Emerald Reflections Online

Milwaukee Irish Fest,
"The Best Thing About Summer"

Country's Largest Celtic Celebration
Calls Milwaukee Home August 16-19

Milwaukee Irish Fest, "The Best Thing About Summer" will host the best Irish and Irish-American entertainment, culture and food August 16-19. The crowds will again gather to hear the draw of the bow across the fiddle, see the smile of a high-stepping dancer, or draw a pint while sampling a tasty treat at Henry W. Maier Festival Park along Milwaukee's lakefront.

"This year's 21st Anniversary celebration demonstrates the festival's innovative growth and unyielding pursuit of top quality entertainment," said Jane Anderson, Executive Director of Irish Fest. "Festival goers have come to expect nothing less than the best, and this year's festival will live up to the tradition."

This year's festival features include:

OMAGH COMMUNITY YOUTH CHOIR

During 1998's Irish Fest, a bomb ripped through the heart of Omagh, Northern Ireland killing 29 people and injuring hundreds more. The brutal act of violence weighed heavy on those celebrating a continent away, and left a community devastated and searching for a means to heal. Soon thereafter, Daryl Simpson, an Omagh resident with a strong desire to turn the devastation into something positive, formed the Omagh Community Youth Choir. Since its formation, the 44 member Protestant and Catholic choir has received international recognition having performed on BBC, UTV, RTE, NBC and MTV as well as at Soldier Field, St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and before the Royal Family.

Last year the Irish Fest Youth Choir made a two-week journey to Ireland to perform with the Omagh Community Youth Choir. Returning the favor, the Omagh Choir will make its second appearance at Irish Fest. Together, they will make a number of special appearances prior to the festival along with multiple appearances at the festival.

WALTON'S MUSIC "NIGHT OF THE BODHRAN"

Last year marked the inaugural year of involvement with Irish Fest for famed Waltons' Music of New York and Ireland. Waltons' display was located in a tent in the Cultural Village where they sold Celtic instruments and sheet music as well as offered mini-lessons on how to play the bodhran (Irish handheld drum).

This year, Waltons' will occupy their own tent in the Cultural Village, allowing them to offer a greater selection of merchandise. In addition, Waltons' will be re-launching their famed record label, Glenside, at the festival. Due to their popularity last year, bodhran lessons will again be offered this year. Tin whistle lessons will also be offered.

Finally, Waltons' will again sponsor Sunday night's Second Annual "Night of the Bodhrans." Bodhran players of all skill levels are invited to join in the march of the bodhran, beginning on the north and south ends of the festival grounds at 9 p.m. on Sunday night.

FIREWORKS AND SCATTERING

Following the "Night of the Bodhrans" march will be the Sunday night fireworks. Last year the fireworks helped provide a loud and vibrant introduction to one of the more unique features of the festival, the grand finale known as "The Scattering." This is an Irish tradition where musicians from the various bands come together and dancers step to the stage performing one last act before they join the audience in saying good bye to the year's festival.

ENTERTAINMENT

"Milwaukee Irish Fest aims to preserve Irish music and culture by delivering an exciting roster of entertainers," said Chuck Ward, one of the founders of Irish Fest. "Whether you're looking for old favorites like Tommy Makem or the cutting edge sounds of Seven Nations, the stages at this year's Irish Fest will feature an eclectic line-up of Irish music for people of all ages and tastes!"

Irish Fest boasts 15 stages on which numerous entertainers will perform. From classic to cutting edge would be the best way to describe this year's entertainers. Where else but Irish Fest would you find the likes of Gaelic Storm, the band that gained acclaim for its performance in "Titanic", and Eileen Ivers, the famed "Riverdance" fiddler who has ventured on to a successful solo career?

Notable newscomers include Dara - the Dublin native who recently released his first solo album and is credited for the string arrangements for U2's current monster hit, "The Sweetest Thing". The legendary Paddy Glackin and Robbie Hannon will be performing together. Dublin favorite Barachois and The New Barleycorn are also new to the fest this year.

Returning favorites include Brigid's Cross, Different Drums of Ireland, Off Kilter, Danu and Natalie McMasters.

BALLYFEST CULTURAL VILLAGE

For more than 20 years, the renowned Ballyfest Cultural Village has been one of the only areas outside of the Emerald Isle itself where you can shop for handcrafted Celtic gifts, watch a currach race and listen to live harp music. Each year, the Cultural Village presents new opportunities to immerse oneself in the native culture, whether it be music, dance, language or sport.

This year promises to be a special year, with a unique display featuring famous Broadway playwright, George M. Cohan. Cohan is best known for writing, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag."

New this year will be the News Agent Shop - a traditional Irish news shop where visitors can peruse and purchase Irish publications from around the world. Other new features include the Celtic Tiger display on today's thriving Irish economy, a model of sixth century St. Brendan's Boat and an original "Railways of Ireland" display.

CHILDREN'S AREA

Irish Fest has been voted a family favorite by MetroParent Magazine for a number of years. Kids can participate in events throughout the grounds, including adult-supervised arts and crafts in the Emerald Castle, freckle and red hair contests and Lilli-Putt miniature golf. Children can also enjoy wandering jugglers; storytellers, and musicians, not to mention appearances by beloved festival icons Paddy and Molly McFest.

SHOPPING

Irish Fest features over 100 vendors displaying their crafts and retail items in three marketplaces located throughout the grounds. The featured marketplaces are the Moore Street Market, Grafton Square Market and the Lilliput Marketplace. In addition, there are three areas devoted just to Irish Fest souvenirs, including: jackets, hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. If you are looking to pick up something to remember this year's festival, one of the featured shopping areas will certainly meet your needs.

LITURGY FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

Join us for one of the country's largest outdoor masses. On Sunday, August 19, at 9:30 a.m., Bishop Norbert Dorsey of Orlando, Florida will be the celebrant for this year's mass. Bishop Dorsey is the National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Receive free entry into the festival by bringing a non-perishable food item prior to the morning liturgy.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

The hours of the 21st Anniversary festival are: Thursday, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, liturgy at 9:30 a.m. and gates open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to Thursday night's Grand Gathering is $5. Sneak a peek at the entertainers new to Irish Fest at four of the 16 stages open for your enjoyment. This is your opportunity to get a head start on shopping in the Grafton Street area, and dance the night away.

Admission for Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and free for children 12 and under.

The Liturgy for Peace and Justice will take place Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Marcus Amphitheater at the south end of the grounds. Bring nonperishable food items to the Mass and receive free entry to the festival after the Liturgy! You may also enter at no charge Friday, August 17 between 4 and 5 p.m., or from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 19, with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Press Pass.

Earn free tickets to Irish Fest with the donation of ten music items to the John J. Ward Irish Music Archives. Call [414] 476-3378 for details!

Please visit the Irish Fest website at www.irishfest.com for more information, or call the Irish Fest office at (414) 476-3378. Join us August 16-19, for the "Best Thing About Summer."

"An Irish Odyssey" - An Exploration
Of Irish Culture and Fun

Whatever Your Interests, There's Something for You
At Irish Fest's Ballyfest Cultural Village

After a leisurely stroll through the the festival grounds, you head to the historic village where you shop for handmade Irish gifts, watch a currach race and enjoy food, drink, music and camaraderie at the local pub. Sounds too good to be true? Better think again.

Welcome to Ballyfest, the renowned Cultural Village at the world's largest Irish festival - Milwaukee Irish Fest. Located at the south end of the Henry W. Maier festival grounds, visitors will experience "An Irish Odyssey," where cultural adventures derived from the Emerald Isle await the young and old alike.

"The Cultural Area offers something new and exciting every year at Irish Fest," said Tadhg McInerney. New attractions include the Walton's Music of New York and Ireland tent, which will feature a vast array of traditional Irish music instruments, performances and mini-workshops for all levels. Also new this year is News Agent Shop a traditional Irish news shop where visitors can peruse and purchase publications including the Irish Music Magazine, Irish American Post and the Irish Gazette. and other notable publications.

Other Ballyfest Cultural Village attractions include:

Cultural tent - the largest tent in the Cultural Village, features several exhibits including a model of St. Brendan's Boat, Ogham stones, "Railways of Ireland" and a display on the thriving Irish economy termed the Celtic Tiger.

Moore Street Market - named for an open-air market in Dublin, Ireland, where festival goers can watch artisan demonstrations and purchase hand-made Irish arts and crafts.

Gaeltacht tent - where Irish-language enthusiasts can enjoy music, dance, poetry, discussions and a bookstore.

Theatre tent - features the best of Irish theater, from the new and original to the classics.

The Pub - a very popular site at Irish Fest, offers cool drinks and great entertainment.

Geneology tent - where visitors can trace their Irish roots with the help of a professional genealogist.

Harp tent - offers daily live performances featuring Ireland's national symbol.

Hedge school - passes on the legacy of Irish culture with lectures on Irish history, literature and poetry.

Meehan's Boat House - where visitors can see a traditional Irish currach and other nautical displays.

Hurling tent - offers a history of the famed Gaelic game, called the "fastest game on grass".

If that isn't enough to quench your thirst for Irish culture, Ballyfest also offers a replica of a traditional Irish high cross, currach regattas, live poetry readings, hurling exhibition games at Urban Park, a mini-film festival and a daily amateur photo contest.

New this year is a bright idea. "We're going to light up the village!" exclaims McInerney. Due to popular demand, the Cultural Area will be illuminated with lights for evening activities.

For more information and a schedule of area events, call (414) 476-3378, or visit the Milwaukee Irish Fest website at www.irishfest.com.

Classic to Cutting Edge

Milwaukee Irish Fest Sets The Stage
For the Best of Summer Entertainment

Milwaukee's 21st Annual Irish Fest will celebrate the diverse sounds of live Irish and Irish American music, delivering the very best in contemporary, traditional folk and Celtic rock.

"Milwaukee Irish Fest aims to preserve Irish music and culture by delivering an exciting roster of entertainers," said Ed Ward, founder of Irish Fest. "Whether you're looking for old favorites like Tommy Makem or the cutting edge sounds of Seven Nations, the stages at this year's Irish Fest will feature an eclectic line-up of Irish music for people of all ages and tastes!"

The popularity of Celtic rock has increased dramatically in recent years. With that in mind, Milwaukee Irish Fest proudly announces some of the biggest Celtic rock bands Ireland has to offer at this year's Fest. The music of internationally acclaimed folkrocker, Luka Bloom, retains the upclose and personal quality of traditional Folk and oozes with a rock groove all his own. Bloom's magnetic charm has won him a devoted following in America. His tasteful, fuller arrangements add to the uniquely rich and powerful sound he delivers through songs of faith, struggle and affirmations.

Returning this year is Irish Fest alumni Gaelic Storm - a band with a reputation for playing fast-paced traditional tunes that force their listeners out of their seats and onto the dance floor. If you didn't get a chance to see Gaelic Storm perform at the festival in recent years, it's likely you've heard their music. Irish Fest was the first to book the band after their appearance in the blockbuster film, Titanic. Gaelic Storm performed under the alias "Steerage Band" in an exciting scene where their music offers a sense of the wild celebration of the immigrant third class passengers. Stephen Wehmeyer, Patrick Murphy, Kathleen Keane, Steve Twigger and Shep Lonsdale, from Santa Monica, California, make up the band and will grace the main stage once again at this year's festival.

Pegged "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times, and a "sensation" by Billboard magazine, violinist Eileen Ivers will step upon the Fest's stage for her first time Irish Fest solo appearance. Internationally known for her blue violin, Ivers has gained notoriety for her performance with Riverdance and was a soloist with the Atlanta Symphony, London Symphony and Boston Pops. Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today, and her Irish-based fusion at this year's festival will certainly be a favorite with Irish music connoisseurs.

The New Barleycorn, comprised of duo John Delaney and Alec DeGabriele, present their music with vitality, passion and a touch of humor. Powered by talent, fun and a love for Irish music, The New Barleycorn sings and plays a wide range of folk music from popular up-tempo ballads to some of the most beautiful old Irish love songs. Delaney, founding member of the internationally acclaimed Irish group Barleycorn, joined forces with DeGabriele six years ago to form The New Barleycorn, after the original Barleycorn finished a 24 year run ending in 1995.

Cleveland's Brigid's Cross, will be recording live at this years Fest. Proceeds from CD sales will go to a scholarship fund set up in the name of Alex and Alyssa Baker, son and daughter of band leader Paul Baker. The children died in an automobile accident on the Saturday of Irish Fest last year. Irish Fest will administer the fund and give out an annual scholarship in Alex and Alyssa's memory.

Additional bands performing this year include Irish Fest first timers Dara - the Dublin natives credited for the string arrangement for U2's current monster hit The Sweetest Thing, Paddy Glackin, also from Dublin; Barachois from Prince Edward Island; Four Courts Ceili Band from County Clare; and Robbie Hannon from Belfast. Returning favorites include Ireland native, Danu; Natalie McMasters from Canada, Seven Nations from Florida, the unique sound of Ireland Native, Different Drums Of Ireland, and Walt Disney Worlds Epcot Center house band, Off Kilter.

"Whether you come to hear the Folk, traditional Irish dance music or Celtic rock, Milwaukee's Irish Fest offers a variety of musical styles to suit everyone," said Ward.

The annual event runs August 16th-19th at Milwaukee's Henry W. Maier festival park. Gates open Thursday, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, liturgy at 9:30 a.m. and gates open at 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 on Thursday and all other days $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under. Free admission is available on Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.

For an updated schedule and list of events, or additional Milwaukee Irish Fest information call 414-476-3378, or log on at: www.irishfest.com

Dane County Shamrock Club

Yes! There will be a Board Meeting in August as the co-presidents Paul Buckalew and Colleen Schams ring in the plans for the year. Eileen Heinrichs, a former Irish Person of the Year, will now serve as Hospitality Chairperson for our meetings. With Eileen's style and grace, plus her engaging smile she will warm the "cockles of your heart."

Eamon O'Brien, the most recent Irish Person of the Year, will head the Irish Booth at the O'Fitchburg Days on August 3-5. Direct all queries to Eamon at 608-839-4662 or email him at eamon@chorus. net. The co-presidents and the Board members will also be there to greet you on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

Sadly, Ed Horken, treasurer for our Club resigned due to the illness of his daughter. We owe a debt of thanks to Ed for all his excellent work. Al Schams assumes the interim treasurer office. We are fortunate in having Al Schams because of his financial background and expertise. Direct all memberships to Al Schams, 14 Eastbourne Circle, Madison, WI, 53717, phone 608-836-8383 or email him at: alschams@itis.com. It is imperative that the membership list is kept current. One of our goals of the Shamrock Club is to encourage new members. We are especially reaching out to young people. Any words of wisdom or questions direct our way.

Milwaukee President's Message

The new Shamrock Club Board is now in place and ready to serve you for the next 12 months. It's important to remember just that, we are here to serve you, the membership. We want you to know that you can come to us at any time with ideas and constructive criticisms to make this Club better than ever. Because your input is very important to the board, I have set up a new email address especially for the Club to facilitate communication between us. You can contact me at ShamrockClubInfo@Aol.com.

My personal goal for the Club is not an original one - it is to recruit new individuals to compliment our current membership.

One thing I look forward to this year is increased social outings as a group. Tom Smith has come up with plans for a Shamrock Club visit to a Badger Game in Madison in the future. Other ideas that have been suggested are Walking Tours, Pub Crawls, Poetry Readings and an Irish Book of the Month Club. If anyone from the membership would be interested in coordinating events like these, please come to the board and we'll get started right away! We also have our Picnic and Golf Outing to look forward to in August.

I would also love to see members who have been shy about getting involved in projects and volunteering, to take a deep breath and jump right in! You've all heard the Chairpersons give their reports throughout the year and they all stress that besides the hard work, it's a lot of fun. Volunteers are needed at Irish Fest for the Sales Booth, Cultural Area and also at our Membership Table. Folk Fair is just around the corner, as well. We are also looking for members to assist in the preparation of the Emerald Reflections (labeling, etc.). This only takes a couple of hours a month so if you are interested, please contact Tom Smith. A few more people in the volunteer pool would take pressure off of the people who are working hard to keep the events running.

There are also many other Irish organizations to support. Among these are the wonderful Milwaukee Irish Arts, the Hurling Club, the Gaelic League and of course our very own Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes and Drums. I know that the Color Guard would love to see familiar faces on the sidelines at the many parades they participate in throughout the year.

Let's all get out there, really enjoy each other's company, and in the process make meaningful contributions to the Irish community here in southeastern Wisconsin.

Greater LaCrosse Area

Greetings! No, we did not wash downstream with the flood this year although it was close and the river (at this writing) remains near flood stage. Our Club met in May and elected officers for the 2001-02 year as follows:

President: Donna Finn
Vice-President: Marian Schnell
Secretary: Debbie Kroner
Treasurer: Art Gale
Sergeant at Arms: Jim Finn
Parliamentarian: Dave Holtze
Membership: Mary Kay Smith
3 Year Trustees: Sue Crothers, Jack Lucey
2 Year Trustees: Sharon Candahl, Cheryl Walsh
1 Year Trustee: Fred Smith

We also voted at that meeting to revise our by-laws concerning dues payment. It was approved to make all membership payable annually in the month of September rather than in the month joined. Our Board is busy implementing this rule and our membership will be getting detailed instructions through our newsletter, "Bit-O-Blarney."

The new Board met in June and approved an agenda of Club sponsored activities for the 2001-02 year which is also provided to our members in the newsletter. The parade season is upon us with events celebrating Onalaska's 150th anniversary on August 25, Maple Leaf Oktoberfest on September 29; and the Torchlight Parade on October 4. We have abandoned one of our favorite events which was the making of "Irish Stew" for Heritage Night during Oktoberfest because of a recently imposed restriction on the preparation of food for public consumption in LaCrosse. We will have to devise another method of fund raising.

Enjoy your summer!

Fox Cities

UPCOMING EVENTS

• AUGUST 19 - Bus to Irish Fest. If you haven't bought your ticket yet, get to Mystic Ireland ASAP or call Elaine at (920) 733-5254. Limited seating - when the bus fills, that's it. Cost: $17.50 round trip.

• AUGUST 22 - Board Meeting, Conkey's in Appleton 7 p.m. (all are welcome to attend)

• SEPTEMBER 15 - Steve Hazell in concert, Bubbolz Nature Center, 7:30 p.m.

• SEPTEMBER 17 - Halfway to St. Pat's Dinner/Meeting. Call Pat Warmbrunn at (920) 734-7703 for information.

• SEPTEMBER 19 - Mark's East Side Halfway to St. Pat's Celebration. Lunch and supper

• OCTOBER 11-13 - Celtic Women's Conference, ICHC, Milwaukee. Men are also welcome to attend. Next year it will be in New Orleans.

• OCTOBER 26 - Cherish the Ladies at the ICHC, Milwaukee

Everyone had a great time visiting, eating and watching some step dancing and singing along with Giles Clark at our June Dinner/Meeting. We elected our slate of officers for the coming year:

President: Bill Grogan
Vice President: John McGuiness
Treasurer: Pat Warmbrunn
Secretary: Carol Felton
Membership: Elaine Hoes

Be sure to call me at (920) 733-5254 with any change in your address since Emerald Reflections will no longer be returned if not delivered. It has become too costly for this service. If you are a snowbird just let me know which issues should go to your "southern" address and when to resume your Wisconsin address.

Send your renewals to our P.O. Box 1632, Appleton, WI 54912-1632.

Rock County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• AUGUST 21 - Annual Club Picnic from 5-8 p.m. at Sweet-Allyn Park in Shoppire

• SEPTEMBER 18 - General membership meeting at the Janesville Senior Center at 7:30 p.m.

Our club picnic will be a potluck supper, bring your own table service and beverage and a dish to pass. Kay Mackey will make coffee. Come early and enjoy visiting with all of the other members. See what they have done to the Shoppire dam. Most of all, enjoy a great meal. Guests are always welcome at any of our functions.

I recently received the sad news that a long time friend of our club, Patrick Walsh, died June 25th. Patrick and Gertrude Walsh from Wexford, Ireland, were visiting here in August 1999 and joined us for our annual club picnic.

We hope to see all of you at our club picnic on August 21st and also at our Sept. 18th meeting in the newly remodeled Janesville Senior Center.

Milwaukee Shamrock Club Picnic
Live at the Lake Front

RTE News Items

13 APPEAR BEFORE GALWAY COURT

Thirteen members of two traveller families appeared at a special sitting of Galway District Court arising from a vicious fight at the outskirts of the city. Members of the Ward and Donovan families from Galway were charged with riotous behaviour and possession of offensive weapons. More than 50 weapons were on display in the courtroom, including hammers, slash hooks, machetes, iron bars and nail-studded baseball bats.

The Court was told that up to 80 men were engaged in a pitched battle at the height of the disturbance in the Castle Park area. The defendants, from the Ward and Donovan clans, were all remanded in custody with consent to bail, but strict conditions including a curfew were imposed by Judge John Garavan.

Up to 60 members of the travelling community were involved in the scuffles, according to Gardaí. The violence broke out in a playing pitch on the eastern side of the city. Garda reinforcements were called in from four counties and 13 men were arrested.

DÁIL PASSES WASTE MANAGEMENT BILL

The Dáil has passed a Bill which transfers the power to deal with waste management from councillors to council officials. The Waste Management (Amendment) Number 2 Bill was passed by 56 to 46. Critics claim that the new legislation will lead to dumps and incinerators to be established against the wishes of local residents. Environment Minister Noel Dempsey said that it was necessary to deal with the problems of waste disposal.

SPANISH OLIVE OIL SPARKS HEALTH SCARE

The Food Safety Authority has called for people using or selling Spanish olive pomace oil to stop because of a new health scare. Pomace oil is made from olive residues, and it is used mostly in the catering trade and by processors manufacturing olive oil spreads. The Authority's warning follows an alert from the European Commission after the Spanish oil was found to contain excessive levels of PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to these toxins can lead to serious health risks.

State Advisory Meeting

The next state advisory committee meeting for the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin is scheduled for Saturday, August 18 in Milwaukee at Miss Katie's Diner (1900 W. Clybourn Ave.) Meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. For those interested, a tour of the ICHC will be available following the meeting.

Milwaukee Hurling Club

The Shamrock Club is a proud sponsor of the Milwaukee Hurling Club. Games are held each Sunday at Veterans Park on Milwaukee's lakefront, starting at 12:30 pm. Standings as of July 9, 2001:

Champion's: 5-1
McBob's: 4-2
County Clare: 2-4
Dubliner: 2-4
Hanley's: 3-3
Axel's: 2-4

Club's Website

The Shamrock Club web site has been online since August, 1998. Our address is https://www.angelfire.com/wi/shamrockclubwisc. Since we have put up our first pages, over 20,000 people have stopped by to take a look. We have comprehensive calendars of Irish events in the Milwaukee area and throughout the state. We also have links to a number of other Irish and Celtic related sites, including many of the Irish groups in Wisconsin. If you haven't clicked on, please do so. Stop on by and leave a message in our guestbook

Shamrock Club Color Guard
Pipes and Drums

The Color Guard Pipes and Drums had a very active July. We participated in eight parades throughout the month.

Coming up in August we will be going to Sheboygan on the 4th, State Fair on the 12th and Richfield on the 26th. Don't forget about Irish Fest, we will be there all three days (17-19) doing the parades, a special performance and the mass on Sunday morning the 19th.

"Everyone loves a parade" .... so come on out and cheer us on. Better yet, come join the fun and help us by carrying the banner, we always need help. We are also looking for people to become part of the Color Guard or Pipes and Drums (don't be shy). You're never too old to start. We have members from the ages of 10 to 70 and everywhere in between.

For further information call: Jim Dickmann, Director; Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums at 1-262-377-2601.

Emerald Reflections Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors. Without them, the cost of this publication would be prohibitive. Please stop by and thank them. You may get a really good deal as a result. They are: Gerry O'Brien's; Celtic Women Intl.; Murphy Financial Services, Inc.; The Irish American Post; Edward Ward, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Inc.; Joseph Hughes, Mens Wearhouse; David Schuppler; Paul McTaggart; Advanced Energy Concepts; Brett Funeral Home; County Clare; Daniel Ryan, Shorewest; Gietl Sign; Ed Eisendrath, Carlson Wagonlit; Nash's Irish Castle; Mary Anne Stephens, Re/Max Realty 100.

Donations Sought

Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the ICHC will take place September 16. If you have any items to donate for the raffle please call Tom Smith (414) 384-4119.

Football Notice

Sorry, we could not get enough people for a Wisconsin football game at Madison. We needed 48 people, 21 signed up. We were 27 short. We'll try again next year.

Early History of
Dane County Shamrock Club, Part IX

Written by Margaret Courtney, typed by Barb Darcey

THE YEAR OF 1985

Our 10th Anniversary meeting was held at Feldman's Restaurant. Sister Barbara Hubeney of Edgewood College gave a slide and talk show on "Castles In the Isles", including Ireland, Britain and Scotland.

Also in celebration of our ten-year history, Tom Green presented a short review of the tapes of all the acceptance remarks of the Irish Persons of the Years as they were given the award at the St. Patrick's Day Dinners.

John Kennedy was chosen as the Irish Person of the Year. John had been very active in the Club since its inception. He had undergone surgery in November 1984 and was recuperating nicely. He is a grand man and a worthy recipient of the honor he was awarded on March 17th.

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Moore returned with slides from "another" of their many trips - this time Greece. These fine people have made a hobby traveling and picture taking. They had sophisticated equipment to artistically show the slides with a carefully composed tape recording, a very interesting and informative evening.

A new set of officers was elected and took over their new duties July 1st. Gordon Reese was elected President.

The annual Irish Fest was held August 16-18 this year. The Barley Bree was making their first appearance in the Mid-West and "our own" Walsh Irish Dancers from Wexford, under the direction of Gertrude Walsh, also performed at the Fest!

The Walsh Dancers, in addition to Madison and the Fest, appeared at four or five other Shamrock Club Chapters. They also appeared at the Door County Irish Musical Festival, the Governor's Mansion and a number of other places.

Our regular meeting was held on August 13th, this time at the Senior Center to accommodate the crowd expected. Gordon Reese had arranged all appearances of the Dancers. Virginia O'Brien was in charge of hosting the Irish visitors and members were asked to contact her if willing to accommodate some of these visitors in their homes.

The Farewell Party for the Dancers was held on August 26 at the Park Ponderosa and was a huge success as the Dancers had proven to be excellent performers.

Batt Burns was the main attraction at an Irish Night Dinner and Program at Edgewood College on August 6.

Tom Green started our fall programming with "A Second Look at the British" movies taken that summer while he, Mary Grace, and daughter, Mary Ellen were exploring the highways and by ways of Britain from Cornwell to the very tip of Scotland on the North Sea - almost 3,000 miles round trip.

A change of meeting place came with our October meeting which was held at the Senior Center. We had been treated very well by Feldman's Restaurant, but we found we were crowded for room and space to put on programs.

Gordy and Irene Reese showed their slides of their 1985 trip to Ireland. Gordy's beautiful pictures and his commentary proved most interesting in that we saw a part of Ireland that most of us had never seen, both in the South and North. They made good friends with their B & B hosts who went out of their way to make the Reeses feel welcome.

Our annual Shamrock Christmas party was preceded by a "catered" dinner at six at which the spirit of Christmas was evident - the price of the dinner was $8 which included a gratuity for the Empty Stocking Fund. After the dinner there were Christmas songs with our Irish Folk Singers and music to dance to by our Emerald Isle Ceili Band. As always, a good time was had by all!

- end -

Email Newsletter

The Shamrock Club sponsors a weekly email newsletter of Irish events in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, Wisconsin Irish Week. Since its inception in September, 1999, over 800 subscribers have signed up to get the most comprehensive listing of Irish music, theater, dance, and more in the state. If you wish to sign up for it, email us at shamrockclubwis@hotmail.com

Welcome New Members

Milwaukee - Edward G. Calvey; Janet L. Murphy.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT MILWAUKEE CHAPTER:

• May: 34 memberships up for renewal, 27 paid, 7 dropped for non-payment of dues.

• June: 38 memberships up for renewal, 23 paid to date, 16 due.

• July: 31 memberships up for renewal, 6 paid to date, 25 due.

FAMILY GOLF AND DINNER
OUTTING REGISTRATION

Please list the names in your party who will play golf; who will play golf and have dinner; and who want dinner only.

GOLF AND DINNER PACKAGE:

Name 1:________

Name 2:________

Name 3:________

Name 4:________

Please list preferred Tee Times.
We will do the best we can to accommodate your requests.

(1)_____ (2)_____ (3)_____ (4)_____

No.______ @ $32 each=_________

Tel.#_________________________

GOLF ONLY:

Name 1:________

Name 2:________

Name 3:________

Namd 4:________

Please list preferred Tee Times.
We will do the best we can to accommodate your requests.

(1)_____ (2)_____ (3)_____ (4)_____

No.______ @ $16 each=__________

Tel.#__________________________

DINNER ONLY:

Name 1:________

Name 2:________

Name 3:________

Name 4:________

No.______ @ $16 each=___________

Tel.#___________________________

TOTAL ENCLOSED:

$_______________________________

REGISTRATION ENDS AUGUST 15, 2001

(No "AT DOOR" payments / registration on day of event can be permitted, except for "Dinner Only" - Cost $20.)

TEE TIMES WILL BE BASED ON DATE OF RECEIPT OF PAYMENT.

Make all checks payable to the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin.

Send your completed registration to

Tom Tibbals, 5761 N. 81st Street, Milwaukee, WI 53218.

Please call (414) 462-4673 if you have any questions.

**Please include daytime (______)______________________ and nighttime (______)______________________telephone numbers.

(You will be notified of your Tee Time August 19-22)