'You look like the wreck of the Hesperus' was a much-used phrase in our house in Loughrea, 20 miles from the sea at Galway Bay. Boys, well you know boys, they never comb their hair, never wash their hands, wear the same clothes forever. . . . You know the type, and obstinately oblivious of their appearance. In Ireland,…

The genealogy and history of the Presbyterian Church has always been intertwined in Virginia history. Beginning in the 18th century, protestant dissenters were seen unfavorably by the Established Church of England. Presbyterians, Quakers, and Puritans because of their religious beliefs were penalized by the British government socially, politically, and in matters of religion. The Presbyterians, especially, had a traumatic…

If it’s January, then it’s time for warming casseroles that are both flavorful and easy to prepare. This dish gets a double dose of apple flavor from both tart Granny Smith apples and smooth Magners Irish Cider, produced in Ireland since 1935 from 17 varieties of apples. The sage adds a savory touch, a nice complement…

During the past year I had the privilege and honour to be commissioned to write a new orchestral suite for 1916 by Roscommon County Council. The suite, called IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN, is of eight movements

1. IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN,

2. Raising The Flag, 

3.…

SATHAIRN THROUGH MÁIRT -- From December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, Irish-born Confederate Gen. Patrick Cleburne commanded a division at…

Most people today will tell you, if you ask, that there are four provinces in Ireland, namely, Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught. What many people are not aware of is the fact that in the distant past, there were actually five provinces, the fifth one being the province called Royal Mide.

At the…

After all the Christmas cooking — and the Christmas eating — it’s not easy to think about a recipe for the week between two major holidays. But unless you’re planning to start your diet this week, you will still need a few more meals before New Year’s Day, and this one is not only quick and easy but it’s a good way to…

Where would we who must keep current on things Irish be without The Wild Geese?  Gerry and Joe, founding fathers, have given to us all the gifts of Irish history, Irish culture, and Irish contemporary life.  They invite us to go to Ireland, to listen to…

DOMHNAIGH -- On Dec. 25, 1808, Stephen Clegg Rowan who would serve in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and later be promoted to admiral, was born in Dublin. Rowan immigrated to…

Waterford Institute of Tecnology

Feb. 1-28

I am very proud that my great-grandparents will be featured.…

This year’s shortest day of the year is on Wednesday, December 21, which will also mark the longest night of the year. Every year, the winter solstice marks the turn of the calendar as autumn ends and the winter begins. From an astronomical standpoint, the winter solstice means that the two opposite points in the…

For music historians, the names Bing Crosby and Burl Ives conjure up many different thoughts, yet they had some things in common. They were born six years apart in the 1900s, and both came from very modest backgrounds. Both of them were mostly known as chart- topping music stars, but both also received…

From traditional to trendy, mulled wine to mimosas, ‘tis the season for all things hot, cold, and boozy. Merry Christmas to all!

BOGO: It’s not too late to buy a signed copy of my Christmas Flavors of Ireland cookbook and receive a complimentary copy of Favorite Flavors of Ireland. Order at…

LUAIN -- On December 19, 1877, Land League organizer Michael Davitt was released from Dartmoor Prison. Davitt, revolutionary and agrarian agitator, was born in Straide, County Mayo. Davitt's family was evicted from their small farm when he was just a boy. After they emigrated to England, Davitt lost his right arm at…

'Christmas is coming; the goose is getting fat.

Please put a penny in the old mans’ hat.

If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will…

Mincemeat, a mixture of chopped dried fruits, spices, and spirits, is one of Ireland’s most popular Christmas foods. It was developed more than 500 years ago in England as a way of preserving meat without salting or smoking. Some early recipes for mincemeat used suet, veal or mutton, and gradually cooks added…

The following story tells of a seminal event that took place in Ireland during the latter half of the first century A.D., and which set in motion a chain of events that would influence and forever change the political and economic landscapes of Ireland, Britain and Scotland. The event involved three kings, who together with…

MÁIRT -- On Dec. 13, 1862, the Irish Brigade of the Army of the Potomac suffered horrendous casualties as they assaulted massed Confederates firing from within a sunken road beneath Marye's Heights during the…

By John Yacobian

Special to TheWildGeese.com

John Yacobian, producer for Grace Pictures' documentary, "An Unreliable Witness," offered tips on travel to Ireland's spectacular north country—Derry, Donegal, and Antrim for us back in 2004.

(Right: The author at Donegal's Horn…

Dear John, 

You were a rebel from the beginning and could not have been any other way. You got your survival instincts from your grandparents, who were from County Down, Ireland.

After you were born, during the Second World War in Liverpool England, you lived with your Mother, Julia.…