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Dublin Bombed in WWII
by Joan Kapp Kreuser
On May 31, 1941, the unthinkable happened. The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) dropped bombs on neutral Dublin, Ireland, killing 34 persons. Ireland had declared themselves a neutral country at the start of WWII.
Belfast in NI had been bombed prior to May, but Belfast was a part of the United Kingdom and an enemy of Germany. There were a few minor bombings prior to the large raid on Dublin . . . there were bombs dropped in Co. Wexford in 1940, killing three persons for which the German government paid £9,000 compensation in 1943; minor bombings in Co. Monaghan, Co. Dublin, Co. Meath, Co. Wicklow, and Co. Carlow, where three people were also killed.
Shortly after midnight on Friday, May 31, the sound of planes and bombing in the distance was heard. At or around 1:30 a.m., bombs started to fall on Dublin, hitting in the areas of North Richmond Street, Phoenix Park, Rutland Place, the Zoo, and the North Strand, killing 34 individuals, injuring another 90, and destroying over 300 homes. Because Ireland was a neutral country, the government (many years later) of then-West Germany took responsibility for the bombings and in 1958 paid £327,000 compensation. East Germany and Austria, who were both part of Germany in 1941, did not contribute.
How did such a thing happen? Many reasons have been put forward over the years. A navigational error seems the most logical. But was it? Ireland was quick to send assistance to Belfast after they were bombed. Taoiseach Éamon de Valera protested that bombing with his, “they are our people” speech to the German government. Germany was, no doubt, angered by the quickness of Ireland’s assistance to Belfast. Could the bombing of Dublin be meant to keep them in their place? Also Ireland was selling cattle to Great Britain . . . this from a neutral country.
Winston Churchill offered the explanation after the war that England was able to interfere with German radio signals and that by error they inadvertently aimed bombers to Dublin. Because of technology in 1941, this explanation is rather suspect. Perhaps Great Britain could jumble radio signals, but whether they had the ability to change signals to the point that the enemy would end up in another county is quite suspect.
In retrospect (where vision is always clearer), Ireland’s neutrality in WWII was not a good thing. The hatred of some for all things English impacted which side some chose to support in WWII. Officially supporting neither side, Ireland stayed neutral. The reports of Nazi horrors in concentration camps when first released were censored in Ireland. Some of the Irish who chose to volunteer for Britain’s army were cold-shouldered by their countrymen after the war. Estimates of the number of Irish fighting with England are provided by historian Yvonne McEwen, University of Edinburgh, who estimates that 100,000 served with that number divided almost equally between NI and Ireland, with a further estimate that 3,900 serving from NI and 3,600 serving from Ireland died.
Taoiseach de Valera signed the book of condolences for Adolf Hitler after his death on May 2, 1945, at the German Embassy in Ireland.
Report from the Dáil Éireann –
05 June, 1941 The Dublin Bombing.
An Ceann Comhairle (Frank Fahy): “The Taoiseach desires, by leave of the House, to make a brief statement.”
The Taoiseach (Eamon de Valera): “Members of the Dáil desire to be directly associated with the expression of sympathy already tendered by the Government on behalf of the nation to the great number of our citizens who have been so cruelly bereaved by the recent bombing. Although a complete survey has not yet been possible, the latest report which I have received is that 27 persons were killed outright or subsequently died; 45 were wounded or received other serious bodily injury and are still in hospital; 25 houses were completely destroyed and 300 so damaged as to be unfit for habitation, leaving many hundreds of our people homeless. It has been for all our citizens an occasion of profound sorrow in which the members of this House have fully shared.”
(Members rose in their places.)
“The Dáil will also desire to be associated with the expression of sincere thanks which has gone out from the Government and from our whole community to the several voluntary organisations the devoted exertions of whose members helped to confine the extent of the disaster and have mitigated the sufferings of those affected by it. As I have already informed the public, a protest has been made to the German Government. The Dáil will not expect me, at the moment, to say more on this head.”
(Joan Kapp Kreuser was the longtime editor of the Shamrock Club of Green Bay – Northeast Wisconsin’s newsletter. She stepped down from that role in late 2011.)
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Milwaukee
President’s Message
Happy New Year. How are those resolutions coming? How about resolving to be more active this year. And resolving to pass a membership application to a family member, friend or neighbor.
A few additional notes about some of the Club’s past activities;
I hope you were able to attend this years Holiday Folk Fair and sample the fine food that Mary Culver and her staff prepared, stopped by retail and bought that special holiday gift and viewed our Award Winning cultural booth as envisioned by Pam Canon.
Our Christmas party had one of the largest crowds and varied array of food in recent memory. Thanks to all who brought a dish to pass. Beautiful decorations, great entertainment by Dave Culver and the Blood Street Blues Band and not one but two Santa and Mrs. Claus’. Thank you Gene / Victoria McKiernan and Dawn / Pete Fleming for spreading double the holiday cheer.
The Holiday Food Drive, held in conjunction with the Glencastle Irish Dancers, was able to provide numerous baskets of food and a number of food gift cards to those members of our community who were truly in need during these uncertain times. Thanks to those who donated food or money (over $100 given), to Bridget Jaskulski and her students and their families who made this year’s drive a success.
The Shamrock Club has volunteered to assist the ICHC at their Feis on Sunday, January 22 at the Waukesha Expo Center. If you can help please see or contact Mary Culver, [redheadgardner@hotmail.com] .
St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching... So that means that ...nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Class of Honorees. Nominations must be in writing (e-mails okay) to any board member before the board meeting of January 26th and nominees must be current members in good standing.
This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, March 10 in partnership with the Westown Association. Denis Donohoe is stepping in as Parade Production Manager and Mike Boyle and his daughters Erin and Meghan return as Parade Directors.
Sandy and Kevin Quinlan will again be chairing this year’s Scholarship Raffle. Keep on eye out for your ticket packet.
See you at the next meeting
– Josh Walton, President joshwalton1@yahoo.com
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Five Clues
We had two winners in the Five Clues for December. The answer was Maeve Binchy, and the co-winners were Jean Bills and Pam Canon. Their e-mails arrived at the same time. Great minds e-mail alike. In second place is Luanne (Sheahan) Krohn of South Central Shamrock Club with a correct but later arriving answer.
Here is the Five Clues Question for January
1. I was born in Dublin, and lived on Russell Street.
2. My uncle and brother both wrote songs that were well known.
3. I joined the IRA at 16, and was sentenced to prison for attempted murder of two Dublin policemen, and released at age 23.
4. I became a playwright, and my work was perormed around the world.
5. My death came at the early age of 41, brought on by alcoholism and diabetes.
If you know who this person is, e-mail us at [info@shamrockclubwis.com]. Address your answers to Five Clues.
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Irish Word Of the Month
Coisich - Walking - (CAW-shich)
Irish phrase: Tha mi a’ coisich dhan tràigh. (Ha mi uh CAW-shich ghahn try.)
English translation: I am walking to the beach.
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Nash’s Irish Castle
2nd Annual Reunion
January 14
The second and long overdue “Nash Reunion”, named after Kit and Jose Nash, is on! Set your calendars for Saturday, January 14 from 6 p.m. to closing time at Jamie O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, 13525 Watertown Plank Rd. in Elm Grove. Donations will be given to Hope House Shelter. There will be music and more.
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Celtic Women First Fridays
Mission goats
Our wonderful Celtic Woman, Jeanne McCue, will be our speaker in January; she is the humanitarian who yearly travels to Bosnia bearing life-saving gifts of medicine, quilts, school supplies, money and especially goats! The goats provide families with milk, cheese and income. To date, 700 goats have been donated.
Jeanne first brought humanitarian aid to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, at the start of the Balkan War. Post-war poverty prevails in a country where most aid organizations have left but the poor continue to struggle to meet basic needs.
Jeanne is known as “The Angel of Bosnia” and we are so fortunate to have her in our lives. Please join us so that we may hear Jeanne tell us more about her trips and the fantastic help she brings to those people. [www.bosniarelief.org]
DATE: January 6, 2012
TOPIC: “My Other Life in Bosnia”
SPEAKER: Jeanne McCue
Jeanne McCue is a registered nurse from Milwaukee. She works full time at Froedtert Hospital as a clinical facilitator. In 1989, her only son died. She went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The following year the Balkan war broke out and since 1991 she has been making humanitarian missions to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In the last 20 years she has brought medical and refugee supplies to hospitals, clinics, refugee camps and orphanages. She funds the Missions, pays her own expenses and uses her vacation time from the hospital for her trips. Jeanne was the very first Irish Rose of the Shamrock Club and has been honored many times for her humanitarian efforts.
All lectures are held from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Greene Hall, 3347 N. Downer Ave. on the UWM campus. Plenty of meter street parking at the door with a wheel chair access ramp. 2011-2012 is our 15th year of lectures without interruption. The public is invited as always. We offer tea and home-made snacks and promise a delightful couple of hours. $7 admission.
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Color Guard News & Notes
Well, we are already into January. I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas sweaters, and all the good cheer of having family together.
It is hard to believe we are into a new year, and a new set of tunes for the March season. As practice heats up, we are getting back into the saddle, so to speak. I can’t wait to hear our sound in the coming months.
We say goodbye to Super Dave Culver. He is heading off to the Wild Blue Yonder of the Air Force. I am sorry I missed his trio’s performance at the Christmas party. We will miss his playing in the Color Guard. We will just miss his Super Daveness.
Also, a belated congratulations to our Color Guard members, past and present, Malkin Wallace and Patsy Grimes, who were shown off at the Honoree Dinner. (Not that Bob Towne doesn’t deserve honoring. He definitely does!)
As I write this, I am packing for a week in Las Vegas. It is for work, but I am not complaining if they want to send me to to a warm destination for a week in mid winter. The sacrifices we make in life.
Until February.
– Noel Tylla, 9th Year piper
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Glenn’s Corner Cupboard
The Shamrock Club dinners before meetings continue. Here are the next few month’s menu ideas:
January – Your favorite hors d’oeuvres.
February – Chili Cookoff. Please supply all of the items your chili needs, sour cream, cheese, onion, corn bread, etc. Bring chili ready to serve, or plan to get there early enough to get it hot. We will supply bowls and spoons. E-mail or call Glenn to let him know you will be making a chili so we have an idea how much space to set up for serving. [ganowak@wi.rr.com] or (414) 466-8060. If you don’t want to make a chili bring a dessert to share.
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Hallamor Concert
Liz Carroll and
Cormac McCarthy
February 11, 2012
The ICHC is proud to welcome Liz Carroll back to the Hallamór. This Chicago native astounded the Irish music world when she won the Senior All-Ireland Championship at age 18 and she has been amazing audiences across the globe ever since touring as a solo artist and with top bands including Green Fields of America. Liz has received numerous accolades including a 2010 Grammy Award nomination, along with guitarist John Doyle, for their album Double Play. In April, Liz was awarded the Cumadóir TG4 and became the first American-born composer to receive the traditional music prize from Ireland’s Irish music television station.
Accompanying Liz is Cork-born composer and pianist Cormac McCarthy who began studying both traditional and classical music at an early age. He has earned degrees in piano performance and composition and is a graduate student in jazz studies at DePaul University in Chicago.
“Is she the best fiddler in the world? Many would say, ‘Yes!’ and receive little argument here or elsewhere.” — The Irish American News
Tickets are $19 presale, $21 day of the concert and $15 for students. For more information, please call (414) 332-8521.
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Milwaukee January
Membership News
A happy New Year to all and hopefully a great holiday season has been enjoyed by all. As we look forward to the new year of Club activities and events, keep in mind to never miss an opportunity to recruit new members for the club.
Please welcome our new members in December; Nicole Haase, Tori Hubertz, and Sandy Schwab.
For December, we had 33 membership renewals and seven membership drops from no-renewals in the Milwaukee chapter. As of December 1, the Milwaukee Chapter has 334 Memberships with 147 Families, 168 single, and 19 complimentary (libraries, businesses, etc.) memberships. Statewide our Membership totals 440 Memberships where the others receive a copy of our Emerald Reflections newsletter.
Please be sure to have your memberships renewals in before January 31 for those who’s expire on or before 1/31/2012. Also, check out the new Club apparel we have for sale.
See you at the next meeting.
– Denis Donohoe, Membership Chair
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Donn’s
Poetry Corner
IRISH OASIS
I braked the rental car
My spirits were low.
Outside it said MOLLOY’S
That’s all it said.
Inside the pub seemed dark
Like the foaming stout
Sending forth a familiar aroma.
A few locals leaned
Against the varnished bar,
Rugby on the tele,
In the corner a fiddler playing,
An accordion waiting its turn,
A flight of darts against the wall,
Snug corner table with
Two young ‘uns kissing.
I didn’t know a soul
But the aura was right.
Soon, turned heads,
A handshake, slap on the back,
A bit of laughter and blarney,
A few pints: Slainte!
I was no longer a stranger.
My spirits soared
Like the gulls
Over the breaking waves
With the welcome wind at my back.
– Grace Goodwin
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Folk Fair
People’s Choice Award
Shamrock Club’s Cultural Cottage at Holiday Folk Fair.
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Ceili Dances
Join us at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., for family Irish dancing at its best! Beginners and all ages welcome. Instruction begins at 7:30 p.m. and continues all evening. Music and dancing begin at 8 p.m.
The dances are called, and direction is given, by two of the Midwest’s best ceili instructors, Gail McElroy on Fridays and Julie Clark on Saturdays.
January – March 2012
• Fri., February 3 – Myserk
• Sat., February 18 – Ceol Cairde
• Fri., March 2 – RíRá
• Sat., March 17 – Cream City Ceili
Entrance is $8 Adults, and $5 for Students, Seniors, and Children. All proceeds benefit the work of the ICHC.
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Irish Band Bua
In ICHC Parlour
Saturday, Feb. 4
Four of America’s most talented young traditional Irish musicians will perform in the warm and intimate Parlour of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Based in Chicago and taking their name from the Irish word for victory, their music is strongly influenced by the Bothy Band and Planxty, both seminal Irish groups of the 1970s. They have performed at many of the most prestigious Irish festivals in North America including Milwaukee Irish Fest, Boston’s Irish Connections Festival, the Dublin Irish Festival, and the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, among many others. Individually, they have shared the stage with a who’s who of the top Irish musicians.
Brian Ó hAirt’s evocative singing, often in Irish Gaelic, is central to Bua’s unique sound. He plays concertina and also adds sean-nós dance to performances. Sean Gavin is Bua’s instrumental “heart” with an ornate, driving style on flute and uilleann pipes while Devin Shepherd is known for a sophisticated and exciting fiddle style. Guitarist Brian Miller provides instrumentals on guitar and Greek bouzouki as well as backing vocals.
“Bua draws from the rough-and-tumble world of American Irish music. Tunes played in smoky dancehalls rather than fancy concert halls… a world largely forgotten in today’s overly polished Irish music world… where the high-gloss of mega-tours… have largely blinded the public to the power of Irish trad.” – No Depression
General admission tickets are $12 and are available at the door. For more information, go to [www.ichc.net] or call (414) 332-8521.
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David Francey
At Irish Fest Center Feb. 11
Canadian singer-songwriter David Francey will deliver the news in an eloquent, engaging, witty, no frills, and sometimes provocative format when he showcases his ninth album, Late Edition, during a concert at the Irish Fest Center, 1532 Wauwatosa Ave., at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Recorded live in Nashville, Tenn., and produced by music legend Kieran Kane (who also provides back-up vocals and instrumentals), the 12 original songs exemplify Francey’s pared down yet beautiful words and down-to-earth style. The collection includes deeply personal “news” such as the sweet ballad “Grateful,” which is dedicated to his wife.
The album’s title is also a nod to Francey’s days as a newspaper delivery boy in Ayershire, Scotland, before he emigrated to Canada with his parents when he was 12. After winning his first JUNO (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) in 2002, Francey left a 20-year career swinging a hammer as a carpenter on construction sites to concentrate on being a performing artist.
Along with a third JUNO in 2008, Francey has won numerous prestigious awards including the 2010 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Advance tickets are $15 and $18 at the door. For tickets and more information, call (414) 332-8521 or e-mail [kathy@turkeyhollow.com].
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La Crosse Shamrock Club
Shawn and Stephanie Hicks, La Crosse Shamrock Club Irishman and Irish Rose 2012.
We want to congratulate our 2012 Irishman and Irish Rose – Shawn and Stephanie Hicks. They were chosen at our December Christmas meeting. This couple is very deserving, and are long time volunteers with the club.
Our next meeting is January 18 at the View, 3020 State Hwy 16 in La Crosse at 7 p.m.
Our March events include St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Dance on March 10 at The View; St. Patrick’s Day Visiting Nursing Homes and Schools on March 16; and on March 17, our St Patrick’s Parade in downtown La Crosse. The after party location will be announced soon.
Shamrock Club Ireland Tour
For an unforgettable adventure join the Shamrock Club on: An Irish Pub and Folk Tour from May 8 to 17, 2012. Land and air price: $2735 per person (based on double occupancy) with single room supplement of $446. Air from Chicago. Air departure tax and surcharges, subject to change until ticketed.
Itinerary subject to minor changes until 2012 brochure printing. Group transfers from La Crosse to Chicago, roundtrip. Sightseeing by luxury coach. Professional tour director. Eight nights in hotels listed. Full breakfast daily except on day 1 (B). Five dinners (D) including: - Food, Folk and Fairies dinner/show at the Brazen Head Pub – four table d’hote dinners. Lunch at Bridge Bar on Ring of Kerry (L). Welcome get-together drink. Tour of Dublin with a local guide. Tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse. Sheepdog trials on Ring of Kerry. Ferry ride across the River Shannon. Day tour to Achill Island. Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit and drink at Old Jameson Distillery. Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap. All local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.
Visits and admissions to: Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, House of Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Westport House, Strokestown House and Famine Museum.
This tour is subject to CIE Tours’ booking guidelines and cancellation penalties. Refer to General Conditions on website [cietours.com] or back cover of current brochure.
For more information Contact: Gwen Brennan, Brennan Travel Services, 32 Crescent Avenue La Crescent, MN 55947 Tel: (507) 895-3355 E-Mail: [brennantravelmn@gmail.com].
Mise Meas,
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January Feiseanna
January will feature two feiseanna, the Cashel Denney Winterfeis, on January 21, and the ICHC Feis, on January 22. Both will take place at Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha.
For more information, contact Maura Heck at [casheldennehy@gmail.com].
Also, the ICHC Feis can use volunteers. Contact Mary Culver, [redheadgardner@ hotmail.com] if you can contribute a few hours of help for the feis. The feis opens at 7:30 a.m. on January 22, and runs to 4 p.m.
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Nominations For Irish Honorees
Nominations for the 2012 Irish Rose, Irishman of the Year, and Parade Marshal, must be received by 6 p.m. January 26, before the start of the Shamrock Club Board Meeting.
Nominations must be in writing, or e-mailed, and be made by members in good standing. Nominations can be mailed to Shamrock Club, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233, or e-mailed to Josh Walton at [joshwalton1@yahoo].
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Members’ Doings
Abdullah Elsayed recently spent a week in Jamaica. Bob Burke is back to being the world traveler, spending December in India.
David Brust recently came in 3rd in the Holiday Folk Fair Around the World in 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, November 20 in the 70-75 bracket. Son Chris Brust came in 3rd in the 30-40 bracket.
Erin and Andy Rinderle are expecting their first baby in April.
If you have done anything you want us to know about, send it to [Membersdoings @shamrockclubwis.com].
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Sunshine Club
Both Karen Donohoe and Mary Crivello Witt had surgery recently. Please keep them in your thoughts.
If you have any news for the Sunshine Club, please call me at (414) 344-0688 or send e-mail to: [slainte4142 z-shamrock@yahoo.com].
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