Liam Clancy
One of the greatest
Irish Balladeers
has died...
Scroll down to second feature
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Links
Great Ideas for
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New Year's Festivities!
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First Feature:
Irish Christmas
Traditions
Part 1 of 3
IRISH News...
RIP Liam Clancy
Irish Arts Centre
Grant Awarded
Pub of the Week:
Featued Pubs
A Word from
our Sponsor:
Metro Acura
Upcoming
Irish Events
New RIVERDANCE
Contest
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Christmas
Buying Guide
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Letter from the Publisher:
Jim McDonough
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O'Brien's
Santa Monica
The Harp Inn
Costa Mesa
King's Head in
Santa Monica
Theater Listings:
Los Angeles Area
At The Pantages
Grinch NOW
Riverdance JANUARY
ACS
A Child's Christmas in Wales
Fremont Centre
Ray Bradbury Christmas
Christmas Concerts
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Every Monday
and Special Events
Celtic Arts Center
N. Hollywood
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First Feature:
Irish Christmas Traditions
The Candle In The Window
The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still a common Irish Christmas tradition practiced today. It has a number of purposes but primarily
it was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they
traveled looking for shelter. In some rural areas, the candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass as
this was not allowed. A further element of the tradition is
that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the
household and only be extinguished
by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'. 
Overall, the Irish Christians,
both Catholic and Protestant
lit candles to symbolically express
their cherished belief that Jesus
is the light of the world and the
light that we should see and follow.
At Christmas, this great tradition
became the most common ritual
among all the people of Ireland.
In the homes of the rich or poor, tradesmen, shopkeepers and almost every office in the
land, a candle was placed in at least one window of every building or house.
The custom has been part of the Christmas traditions in Ireland and the British Isles to various degrees for
hundreds of years. It was so universally revered that
English and Irish settlers brought the custom to Colonial America. Today, it is not as common but it is always nice
to see the random candle in the window and to reflect on
a bygone time.
THIS WAS PART ONE OF A THREE PART SERIES. PART TWO NEXT WEEK; ED
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Last of the Clancy Brothers Dies At 74
Liam Clancy died, December 4, at the Bon Secoours Hospital
in Cork.
In an Irish Times interview last September, Clancy quipped that
he was " on me last legs." He was promoting a film about his life,
The Yellow Bittern at that time. His last performance in May of
this year was at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. It was a poignant reading of Dylan Thomas' poem,
And Death Shall Have No Dominion.
His manager David Teevan remembered the reading,
"It was a profound moment. He expressed his fear of dying,
but he did so with great dignity."
Irish Minister for Arts Martin Cullen described Clancy as
"an example of an absolutely dedicated artistic craftsman."
Clancy is survived by his wife Kim, his two sons Eben and Donal,
his daughters Siobh�n and Fiona and his eight grandchildren.
His funeral was to take place at St Mary's Church in Dungarvan,
Co Waterford, near his home in the Ring Gaeltacht.
Liam was the youngest of the four Clancy brothers.
Born in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, he emigrated to the
United States in 1955 with ambitions to be an actor.
With brothers Paddy and Tom; Liam began his singing career
in Greenwich Village. During this time, the Clancy Brothers met
a young Bob Dylan who praised them as one of the biggest
influences of his life. About Liam, Dylan once remarked that he
was, "the best ballad singer that I ever heard in my life."
Together, the Clancy Brothers and their friend Tommy Makem
became a transatlantic phenomenon after an appearance on
the Ed Sullivan Show in 1961. The well deserved accolades, appreciation and fame that started then stayed with them all
for the rest of their lives.
Southern California audiences were treated to the Clancy Brothers many times at the Great American Irish Fair at Santa Anita in
Arcadia. Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem performed at the
Irish Fair as a duo for the last time in 2002. Liam Clancy's last
appearance in the Los Angeles area was at a memorable
Irish Concert at the Alex Theater in Glendale in 2003.
The Irish News & Entertainment is planning a
Tribute To The Clancy Brothers for the January, 2010
Pictorial Irish Year In Review Issue.
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2.3 Million Euros Grant Awarded
By Ireland Towards New York City
Irish Arts Centre
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Speaker Christine Quinn and Miche�l Martin, T.D. The Minister for Foreign
Affairs,
Miche�l Martin, T.D., announces €2.3million for construction of Irish Arts Centre in New
York,
Key Component of Global Irish Economic
Forum
Irish Press Office: Monday, December
7, 2009 New York
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miche�l Martin, T.D., has
announced a major grant for a
landmark Irish project in
New
York.
Minister Martin said that a total of €2.3 million will
be provided
immediately towards the construction of an
Irish Arts Centre in
Manhattan.
The Minister said one of the main themes to emerge from the attendees at
the Global Irish Economic Forum was the importance
of Irish Culture to the image
of this country abroad and in
particular in the USA. He noted
that this was also an important conclusion of the Strategic Review of Ireland US
Relations,
published by the Taoiseach last March.
Announcing the grant from the Emigrant Support Programme managed by the
Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister said:
"The allocation of such significant funding is a clear demonstration of
the Government's strong commitment to the building of the new
Irish Arts Centre
in New
York. This
funding is a response to the extraordinary gesture of the City of New York in
making a site, valued at $12 million available for the project, along with a
further $8 million in capital funding.
"The construction of the New York Irish Arts Centre
is identified as a
priority in the revised Programme for
Government and I would like to pay tribute
to Minister
Martin Cullen for his longstanding support and commitment to
the
project" added Martin.
The new Centre will project a dynamic image
of Ireland and Irish America
across the US; it will
facilitate extensive Irish-related
cultural, business and community programmes;
will showcase
quality contemporary Irish theatre and art; and will also provide
an invaluable resource for the Irish emigrant community in the
US."
The Minister paid warm tribute to New York City Mayor Bloomberg
and
Speaker Christine Quinn for their exceptional support for the initiative. He
also thanked Gabriel Byrne for his support for the
Arts Centre and for his
longstanding work in promoting
Irish culture throughout the US.
Minister Martin concluded that this major initiative demonstrates
how
seriously the Government views the outcome of the Farmleigh Forum: "Everybody at Farmleigh said that the success of the
Conference could
only be judged by the quality of the follow up.
Today I have begun to
demonstrate that despite the difficult
budgetary situation, we are determined to
continue investing in
our unique resource- the Irish Diaspora and its cultural
heritage.
This may be just the beginning of new Irish-American Projects.
Other ideas which
are being actively progressed include: a new Global Irish Network; the
establishment of an Irish innovation
centre in Silicon Valley; the Gateway
Ireland portal, which would serve as a key online focus for promoting Ireland
abroad and engaging with our global community; expanded educational
exchange and
scholarship programmes to increase engagement
with younger generations..."
The full report contains a detailed list
of the main themes and specific proposals to emerge and is available at:
www.dfa.ie
and
www.globalirishforum.ie
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Pubs of the Week:
Sponsored byPubGuide.comThe Pubs Featured this week are all doing
something special for this Holiday Season.
Drop by and join in the Christmas Festivities
and plan now for New Year's Eve & Day!
Come see ALL the Games in HDTV Live Music most days! New Year's Party Call Now! 130 E. 17th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949646-8855 www.harpinn.com The King's Head Pub
and ShoppeJoin us for Happy Hour; Monday thru Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Drink and Appetizer Specials in the Pub ONLY 116 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 310 451-1402 yeoldekingshead.com
Muldoon's PubDrop by anytime in December and enjoy a great lunch or dinner and top it off with a glass of Muldoon's authentic Wassel! Make Plans to Entertain at Muldoon's for the Holidays!
Use the festive backdrop to give your guests a real Holiday atmosphere
You won't have to decorate or cook! Just give them a call to arrange Holiday gatherings
of all sizes for your family, friends or business associates.
Call 949 640-4110 Ask for Mary!
*NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY* NO COVER - LIVE MUSIC -
PARTY FAVORS & NOISE MAKERS - MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!!!! Muldoon's Pub & Celtic Bar 202 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA 949 640-4110 www.muldoonspub.com
O'Brien's Pub on MainHost of the Second Annual Toy Drive for SCHOOL ON WHEELS An organization dedicated to helping HOMELESS CHILDREN. Bring unwrapped toys to the pub and drop them off. You are invited to attend a Christmas Party at the Pub on December 16. Tell your family and friends and support this great effort. O'Brien's Irish Pub 2946 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 310 396-4725 More info at the pub or online:
www.schoolonwheels.org If you have a
favorite pub that you would like us to list and profile; please
contact:jim@pubguide.com Have you missed an issue of IrishNews USA E-Missive? If so; click here for last weeks newsletter:
IrishNews USA #7 |
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Upcoming
Irish Events...
Invitations
and Reminders
| Winners of the
Irish Tenors
CDs and Tickets
Christmas
Contest
are listed below.
You can now enter
to win a pair of
tickets to Riverdance
at the Pantages Theater
Easy to enter!
Simply E-mail us
your name and address...
On the subject line
write
RIVERDANCE |
Congratulations
to these
Irish News USA Readers...
"paddynd"
Irish Tenors Tickets & a CD!
Irene Harris
Autographed Irish Tenors
Christmas CD!
Glen Whelan
Autographed Irish Tenors
Christmas CD!
Autographed Irish Tenors
Christmas Cd! KATHLEEN SULLIVAN-LLERA
Autographed Irish Tenors
Christmas CD!
Special Thanks to
Anita at Anita Daly Entertainment,
Lori Yonan at Cerritos Center
Razor & Tie
and
The IRISH TENORS
for making this contest and concert possible.
California Calendar:
Groups, Pubs, Concerts,
Theater and Celtic Arts
Calendar By Date
Wedbesday, December 9
8:00pm
The Irish Tenors Holiday ShowOne of the most successful Irish touring acts in many years, The Irish Tenors thrills old fans and wins new ones with its euphoric harmonies, lush orchestration, and unscripted humor. Accompanied by an orchestra, the Celtic music kings will perform their traditional repertoire, Irish favorites, and seasonal classics.Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts12700 Center Court Drive,Cerritos, CAInfo Line: 562 916-8501Ticket Office 800 300 4345 or 562 916 8500E-Mail: TicketOffice@CerritosCenter.comcerritoscenter.com
razorandtie.com
Friday, December 11
to Thursday, December 24
IRISH DICKENS' CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
2009 marks the 22nd Year
for this Yuletide Favorite
Come on in and revel in the Fun
Space is Limited - Don't Miss It -
Call Now to Book Reservations
.
Saturday, December 12
1:00pm
Irish American Biz Network Meeting
Group members and those Irish and Irish-Americans interested in learning more about the IABN are invited to attend.
See Dennis Hogan or John Richards.
Bring your business cards and a cheerful attitude
and meet your IABN
brothers and sisters.
Harp proprietor John Joe Lyons has promised to
roll out the red carpet.
THE HARP INN
130 East 17th St
Costa Mesa, CA
949 646-8855www.harpinn.com
Saturday December 19
Starting at 8:30am to afternoon...
The Annual "Friends Outside"
Each year a Christmas Party for the Children of the incarcerated* is hosted by St. Vincent de Paul staff.
AOH Volunteers help to make a Happy Holiday for
these needy children, our readers have been invited
to join in on this effort.
Toys and volunteers are still needed
as early as 8:30 AM to help set up
booths and decorations.
The Los Angeles Emerald Society Pipe Band will play!
Would you like to help? Please contact
Jerry O'Keefe: 714 998-9590 or 714-403-3681
or by e-mail at: Irishfree1916@aol.com. You can also drop off a toy at one of the many Toys For Tots collection points throughout Orange County.
*Children who have one or sometimes both of their parents in jail or prison.
Holidays are especially tough for some of these kids.
Event Location
Phoenix Club
1340 South Sanderson Avenue
Anaheim, California
More on the Emerald Society and Pipe Band:
www.emeraldsociety.net
Theater
 Two Great Shows at
The Pantages in Hollywood
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Theatre information Hotline:
323-468-1770
Now through Saturday, December 27
Call for times and tickets or go OnLine
Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH
STOLE CHRISTMAS!
The Musical
Great Family Fun!
The Los Angeles Premiere of Broadway's
#1 Holiday Hit stars John Larroquette and
Stefan Karl as THE GRINCH!
The Musical features the hit songs
"You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and
"Welcome Christmas" from the original
animated series.
Box Office: 323-468-177
 GrinchTickets/Info
 RiverdanceTickets/Info
Saturdays, December 12 and 19
at 8:00pm
RAY BRADBURY'S MERRY CHRISTMAS 2116
For several years now, the Fremont Centre Theatre
has played host to a special Christmas show from
Ray Bradbury.
This year is a special treat for Bradbury fans:
an advance look at his newest work for the stage.
The new musical production will have its formal
World Premiere at Fremont Centre Theatre in
January, 2010 and run through February 27.
In Ray Bradbury's Merry Christmas 2116, an aging couple,
The Wycherlys, exchange unique gifts which sets off
a series of intriguing events.
In addition to the musical, the second segment of the
December evenings will be a personal appearance by
Ray Bradbury, sharing the reminiscences of a legendary life and career. He will also be available to sign books
for his fans.
Fremont Centre Theatre
1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro)
South Pasadena, CA
Phone: 323 960-4451
Abundant free parking behind the theatre.
Close to the Mission St. Station of the Metrolink Gold Line.
More OnLIne:
www.raybradbury.com
Saturday, December 19
at 8:00pm An Claidheamh Soluis/The Celtic Arts Center Christmas Event
ACS will present an evening of readings from the works of Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, including 'A Child's Christmas in Wales,'
read by actor/director Joe Praml.
Holiday Refreshments will be served.
The Raven Playhouse
5233 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA
Admission $10
$7 for member
More information about the Celtic Arts Center is available at http://www.celticartscenter.com
ACS Christmas
Riverdance Returns
January 12 to 24, 2010
RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music,
song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, is returning for ONLY 16 Farewell Performances in
Los Angeles at the Pantages.
"A Phenomenon of Historic Proportions!" raves the Washington Post (6/10/07). Discover why nothing in the world compares to
"The Original International Phenomenon!"
Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you won't
want to miss these great performances of RIVERDANCE.
Riverdance/Pantages
ON-Going...
An Claidheamh Soluis / The Celtic Arts Center
EVERY MONDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS & SEISI�N
Please join us Monday nights at our new meeting place...
T. U. Studios or Theatre Unlimited
10943 Camarillo Street
North Hollywood, CA
Please continue the website for any possible class .and
event schedule adjustments.
CelticArtsCenter.com
FIRST TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH
at 9.45 am
Friends of Ireland
Informal meeting of folks who love All Things Irish. and enjoy breakfast and meeting socially. Each guest pays for their own meal. No dues.
Group meets at the
Katella Deli
4470 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos Ca
Info: pbeireanua@att.net
Phone: 714 557-8983 . |
Christmas Buying Guide
Excerpted from the
Irish News & Entertainment
See the entire list in the December Issue!
We can E-mail you a PDF File of the
December Paper; see contact info below.
The Irish Import Shop
NOW TWO CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS
and A Great New OnLine Presence
The oldest Irish Import Shop in the LA Area is a
better place to visit than ever before; the Hollywood Store recently expanded and there is a second store
in Old Town San Diego. 
In Hollywood Still on Vine near Melrose in the Same Center (By Subway) but two doors down; 742 Vine St.
More space and more imported Irish Food and Gifts than ever!one of a kind merchandise direct from Ireland
New Christmas Stock including all the Irish and British Traditional Christmas Favourites have just arrived. The best selection of Candy, Pudding, Cakes, Goodies and Irish imports are now in and piled to the rafters. The Irish Import Shop has more hard to find and one of a kind items
than any other Irish Shop in LosAngeles or San Diego.
Drop by either location and see for yourself!
Or if you prefer; shop from home on the website and
you will receive prompt shipping!
Irish Import Shop,
742 North Vine Street
Hollywood, CA
Tel: 323 467 6714 or 323 467 6792
Old Town San Diego:
3985 Harney St
San Diego, CA
Tel: 619 692-3290
Email: irishimportshop@hotmail.com
www.irishimportshop.com
VINTAGE MULLIGANS Collector's Item Series from Soundboard TV
The
Mulligans play a wide variety of music, ranging from Irish Traditional
to
Country to the standards and even some good old American Rock n' Roll!
Fans are genuinely both impressed and surprised when they
switch from Irish to Rock with such ease and mastery of the music.
We recently heard about this great DVD of 11 Classic Songs by THE MULLIGANS and KEN O"MALLEY.
The Mulligans
have always had great talent play with them including one of the best Irish singer/songwriters around, Ken O'Malley. O'Malley is featured on this DVD. Through the years they have played with many of the
Irish greats including The Irish Rovers and Chieftains.
For
the past few years the Mulligans have been the headliners at the LA
County Fair Irish Fair at Fairplex as well as select pub dates and
concerts.Mulligans/YouTube
A great gift for yourself or another Irish Music Fan.
Buy the DVD for only $19.95 plus $3.00 Shipping.
Great Christmas Gift for Irish Music Fans;
Click here:MulligansDVD-INFO
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Letter from the Publisher...
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| Dear IRISH NEWS USA Readers,
For Christmas, all we want is your help in raising the money to drill a clean water well in Uganda.
Please read the appeal in our Public Service Block below.
*************************************
The Annual Irish News Christmas Issue is out!
Look for it this week at most of our advertisers. CELTIC CHRISTMAS BUYING GUIDE Issue might have a clue to just what you need to make this year
a great Irish Christmas to remember!
We can E-mail you a PDF File that is a
complete copy of our print edition. Just send
a note with your E-mail address to us.
Our E-mail address for this offer is:
celticlistings@aol.com
*********************************************************
E-Missives of Irish Interest is a FREE service provided by the Irish News & Entertainment.
Let us know how we can better serve your interests by contacting us by E-mail or regular mail.
A new or renewal subscription to our print edition
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
and can be obtained by mailing $20 to:
Irish News
Box 882
Pasadena, CA 91102
You will receive 8 issues per year mailed
First Class US Mail
You also receive a FREE Irish Music CD
with your first copy.
Overseas postage is $12. more per year.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!!
Jim McDonough,
Publisher
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Irish News USA Public Service Block WELLS OF LIFE
Last week we profiled Nick Jordan and Wells of Life,
a 501C3 Non Profit Foundation, as our First Feature.
We have spoken to Nick Jordan, the co-founder of
Wells of Life, again since we published that small story
and he gave us a great challenge and goal for our
Weekly Irish E-Missive Readers and Friends of the
Irish News & Entertainment.
Nick Jordan and Children in Uganda
IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL in Uganda.
We are ready for the challenge. We have made this our Christmas Project. The program is an astonishing bargain. A well to reach precious water and to change the lives of hundreds of people costs $3000. The foundation has a matching funds program with one of their corporate sponsors so that our advertisers, readers and staff can act together to raise just $1500 and we will be able to help drill a specific well in Uganda. By "specific" we mean that a
particular well will be dedicated to our efforts and it will be known as the IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
Your donation is tax deductible. It is Christmas and it is near the end of the year. It is a perfect time to do this.
We need your help. Wells of Life has set up a separate account to track all donations from us or our readers.
Please mention that you are part of the Irish News USA Readers Group.
Make a check to WELLS OF LIFE for any amount from
$25. or more and send it to:
WELLS OF LIFE
1278 Glenneyre Stree, #60,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949 584-6166
Email:
info@wellsoflifeafrica.org
Hours:
8:00am - 8:00pm (PST)
You can also donate OnLine. Make sure you mention our group. If you can to do so; please send in the entire
amount of $1500 for a well dedicated to whoever you choose and we will still include you in our list of donors to our designated IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
More information at:
www.wellsoflifeafrica.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This
part of the newsletter is provider at no cost
to non-profits and/or
groups or businesses that
are promoting Celtic Cultural, Educational or
Humanitarian Projects. To submit an idea for
a featured listing; E-Mail us at:
celticlistings@aol.com or call:785 341-6923 |
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Skip A Meal and you might live longer and save a life.
Please have a look.
EconomicsOfChaos
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 Jim McDonough
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Cell: 785 341-6923
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