DOMHNAIGH -- On Sept. 27, 1847, Civil War veteran and middleweight champion 'Professor' Mike Donovan was born in Chicago to Irish-born parents. The first of many memorable events in Donovan's life came when he fought for the Union Army, serving in Sherman's army in its march through Georgia. After the war, Mike began a boxing career that would associate him with some of the best-known people of…

His fists earned him a world featherweight boxing title, but his songs and geniality won him his city’s hearts. Nicknamed the singing Irishman, Rinty Monaghan, even decades after he left the ring, remains a beloved Belfast icon. In a town full of fascinating characters, Monaghan has proven to be one of…

LUAIN -- On September 24, 1798, United Irishman Bartholomew Teeling was executed in Dublin. Teeling was the son of wealthy linen merchant in Lisburn, County Antrim. His father was involved in both the Defender and United Irish movement and Bartholomew and his brother joined him in the…

Here is a fundraiser looking for a home.  Hopes to be a winning horse someday! https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/train-an-irish-racehorse-to-be-our-champion-racing#/ The horse in my picture is not photoshopped, but is digitally enhanced.  Actual picture of a horse…

DOMHNAIGH -- On Sept. 25, 1917, republican leader Thomas Ashe died on hunger strike. Trained as a teacher, Ashe was the principal of the Corduff National School, in Lusk, County Dublin, from 1908-16. A member of the Gaelic League and the Irish Volunteers, Ashe raised funds for the cause in American…

Okay, it’s not the Super Bowl, but for fans of Ireland, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic pitting Boston College against Georgia Tech in Dublin on Saturday was nothing short of “super!” Regrettably, I didn't attend the big game at Aviva Stadium, won by Georgia Tech 17-14, but I’m delighted to count myself among…

There once was a time when Irish giants roamed the earth, their feats of strength and courage becoming legendary. However, these were not the mythical Cuchulain, or Finn McCool; they were real men who pushed the boundary of what was thought to be humanly possible. They were known as “the Irish Whales” for their size and strength and they dominated the strength events of the Olympics for the first part of the 20th century.…

During the Great Hunger in Ireland the Ottoman Empire sent £1,000 sterling (about $1,500,000 today) and three shiploads of food to Drogheda, Ireland.

The Ottoman ruler at that time -- Sultan Khaleefah Abdul-Majid – wanted to send £10,000 sterling to Irish farmers but Queen Victoria requested…

So you think you know Rudy?

You know he went to Notre Dame, and through sheer perseverance he won a spot on the football squad. Because everyone admired his grit so much, he got to suit up for the last game of his senior year, and he was put in the game for the last two plays. On the last play of the game, he broke through the line and sacked the quarterback. The team lifted him up and carried him off the…

The Big Brown

The fly slowly spins in air before me,

Arcing downward, to darker, cooler water.

A ripple forms and becomes a moving vee.

The feathered…

John P. Joyce is a name that would not be familiar to most people around the world, and even in his native Ireland.  Born in County Galway in 1839, Joyce was a pioneer in the development of professional baseball in the United States, and specifically in Ohio.  Along with Harry…

Never since the glory days of gladiators has there been so much interest in hand-to-hand combat. It hasn’t happened overnight, it is rare that an overnight sensation actually happens overnight, but Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has passed the point of being a niche sport and is now…

Those attending the Irish Cultural Society meeting in the Garden City Library on September 10, 2014 now know how baseball got its term “pinch hitter.”  When John McGraw was asked why he signed the over-the-hill player Mike (Turkey Mike) Donlon to the team, McGraw explained that Turkey Mike was good in a…

Up and Coming: We're delighted to put the spotlight on a growing number of intriguing events in metro New York in September. Here's a sketch of each along with links for more information: 

(BTW, don't hesitate to reach out to fellow WG in…

Breezy Point, N.Y. -- More than 100 individuals, a number likely to have doubled before the day ended, came to Breezy Point on Saturday to demonstrate the draw -- and drawing power -- of Gaelic sports worldwide.

The event, billed Gaelic Sports Day, was produced by Shannon Gaels Gaelic Football Club. The Gaels are the only Minor GAA club, serving…

By Daniel McCarthy / TheWildGeese.com (Originally published in 2006)

Ennis, County Clare, Ireland – Venerable Gaelic Athletic Association founder Michael Cusack (left) is gaining new scrutiny, in this, the centennial year of his passing. As well as picking up his own website in September, next year an exhibit will open on "The Citizen" in…

1. Go to a GAA match

Whether it’s hurling or football, this is a definite must on your visit to Ireland.

Hurling is believed to be the world’s oldest field game as well as the fastest game played on grass. It is an amazing game to watch full of speed and…