Irish Seisiún Newsletter
This Week’s Session
We had a great time at the pub seisiún today. Lot’s of good cheer and fun tunes.
In attendance Caroline, Ian, Seamus, and Emer on fiddles; Ronan himself; Pat, Martin, Noreen, Grace, and Francie on accordions; Whistles and Flutes were Pauline, George, Jeanie, and Rosemarie; Jack and Tom on Bodhran; Randy on DADGAD Guitar and Bouzouki.
Tunes included Jimmy Ward’s set; Battering Ram, and Tell Her I Am; Mossy Banks and Mountain Top; Dusty Windowsills set; Maids of Mount Cisco, Golden Keyboard, and Wise Maid; Jolly Tinker; The Banshee, Maid Behind the Bar, and Sligo Maid; John Brennan’s set; Devanny’s Goat Reel set; Haunted House set; The Green Fields of Woodford set; The Old Bush set; Brosna Slide set; Polkas, Polkas, Polkas; Lucy Farr’s Barndance set; The Wandering Minstrel set; and many more I can’t recall.
We wish safe travels to those attending the North American Comhaltas convention in Orlando next weekend.
All the best,
Randy
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Finnegan;s Calender
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“That’s How I Spell Ireland”
Saturdays at 7 to 8 PM EST.
You can listen on 88.7FM or WRHU.org.
For a request please text me on 917 699-4768.Kevin and Joan Westley
Note: Show will be preempted whenever the NY Islanders have a Saturday game
“The Longwood Library Presents Songs and Stories of the Easter 1916 Rising on Wednesday April 23 at 6:30PM. This is a VIRTUAL multi-media presentation by Kevin Westley T.M.R.F. (That’s How I Spell Ireland on WRHU Hofstra University). Kevin plays songs that tell the stories of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, the Reading of the Proclamation (POBLACHT NA h-EIREANN), the Aftermath, the Children of 1916 and many more. Please click this link to register: https://www.longwoodlibrary.org/event/songs-and-stories-1916-easter-monday-rising-151664 “
Old Ireland
Old man
Travel in Ireland
Rochtaine Ballsbridge:
Rochtaine Ballsbridge:
Your invitation to Dublin’s cultural heritage and beyond
Rochtaine Ballsbridge is a luxury vacation rental in the heart of Dublin with its roots extending back to the 1850s and offers bespoke services to its guests.
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This Victorian redbrick home, dating back to the 1850s, has been expertly restored, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that combines modern comfort with the charm of historical elegance.
Check out Rochtaine Ballsbridge, Dublin here.
The property comfortably accommodates 6 to 8 guests, ideal for small groups, families, and business travelers. It features luxurious bedrooms, a fully equipped office, a grand piano for the musically inclined, and a contemporary garden complex complete with a bar and BBQ area for entertainment.
Rochtaine specializes in tailored guest experiences, where every detail is personalized to your liking. From fine dining to smooth transportation and thoughtful wellness activities, each aspect goes above and beyond expectations. This level of care elevates every stay, ideal for VIPs seeking privacy and exclusivity!
Rochtaine Ballsbridge
Gateway to Dublin’s Cultural and Sporting Scenes
Rochtaine Ballsbridge offers easy access to key venues such as the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park, along with luxury shopping districts and Michelin-starred dining options, including favourites like Chapter One. Positioned perfectly for those attracted to Dublin’s lively culture, it serves as the ultimate destination to immerse in the city’s dynamic events and fine dining.
Rochtaine Ballsbridge, a magnificent D4 residence, intertwines Dublin’s rich history with modern comforts. Staying here is about finding tranquillity in a unique retreat in the heart of the city, where you can connect with the local community by joining clubs like tennis or simply enjoying the vibrant surroundings. Plus, indulge in personalized activities tailored and delivered directly to you.
Rochtaine Ballsbridge
A Day at Rochtaine Ballsbridge: Sample Itinerary
Morning Exploration: Start your day with a leisurely walk through beautifully landscaped gardens or a stroll in Herbert Park. Grab a freshly brewed coffee and a flaky croissant from one of the charming local cafés or enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your private chef in the elegant dining room.
Cultural Discoveries: Dive into Dublin’s rich history and artistic heritage. Explore nearby cultural gems like the National Gallery of Ireland or wander through exhibits at the Little Museum of Dublin.
Explore Rochtaine Ballsbridge’s nearby cultural gems such as the National Gallery of Ireland
Afternoon Relaxation: Unwind in the tranquil garden room. Get lost in a good book, soak in the peaceful ambiance, or treat yourself to a wellness session arranged by our dedicated coordinator.
Evening Delight: Transition to the evening. Dine al fresco on the limestone patio, tasting local cuisine or firing up the barbecue for a cosy gathering under the night sky.
Rochtaine Ballsbridge
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For more information, visit www.rochtaine.com or contact Marta Banasik, Head of Rochtaine Experiences via email at [email protected] or call US Toll Free 19145704028 or Ireland +35314853892. Stay connected with Rochtaine on Instagram and X for the most recent updates and inspirations, offering you a gateway to redefined luxury travel.
Irish Language
Keep your shop and your shop will keep you.”
Thanks for the correction Anita
A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold
“Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d’ór.”
Free Irish Classes
The classes are over zoom and are held at 12:00 eastern time the 1 st Sunday of every month.
It is basic conversational Irish and open to learners of all ages, especially beginners.
All are invited either to participate privately or to meet at Tim Finnegans at 12:00 prior to the regular Sunday session.
Hope to see you there!
slan go foill. Le dea ghui,
Anita
click here to register
This Week's Irish Recipe
Irish haddock with butter, lemon and caper sauce
This Irish haddock recipe from Bord Bia is a combination that is hard to beat.
IrishCentral Staff @IrishCentral
Irish haddock with butter, lemon and caper sauce. BORD BIA
These are classic combos but with an Irish twist as the recipe comes directly from Bord Bia, Ireland’s food board. Nutritious and delicious it’s a recipe and can be easily modified with a white fish of your choice.
It’s sometimes easy to forget that Ireland is a small 302-mile island off Europe! No surprise that fish has been a staple part of our nation’s diet for centuries. Salmon and cod are probably among the most common fish in Ireland but haddock is most certainly a firm favorite for chowders, stews, fish & chips, and more… especially the smoked stuff.
The haddock fish itself is flaky and white with a flavor similar to cod. Let us not forget how good some mindfully cooked white fish is for our health.
As the Bord Bia, Ireland’s food board puts it: “Fish has long been recognized as one of nature’s healthiest foods and with its rich package of nutrients it is one of the few foods that can truly be called a super-food. “Fish helps to develop a healthy body, for people of all ages, from teenagers to expectant mothers and people of more mature years. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Ireland, but people who eat fish can cut their risk of heart disease by up to 50%. You need to eat fish at least once a week to get the full benefit for your heart.”
Irish haddock with butter, lemon, and caper sauce recipe Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 x 150g haddock fillets, boned
2 tablespoons. plain flour, well-seasoned with salt and pepper
1 tablespoon rapeseed or olive oil
120g butter
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 lemon, halved
A small handful of chopped fresh parsley
Method:
To cook the haddock: ” Lightly dust both sides of the fish with the seasoned flour. Heat a little oil and a small knob of butter in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. When hot, add 2 of the haddock fillets to the pan, skin-side down.
Fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Carefully turn the fillets over and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are golden and crispy.
Set aside and keep warm while you cook the rest of the haddock fillets. Keep the fish warm while you make the sauce.
Enjoy
Poem of the Week
Na Gaotha
(The Winds)
Author unknown
An ghaoth aduaidh bíonn sí crua,
Is cuireann sí gruaim ar dhaoine,
An ghaoth aneas bíonn sí tais,
Is cuireann sí rath ar shíolta,
An ghaoth anoir bíonn sí tirim,
Is cuireann sí sioc istoíche,
An ghaoth aniar bíonn sí fial,
Is cuireann sí iasc i líonta.
The north wind is hard,
And it depresses people,
The south wind is damp,
And it makes seeds successful,
The east wind is dry,
And it produces frost at night,
The west wind is favourable,
And it puts fish in nets.
———————————————————————————-
Stories and Tales
William Penn
And His Irish Connections
William Penn (1644–1718) stands as one of the most influential figures in early American history—a man whose ideals of religious freedom, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence laid the foundation for one of the United States’ most progressive and prosperous colonies: Pennsylvania. Read how he was influenced by his time in Ireland and his involvement with Quakers in Ireland
Early Life and Background
Born in London in 1644 to Admiral Sir William Penn, William was raised in a well-to-do Anglican household. He was educated at Oxford, where he began to show an early interest in religious matters. This curiosity soon led him to the Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers—a group that challenged the religious orthodoxy of the time by promoting spiritual equality, pacifism, and an inner, personal relationship with God.
Penn’s conversion to Quakerism at age 22 was life-altering. Quakers were persecuted in England, and Penn himself was imprisoned multiple times for his beliefs. Yet he remained steadfast, becoming a prolific writer and passionate advocate for religious liberty.
There is a notable connection between William Penn and Ireland—one that played a significant role in his personal and religious development.
William Penn’s Connection to Ireland
Family Estates in Ireland
Penn’s father, Admiral Sir William Penn, was granted land in Ireland for his military service. The family owned estates in counties Cork and Kildare, and young William spent time there managing these properties. He lived in Macroom Castle in County Cork for a time and later Shanagarry House, which still stands today.
Religious Transformation in Ireland
It was during his time in Cork in 1667 that William Penn first encountered the Quakers, or the Society of Friends. He was deeply influenced by their teachings and soon converted to Quakerism. This moment was a major turning point in his life. His open rejection of Anglican orthodoxy and embrace of the Quaker faith would lead to repeated imprisonments and shape his vision for Pennsylvania.
Preaching and Advocacy
After his conversion, Penn returned to Ireland several times to preach and advocate for Quaker rights. He traveled extensively across the island, speaking in meetings and supporting fellow Quakers who faced persecution. His efforts helped to grow the Quaker community in Ireland.
Quaker Networks and Irish Influence
Many of the early settlers who emigrated to Pennsylvania were Irish Quakers. Penn’s Irish connections helped him build a transatlantic network of like-minded individuals who sought religious freedom and were attracted to the ideals of the “Holy Experiment.”
The Birth of Pennsylvania
In 1681, King Charles II granted Penn a large tract of land in North America to settle a debt owed to his late father. Penn saw this not merely as a business opportunity, but as a chance to create a “Holy Experiment”—a society founded on religious tolerance, fair treatment of Indigenous peoples, and representative government.
He named the land “Pennsylvania,” meaning “Penn’s Woods,” in honor of his father, though the humble William initially objected to the name. The colony was unique from its inception. Unlike other colonies where power was tightly held by the elite, Pennsylvania promised religious freedom, fair trials, and an elected assembly.
A New Kind of Colony
Penn’s vision shaped Pennsylvania into one of the most liberal and prosperous colonies in the New World. He carefully planned the city of Philadelphia—Greek for “Brotherly Love”—with wide streets and green spaces, designed to avoid the crowding and disease seen in European cities.
Perhaps most notably, Penn’s fair dealings with Native American tribes, especially the Lenape, were a stark contrast to the often exploitative relationships in other colonies. He negotiated treaties with honesty and respect, earning him their trust and admiration.
Legacy and Impact
William Penn’s influence on American democratic principles is undeniable. His ideas of self-governance, freedom of worship, and civil liberties later echoed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
While the “Holy Experiment” was not without its challenges—including internal dissent and external pressures—it left a lasting legacy.
Though Penn spent his later years facing political and financial difficulties, including time in debtor’s prison, his ideals endured. Pennsylvania remained a haven for persecuted religious groups and a model of religious and political tolerance.
Today, William Penn is remembered not just as the founder of Pennsylvania, but as a visionary who helped lay the groundwork for the American experiment in liberty and justice.
Legacy in Ireland
Today, William Penn is remembered in certain parts of Ireland—especially in Cork – around Macroom and Shanagarry. There are plaques and references to his time there, and the Irish Quaker heritage remains an important part of the region’s history.
21 Mind-Blowing Irish Facts You Never Knew
By: Irish Around The World
Think You Know Ireland? Think Again ????
Sure, we all know about Guinness, St. Patrick, and the whole leprechaun carry-on.
But Ireland is full of odd, brilliant, and downright mad stories that even the most diehard history nerds might not know.
Here are 21 Irish facts that might just blow your socks off – or at least make you say, “No way, that can’t be true.” (Spoiler: it is.)
1. Ireland was once a tropical paradise
About 350 million years ago, Ireland sat near the equator, covered in lush rainforests. You can still spot fossilised tree ferns in the Burren and Co. Clare.
2. An Irishman invented colour photography Irishman created colour photography John Joly from Co. Offaly created the Joly Colour Process in the 1890s — one of the first working methods of colour photography.
3. The Irish diaspora outnumbers us 14 to 1
—Over 70 million people claim Irish ancestry. Want to know why? Check out the story of the Irish diaspora.
4. Halloween is Irish The Celtic festival of Samhain is the true origin of Halloween.
—-Discover more about Ireland’s Celtic roots.
5. Ireland has Europe’s oldest working lighthouse
—Hook Lighthouse in Co. Wexford has been operating since the 1100s.
6. Muckanaghederdauhaulia is our longest place name
—This Connemara spot means “piggery between two briny places.” Try spelling it twice!
7. More Nobel Literature Prizes per capita than anywhere
—-Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, Heaney. Celebrate Seamus Heaney with our favourite quotes.
8. The oldest pub in the world is in Athlone
—Sean’s Bar has been serving pints since 900 AD. It’s even in the Guinness Book of Records.
9. Ireland never had snakes
—St. Patrick didn’t banish them — there were none to begin with. Debunk 5 Irish myths you probably believe.
10. The Titanic was built in Belfast
—You can still visit the incredible Titanic Belfast museum today.
11. Ireland’s symbol is a harp, not a shamrock
—The harp is the real emblem. Explore the shamrock’s history.
12. Ogham is Ireland’s ancient writing system
—Read more on Ogham and early Irish writing.
13. No “yes” or “no” in Irish
—In Irish, we respond with the verb. Great for arguments!
14. St. Valentine is buried in Dublin
—Visit his remains in Whitefriar Street Church. Romance, Irish-style.
15. More Irish in America than in Ireland
—Explore famous Irish Americans — from JFK to Conan O’Brien.
16. Hurling is older than the pyramids
—This ancient Gaelic sport is over 3,000 years old — and still fierce today.
17. Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids
—Discover Newgrange and Ireland’s ancient sites.
18. Kings were crowned by a roaring stone
The Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara was said to roar for the rightful king. Read about Ireland’s High Kings.
19. The Irish passport is one of the strongest globally
—Read: Irish passport ranked 4th most powerful in the world.
20. We crown a goat every year
—Yes, the Puck Fair is real. And brilliant.
21. U2 were mistaken for a Christian band
They played churches across the US — and people thought Bono was preaching. Classic.
How many did you know?
Got more than 15? You’ve earned full Irish bragging rights ??
Less than 5? You owe yourself a trip to a proper trad session and a few hours down an Irish history rabbit hole.
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News From Ireland
Irish language signage to be installed
at Belfast's new Grand Central Station
The news that bilingual signage is coming to Belfast Grand Central Station this year
has been welcomed by a major Irish language rights group.
Kerry O’Shea @kerry_oshea Mar 24, 2025
Belfast Grand Central Station began its phased opening in September 2024.
The Irish Language will be available on signage at Belfast Grand Central Station and on ticket machines, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins confirmed on Monday, March 24.
Belfast Grand Central Station began its phased opening in September after construction began on the estimated £340m project in March 2022.
Kimmins, of Sinn Féin, made the announcement about the bilingual signage in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday.
“I am committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language across public services and in our society,” Kimmins said.
“Grand Central Station is not just for the people of Belfast, it is a transport hub for people right across the island and it’s important, therefore, that it is reflective of all citizens.
“I’ve therefore taken the decision to install bilingual signage at Belfast Grand Central Station and on all Translink ticket vending machines.
“As we have just come out of Seachtain na Gaeilge, this is an important and positive development to demonstrate my support for the Irish language as a living language used daily by citizens across the North and actions being taken by my department.
Critical of the announcement, Timothy Gaston, a Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA, said to Kimmins: “Coming from a minister whose party has once described ‘every word spoken in Irish as another bullet in the freedom struggle,’ why is the minister abusing her position to fire cultural bullets in a situation situated in a loyalist heartland of Belfast?”
Kimmins responded: “The Irish language is for everyone and it is reflective of the culture right across this island.
“The transport hub is not just for the people of Belfast, it’s for all people right across our island. “And it’s nothing to fear.
“I think the important point as well to make is that the Irish language is actually in law and Belfast is one of the most thriving areas in the North, if not in Ireland, for the Irish language.
“I’m committed to delivering equality for everyone across this area.”
Kimmins later added that the bilingual signage will include wayfinding signage, passenger information, including all safety signage, as well as welcome, customer service, and platform IDs.
It will be installed later this year, she said.
Irish Language legislation becomes law after receiving Royal Assent Irish language rights group An Dream Dearg welcomed the news on Monday.
“Bua iontach do phobal na Gaeilge a sheas an fód. Céim mhaith eile chun cinn san aistear i dtreo chearta teanga,” the group said on social media.
“Another very significant victory in our ongoing campaign for rights and equality, bringing the Irish language into the very centre of our shared spaces. #BéalFeirste.”
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Tánaiste says US has signalled openness to negotiations on tariffs
Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris says Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs will create space for negotiations, but added that “10% tariffs still aren’t good.”
Kerry O’Shea
@kerry_oshea
Apr 09, 2025
Ireland\’s Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris and US President Donald Trump.Ireland’s Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris and US President Donald Trump. RollingNews.ie / White House Flickr
Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris further responded to US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs after meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington, DC on Wednesday, April 9.
Trump’s announcement that he is pausing tariffs came one week after he announced sweeping tariffs, including 25% on the European Union and Ireland, in what the President described as ‘Liberation Day’ for the US.
Along with the 90-day pause, Trump announced “a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.” He also announced a heightened 125% tariff on China.
Harris, who was in Washington, DC for high-level meetings, including with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, learned of the pause while speaking on RTÉ News and just before his meeting with Lutnick on Wednesday.
Speaking after his meeting with Lutnick, Harris told RTÉ News that Trump’s 90-day pause “is a significant period of time, whether it’s enough remains to be seen.”
He continued: “It is important that there’s still clarifications needed.
“It looks like, for example, the higher rate on cars and steel and aluminum is likely to remain.
“10% tariffs still aren’t good, tariffs are bad, so we need to be cautious in relation to this.”
He continued: “But, crucially, what this has done is provide the space that the European Commission, European member states, and Ireland has been calling for – it’s been a big part of our diplomatic and political effort over the last while – to try and create space for real and meaningful engagement.”
Harris added that he did speak with Lutnick about the two-way relationship between Ireland and the US, “and I must say, he spoke favorably in relation to the Irish economic model and the Irish economic success to date.”
Regarding Trump’s mention on Tuesday that he was planning to roll out tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, Harris said the 90-day pause, like with the other tariffs, could provide space for negotiations.
After acknowledging that the situation is “fluid,” the Tánaiste said: “I think at the end of the day, as opposed to the start of the day today, I think we have to welcome the degree of relative certainty in time and space that has now been created for meaningful engagement.
“This is always what needed to happen – mature, calm discussion.”
Later on Wednesday, the Tánaiste said in a statement issued via his Department that he was “pleased” to have met with Lutnick.
“It was a timely, valuable, and substantive meeting that took place shortly after President Trump’s latest announcement in respect of tariffs,” the Tánaiste said.
“We discussed that announcement and the likely next steps.”
Pleased to meet Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington D.C. today. We discussed President Trump’s tariff announcement.
We had a valuable exchange on pharma and EU-US trade. Ireland will be a voice for calm, constructive engagement. pic.twitter.com/SBjmizhY0J
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 9, 2025
The Tánaiste said he welcomed Trump’s “suspension of the higher tariffs announced on April 2 for a period of 90 days,” adding that he knows this will “come as a relief to many businesses in Ireland.”
He acknowledged that “further engagement and clarification is required between the European Commission and the administration on the detail of this.”
He continued: “We also had an opportunity for a substantive engagement on pharma and I outlined the mutually beneficial role that the sector plays for Ireland and the United States.
“During the meeting, I also outlined the dynamic interconnected economic relationship between Ireland, Europe, and the United States. I conveyed our commitment through the EU to comprehensive negotiations that would address a broad range of issues.
“The meeting with Secretary Lutnick has confirmed my view that there is an openness on the part of the US to engage in such a process.
“I outlined my view that Ireland, as part of the EU, wants to play a constructive role and will continue to be a voice for calm and measured engagement in the time ahead.”
The Tánaiste met with the US Secretary of Commerce on Wednesday not long after Lutnick said on the All-In Podcast: “We’re going to try and fix a whole bunch of these tax scams – Ireland is my favorite.”
He added: “What do they do? Oh, they have all of our IP (intellectual property) for all our great tech companies and great pharma companies.
“They all put it there because it’s low-tax. They don’t pay us, they pay them – so that is going to end.”
Sam the beloved fox at Trinity College Dublin has passed away after an injury
Sam the beloved fox at Trinity College Dublin has passed away after an injury
Sam the Fox emerged as an unlikely celebrity after being spotted around Dublin and Trinity College during the pandemic.
IrishCentral Staff
@IrishCentral
Apr 09, 2025
Sam the Fox became a celebrity in Ireland during the pandemic lockdowns. Trinity College Dublin @tcddublin, X
Sam the Fox, who became an Irish celebrity after being spotted around Dublin at the height of the pandemic and has since been looked after by staff at Trinity College, has sadly passed away after sustaining a leg injury.
Trinity Sustainability announced Sam the Fox’s passing on social media yesterday, Tuesday, April 8.
In January, Kildare Wildlife Rescue said Sam was rescued by Collie Ennis, Trinity Sustainability’s Biodiversity Officer, after the popular fox was spotted with a badly injured leg.
The famous @tcddublin Sam rescued today by our good friend and patron @collieennis after Sam was spotted with a badly injured leg. #urbanwildlife pic.twitter.com/b0JN7vfgrT
— Kildare Wildlife Rescue (@WildlifeKildare) January 20, 2025
On Tuesday, Trinity Sustainability said that Sam the Fox “got loving care at Grey Abbey veterinary care to try and restore his mobility.
“They did all they could for weeks, but unfortunately it was not meant to be for Sam and the ethical decision was to put him down.
“Sam had a great life as the beloved Trinity fox.”
Trinity Sustainability shared a sweet video of Sam the Fox stopping by for his nightly evening treat of tuna from Collie Ennis.
In April 2020 – amidst Ireland’s pandemic lockdowns – Kevin O’Mahony shared this clip of a fox roaming Dublin’s Grafton Street which, in normal times, would be bustling with pedestrians.
The clip went viral, with plenty of people fascinated by the unusual sight.
Just a friendly fox roaming Grafton Street of a Tuesday evening. This is the new norm! #COVID19 #LockdownIreland pic.twitter.com/mWwqyCfQ19
— Kevin O’Mahony (@Kev_OMahony) April 28, 2020
Read more
Fox caught roaming Dublin’s Grafton Street during COVID-19 lockdown
Not long after, Paul Lanigan captured what has become an iconic shot for the Irish Times, which revealed that Ennis had named the fox Sam. (At the time, no one was sure if Sam was male or female.)
After explaining that Sam had been kicked out of his den, Ennis said: “All the time now at Trinity, you see him sitting at Lincoln Place gate at the dental hospital mournfully looking towards where Mammy and Daddy hang around.
“That’s why he’s out and about in the city centre during the day looking a bit panicked.”
Ennis added: “We were concerned that he was not eating, but we can see from the photograph that there is no need to be concerned. They are incredibly adaptable animals. They can switch from McDonald’s leftovers to killing rats and pigeons within days which is exactly what happened.”
Trinity’s resident wildlife expert @collieennis on the resourceful young fox that has made Dublin’s city centre its home: https://t.co/cWwHxyJtPr #TrinityExperts #COVID19 #Wildlife pic.twitter.com/Gh7UIwRrWj
— Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) May 3, 2020
Ever since, Ennis chronicled his interactions with Sam the Fox on social media.
Happy to report I managed to get Sam the @tcddublin fox to take some medicated bait this morning to treat her mange. This one & done treatment should cure her completely.
Thanks to Pearse Stokes of @KildareAnimals for providing the treatment & his expertise.
Chuffed! 🦊❤ pic.twitter.com/qQSPO2yGz7
— Collie Ennis 🕷🐸 (@collieennis) June 27, 2020
In February 2021, Ennis revealed that Sam was going to be a mammy.
Sam is going to be a Mammy!
Heres herself and Prince the larger Male caught in a post coital copulatory lock typical of most canids.
How cool is that to see!! ❤🦊 pic.twitter.com/tTl1BUeiY3
— Collie Ennis 🕷🐸 (@collieennis) January 23, 2021
That April, Trinity College Dublin announced – much to Ennis’ delight – that Sam had welcomed her cubs.
My heart is BURSTING!!
Well done our Sam ❤🦊🦊❤❤ https://t.co/SlkMpuvTfj
— Collie Ennis 🕷🐸 (@collieennis) April 20, 2021
Sadly, in January, Ennis confirmed that Sam was off to get treatment for a badly injured leg.
Our resident fox Sam is off to @WildlifeKildare to get treatment for a badly injured back leg. 🦊 pic.twitter.com/XVpofAGNLF
— Collie Ennis 🕷🐸 (@collieennis) January 20, 2025
“It’s an incredible story and one that’s reached so many people,” Ennis told Trinity News this week, adding that Sam had been a constant of his routine in Trinity for the past seven years.
“I obviously was very fond of him.”
Jokes
A man and a woman, who have never met before, find themselves assigned to the same sleeping room on a transcontinental train. Though initially embarrassed and uneasy over sharing a room, the two are tired and fall asleep quickly – he in the upper bunk and she in the lower. At 2:00 AM, he leans over and gently wakes the woman, saying,
“Ma’am, I’m sorry to bother you, but would you be willing to reach into the cupboard to get me a second blanket? I’m awfully cold.”
“I have a better idea,” she replies. “Just for tonight, let’s pretend that we’re married.”
“That’s a great idea!” he exclaims.
“Good,” she replies.
“Get up and get your own blanket.”
Welcome to
Tír na mBláth
Tír na mBláth is one of hundreds of branches throughout the world of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) pronounced “kol-tus kyol-tori air-in“, the largest group involved in the preservation of Irish music, dance and song.
Our board and membership is made up of Irish, Irish descendants, and all those who support, celebrate and take pride in the preservation of Irish culture.
We also aim to promote good will and citizenship.
Interested in belonging to Tír na mBláth? Feel free to download our membership form
Facebook page is at Tír na mBláth
Our meetings and several events are held at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub in Delray Beach Florida.
Well, that's it for this week.
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