by Cathal Liam
Can you believe it? Another year is coming to an end… the fifth for this monthly Irish newspaper. Considering the state of things, sure it’s a bloody miracle you’re reading this.
If it weren’t for you… for your faithful support and steadfast interest in all things Irish; for our loyal advertisers who carry the financial burden of bringing you this newspaper; for the millions of words submitted by its many contributors; for the incredible efforts of your Cleveland-based, Co-Publisher/Editor John O’Brien, Jr.; for the behind-the-scene work of its Chicago publisher Cliff Carlson and for the unnamed others who contribute to putting the paper together, the Ohio Irish American News would never have seen the light of day much less this, its sixtieth edition… a truly collaborative achievement.
Needless to say, I’ve given considerable thought to what I’ll say marking this memorable occasion. Finally, I decided to look back over the past five years of letters and select a few titbits upon which to reflect. But first, a few words about our recent presidential election.
As you know by now, the seventy-year-old, former Labour Government Minister and TD from Galway West, Michael D. Higgins was the run-away winner, becoming Ireland’s ninth president. He’s a passionate Irishman, raised in humble circumstances and possessing the common touch. Michael D., as he’s popularly known, is a poet, human rights’ activist and was his Labour-party’s nominee. Receiving just over one-million votes [ca. 3.2 million were eligible to vote while 1.8 actually did], this fluent Irish speaker survived an often brutal, embittered campaign with his usual grace and dignity.
I remember when he was Galway’s Mayor in the 1980’s and again in the 1990’s, but ultimately, his national notoriety surfaced as Labour Minister for Irish Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the middle 1990’s. He helped reinstate the Irish Film Board, established an Irish-speaking television station and championed the lifting of a ban proscribing Sinn Féin members from speaking live on RTÉ. Just recently, president-elect Higgins thanked the Irish people for their confidence in him and spoke of leading the country with both his heart and head.
He was my second preference choice behind Martin McGuinness. The nomination of Sinn Féin politico and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland’s assembly caught most by surprise. Held in esteem not only by Irish republicans, but by many nationalists, unionists and peace-loving people around the world, Martin ran a strong, positive, all-Ireland campaign. Despite his early years in the IRA, this Derryman is widely respected for his political stance on peace-making and peace-keeping at home and elsewhere.
Yes, both men possess a profound love for Ireland and for its people. Individually, they’ve a great faith in our country’s future. Sure Ireland will be in safe hands with Michael D. and in seven years, maybe in Martin’s.
Now, turning to some reflections… I still remember the day John O’Brien rang me in the autumn of 2006. He invited me to submit ‘something’ for the first issue of a new Irish paper scheduled for publication in January 2007. But with December’s usual buzz and my beginning a new book, I was busy. As a result, I didn’t give John’s project more than a fleeting thought.
All that, however, changed. With the advent of the New Year, a bundle of something packaged in a plain brown wrapper arrived into the house. Jokingly, my wife accused me of sending off for something risqué. With my curiosity peaked, I opened the packet. There, inside were copies of the premier issue of John’s IANOhio. To my delight, its cover, bedecked with wild flowers along an Irish coastline, greeted my eyes. What a welcome sight on a cold Ohio winter’s day.
Happily, on pages 8 & 9, I discovered my initial offering, Shona’s Circle. My goodness, two full pages devoted to my story about a Scots-Irish woman from Chicago… and yes, the entire paper was very professionally done… full of so many interesting pieces. Leafing through it, I remember thinking, “John is certainly off to a flying start.”
Unusually slow to cop on, I suddenly realised what John’s undertaking was all about. An Ohio Irish newspaper filled with heartfelt editorials, articles, photographs, announcements and appealing adverts. Something for everyone with an Irish bent. His dream had become reality.
Next month saw the Irish Sopranos, each wearing Valentine-red dresses and seated on a red couch, attractively gracing February’s cover. So yes, from the very beginning, John’s eye-catching front pages consistently pictured the best in Irish art and photography. Besides its interesting and informative content, IANOhio covers quickly became the newspaper’s signature trademark.
It didn’t take long for me to realise what a wonderful vehicle this newspaper could become for Irish journalists. Selfishly for me, it offered an opportunity to share one of my loves, Ireland, with others. Sure there was much to say… a medium to write about the people and places I hold dear and a spot to offer my observations about Irish history, politics and culture. I might even mention books I’ve read or films seen… and of course, there were all those pubs and restaurants I love to blather on about… a virtually endless list of them.
Looking back, my next month’s submission featured a description of a visit to Dublin for the 90th Easter-Week commemoration. Tagged Head for the Country, my opening paragraph lamented: “The changes are almost too much to take. Bewilderment and sadness replace old feelings of homey comfort and enthusiastic pride in the so-called Celtic-Tiger phenomenon. In self-defence, I retreat to The Palace on Fleet Street, one of Dublin’s old, traditional nineteenth-century public houses, for a quiet pint and some reflection.”
It wouldn’t be until the July issue that John’s creative genius settled on the now familiar column banner with its simple heading, A Letter From Ireland featuring a 2P [pence] cancelled Irish postal stamp. Early on, the column’s identity became fixed.
I’ll share a few more of my IANOhio remembrances next month, but until then, I wish you a joyous Nollaig Shona Duit. God bless and keep you… always, Cathal
*Cathal is a freelance writer and the author of Consumed in Freedom’s Flame, Forever Green, and Blood on the Shamrock. His new book, Fear Not the Storm, was released in March. www.cathalliam.com.
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