In the early days of the American Revolution, a number of battles took place in New England eventually causing the British to flee their Boston stronghold. The flight took place on March 17, 1776. George Washington was commander in chief of the colonial forces. His password for the day was `Saint Patrick.'
I stumbled on that fact a number of years ago, and it has never ceased … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Patriotic Potatoes
are Perfect for Summer
Archives for August 2003
Sláinte! Patriotic Potatoes
The Magdalene Sisters
A disturbing movie by Peter Mullan on what happened to the "wayward" women of Ireland. Peter Mullan's The Magdalene Sisters opens ironically with a wedding scene. But it is not a happy occasion. Margaret is lured by her cousin Kevin to an upstairs room where he rapes her. Kevin is chastised, but it is Margaret who has "shamed" her family and is carted off the next morning by … [Read more...] about The Magdalene Sisters
An Irish Soldier
1861: Luke Masterson, 4th Cavalry Mounted Volunteers. My great-grandfather Luke Masterson immigrated to the U.S. from County Cavan, Ireland. In 1861, he enlisted in the 4th Cavalry Mounted Volunteers of New York. As a member of this group, he fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. His brother, Patrick, was a member of the 4th Infantry of New York. Patrick died in combat due to … [Read more...] about An Irish Soldier