 A Brief History
The Mystical Isle of Man
Situated between the coastlines of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, in the middle of the Irish Sea, you'll find the quaint little isle, which has been inhabited for well over 8,000 years. While only 32 miles long, it's history and culture is as long and varied as any nearby larger country. Tourism is highly popular, with many chances to visit ancient Celtic sites, Viking burial grounds and countless historical landmarks.
A simple ferry ride from the nearby mainlands, the Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. It has the oldest continuous parliament in the world, Tynwald, which dates back over 1,000 years. The Island's people are known as Manx, and in their [critically endangered] language, Manx Gaelic, the island's name is 'Ellan Vannin,' with Ellan meaning island and Vaninn meaning Man or Mana. Legend has it that the name comes from the Celtic sea god Manannan Mac Lir, who protected the land from invaders by shrouding it in a cloak of mist.
 Possibly more than any other Celtic nation, the Isle of Man has vibrant folklore filled with faeries, giants, trolls, little people and plenty of magic. There is a famous Fairy Bridge which gives good luck to those who leave a coin on it as a gift. Just make sure you greet the faeries when passing over, or bad luck is all you'll receive! These stories and history are carefully safeguarded by the Manx, to ensure the Island doesn't lose any of its unique charm of character. |
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 What Is This?
No one really knows. It's true!
Known in Manx as ny tree cassyn, or "the three legs," it's true meaning and origin remains a mystery. We do know it's a version of a triskelion (an ancient symbol with various meanings). With legs and golden spurs on a red background, the official flag since 1931 is believed to carry origins from the 13th century. Early variations involving legs, the sun and even Medusa's head were used by the island's kings. The Manx 'legs' are always running sunwise (i.e. clockwise), connecting it to the the ancient pagan sun-symbol.
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 Manx Cats
The *Sometimes Tailless Breeds
Manx cats are known for being tailless, the result of spontaneous mutation which occurred hundreds of years ago. This mutation caused kittens to be born without the vertebrae which forms a normal cat tail. The isolation of the cats on an island meant years of inbreeding-produced dominate gene traits, which we now recognize as the Manx Cat. Manx are prized as skilled hunters, social, tame and active; a highly intelligent breed often referred to as the "Dog Cat." Manx cats actually are five varied breeds, found all over the world today:
- Traditional Manx: a short-haired cat with no tail
- Cymric (come-rick): a long-haired tailless cat
- Isle of Man Longhair and Shorthair: both have full tails
- Tasman Manx: a partially tailed cat with curly hair; arose from crossbreeds in Australia and New Zealand.
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 Who's Who:
The Bee Gees
They may not have stayed long, but Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb were born on the Isle of Man to English parents. The family then moved to England until the late 1950s, and finally Australia where they began their successful music careers. The brothers always carried with them fond memories growing up on the island, and their childhood home now carries a blue plaque in commemoration.
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Great Guinness Toast
NEXT Friday, February 21st
 The annual kick-off to St. Patrick's season is nearly here! Celebrations are happening all over the globe on the third fun at the Buffalo Irish Center. The event starts at 7pm and will lead up to the 11pm toast. It's a great night packed with many live performances, drinks and more! Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Rd. Buffalo, NY 14220 |
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The Chieftans Coming to Buffalo
 Friday, March 14th at Kleinhans
Six-time Grammy winners The Chieftains join your BPO to kick off Buffalo's St. Patrick's Day festivities. Celebrate the sounds of the Emerald Isle in the most exuberant concert of the season with Ireland's best-known band.
March 14th at 8:00pm
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall
3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201
Box Office: (716) 885-5000
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Our Annual St. Patrick's Party!
To thank our volunteers and society members
 March 22nd in Olcott, NY. Open to families of Niagara Celtic volunteers and society members. Make sure you RSVP.
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It's Time to Celebrate Ireland!
March is a wonderful month to celebrate Ireland, so of course our special edition newsletter will be packed with everything Irish!
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Currently Showing
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through March 2nd
Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly The Canon)
244 Victoria Street
Toronto, ON, M5B 1V8
Phone: 416.872.1212
From the producers of the international phenomenon, Riverdance, comes a brand new show!
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THIS WEEKEND
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Frontier Fire Hall
2176 Liberty Drive
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Tickets: $10 at the door
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Upcoming Event
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with the Niagara Highland Athletics Club
March 2nd, 10:00am-4:00pm
Main St. Gazebo
Olcott, NY
Call Paul for more info: 716-433-6727
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Upcoming Festival
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March 8th, 5:30-10pm
Epiphany of Our Lord Parish Community
10893 Sisson Highway North Collins (Langford), NY 14111 Tickets: Adults $17.50/ Kids $5
Includes traditional corned beef dinner, refreshments and live music. Performance by Emerald Isle Band.
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Upcoming Event
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March 8th at 7:00pm
St. Mary's RC Church
Medina, NY
$15pp/ $30 family
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Niagara Celtic Souvenirs
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March is for Ireland and April is for Scotland...make sure you're ready to celebrate in style! Grab your Niagara Celtic gear now at our online store. |
| Celtic Ale Trail | |
Follow the growing Niagara Celtic Ale Trail and you'll find wonderful pubs, bars, restaurants and breweries! Enjoy entertainment, drinks and food whose heritage comes from the Celtic Nations.
February Feature:
Pony's Irish Pub
23 Main St.
Middleport, NY 14105
716-735-9989
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