The Hibernian Independent

Read The Hibernian Independent to keep up with popular topics and current controversies in Portland, Ireland and Irish America. 

Irish Picnic was once an ethnic slur
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Irish Picnic was once an ethnic slur

There once was a silent movie called The Murphys and The Callahans that was so offensive to Irish Americans that their protests forced the studio to pull it from movie houses nationwide, including the Hollywood Theater. That may be the origin of using Irish Picnic as a slur to describe a brawl and defame the Irish race. Read about it in the latest PDX Hibernian Independent.

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Too much Messi. England defeated by constant rival.
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Too much Messi. England defeated by constant rival.

Not this year. England saw its hopes for a second World Cup title destroyed by a persistent Argentine scoring attack. What next after Sunday’s final? Who to root for! These and more stories in the PDX Hibernian Independent, newsletter of the Portland Hibernian Society.

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Know nothings never go away. Continued.
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Know nothings never go away. Continued.

The PDX Hibernian Independent for July 9, 2026 previews a new book about the takeover of Oregon politics by white supremacists in 1922. ALSO: Three Irish events coming this month locally. FOCUS: Shannon Airport, the Irish Open, Aviation Gin.

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How the Irish fought for the cause of Independence
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

How the Irish fought for the cause of Independence

Happy 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence from Britain. We hear a lot about the Irishmen among the signers of the founding documents. But what about the Irishmen who fought on the ground? There were a lot more than you would guess. Read about their contribution to your independence in the PDX Hibernian Independent.

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First ever Sister City in Ireland for Oregon
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

First ever Sister City in Ireland for Oregon

Bandon, Oregon and Bandon, Ireland are officially sister cities. It happened a couple of years ago but just now we’re getting details of what that means. This week’s PDX HI has the latest and a promise of continuing coverage.

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PDX Hibernian Independent for June 11, 2026
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

PDX Hibernian Independent for June 11, 2026

In this week’s edition of the PDX Hibernian Independent: Portland Irish dance legend passes. Back to Belfast and rioting for Michelle O’Neill. When was the last time either team from the island of Ireland made the World Cup? Don’t forget Bloomsday.

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Molly Bloom’s June swoon
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Molly Bloom’s June swoon

This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent features the long-forgotten story of how the political reign of the Ku Klux Klan came crashing down in Oregon. Klan-connected Multnomah County Commissioners got caught trying to cash in. PLUS Bloomsday is coming to Kells Restaurant.

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From James Joyce to Maeve Binchy
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

From James Joyce to Maeve Binchy

Believe it or not, there is a theater production based on the novel Ulysses FOR KIDS eight and older. It’s called You’ll See…Read about it in this week’s PDX Hibernian Independent.

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JFK PDX
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

JFK PDX

This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent previews the May 21 presentation by Hibernian Pat Casey on the visit JFK made to Ireland inJune 1963. Also: JFK’s Oregon campaign. President Catherine Connolly in England. A noteworthy local public house. Kenmare crime spree by Gresham man. Pierce Brosnan had an idea for a movie. News of a real sequel to The Snapper.

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Next Gen Kennedy to Congress? Consul General event
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Next Gen Kennedy to Congress? Consul General event

Details on a going away event for Consul General Micheal Smith. News from Ireland and New York. The latest Kennedy with sights set on a seat in Congress - Jack Schlossberg, son of Caroline - is ahead in the polls. For now. In the PDX Hibernian Independent.

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In search of the Celtic Cross in Times Square
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

In search of the Celtic Cross in Times Square

This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent is on the road to New York City to take a look at one of the few Celtic Crosses in America. This is NOT a Celtic High Cross. Its something else.

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May events for Irish people in Greater Portland
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

May events for Irish people in Greater Portland

The month of May means many opportunities for Irish people in Greater Portland to come out and share your Irishness. There’s the monthly PHS meeting May 21. The Consul General’s in town May 14. And don’t miss Sean Nos Northwest where, among other things, dancers will take to the top of a barrel at Kells in Downtown Portland to show some steps.

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An Irish passport: Your friend with benefits
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

An Irish passport: Your friend with benefits

Irish Citizenship - Who is eligible? What documents are needed? How long will it take. When can I get an Irish passport? All your questions will be answered at Kells in Downtown Portland on May 14. See the PDX HI for details.

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Belfast Blitz. Monument Irishman. Racing Irishwoman.
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Belfast Blitz. Monument Irishman. Racing Irishwoman.

When South came to the aid of North in Ireland on April 16, 1941. 200 German planes bombed Belfast and for for a very short while in 1941 Ireland was one nation again. It’s a story worth retelling tonight at the monthly meeting of the Portland Hibernian Society.

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Rory McIlroy - A new book and a shot at back-to back Masters titles
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Rory McIlroy - A new book and a shot at back-to back Masters titles

The 85th anniversary of the Bombing of Belfast by Germany in World War Two is upon us. How an Irish songstress saved many lives. Can Rory McElroy repeat at Augusta? Only thee other golfers have won back-to-back Masters. PLUS other stories in the latest PDX Hibernian Independent.

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Ireland. Oregon. Easter Lillies.
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Ireland. Oregon. Easter Lillies.

Easter Season brings reminders of the 1916 Easter Monday Rising in Ireland. Find out how the Easter Lily from Oregon became a symbol of Republicanism after 1916. Included in the latest edition of the PDX Hibernian Independent: Rita O’Hare. Outside Mullingar. Ireland’s soccer women step up.

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Game On!
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Game On!

“Ireland must get past Czechia in an all or nothing clash in Prague.” Whether Ireland makes it to this summer’s World Cup is still to be determined. Today (Mar. 26) they play Czechia. If they win they play Tuesday(Mar. 31). If they lose they go home. Ireland hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 2002..

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Did Trump just endorse a United Ireland?
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Did Trump just endorse a United Ireland?

Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day 2026 from Portland to San Francisco to the White House to Heppner to Montserrat, really. PDX Hibernian Independent has coverage.

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Old Portland/New Portland St. Patrick’s Day Trail
Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher

Old Portland/New Portland St. Patrick’s Day Trail

There is so much more to Saint Patrick’s Day in Portland than drinking, dancing and music. But they’re a big part of the day. Old Portland and New Portland meet on March 17 and here’s a guide to where and when. And a look at what’s happening in Heppner, OR.

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