A Yank Survives Ireland

A Pint of Guinness in the United States? A SIN Against All Those Who Drink Real Guinness Dear all ye who read this. First, a very Happy Saint Patrick's Day. In only two days as I write this on 15 March, 2025, it will be time to 'Drown the Shamrock' by taking a Pint of Fine Irish Black in both hands and sipping slowly on it.  Second, a big shout out to a very fine man,   CLIFF, the editor of the Irish American News based near Chicago, Illinois, USA. You can find their website here:   https://www.irishamericannews.com/ . This great online and physical newspaper gives our local Diaspora the very latest news from Ireland and all of those organizations having Irish connections - and their are many full-blooded Irish People in the Chicago area, and I'm one of them at least for now! But back to the above headline. I've had the wonderful opportunity to travel to many places in this big huge world of ours: Ireland of course (and I've driven all over the country, to all c...

  If You Were Born in the United States and Have Close Irish Ancestry, Here’s How YOU Can Become an Irish Citizen … some actions you can take NOW!   By Tom Richards I should start by explaining that I was born in Chicago and am therefore an American Citizen. Up until I met an Irish woman when on vacation in the UK and County Louth, Ireland, I had no plans to become a citizen of Ireland. When I married that wonderful woman who was born in County Meath, I soon learned that I was legally entitled to that incredible opportunity. The process back in 1982 was simple. Having moved to Navan, County Meath permanently,   I was ordered to report to the local Irish Police Station (the Garda Siochana) once a month to sign a document stating that I was still married to her, continued to live in the area with her and our children, and was gainfully employed. I received my Irish Citizenship in 1997 – a process that has allowed me to live there for over 43 years. Since then, I conti...

  In America, Why is Grief a Journey of Isolation? … four ways to help you cope with loss and how friends and family can help By Tom Richards                  Just over three years ago Joanna (not her real name), a friend of mine then working for a company in Chicago, learned that her thirty-year-old daughter, her only child, had committed suicide. Consumed with grief, she was given one week off by management. Joanna knew it would take much more time to even start coping with the grief she felt. When she came back to work, she tried to carry out assigned tasks but failed. Two weeks later, completely dissatisfied with her performance, management fired her. She was found by work colleagues crying inconsolably in a restroom, not about the loss of her job but about her daughter’s death. Embarrassed by her grief and feeling that they couldn’t help, her friends left the room. Unfortunately, Joanna is not...

  What Memories! A Trip to Lisdoonvarna (County Clare), the Burren and the Dolmen Standing Stone Last September 2023, I had the sudden temptation to up sticks, leave Eyeries and journey to County Clare. While I'd been there before with my family, I had never had the chance to stay in Lisdoonvarna or take a side trip to the Burren with its amazing Ancient Dolmen Standing Stone.  If you've never been to County Clare, you're in for a real Treat! When I was there, the weather was beautiful. It being the week of the local Dance Festival, people were dancing in the Streets to Irish Country Music, which is rather like US Country Music but with an Irish Twang, not a southern one. I met some amazing people who welcomed me with open arms. I stayed in a local hotel and a Bed and Breakfast (which wasn't too far from Town), and had amazing meals in both places (The BnB, Knockaguilla, was outstanding. I stayed for 3 nights. Breakfast was, of course, included but it was 'help your...

  JOIN DEE AND CARL IN AN IRISH TRIP OF A LIFETIME!  (For more information go to www.ancientspritualtours.com and... for an extensive discussion with Dee about how to book and what you'll do on this Spiritual tour 2024, email her: info@ancieentspiritualtours.com .  Now, see our Press Release Below! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRELAND BASED TRAVEL COMPANY, ANCIENT SPIRITUAL TOURS , OFFERS MAGICAL TRIP OF A LIFETIME: The Eíre Equinox Experience for 2024 Tours to Ireland from the United States have increased significantly, reports major news organizations in Ireland. But many US tourists want something very different. Due to the popularity of Irish Ancient Spirituality and Healing among North Americans, Ancient Spiritual Tours have launched an innovative Tour on the West and Southwest of Ireland for 2024. In a recent interview, Dee O’Connor, co-owner of the company and Tour Guide, with her partner Carl Ashely, stated:          ...

  I'm told that for partners of those with Alzheimer's, Dementia or similar illnesses, their partners can view this somewhat like a death of their wife or loved one. And in many ways it is. With Carm gone from our home, there's no one to share anything with: a meal, a drink, a dance, the chores, our bed, holidays and especially Christmas. Like a death, accepting a loved one with Alzheimer's can take literally years. Yes, Carm's alive and healthy (except for her memory), but in many ways she's no longer there. Those who have lived with Alzheimer's know what I mean because you've all experienced the grief of this devastating illness. To learn to TRY to accept Carm's absence I've been told to do many things: keep busy, focus on the positives, laugh, be with friends, dance and have dinner with people, experience new places and new things, pray to God daily for her and me, be kind to myself, learn to trust myself again, be kind to other people because...