The Common Ground

Vol. VIII, Issue 11

November 2010

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:

TYRONE-DONEGAL WIDER HORIZONS GRADUATION

Remarks from our President James J. Lamb

"Tonight we celebrate the achievements of 16 amazing young men and women who spent the last six weeks here in Pittsburgh through the International Fund for Ireland’s Wider Horizons Program. For the past 25 years the IFI has supported programs serving thousands of Ireland’s young people, Protestant and Catholic, North and South. 
The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh is the largest overseas provider to the IFI’s Wider Horizons Program and we are proud to mark this, our 65th IFI program tonight.

Of course, when the IFI was formed, Ireland, North and South, was wrought with serious problems. In 1986 The Northern Ireland Conflict was in full gear and the economy of Ireland was stagnating in recession with high unemployment and mass emigration.

Many in the room tonight will be aware of the incredible transformation that occurred in Ireland over the following two decades, so I won’t bore you with the details other than to recall that as we entered the new millennium, Northern Ireland was experiencing peace in a relatively civil society for the first time in decades. And the Irish Economy was the toast of Europe, competing with the strongest economies on the world stage. 
Unfortunately, for reasons that might seem complicated, the hostilities that characterized Northern Ireland’s “Troubles” have re-appeared there and along the border in places these young men and women call home. And the economic boom that bore the Celtic Tiger has simply evaporated.

These young people behind me tonight are returning to a place that once again has serious problems. The job market is tight. The opportunities to advance careers, develop skills, enhance communities, and maintain healthy families are not available as they should be. The leadership of Ireland, North and South, and the international community that claims to support Ireland’s progress toward peace and prosperity—the governments, the political parties, the banks, investors, police, communities, the dissident groups on both sides, the Irish diaspora—and the People of Ireland themselves—we are all to blame for the problems that Ireland faces today. Problems that we, collectively, had fixed ten years ago.
We had a peace agreement that established a real working forum for debate in a devolved local assembly in Northern Ireland. With the resurgence of dissident activity, a clear and present danger, we must act to improve conditions there, especially among young people. Otherwise, a full-scale return to sectarian violence led by paramilitary groups will replace democratic institutions we worked so hard throughout the Troubles. 

We had a roaring economy in the Republic of Ireland, based on technology and innovation and fueled by the world’s greatest companies who chose Ireland for its top talent and low taxes. Then at some point, with easy access to credit and a national rush to spend without regard to cost, true growth was replaced with false promises. As they say in Ireland, we lost the plot. And once the global recession hit, Ireland’s financial position exposed a corrupt relationship between banks, developers, and the government that effectively ruined the lives of thousands across the island of Ireland, North and South. 
So Now, Ireland is back to double-digit unemployment, daily threats from dissidents on both sides of the Northern conflict, and a general sense of hopelessness and fear of returning to those bad old days of 1986.
Please, do not lose hope. For behind me is a sample of the new generation of smart young men and women who we call upon tonight to fix the problems we failed to fix. I implore you, Wider Horizons graduates, to return home, enjoy the Welcome-Home parties that await you. Spend time with your family and friends, prepare as you always do to celebrate a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And then resume the journey you started earlier this year, when you realized that Wider Horizons was a rare opportunity to make new friends, visit unusual places, and improve your life through job training and personal development. Welcome to the network of 1200+ Wider Horizons Pittsburgh alumni who have gone back to Ireland to do incredible things. Continue your education. Continue to take risks for peace and prosperity. Continue to challenge your friends and families….and strangers to do the same. And challenge us….the leaders of Ireland, North and South, and their international partners, to recapture the place we fought hard to win ten years ago. There is tremendous work to do in Ireland. And it is your time to lead that effort. And with that I say good luck and good night."

                                                IIP NEWS

IRISH CASTLE VACATION RAFFLE - BUY A TICKET OR BECOME A SELLER

Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh

In service to peace

The Irish Castle Vacation Prize Raffle

Ashford Castle – Galway       Dromoland Castle – Limerick         Clontarf Castle – Dublin

Return airfare for two - 6 nights accommodations - Car rental for 1 week

 Donation $20

Winning ticket will be drawn December 13, 2010 at The Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh PA15222  

For more information, contact the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh at 412-394-3900

Cash or Check made payable to Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh

 Prize Subject to availability of dates. Allow three weeks for booking.

 Clontarf Castle Accommodation donated by Clontarf Castle

Car Rental courtesy of Dooley Car Rental

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Pittsburgh Foundation held a 24-hour Day of Giving on October 13, 2010.  The Ireland Institute will receive matching funds from the Pittsburgh Foundation for donations made to the IIP on that day.  The numbers aren't in yet, but we appreciate your continued support of the IIP's mission!

 NEWS

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GERRY ADAMS TO STEP DOWN AS MP 


Gerry Adams was first elected as West Belfast MP for Sinn Fein in 1983

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is to step down as an MP and Stormont assembly member to stand for election in the Irish Republic.  He said he hoped to contest the Louth constituency, near the Irish border.

He said his Stormont replacement would be chosen this week, while he would remain as MP for West Belfast until the Irish general election is called.  Mr Adams said the main reasons for his surprise decision were the economic crisis and the need for new ideas.  He said the current Fianna Fail/Green coalition government was "probably the most unpopular in the history of the state.  As leader of the only all-Ireland party with an all-island mandate, I have a choice to make whether to stay in west Belfast, a place that I love, or to seek a mandate in another constituency in the south.  West Belfast is my home. It is where Colette and our family are and where I live.
But after thoughtful consideration, and with the support of colleagues, I have decided to put my name forward for Louth. If elected for this constituency I will work and stay here and travel home when possible."

The Irish prime minister, Brian Cowen, must call a general election before July 2012 and it is thought the election may happen next year Louth is currently represented by Sinn Fein's Arthur Morgan, who has said he plans to step down at the next election.  Sinn Fein has five MPs, including Mr Adams, and four TDs in the Irish parliament.  Mr Adams made the announcement ahead of his keynote address at the Edentubber Commemoration in County Louth.

Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said: "The decision by Gerry to leave one of the safest seats in Ireland to seek election to the Dail in Louth and to play a central role in the battle for Ireland's economic recovery is leadership in action."

GUSTY SPENCE CALLS FOR UVF TO DISBAND

The loyalist who founded the modern day Ulster Volunteer Force has told BBC's Spotlight the group should disband.

Gusty Spence, who organised the UVF in the 1960s, made the call in the wake of the murder of Bobby Moffett, shot dead by UVF members in May.  Mr Spence told Spotlight that ongoing violence could not be justified.  "The UVF should disband now," he said in a statement to reporter Darragh MacIntyre. "There is no reason for them to exist."  Tuesday's Spotlight shows how the Moffett murder and a high-level police investigation have brought the UVF to a critical juncture between disbandment and further violence.

Sixteen years after declaring a ceasefire and more than three years after announcing a "non-military civilianised role", the UVF has been implicated in the murder of Belfast man Mr Moffett, continued "punishment attacks", and recent rioting in Rathcoole.  Senior figures in the UVF - the deadliest loyalist group throughout the Troubles - have recently pushed for the organisation to wind up.  But others, including a UVF spokesman who talked to Darragh MacIntyre, said there was potential for more militant elements to gain the upper hand within the paramilitary group.

Chris Hudson, who previously acted as a go-between for the Irish government and the UVF, told the programme: "This is one loose end that, if it is not tidied up, may cause us great heartache in the near future."  Brian Ervine, the new leader of the political party associated with the UVF, told Spotlight that a senior north Belfast loyalist's apparent decision to become a "supergrass" could harden the position.  Riots in Newtownabbey's Rathcoole estate last month were linked to the police investigation involving that loyalist.  Mr Ervine, the Progressive Unionist leader, said: "A lot of men want to move on, they want to civilianise, this could deter them from doing that, some of them."

A UVF spokesman also told Darragh MacIntyre that the police investigation could lead to the arrest of senior figures and destabilise the organisation. I don't want to be sabre rattling, but it would be a completely different scenario. All bets would be off," he said.  Last week the Independent Monitoring Commission said the UVF leadership has sanctioned intelligence gathering against dissident republicans.  It also said individual members may be trying to acquire guns just a year after it was announced that the group had decommissioned.

Lord Alderice, a member of the IMC, said: "It's not clear that the leadership is wholly in control of what is happening in all areas.  "The situation is clearly worse than it was before, and it has been deteriorating, and it's a matter of real concern."

LOYALIST PARAMILITARY THREATS LINKED TO SUICIDES

Michael Robinson took his own life six weeks ago

There have been calls for loyalist paramilitaries to end beatings and threats against young people in the Shankill area of Belfast.

A local pastor said the attacks are creating fear, leading some young people to take their own lives.  Six weeks ago 18-year-old Michael Robinson took his own life. Friends said the threats from paramilitaries became too much.  They say he got involved with the wrong crowd and owed money to loyalists.  Michael's brother also died through suicide four years ago in similar circumstances.

Pastor Jack McKee, from the New Life City Church, said it is time for the paramilitaries to stop their actions.  "If whatever group was involved, or whatever the reason is, if people could draw back then that would lessen the number of lives that are being taken.  "My appeal to anyone who is dealing drugs or putting pressure on anyone is to back off."

It is an experience that rings true to 16-year-old Corey Hunter. When he got into trouble paramilitaries threatened him and he thought about suicide.  "I was meant to get beat by them and I thought about it. You would do something wrong and then they would let you off and if you did it again they would hit you and if you did it again they would put a threat on you.  My uncle told me they were going to beat me and other people told me they were going to shoot me. I was scared I would never walk again."

Other teenagers attending a youth club on the Shankill said the fear makes growing up in the area much harder.  "Your childhood is supposed to be the best period of your life and that's what you always hear from adults and you're supposed to be able to have a laugh with your mates and be a bit boisterous.  I don't think anyone should be getting threatened by paramilitaries about getting their knees blown off anything like that is too far and would drive you to having suicidal thoughts.

Pastor Jack McKee doesn't point the finger at any one group, but he wants to see an end to the grip loyalists have held on this community for generations.

          lifestyles

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WHALE DEATHS IN DONEGAL

SCIENTISTS HAVE taken skin and tissue samples from some of the 33 long-finned pilot whales which died after a mass stranding off Donegal.

The carcasses of the 33 mammals were discovered early on Saturday on the back strand of Rutland Island between Burtonport and Arranmore island.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) believes they may have been a pod which was in difficulty off northern Scotland a week ago.

A pod of about 30 pilot whales, described as being in a distressed state, was monitored last weekend on South Uist in the Scottish outer Hebrides by the British Coastguard and Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

There were concerns that the pod might beach, but the animals moved away from the area. The SSPCA reported that there were no signs of physical injury, but noted there were younger animals among the group.

Arranmore-Burtonport fast ferry owner Seamus Boyle told The Irish Times that one of his crew spotted the carcasses around the back of the uninhabited Rutland Island from his own boat at about midday on Saturday.

“We had been watching them since last Monday,” Mr. Boyle said. “We hadn’t seen them since Thursday, however, and so we believe the stranding happened some time between then and the weekend.”

“At first we thought they were false killer whales, but a skipper here, John Gallagher, who has fished all over the world, identified them as long-finned pilot whales,” Mr. Boyle added.

“They were not long dead when my crewman found them, as there were marks in the sand from their tails,” Mr. Boyle said.

IWDG stranding co-coordinator Mick O’Connell said that mass strandings of pilot whales were “not uncommon”, but “infrequent” in Ireland.

In late July last year, a pod of pilot whales was stranded, but the whales were refloated alive, in Tralee bay, Co Kerry.

This occurred just several weeks after a live stranding of 17 bottlenose dolphins near Fenit. Four of those dolphins subsequently died.

Some 30 to 40 pilot whales stranded alive, and most were refloated, on March 23rd, 2002 near Castlegregory, Co Kerry.

A joint IWDG/Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) team led by GMIT lecturer Ian O’Connor worked with National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers to take samples from the mammals yesterday. The team reported that most of the whales were large, with only one calf.

At least three or four whales had significant notches in their dorsal fins, and the team hopes to use this photographic evidence to try and match it with the pod spotted in South Uist last weekend.

Skin samples will also be sent to the Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bank run with the IWDG at the Natural History Museum in Dublin.

The group also made contact with a British research body which has been investigating the impact of noise on whales and dolphins and its links with strandings.

POPPY ETIQUETTE: 

Remembrance Sunday is approaching and poppies, a widely recognized emblem, are worn to remember the nation's war dead.  But what is the etiquette when it comes to wearing one?

1. Should you wear one? The poppy commemorates those who have died in war. The tradition was started by American teacher Moina Bell Michael, who sold silk poppies to friends to raise money for the ex-service community. In 1920 the poppy was proclaimed the national emblem of remembrance in the US, and in the UK, the first poppy day was in 1921. Last year Britons bought 26m poppies, but others choose not to. Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow famously refuses to wear one on air, reportedly saying he does not want to bow to "poppy fascism''.

2. What color to wear - red, white or purple? Red is most popular, but the lesser-seen white poppy dates from 1933, when the Women's Co-operative Guild wanted a lasting symbol for peace and an end to all wars. But the Royal British Legion refused to be associated with their manufacture, and so the Co-operative Wholesale Society took on production. The intention was not to offend the memory of those who died in the Great War, but many veterans felt white poppies undermined their contribution and the lasting meaning of the red poppy. Feelings ran so high that some women lost their jobs in the 1930s for wearing white poppies. Critics argue the red poppy already encompasses the sentiments of white one, which they say also diverts funds for the Royal British Legion. The Peace Pledge Union, which now distributes the white poppies, estimates that 50,000 were sold in 2006. It says the Royal British Legion has been asked twice to manufacture white poppies and has refused on both occasions. A Royal British Legion spokesman says it has no objection to any group expressing its views. There are also purple poppies, worn to remember the animal victims of war and sold by animal charities.

3. When to start wearing one? It's a hotly debated question. Many people think poppies should be worn from 1 November until Armistice Day on 11 November. Others pin one on only in the week running up to Remembrance Sunday - 8 November this year. The Royal British Legion spokesman says they can be worn from the launch of the poppy appeal, which this year was 22 October. Organizations like the BBC usually choose a day for presenters to start wearing one. This year it was from 6am on 24 October.

4. Where to pin your poppy - left or right. Some people say left, as it's worn over the heart. It is also where military medals are worn. Others say only the Queen and Royal Family are allowed to wear a poppy on the right, which isn't true. Then there is the school of thought that says men should wear theirs on the left and women on the right, as is the traditional custom with a badge or brooch. The Royal British Legion spokesman says there is no right or wrong side "other than to wear it with pride".

ANNAGHROE: NEW BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER BLACKWATER

The last cross-border road and bridge to have been closed by the British Army during the Troubles has been reopened.

The new bridge over the River Blackwater at Annaghroe links counties Monaghan and Tyrone.

Glaslough in Monaghan and Caledon in Tyrone were cut off from each other when the bridge connecting their villages was blown up in 1977.

During the Troubles, hundreds of cross-border roads and bridges were sealed off or destroyed by the British Army due to the security threat posed by the IRA.

That decision caused hardship for many, with farmers often forced to travel long distances to tend their land.

Re-establishing this cross-border link between Monaghan and Tyrone is seen as another important milestone in restoring peace and stability to Northern Ireland.

SPECTRA OF GHOST ESTATES HAUNTS IRELAND

There are more than 2,800 ghost estates in the country, according to a report from the Department of the Environment.

The report identifies a county-by-county inventory of unfinished estates.

The survey was carried out by the department from May to September. It shows that building had started on 120,000 homes in ghost estates.

Of these, 77,000 are completed and occupied, while 33,000 are completed and vacant or nearly completed. Around 10,000 others are in early stages of construction.

An expert group is now being set up by the Government to advise on how best to deal with the problems of ghost estates.
Membership of that group will include representatives of local authorities, the banking and construction sectors, NAMA and building professionals.

The group will advise on practical solutions to ensure satisfactory completion or resolution of problems with unfinished housing developments.

Its first task is to publish within the next three weeks a draft code of practice on how this could be done.

Housing Minister Michael Finneran said: 'The key outcome here is that we now have the evidence base to deliver policy and action in solving the problems that can arise on housing developments due to the wider construction and economic downturn.'

The statistics will provide cold comfort for people in ghost estates who are sometimes forced to live with safety risks, such as open sewers.

Minister of State for Planning Ciarán Cuffe said the survey 'provides a clear picture of the extent and scale of unfinished housing developments across the country'.

However, Fine Gael Housing Spokesman Terence Flanagan has criticized the decision to set up the expert group.

He said: 'The Government's typical response to establish yet another 'taskforce' to kick to touch any solutions is unacceptable.
'Homeowners who purchased their home in good faith deserve better. They should not be living on building sites which pose huge health and safety risks.'

The Sherry FitzGerald Group has welcomed the survey and said it should remove the uncertainty from the property sector.

The group's chief economist Marian Finnegan: 'The topic of housing supply has been hotly debated in recent months.

'Today's results should end the speculation once and for all, it is a very positive step for the industry overall.'

CELTIC POPPY BANNER ANGERS DUP MP GREGORY CAMPELL

DUP MP Gregory Campbell has accused Glasgow Celtic of not doing enough to stop an anti-poppy protest.

Celtic apologized for banners unfurled by a group styling itself the Green Brigade at half-time during its 9-0 home win over Aberdeen on Saturday. The banners read: "Your deeds would shame all the devils in Hell. Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan. No bloodstained poppy on our Hoops."  

Mr. Campbell said it was not the first year there had been such protests.  "I know that Celtic have apologized and that is right, and that is a good step for them to take," said the East Londonderry MP.

"I think they need to go further, because it has happened last year and in previous years, and it will happen again next year."  Mr. Campbell, who is a fan of Old Firm rivals Glasgow Rangers, said: "All clubs need to stand up and lance this boil and say not only are we going to be passive in this, we are going to actively promote the act of remembrance.  "These people died so we can all have freedom, even the freedom to insult those who paid the supreme sacrifice.  "That's the freedom those people laid down their lives for, and I think the very least those people and their relatives could expect is that people would remember that with dignity."

Celtic said in a statement: "The actions of this small minority have no place at Celtic Park.  "We are currently investigating the matter and, clearly, we apologize for any offence caused."

SPORTS

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Guinness autumn ruGby series 2010

Springboks end Losing streak in Dublin

The Springboks ended a string of three defeats in Dublin in a row on Saturday with a hard-fought 23-21 victory over Ireland in wet conditions at the new Aviva Stadium..  The foundation for the win was laid by the forward pack which excelled in the set pieces. The Bulls' Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha dominated the lineouts, while the Sharks' Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai "the Beast" Mtawarira got the better of their counterparts in the Irish front row.  The loose trio played well in the rain and flank Deon Stegmann made a solid debut in the fetcher's role.  'We controlled the set phases'

Interviewed after the game, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said: "We controlled the set phases and that made it very difficult for Ireland. "We missed a few opportunities, but we didn't play badly and the win was a tribute to the way the team adapted to the conditions."  Captain Matfield, who was named man of the match, commented: "The conditions dictated the way we had to play. It wasn't a day made for the new law interpretations. It was the kind of day to keep the ball close."  There had been concerns about some back line selections before the game, but they produced a solid performance in defense against an Irish back line that plays together a lot, with most of the players turning out for Leinster.

 AVIVA STADIUM OPENS TO FIRST INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH

In August 2010, the opening of the new Aviva Stadium was marked by a historic rugby match between two composite provincial teams pitting a Leinster/Ulster team against a Munster/Connacht selection.  Leinster and Ulster were the first representative teams to play in the old Lansdowne Road nearly 133 years ago on 16 December 1876. Both provinces were also on hand to play the final game, "The Last Stand" in the stadium on New Years Eve 2006, when Leinster beat Ulster 20-12 in the Magners League.  While they were rivals on both of these occasions, they joined  forces as a Leinster/Ulster selection played a Munster/Connacht team for the first ever game in the Aviva Stadium. The game formed part of the provincial preseason calendar and presented Irish rugby stakeholders with the opportunity to be the first to witness rugby returning home to the iconic Aviva Stadium.

The Aviva Stadium is now playing host to some of the top teams in world rugby during the November Guinness Series and Saturday, 6th November 2010 marked the opening of the first international match ever to be played at Aviva Stadium. Ireland played the first international match against the World Champions South Africa and are pited to play three more internationals games against Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina.  Commenting prior to the match, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said, "Coming on the back of the announcement that World Champions South Africa will be the first international opposition to play here, this promises to be a great occasion to open the Aviva Stadium to the Irish Rugby public. It was felt that a combined provinces fixture would be the most appropriate way to do this providing a look back into the history of the game while also creating a new chapter for Irish Rugby."

WIDER HORIZONS PROGRAM

If you are interested in becoming a Host Family for the Wider Horizons Program in 2010, please contact Robert Tierney at  rtierney@iiofpitt.org or phone (412) 394-3900.

                                events

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Our Mission:

Help the Institute:

November 20-21st

The Heinz History Center presents the Heritage Holidays at the History Center.  Information Natalie DeRiso, 412-454-6359.  There will be live performances, ethnic foods, holiday decorations, crafts, heritage history information and items to sell and buy.

November 21st

The Gaelic Arts Society will sponsor a Memorial Mass at St. Paul's Cathedral, Oakland, 10:00AM.  Information James Butler 412-856-6806. Afterwards a Video Review of "Mise Éire - I am Ireland" at Panera's Restaurant in Oakland. 

November 26th and 27th

Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in the Strip, 412-642-6622 features Corn Beef & Curry on the 26th and Celtic Rock with Red Hand Paddy on the 27th at 9:00pm

December 2nd

LAOH Division 4 is proud to announce "A Classic Irish Christmas" featuring Andy Cooney on Thursday, December 2, 2010.  See below for more details.

 December 4th

Pittsburgh Ceili Club at www.pittsburghceiliclub.org/ is sponsoring their monthly Ceili at the VFW in Morningside on Morningside Ave., Christmas Ceili at 8:00PM.

December 10th

The Gaelic Arts Society presents their 2010 Christmas Party. Details TBA.

December 13th

The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh holds their "Irish Castle Draw" tonight at Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Avenue in the Strip.  Tickets for sale at the Ireland Institute 412-394-3900.  Take a chance on a great holiday!

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 Irish Rowing Club (PIRC)  http://www.pittsburghirishrowingclub.com/  

    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

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

A CLASSIC IRISH CHRISTMAS

LAOH Division 4 is proud to announce "A Classic Irish Christmas" featuring Andy Cooney on Thursday, December 2, 2010. Show 7:30pm. Doors open 6:00pm at the West View Fireman's Banquet Hall.  Advance tickets are $25.00 per person ages 11 and above and $10.00 for kids 10 and under.  Tickets at the door will be $30.00 and $10.00 kids 10 and under.  This is a fundraiser for our division.

For tickets and more information please contact Sue Donnelly at 412-734-9595 or email to laohdiv4nh@yahoo.com   Tickets should be purchased in advance.   Checks should be made out to LAOH Divsion 4.

For more information on Andy Cooney please visit his website at www.andycooney.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.