The Common Ground

Vol. IX, Issue 2

February 2011

Common Ground readers and other supporters of the Ireland Institute can now follow Jim on Twitter.

Log on to www.twitter.com, and enter Jim's ID in the search tab.  His ID is Jim_Lamb.

You can now find us on Facebook! Go to www.facebook.com and search Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, and ‘become a fan’ to find out the latest news about our visitors or upcoming events.

News:

Sports:

Lifestyles:

Events:

NOW THAT WE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION...

A Message from our President James J. Lamb

My son Ciaran regularly seeks my attention by simply repeating my name over and over again: “Dad, Dad, Dad…” until my concentration is broken and I usually reply sharply, “What?!?”

And he usually says, “...Uh…I forgot what I was going to say.”

It is a frustrating experience, when you seek the attention of a group of important, potentially helpful people, and fail to deliver your message when the time comes.  I have been thinking about that a lot lately. 

For the past several years, the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh has worked hard to bring attention to the important work we undertake here every day.  Frankly, we are not as good at telling our story as we could be.  But from time to time we get great opportunities to showcase our work.  Such was the case over the past six weeks as various events and activities brought attention from greater Pittsburgh’s business, academic, and Irish communities, as well as our extensive network across the island of Ireland and our friends in the local and Irish media.

In January I was installed as Honorary Consul of Ireland for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.  Over 200 people came out for the installation and heard about the ongoing conflict in the North, the troubled economy, and the collective efforts of the involved governments, universities, and companies, and the Ireland Institute’s coordination to bring help and healing to Ireland.   The majestic setting at the offices of REED SMITH gave guests a chance to celebrate Ireland’s decision to have official representation in this important region.  As Ireland emerges from serious hardship, she is smart to recognize her strongest asset—her people.  Not just the people of Ireland, but the millions of Diaspora around the world who wish to maintain a link with their ancestral home.  Pittsburgh is especially interesting because of the many connections with Ireland that already exist.  It is my great honor to accept this post and bring greater attention to the Pittsburgh Ireland relationship.

Two days after the installation I was off to Ireland for my annual visit with customers, alumni, partners, etc.  I was also lucky this time to visit many relatives, including my niece who is studying in Galway this semester.  Ireland is truly hurting.  Unemployment and emigration rates are alarming.  The government that presided over the Celtic Tiger and the recent economic collapse has been decimated.  A new government was elected this week.  While all the involved parties have various opinions on what should be done to restore the economy and manage the peace process, they are unanimous in their cries for help. 

Pittsburgh and the United States can stimulate Ireland’s recovery.  The Pittsburgh Irish community can have a special role.  Plan a visit.  Take advantage of the reduced hotel and B&B rates.  Connect with your relations and your heritage.  Enjoy Ireland’s culture, its people, its music, its history.  In 2009 almost six (6) billion dollars was spent by visitors in Ireland.  In 2007 it was more than eight (8) billion.  This is a country of just four (4) million people.  You can see that tourism is a very important part of the Irish economy.  If you want to help Ireland in her time of need, just visit!

I returned from Ireland on February 1, and began preparing for a delegation of Northern Ireland sustainable technology and renewable energy companies and university faculty, led by Invest Northern Ireland, the agency responsible for business development and foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland.  They spent last week learning about Pittsburgh’s transformation from heavy industry to a knowledge-based economy.  They visited companies and public institutions like ALCOSAN and the Phipps Conservatory where sustainable practices are developed and deployed daily.  This visit comes on the back of a successful internship program we manage that places graduate engineers in sustainable technology companies.  The Carbon Zero Northern Ireland strategy promotes professional development, international business partnership, and collaborative research in the areas of sustainable technology and renewable energy.

As we said goodbye to the Northern Ireland delegation last Friday, we quickly turned our attention to the next project—a Servant Leadership Cultural Exchange visit to Ireland for University of Pittsburgh students and faculty.  They depart Pittsburgh for Ireland this Saturday to engage with community groups in Belfast and Dublin.

These are just a few examples of new, innovative programming that is shaping the Pittsburgh-Ireland relationship.  It is our intention to expand our coordinating services to other industry sectors, universities, and community groups, to improve relations in Ireland, North and South, as well across the Atlantic.  We will have many more stories to tell.  I hope I don’t forget what to say when the time comes.

Enjoy the rest of this issue,

References for today's letter:

http://www.learningireland.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=19320&f_title=Schools%20'fail'%20to%20prepare%20students%20for%20life%20or%20work

http://www.nala.ie/literacy-ireland

                                                IIP News

Last week, a group of 11 business and education leaders from Northern Ireland visited Pittsburgh to meet with companies involved in green technology here.  Our Carbon Zero Interns also presented their work to the visitors.  In a few months, the first of 10 participants from the Carbon Zero pilot program will be returning with great experiences to bring to green companies in Northern Ireland.  We look forward to welcoming a new group of interns to Pittsburgh this year.  

Stay tuned for a year of exciting programs!

 NEWS

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Ireland to face heritage case again

The European Commission is taking Ireland back to Europe's highest court for failing to implement an earlier court judgment on the government's failure to protect the natural and man-made heritage of the countryside.  The complaint revolves around the lack of proper environmental impact assessments and the subsequent damage to wetlands and other archaeological sites.

Brussels is calling for fines of €4,000 per day for the period between the first ruling by the European Court of Justice and any second court ruling, and a penalty of more than €33,000 per day for each day after a second ruling until the infringement ends.

The proceedings relate to an EU directive ensuring that proper environmental impact assessments are carried out before major developments take place so that the public are aware of what the effects of the development will be on the landscape.  In particular the directive is designed for sensitive locations such as sites protected under European nature legislation or landscapes of archaeological significance. 

The original ruling against Ireland was in November 2008.  The Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice found that the thresholds for undertaking impact assessments for certain types of projects were too high and didn't take enough account of sensitive landscape features. 

According to a statement issued this morning by the European Commission, wetlands and other habitats were lost and archaeological remains destroyed without any environmental impact assessments ever being required.

Under the government's approach, only projects over 100 hectares are subject to environmental impact assessments. However, the European Commission suggests that this threshold is too high, and that smaller projects can cause just as much damage.  The Commission sent a letter urging Ireland to comply with the Court ruling in March 2010.

However, more than two years after the judgment, Ireland has failed to adopt any legislation to resolve the issue.  It is understood the original complaint against Ireland was made in 2001 and related to a trial salmon farm on the Kenmare estuary in Co Kerry.  The Government was taken to the European Court of Justice in 2006 and it's first ruling against Ireland was in 2008.

Under the 1985 directive, member states are allowed to set a minimum threshold under which rural projects do not require an environmental impact assessment. But this is only if the projects do not have a negative impact on the environment.  In order to assess whether a development would have such an effect, planning authorities must look at certain conditions including the nature, location and cumulative environmental impact of the planned development.

In the first case taken to the Court of Justice, the European Commission ruled that Ireland failed to fully take into account the individual merits of each development based on these conditions.  The case against Ireland referred to the Court of Justice by the European Commission is separate to the case relating to the M3/Tara project, and whether a proper environmental impact assessment was carried out on that occasion.

Kenny Says Fine Gael Will Get Ireland Working

Fine Gael kicked off its election campaign with a meeting of the majority of its 102 candidates at the Mansion House in Dublin at which leader Enda Kenny said the party has a plan to get Ireland working.

Party leader Enda Kenny told them to go out with a message for voters that Fine Gael has a plan to get Ireland working again.  Mr. Kenny said the party was ready to fight and he said the party was giving people the opportunity to turn their anger into action. 

He said Fine Gael has a five point plan to get Ireland working which includes protecting and creating jobs, keeping taxes low, creating a completely new health system, making government smaller and better and reforming the political system. 

Fine Gael wants to bring new hope, new possibilities and new life to the country and would replace the old Government's indifference with new government insight by building a government people could trust and believe in, he said.

Mr. Kenny said the country is not banjaxed.  Asked about today's opinion polls, in which he trails both Eamon Gilmore and Micheál Martin, Mr. Kenny said he never commented on polls and the real poll would take place three or four weeks hence, which would pass judgment on everybody. 

Asked about commentary suggesting he has been invisible over recent weeks, Mr. Kenny said he had been at the Alliance Party conference last weekend, in Brussels during the week, and had given five press briefings in eight days, and so if that was invisibility people should look somewhere else. 

In relation to election debates with the other party leaders, Mr. Kenny said the situation is very different in this election as there is no incumbent Taoiseach contesting it.  As a result, he said the traditional format of the two main party leaders debating does not apply. 

He said he wants the people of the country to hear the plans of all the party leaders, adding that he could not understand why some people wanted certain leaders excluded from the debates.  He said he wants to see a full schedule of full policy debates being scheduled on TV and radio, and to see and hear the Fine Gael and opposition spokespeople debate the issues.  He said he had already committed to doing five-leader debates. 

But he added that because he does not want to exclude anyone he would see what proposals emerge from discussions Fine Gael is having with broadcasters.

Last Bloody Sunday March in Derry

Tens of thousands of marchers marked the 39th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, completing the original march route to Derry’s Guildhall.  The march remembers the 14 people who were shot dead by the British army on January 30, 1972. They were rallying against internment without trial. Another 13 were shot and injured. 

Following the publication of the Saville report, on June 11th of last year, this is intended to be the last rally for Bloody Sunday. The report overturned the investigation by Lord Widgery and exonerated the dead and injured. 

The march was headed by a banner which read “vindicated.” The relatives of those killed and injured also carried pictures of the victims.  Also among the demonstrators were representatives from Palestinian organizations and the Basque region in Spain. Ordinarily the march would have diverted to protest at the scene of the killings. However this year the procession took about 45 minutes to pass the junction of William Street and Rossville Street. 

The march continued to Guildhall Square where John Kelly, a spokesman of the families, welcomed them. Along with him on the platform were Foyle MP and former SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.  Also in attendance were members of the Ballymurphy campaign. They are seeking to exonerate those shot by the same parachute regiment in August 1971. 

Adams said Bloody Sunday was a turning point in Irish History. He spoke about the Widgery report which “had tried to blame the marchers, tried to blame the IRA and tried to blame everyone except the British army”.  He also commended British Prime Minister David Cameron who apologized in British parliament to the people of Derry.  Adams also called for a full independent, international commission in relation to the Ballymurphy killings. Mark Durkan said the rally was “possibly the last march, but not the last stand” in relation to truth and justice.

Some relatives of the victims broke away from the main demonstration. A short distance from the scene of the shootings relatives of William Nash rallied at Free Derry corner. They vowed that they would return every year. According to the Irish Times report Linda Nash denied that the relatives of the victims were split. She said there was simply a wide range of opinions about the 27 families.

Economy will not grow as quickly as forecast - Central Bank

The economy will not grow as quickly as previously forecast, the Central Bank warned today.

While exports will do well this year, consumers remain more concerned about the impact of tax hikes and cutting debts than spending. 

Experts said they expect gradual growth in the economy during the year but the unemployment crisis will only begin to ease in the last few months of 2011. 

The Central Bank's spring outlook said the value of all goods and services, measured by Gross Domestic Product, is projected to grow by about 1pc this year and rise to 2.3pc next year. 

The forecast is down significantly from October when it suggested 2.4pc growth for 2011, based on budget savings of €3bn this year.  The Central Bank said it was forced to revise its figures after the Government decided on €6bn of tax increases and spending savings in the budget. 

"While this is the Bank's central scenario, a range of both stronger and weaker outcomes are, of course, quite plausible," the report said.  It said growth will be mainly linked to the export sector this year. 

On the consumer front, the report said domestic demand remained subdued and although the lack of spending is beginning to moderate, the impact of the budget cuts will pile on further pressure. 

"While the contraction in consumer spending is beginning to moderate, the underlying determinants of consumption are likely to remain weak," the report said. 

"With employment projected to continue to fall slightly in 2011, with the effect of higher taxes on disposable incomes, and with households seeking to reduce their indebtedness, consumer spending is forecast to contract further this year."

On the jobs front it will be 2012 before there is any growth, with a slight rise in the unemployment rate this year to 13.7pc before a fall to 13.4pc the following year. The bank went on to warn that stagnant incomes and high unemployment will hold down consumption next year. 

On trade, the Central Bank said growth in Ireland's main export markets will be lower this year than last year but will still support relatively strong exports. The growth of import business, however, is likely to remain sluggish, the bank said. 

Fine Gael finance spokesman Michael Noonan said the revised forecasts showed the budget was hitting home. "Fine Gael's own proposals for Budget 2011 would have kept tax hikes to a minimum, with no income tax increases at all this year," he said.

"It's crucial that any future corrections to Exchequer spending focus on savings and public sector reforms, rather than damaging tax hikes."  Mr. Noonan said the Central Bank report backed up his party's claim that more tax costs jobs.

Labour finance spokeswoman Joan Burton said the report showed Ireland was still stuck in recession.  "Back in 2008, (Finance Minister) Brian Lenihan said that Ireland would be the first country out of recession, but it now looks like we could be the last one out because of Fianna Fail's harsh fiscal medicine," she said.

"At a time when most of Europe is growing again, and Germany is powering ahead, Ireland is still mired in recession. They (Central Bank) now expect that the massive €6bn budget adjustment will cause domestic economy, measured by GNP (gross national product), to contract by a further 0.3pc in 2011, extending Ireland's recession to three years."

Continued strength in the multinational export sector is certainly welcome, but it is not enough to offset weak consumer demand and domestic investment."

Labour Seeks Job Creation Fund

The Labour party is proposing a range of employment stimulation measures including a €500m fund aimed at job creation.  Eamon Gilmore said the country could not afford to lose another generation to emigration.

As well as the stimulation fund, Labour plans a Trade Council that would co-ordinate all State agencies involved in export promotion.  

The party will target the so called BRIC group - Brazil, Russia, India and China - by appointing dedicated local trade and investment teams in the four countries.

Labour would also focus on sectors like tourism and food, where Ireland already has a competitive advantage.  Mr. Gilmore said the party would support innovation and research and development and would back the commercialization of ideas generated in the laboratory.

The UNITE trade union, the second largest union in the Republic of Ireland with 60,000 members, has written to Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore pledging its support for the party's drive to become the largest party in the 31st Dáil.

Cork Divers Discover WWI U-Boat

Divers have described their discovery of a WWI German U-boat that historians believe was destroyed in 1919.

All 27 crew on board the UC42 died when the submarine sank at the entrance to Cork Harbor on 10 September 1917. It had been laying mines when an explosion was heard.

A team of five amateur divers from Cork discovered the submarine in good condition in 27m of water just off Roches Point on 6 November after a 12-month search. Diver Ian Kelleher said they were very surprised and ecstatic to find it with little obvious explosive damage.

Positive identification was possible when they found its number stamped on a propeller. Mr. Kelleher, a chemistry student, said that two days before Christmas, the dive team laid a plaque of remembrance near the propellers as a memorial to the 27 German submariners who died.

They plan to return to the site over the coming weeks and continue their research into the submarine and its crew, including trying to contact relatives of the crew.

          lifestyles

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Increase in Irish Emigrating to Australia

It is fast earning the name of County Bondi because of the tens of thousands of Irish that are setting up home in and around one of the world's most famous beaches.

Bondi used to be a big backpacker haunt.  Now, due to the recession in Ireland the Irish are no longer coming here to travel. Instead, they are setting up home in Bondi and the surrounding suburbs of Bondi Junction, Bronte and Randwick and seeking work in an economy that is at full employment.

Australia is one of a few countries that has not entered recession and with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, work is plenty.  There is a major skills shortage especially for those with a background in medicine, nursing, engineering and construction.

Over the next few years, Australia will require tens of thousands of skilled migrants, which is good news for any of the unemployed Irish who are thinking of emigrating Down Under, or the tens of thousands who are there already.  Travel anywhere in Australia and you will come across the Irish, especially those who are under 30 and on the two-year working holiday visa.

It is estimated that there are 30,000 on this type of visa alone. This figure doesn't take into account the thousands who are on sponsored visas, which are organized by employers.  Because of the huge influx of Irish, we compiled a number of reports on those who have emigrated to Australia and what life is like there.

The first report looks at changes to Australia's immigration policy, which should make it easier for the Irish to get more permanent resident visas. The changes come into effect on 1 July next.

The report also looks at the increasing numbers who are remaining in Australia illegally because their two-year working visa has expired.  The second report looks at the booming construction industry in and around Sydney. 

While men with previous experience in construction are having no difficulty getting work, Irish women can find it hard to get a job. That is why many women are working as traffic controllers on construction sites. The money is good and according to Tyrone native Briege Daly, 'you get a tan and get to look at men work all day.'

The final report looks at the lack of facilities for the nine GAA clubs across Sydney. We spend an evening training with the largest club, Michael Cusack's.  Despite having over 150 members, they have no facilities and only get to train in a corner of a public park each Tuesday night.

The clubs believe that they are making a big contribution in keeping the Irish together, but are critical of the Government and the GAA at home for not helping them with funding or any sort of assistance in trying to secure proper facilities for the thousands of Irish who will now remain in Australia long into the future.

Symbolic Voting Begins for Irish Emigrants Living Abroad 

From this morning on, Irish emigrants living abroad can cast a symbolic vote in the upcoming general election through BallotBox.ie.  

Irish citizens living abroad can log into the website and register to vote by using their email address and passport number. The site opened at 7 a.m. (EST) this morning and will remain open for seven days until Tuesday, February 22. A full list of constituencies and candidates will feature.

The results of the online symbolic election will be released shortly before the election in Ireland. People living in Ireland will be excluded from voting by the use of IP technology. BallotBox.ie is the brainchild of two Irish emigrants based in Toronto.

Irish emigrants are disenfranchised once they leave the country. Unlike several other democracies, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., Irish citizens living outside the state are unable to vote in elections. Only diplomats, politicians and people serving in the defense forces are allowed mark their ballot by postal vote if they are abroad on election day.

Speaking about the launch of Ballotbox.ie, Adrian Flannelly, founding member of the board of directors of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce USA, said it tied into the current immigration issues affecting Ireland. “Many Irish people feel cheated by what has happened. Advances in new technology means that those who are most affected can have their say through BallotBox.ie,” he told Irish Central.

Welcoming the opening of the initiative, David McWilliams, economist and broadcaster, said, “It is vital that Ireland retains a connection with the Irish Diaspora. Irish emigrants have a huge amount to offer in terms of getting our country up off its knees, and everything should be done to encourage their participation in our democracy.  Ballotbox.ie is doing just that, and I urge any Irish citizens living outside the country to get along there and vote.”

Another Fireball in Irish Skies 

A fireball has blazed across Irish skies for the second time in ten days.

Astronomy Ireland says a piece of an asteroid or comet entered the Earth's atmosphere over Ireland and blew apart between 6am and 7am.

The organization says it has already received a number of reports of the event and is appealing to the public to report any sightings on www.astronomy.ie/fireball.

'Large fireballs can explode with the power of an atomic bomb when they burst tens of kilometers above our heads,' said David Moore, Chairman of Astronomy Ireland.

'Fragments that survive the fall to the ground can fetch a keen meteorite hunter hundreds - if not thousands - of euro, if sold'.

Astronomy Ireland says a fireball also appeared in the moonlit sky on 18 January

Love-Seekers Show up at St. Valentine's Resting Place in Dublin

St. Valentine, the patron saint of love, was executed in Rome and buried there in the 3rd century. Much later an Irish priest was granted permission to exhume his remains, and now his skeleton lies under a church in Dublin.

In 1835 an Irish Carmelite priest, Fr. John Spratt, used his Irish charm to convince then Pope Gregory XVI to dig up St. Valentine’s remains and take them home as a gift to his fellow Irishmen and women.

Now love-seeking Irish turn up at his site every St. Valentine’s looking for help in finding that special one.

"God has someone in mind for me, and I obviously haven't met him yet. So I just hope that Saint Valentine will assist me, that I will find him," said one female visitor on Friday. Another said, "We just prayed to find the right one, and I believe I will be led to him when the time is right."

A single man stated, "I've tried everything, speed dating, online, the whole lot, maybe a prayer to St. Valentine might help.” A couple said they came back to pay homage because they met at the site four years ago and now plan to get married. “This is our perfect place," said the woman who declined to give her name.

Meanwhile, the Whitefriar Street church in Dublin is celebrating St. Valentine’s this weekend and glad to welcome all. "It was not uncommon at the beginning of the 19th century for local churches around the world to be given relics taken from the catacombs in Rome," said Carmelite priest Chris Crowley.

Valentine, who was executed in the 3rd century for performing Christian marriages, has prompted the priests of the church where he is buried to celebrate the feast of love and happiness. "So Valentine is with us and we're very happy to have him," Crowley told AFP.

In 1950 a statue and shrine was built to honor St. Valentine and placed in the church. As soon as people in Ireland realized that the saint of lovers was buried right under their noses they came flocking to the church to give up their amorous prayers to the saint.

Despite companies around the world cashing in on the romantic holiday, the Carmelite priests said they are staying well clear of the commercialization the holiday enforces and they plan to keep sales of Valentine memorabilia to a minimum. 

 "We do want to keep it on a level that it's not just 'Valentine's Day.' That would diminish the significance of the saint," said David Weakliam, another Carmelite priest.

Irish Actor TP McKenna Dies 

The Irish actor, TP McKenna, who starred in numerous films and TV dramas in a career spanning five decades, has died at the age of 81.  Thomas Patrick McKenna, played everything from a grocer's assistant to the voice of God and this versatility was to be the hallmark of his career.

He was born in Mullagh, County Cavan, in 1929 and began performing at St Patrick's College, where he displayed his talents in a number of Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

McKenna joined the Ulster Bank in Granard, County Longford, after leaving school in the 1940s, but despite six years in finance including a switch to Dublin, he was unmoved in his determination to be a full-time actor.

Indeed, it was when he was offered a transfer back to Killeshandra in Cavan that he decided to leave the bank and join the renowned Abbey Theatre.  McKenna undertook more than 70 stage roles at the Dublin theatre between 1953 and 1962 and was made a life member in 1968.  He also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre Company among others.

Film was a natural home for his talents and he played alongside some of the most famous actors of the 20th Century on the big screen including Dustin Hoffman, Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum.  But he was equally adept at captivating audiences on the small screen, with roles in such acclaimed series as The Saint, Jason King, Dr Who, The Sweeney and Minder.

McKenna starred in The Avengers on three different occasions, opposite Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg and Linda Thorson.  He was also a staple of Irish domestic dramas, featuring in the likes of Fair City and Ballykissangel in his latter years.

The Northern Irish actress, Roma Tomelty, said McKenna was one of a "new breed" of Irish actors who rose to prominence in the 1960s.  She said he was "special" and had produced "electrifying performances on many occasions. He was one of a new generation of Irish actors with this fierce, wonderful energy, but still in the old natural tradition, he had a blend of both," she added.  "He was able to take it across the water and Irish actors lost through TP McKenna this notion of paddywhackery, of the stage Irishman, he had that vision."

The Cavan man was to direct theatre productions of The Playboy of the Western World, Shadow of a Gunman and The Death and Resurrection of Mr. Roche.  However, it is as an actor that he will be remembered, his longevity shown by the fact that he was being chosen for a film role alongside Johnny Depp in The Libertine in his 70s.

McKenna, who died on Sunday following a long illness, is to be laid to rest in Mullagh. He is survived by four sons and a daughter.

SPORTS

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RUGBY SIX NATIONS

RBS FIXTURES
Saturday, February 26th, 2011
Italy v Wales                  14:30
England v France            17:00

Sunday, February 27th, 2011
Scotland v Ireland             15:00

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

Italy v France                   14:30

Wales v Ireland                17:00

Sunday, March 13th, 2011

England v Scotland            15:00

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

Scotland v Italy                 14:30

Ireland v England              17:00

France v Wales                19:45

  Ireland 22 - France 25

Ireland slumped to an all-too familiar defeat by France on their RBS 6 Nations debut at Aviva Stadium after failing with a heroic late fightback.

Tries from winger Fergus McFadden and scrum-half Tomas O'Leary helped Ireland to a 15-12 half-time lead and the Grand Slam champions appeared ripe for the taking. Winger Maxime Medard crossed to help France back into the driving seat until number eight Jamie Heaslip crashed over in the right corner to set up a grandstand finish.

Ireland launched a late do-or-die assault but the visitors' defense, criticized in the build up to this match, was magnificent. It was an agonizing outcome to a gripping showdown but Ireland's struggle against their nemesis continues with today's defeat their ninth in their last 10 meetings dating back to 2003. The result puts a large dent in their hopes of winning the Six Nations title, but they will take comfort from a brave and ambitious performance, although the error count was inexcusable.

Had they made fewer mistakes when dominating possession, France would have fallen further behind and this encounter will be viewed as yet another chance missed against their rivals.  Blessed with attacking options, both teams looked to move the ball wide whenever possible and the Aviva Stadium was treated to a nail-biting spectacle that ebbed and flowed throughout.

The tone was set from kick off, Ireland making an explosive start with Luke Fitzgerald crossing after two minutes, only for Gordon D'Arcy's final pass to be adjudged forward. Two minutes later they breached the whitewash, capitalizing when full-back Clement Poitrenaud dropped the ball as France launched a kamikaze attack from their own 22.  McFadden, playing his second Test, pounced on the loose ball and then reappeared a few phases later to burrow over from close range. Jonathan Sexton converted and France's disastrous opening continued when they sent the restart straight into touch, though a mistake from O'Leary eased the pressure.

It was the champions' turn to attack and Ireland defended until straying offside and Morgan Parra landed the penalty. Back on the offensive, Declan Kidney's team almost released McFadden into space but Sexton's pass was too weighted. An almighty cheer sounded in the 16th minute when France's scrum, fresh from pulverizing Scotland last week, collapsed. It was a moral victory for the much-maligned Irish front row and Sexton kicked the ensuing penalty to rub salt into the wound, though Parra replied in kind soon after.

Ireland looked excellent at times but, as in Rome, they were making unforced handling errors at key moments, preventing them from building momentum. Adding to their problems was the pinpoint kicking of Parra, who rifled over a third penalty. O'Leary continued to suffer with the Munster half-back, who has been struggling with a back injury this week, sending an inexplicable chip straight into touch. There was no let up from referee Dave Pearson, either, with Donncha O'Callaghan conceding another penalty and Parra booting France ahead for the first time.

Ireland struck next, the rejuvenated O'Leary charging through France's defense to start the move before later finishing it by breaking a tackle and forcing the ball over the whitewash. Francois Trinh-Duc had a drop-goal attempt charged down by ubiquitous blindside flanker Sean O'Brien moments after France center Damien Traille almost broke free down the left. Ireland's scrum continued in the ascendancy, winning a free kick and then shoving the French pack backwards, but a fifth Parra penalty leveled the score. A 20-metre scrum offered a great attacking platform for Ireland but an over-complicated backs move was easy for Les Bleus to contain.

France showed their opponents how it should be done from a similar position in the 55th minute. Aurelien Rougerie ran straight at D'Arcy, sent the Leinster center cannoning backwards, and dashed forward before drawing Fitzgerald and supplying Medard with the scoring pass. Substitute scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili landed the conversion and at 22-15 ahead, France were in a strong position. Yachvili slotted a penalty but Ireland refused to give up hope and were rewarded with a 68th minute try from Heaslip.

It took 26 phases close to the whitewash before France cracked, a poorly executed kick from substitute Ronan O'Gara falling into the arms of David Wallace who sent Heaslip in at the corner. O'Gara's conversion struck the left post on its way over, setting up a nerve-shredding climax. Heart rates soared with two minutes to go when Keith Earls chipped ahead and Ireland hunted in numbers, but France's scrambling defense was superb. Last-ditch tackles held firm and when substitute hooker Sean Cronin knocked on, Les Bleus were able to breath a sigh of relief.

WIDER HORIZONS PROGRAM

If you are interested in becoming a Host Family for the Wider Horizons Program in 2011, please contact Robert Tierney at  rtierney@iiofpitt.org or phone (412) 394-3900.

                                events

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Our Mission:

Help the Institute:

February 18th

Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, 412-642-6622 features The GREAT GUINNESS TOAST with Corned Beef & Curry at 9:00pm.

February 19th

Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, 412-642-6622 features Celtic Rock with Red Hand Paddy at 9:00pm.

February 21st

The Gaelic Arts Society presents "Irish Folk Songs" with Sheliah Collins, Celtic music singer at the Dithridge House Party Room, 220 No. Dithridge St. Oakland, 2:30pm.  Information Earl McCabe 412-761-1844.

February 25th, 26th, & 27th

AOH Allegheny County Board Men's Retreat at St.Paul's Retreat House in Southside.  Information Larry Squires, 412-760-2600 or Email: Isquires@descomm.com

March 5th

Solas The internationally acclaimed supergroup has not only captured the hearts and ears of Irish music fans, but fans all around the globe with their blend of Celtic traditional, folk and country melodies. Carnegie Lecture Hall in Oakland at 7:30 PM.

March 10th

Altan’s vision remains as fresh as ever in bringing the beauty and joy of traditional Irish music to audiences young and old.

Byham Theater at 7:30 PM

March 12th

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown Pittsburgh.

Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle, features 12hours of Live Irish Music.

March 17th

The Gaelic Arts Society presents Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet at PAA in Oakland, 6:30pm

Pittsburgh Irish Dance Schools

            Bell School of Irish Dance  http://bellschool.com/about.htm  

            Burke Irish Dancers          http://www.burkeirishdance.com/  

    Pittsburgh Irish Reelers    http://www.pghirishreelers.com/  

    Shovlin Academy of Dance  http://www.shovlinacademy.com/  

    Pittsburgh Ceili Club        www.pittsburghceiliclub.org/  

Pittsburgh Irish Sports

    Pittsburgh Gaelic Athletic Association (PGAA)

- a representative organization of the Pittsburgh Celtics, Pittsburgh Banshees, and Pittsburgh Celtics Youth

Secretary@PittsburghGAA.com 

www.PittsburghGAA.com

Pittsburgh Hurling Club (PHC)

www.pghhurling.org

Pittsburgh Irish Rowing Club (PIRC) 

  http://www.pittsburghirishrowingclub.com/

become a regular at these local programs!

 The Echoes of Erin is marking its 22nd year!  It airs every Sunday afternoon at 12:30-2:00p.m. on WEDO, 810 AM.  Diane Byrnes continues to provide Irish music, news, and other great information from the Emerald Isle.  Keep up the good work, Diane!

Paddy's Pour House located on Main Street in Carnegie, PA hosts live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:00 p.m.  Tuesday nights, come for Irish Night: Guinness, Smithwick's, and Half and Half specials 8-12 p.m.  For more information, visit their website or call (412) 279-0770.

Catch the Thistle and Shamrock every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. on WYEP 91.3FM for Celtic music performances and discussions.

We're always looking for events to include: If you'd like to include your next event in this newsletter, please send event information including date, time, location, admission cost, and contact information to info@iiofpitt.org. 

LOCAL IRISH ENTERTAINERS WEBSITES

Check Performance Schedules, Etc.

Aran from Johnstown PA -              http://www.people.iup.edu/rahkonen/Bands/Aran.htm  George Balderose  -  http://www.pittsburghpiper.com/

Carnival of Souls -  http://www.carnivalofsouls.com

Ceann  -  http://www.ceannmusic.com/  

Cue Ball Music  -  http://www.cueballmusic.com/index.asp  

Cahal Dunne  -  http://www.cahaldunne.com/

Tony Egan   -  http://www.tonyegan.info  

Michael Gallagher  -  http://www.mike-gallagher.com/

Terry Griffith  -   http://www.pittsburghirish.org/griffith  

Guaranteed Irish    -  http://www.guaranteedirish.info/

Hiraeth  -  http://lugh.as.cmu.edu/Hiraeth.htm

Hooley  -  http://www.hooley.info

John McCann  -  http://www.johnmccannlive.com/

Corned Beef & Curry - http://www.cornedbeefncurry.com/

Michael Murphy & TSRB  http://www.michaelmurphy.us/

Na Gaels  -  http://www.pittsburghirish.org/nagaels

Jack Puskar  -  http://www.jackpuskar.com  

Red Hand Paddy  -  http://www.redhandpaddy.com/

Rolling Scones  -  http://www.rollingscones.com

The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh’s mission is to promote mutual understanding of the Catholic and Protestant traditions in Northern Ireland and economic development throughout all of Ireland. The Institute fulfills its mission by providing quality programs in job training, economic development, leadership development, educational alliances and reconciliation. The Institute is a change-oriented organization that collaborates with industry, educational and government institutions in the development of all programs.

The Ireland Institute relies on its donor and volunteer network to continue its mission of mutual reconciliation and economic development. Your generosity is kindly appreciated.

The Ireland Institute is available to accept donations through the United Way. Please remember our code for the United Way Campaign of Southwestern Pennsylvania: 4534. We are also listed as a non-Profit under the Combined Federal Campaign. Our number is: 12438. A third option is to donate through the local Federal campaign. This number is: 9016.

If you prefer, a tax-deductible donation can also be made directly to the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh. The Ireland Institute also appreciates in-kind donations such as event tickets etc. that we can then distribute to our participants.

For further information or questions about how you can donate, please contact us at 412-394-3900.

 All articles are adapted from www.rte.ie, the Irish Emigrant, the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish Examiner, BBC, and other news sources.