The Hibernian Independent
Read The Hibernian Independent to keep up with popular topics and current controversies in Portland, Ireland and Irish America.
A Scottish Saint Patrick’s Day (sort of)
Bring on the haggis! Local Scots prepare for annual celebration of the birth date of poet Robert Burns. And other news from here and Ireland.
Your own Irish Origin Story
This week’s PDX Hibernian Independent covers Jessie Buckley’s victory at the Golden Globes. You’ll also read about our Hibernian initiative for 2026 to track down our ancestors. The history of Jessie Buckley’s great-grandmother, an Irish freedom fighter, is a perfect case study.
Irish news for a wet dry January
Saint Patrick’s Day is closer than you think. Make plans now. This week’s PDX HI includes stories about and links to Portland-area Irish events and news from Ireland. Enjoy.
Fáilte 2026
Nollaig maBan - Women’s Christmas - is an old Irish tradition that falls on January 6. (It’s pronounced no leg nah mon.). Irish women, who handle about 90% + of the Christmas tasks and traditions, would get the day off. Read more in the latest PDX HI.
Ireland’s Number One Christmas Song
A commemoration/celebration of the Hibernian High Cross at Mt. Calvary Cemetery was held under sunny skies on Dec. 13, 2025. In other news in the PDX HI - The song Ireland loves at Christmas. Stakeknife explainer.
CONFIRMED: Killer spy in the IRA was a British agent
In the weekly newsletter of the Portland Hibernian Society you can read all about the spy inside the IRA who was reporting back to his British handlers every couple of weeks. Stakeknife was his code name. There’s a ton of now-it-can-be-told stories coming to light and the PDX HI is on them.
Decembership - Why join the PHS
Saturday, December 13 - A gathering at The Cross at Mt. Calvary Cemetery All are welcome. See details in the PDX Hibernian Independent. Plus Local Irish News and News From Ireland.
Talkin’ Irish Books tonight at Kells
For a nation so small, Ireland has contributed disproportionately to the literary world. So many great books. We’ll dive into some of them at the November 20 meeting of the Portland HIbernian Society.
JFK’s goofy grandson is running for Congress
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jack Schlossberg is running for the House of Representatives. JFK’s carer began when he won a seat in the House of Representatives from Massachusetts. Can his grandson repeat that feat?
What just happened in Ireland and New York City
On October 24 voters in Ireland elected a socialist as President. On November 4 New York City voters elected a socialist as Mayor. Both candidates won in a landslide. Though the voter turn out in Ireland was low, New York voters turned out in historic numbers. Is history being made in Ireland and New York City?
In Ireland, the dead are not dead
The Cross of The Scriptures at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Oct. 25, 2025 as days get shorter and memories get longer. "In Ireland, the dead are not dead. They are always around, whispering in our ears." Anonymous
Your guide to Ireland’s Presidential Election - Fri. Oct 24
Who will be the woman elected tenth President of Ireland to replace Michael D. Higgins. Full coverage of the 24 Oct. election in Ireland.
Share some tips for tourists to Ireland on 16 Oct.
At the monthly session of the Portland Hibernian Society on 16 Oct. 2025 one of the topics for robust discussion will be traveling in Ireland. Been there? Done that?
House of Guinness is Open. Presidential election is set.
Kate O’Connor’s silver medal performance in the World Championships made history. Next PHS meeting Oct. 16. House of Guinness - early signs are promising. Presidential race trio.
Irish stew. Event tonite. What’s new.
Why we’re celebrating Lucille McAleese. What we’re doing for the sculptor of The Cross at Mt. Calvary. 1916’s Rebel Doctor deserves better. Katie, Conor and Rory updates. Quotes from Brendan Behan. (Above with Jackie Gleason)
How TVF&R Pipes and Drums endures
Topping the news in this week’s PDX Hibernian Independent is the milestone for the TVF&R Pipes and Drums. Also - Rory, Mary Lou, Dev, Conor and Andy Irvine.
Comparing Banshees of Inisherin and The Quiet Man among other things
As a John Ford Festival kicks off in Connemara, the PDX HI takes a closer look at two movies made nearby: The Quiet Man and The Banshees of Insherin. Similar in some ways. Different too.
ORE - IRE Sister State Committee WANTS YOU
The Leprechaun Yourself booth on Grafton St. in Dublin was popular with Yanks over for some college football. Read more in the PDX HI.
Big Pharma, College Football and The Fleadh in Ireland
The Senior Fiddle competition at the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2025 was won by Orla O’Connor of Idaho, representing Portland’s Micheal O'Domhnaill CCE Branch.
PDX Famine Cross sculptor dies in Ireland
Brendan McGloin of Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, Ireland, who sculpted the High Cross at the Oregon Famine Memorial in Portland, died in April of 2025.