A Story From This Month’s Issue: Thinking About …
At Last, at last, the summer green season is upon us. Cleveland’s 30th Annual, Dayton’s 11th and Dublin’s 25th festivals are back-to-back-to-back weekends, starting July 20th. Congrats to all the fests.
Last month I wrote about the Irish Army, the big picture view and bond that festival organizers across the country share, in helping each other, sharing best practices, and knowing promotion of the Irish culture and all is has to offer is the primary mission we all share. In more than just words and theory, fest organizers gather, inspire, and raise the bar for festival organizers, providing tools and practical knowledge on how to get it done. In June, I saw the other side, local folks whose view cannot extend beyond their own borders. It was remarkable to be exposed to it for the first time – how sad.
Besides the festivals, July is the full bloom of summer. I love all the gatherings; a rose by any other name is just as sweet, whether in Cleveland, Dayton or Dublin, whether festifying with friends, or vacationing with family. When we die, our children probably won’t remember our presents, but they will surely remember our presence. Make the time, make the effort, make the memories.
There is deep discussion in Dublin, Ireland, about the 2016 commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Ireland has come a long way, and to many, is now unrecognizable from the both the land, and the events of 1916.Yet, it wades knee deep in ghosts. See Dublin’s Niamh O’Sulivan’s story on the commemoration, and the controversy.
Castles, round-abouts and round towers are images of Ireland that come readily to mind. Our resident Historian, J. Michael Finn, writes about the Williamite War and the towers and their history in Illuminations – it is, well, illuminating ~ see for yourself inside.
You can’t beat fresh blackberries, but Rachel Gaffney offers a recipe in Real Ireland that comes close. Cleveland area Gaelic football schedule, book reviews, a July follow up to the Festival Focus issue, Linda Fulton Burke’s crossword puzzle on Festival Songs, our reader favorite Out & About Ohio events, the Olympics and more are found inside. We hope you enjoy the issue.
Next month the election season kicks off – please question and learn about your candidates, and VOTE! Hope to see you Out & About at a festival near you. Please say hello, we’d love to meet you.
Slàn,
John