is scope to link the two sites in the future," he concluded.
 

Sinn Fein President Appears At Ennis Book Club Festival

Sinn Féin President and published author Gerry Adams was one of the primary speakers at the Ennis Book Club Festival 2009, which took place in the Co. Clare capital March 6-8. 

The Belfast born MLA and MP participated in the international festival’s Sunday Symposium entitled "Reading between the Lines – the Fact and the Fiction of Political Writing."

Adams was joined on the discussion panel by journalist and political analyst Conor O’Clery, Public Relations consultant Terry Prone and Labour politician Michael D. Higgins.  Caimin Jones, experienced broadcaster, journalist and communications consultant, chaired the session.

The Ennis Book Club Festival 2009, in association with Clare County Library, featured visits, readings, lectures and workshops by internationally acclaimed authors, along with drama, musical entertainment and chocolate tasting.

Contributors included John Boyne, author of The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, Mark O’Halloran, award winning writer and actor; Salley Vickers, best selling British novelist and author of Miss Garnet’s Angel; John Connolly, Irish novelist; John Breen, author of Alone It Stands; Jennifer Johnston, Booker Prize nominated writer; and Allan Guthrie, Scottish crime novelist. 

Other festival participants included Gerard Donovan; author of the Booker Prize nominated Schopenhauer's Telescope; Aifric Campbell, author of The Semantics of Murder; Órfhlaith Foyle, critically acclaimed poet and author of the debut novel Belios; Gerard Stembridge; novelist, film director, playwright and co-author of the satirical radio show ‘Scrap Saturday’; and travel writer Manchán Magan. 

The three-day program attracted hundreds of book club members and book lovers from all over Europe and North America. 

Commenting on Gerry Adams’ participation beforethe third annual festival, Mary Kenneally of the Ennis Book Club Festival Organizing Committee said, "Adams is one of the very few politicians who are also a published author. With nine titles to his credit he is uniquely placed to speak on reading political works. He is also an engaging and dynamic speaker who will bring an interesting and challenging perspective to the Sunday Symposium. He certainly is worthy of joining the stellar list of world renowned authors on this year’s festival program of events."

Other festival events included "10 books you should read"; was hosted by journalist and broadcaster Kevin Myers and Maria Dickenson, head of book buying in Eason.  Georgina Byrne, of South Dublin Libraries, discussed e-books; author/TV producer Anna Heussaff  presented a orkshop on enriching Your Book Club; broadcaster and author Denis Sampson discussed his book on John McGahern, entitled Outstaring Nature’s Eye, froadcaster and journalist Rachael English chaired an interview and reading session with John Boyne and Salley
Vickers.

Poetry was feature prominently at the festival. Winner of the Rooney prize for Irish Literature, Medbh McGuckian; founder member of Aosdána and winner of the Marten Toonder prize for Literature, Micheal O'Siadhail, awarded an Irish American Cultural Institute prize for poetry in 1982 and in 1998 the Marten Toonder prize for Literature.; Dublin-based Russian poet, Anatoly Kudryavitsky; winner of the 2003 Cúirt Festival Poetry Grand Slam, Kevin Higgins; and poet and dramatist Rita Ann Higgins, whose many accolades include the Peadar O’Donnell Award, delighted and challenged their audiences during the Festival.

Meanwhile, students from Trinity College Dublin staged an exclusive performance of The Trial of Oscar Wilde at Ennis Courthouse. The only other enactment of the trial, which led to Wilde’s public disgrace and two year imprisonment for acts of "gross indecency," will be held at Trinity College in April.

The festival launch included a "giant book club gathering" featuring a mass reading and discussion of "The book of Lost Things" by novelist John Connolly.

Top Locations to Enjoy a Real Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a must-have experience while traveling in Ireland. It is the origin of each ingredient that makes the taste of Irish coffee so particular and as locals say "If you haven't tasted an Irish coffee in Ireland, you haven't tasted any Irish coffee".

Originally from the small town of Foynes, Irish coffee is now a traditional drink that can be found in every city although, if you want to appreciate a true authentic Irish coffee, here are the top four places Travel Solutions Ireland experts recommend:

1.Brazen Head in Dublin
2. Jack Meades in Waterford
3. Durty Nelly's in Bunratty
4. Crown Bar in Belfast

These places can be visited through "A Tale of Three Cities" and "Cookery Delight" tours. "A Tale of Three Cities" will allow visitors to explore the flavors of Dublin,  Belfast and Edinburgh during one exciting week. With the "Cookery delight" tour, you will enjoy culinary knowledge of Irelandand discover true Irish cuisine of the South and West.

Chauffeured tours are one of the best ways to enjoy the delightful dishes and drinks of Ireland without the worry of driving. Travel Solutions Ireland expert drivers will not only drive you to those best Irish coffee places, but will also share their cultural, historical and culinary knowledge of Ireland. 

For more information, about Travel Solutions Ireland, contact Nicola Hegarty at 800-242-3610, e-mail info@travelsolutionsireland.com; or visit www.travelsolutionsireland.com. 

On-Site Electricity Plan Welcomed

The National Energy Training Academy (NETA) has welcomed Energy Minister Eamon Ryan's announcement of measures to encourage the on-site generation of electricity in homes and farms across Ireland.

The organization, which is based in Co. Mayo, said the ability to sell electricity to the grid was an important step for the renewable industry but also for job creation.

Among the measures announced today is a guaranteed price of 19 cent perkilowatt hour of electricity produced. The feed-in tariff will apply to the first 4,000 micro-generation installations countrywide over the next three years. Eligible installations include small scale wind, photovoltaic, hydro and combined heat and power.

Established in 2006, NETA has developed specialist training programs for both future Instructors and Installers of Wind Turbines, Solar Photovoltaic and Micro-Hydro systems.  To facilitate the uptake of employment opportunities in the sector on the back of the Minister’s announcement, the SEI-approved installer academy announced that Instructor and Installer courses started from March 2.

Paul McCarthy of Teagasc said that Minister's Ryan's announcement presented farmers with a new enterprise opportunity.

He explained, "Farmers already have the land and with additional training can acquire the knowledge, not just for installation but for site survey, product choice, project management and how to incorporate this into their existing business model. Teagasc intend to play a leading role with its members in the develop.m.ent of this new expertise and would expect farmers to be a significant majority of both the grant and tariff allocation of 4,000 as announced by the Minister today."

According to John Moran, general manager of NETA, "Micro-generation is a highly regulated market, with safety and competency all important. Ireland has a wind resource which will challenge the best of equipment so it is important that we do not use the consumer to test the industry. There is much expertise in Ireland as it is a leading player in Wind Farms and it is important that we filter this knowledge into training programs at domestic level to ensure high quality growth in this sector." 

Moran noted that the industry created 250,000 jobs in Germany when it was launched.

"This announcement will have a significant impact on getting our electricians and construction workers into new areas of employment. It is important that we train people to the highest international standards. With micro-generation installations being classified as controlled works under the CER rules since January, 2009, and unless installers are competent and know all these rules and regulations, their customer may be refused an export meter which is required to calculate the tariff," added Moran.

Established in 2006, the NETA center is Ireland's only carbon neutral training center of excellence in renewables and is located in Mayo, a county with one of the best wind resources in the EU and which also hosts the new National Wave Test center.  The facility contains such equipment as solar photovoltaic, wind turbines and a large hydroplant on the national grid.

The upcoming training courses have been developed specifically for the Republic of Ireland which has unique climate, legislative and regulatory requirements including a robust grid connection process requiring certification by a Registered Electrical Contractor under the controlled works process.  The courses are largely practical in nature with skills such as wind turbine towers, solar photovoltaic roof installations and wind turbine assembly.   Courses are already heavily booked and some subsidized courses are available in the initial phases.

For more, see www.neta.ie.
 

Return of Tall Ships to City to Generate $14.4m

Courtesy of Northern Ireland Bureau

The return of the world-famous Tall Ships to Belfast in August will be worth $14.4 million to the Northern Ireland economy, organizers have claimed.

More than 400,000 visitors are expected to line Belfast Lough and fill the city's Dockland area for the Maritime Festival which runs from August 13-16.

As well as the spectacular Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 the festival will also include continental markets and special exhibitions. Over 20 ships are expected to dock in Belfast during that time, having traveled across the Atlantic Ocean from Halifax in Canada.

Ministers for sports, tourism and social develop.m.ent praised the festival at a launch event at the Belfast Harbor Commissioner's office. Sports and Culture Minister Gregory Ca.m.pbell described the return of the Tall Ship Challenge to the Province as a "long standing a.m.bition" of Northern Ireland.

"Many people will remember when the Tall Ships visited Belfast in 1991, it was a spectacular event which demonstrated to many people - at home and abroad - that Belfast and Northern Ireland were somewhere worth visiting," he said. "For so many years Northern Ireland lost out on international events but thankfully things have changed. We now have a very positive outlook for the future."

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said the arrival of the Tall Ships would "place the international spotlight on Northern Ireland this summer". She said the Northern Ireland Executive has set "challenging targets" for tourism and said government, its agencies and local tourism providers "must work together to exploit such opportunities as the Tall Ships' visit Belfast".

She said the event would bring $1.44 million towards improving facilities at the Belfast docks area and a further $724,009 would go towards building sailing and maritime tourism in the Province.

Social Develop.m.ent Minister Margaret Ritchie said the event was "another positive indication of Belfast's place in the world". 

Belfast's Musical Heritage to Give Tourism a Boost

Courtesy of the Northern Ireland Bureau

When many of us think about the city of Liverpool names like The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black, and more recently The Zutons and The Wombats spring to mind.

It is this immediate association with musical legends and famous faces which those involved in tourism for Belfast are now seeking to emulate. Plans are afoot to create a 'musical tourism' aspect to the city, to include tours, downloads, a website and exhibitions, hoping to entice visitors.

Aiming for a more cultured allure to the city, an alternative to the 'bombs and murals' tourist tradition, Belfast City Council, along with the Arts Council and NI Tourist Board, have developed a strategy for this modern form of tourism.

A report submitted to Belfast City Council about the tourism initiative states music "will be the hook to profile Belfast as a cultural tourism destination ... and increase tourism revenue from this market."

A diverse range of music has emerged from Belfast over the years, from Van Morrison to James Galway, punk band Stiff Little Fingers to Eric Bell from Thin Lizzy, Ruby Murray and more modern acts like Duke Special.

Ulster bands Snow Patrol and Ash also have a strong affiliation with the city, with lead singers Gary Lightbody and Tim Wheeler backing the Oh Yeah music center which supports up-and-coming musicians. Snow Patrol's latest hit, Take Back the City, is said to be inspired by Belfast.

In recent years, the spotlight on Belfast has been increasingly illuminating its cultural and musical talents, with the city being na.m.e-checked in many international newspapers and magazines. On the back of such interest the bodies involved in Belfast's musical tourism, have developed a range of tourist attractions around the city's lyrical heritage.

A weekly tour will be organized, which will include a visit to the Ulster Hall and an opportunity to hear the Ulster Orchestra rehearsing, before departing on a two-hour guided coach tour of musical venues and key sights, including Van Morrison heritage, an introduction to all musical genres, and finishing at the Oh Yeah Centre in the Cathedral Quarter, with an exhibition on contemporary music.

An accompanying website will include a downloadable version of the tour, for those who want to self-guide around the various points. Also on the website will be details of Belfast's jazz, traditional, folk, rock and classical musical traditions, as well as a list of venues, festivals, halls of fa.m.e and events listings.

The organizers are planning to launch the new tourism angle this coming March to coincide with the reopening of the Ulster Hall. It will also be publicized on an international stage at this year's Nashville and South by South West festivals in the United States in March.