HI - Hibernian Intelligence
More than an email. Less than a newspaper. Weekly newsletter of the Portland Hibernian Society. Delivered every Thursday morning.
There’s never been a member of the Supreme Court rom Oregon. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, one level below SCOTUS, is as high as a judge from here has risen. Judge Diarmuid Flonntain O’Scannlain of Portland has served on the Ninth Circuit bench longer than any judge from Oregon since statehood in 1859. He has a bit of history with the Portland Hibernians.
May 21, 2019 - Chuck Duffy presents Diarmuid O’Scannlain of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit with a copy of The Escape by Gerry Kelly, the story of the escape of 38 IRA prisoners from Long Kesh in 1983. The judge’s father served in the IRA before emigrating to America. Ralph Bliquez, David O’Longaigh and Neil Hennelly look on. Kells Republican Room. (Photo by Bill Gallagher)
Judge O’Scannlain of Portland is feted for serving four decades on the second highest court in the land
There was a small army of conservative legal legionaries in Portland in late September as former clerks in the office of Judge Diarmuid O’Scannalin of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals gathered to toast the son of Irish immigrants on the 40th anniversary of his appointment by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. And that’s about all I can report of the gathering. Sorry.. David Lat, a former clerk, posted online, The reunion proceedings were off the record, so further affiant sayeth naught. But I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate Judge O’Scannlain on four decades of judicial service—and thank him for his guidance, mentorship, and friendship over the years. It was on May 21, 2019 that Judge O’Scannlain and his wife Maura Nolan came to the meeting of Hibernians upstairs at Kells. Judge O’Scannlain was born in 1937 in Forest Hills, Queens in a home where Irish was the first language. He spoke at length that evening about growing up Irish. He has now become the third longest-serving Judge in the history of the Ninth Circuit. He and Maura raised eight children in Portland. You can read his biography from the Federalist Society here.
One Night Only! Irish Dan becomes Canada Dan
Hibernian historian Dan Holden has prepared a top-notch presentation exposing and explaining the deep connection between Ireland and Canada. Today’s tense relations between Canada and the US are nothing compared to when the British were in charge. Dan (who goes by Irish Dan in his email) will speak on Thursday October 15 - Seven P.M. Kells Restaurant on SW Second. No host dinner at Six P.M.
The Living Room Saint (maybe)
If you grew up Catholic, you knew what sainthood meant. Martyrs. Miracles. The best of the best in God’s eyes. Did you choose the name of a particular saint when you made your Confirmation? For anyone Saint aware, the Beatification of Bishop Fulton Sheen recently was news worth following. So, here’s a two-fer from the PHS website.
Your grandparents and great grandparents would have known all about Bishop Fulton Sheen. Check out his radio and television shows that captured the attention of more then just Catholics in America.
When His Excellency came to Portland in 1958 for the Central Catholic graduation, it was BIG NEWS. Martin Sheen thought so much of hm he borrowed his surname. Click here for both stories.
Nancy Conescu and Kevin Burke at the Hollywood Theatre a few years ago.
Irish music. Irish dance. First Friday.
Live Irish music and dancing return to the Winona Grange # 271 tomorrow night (Oct. 1) in Tualatin. Special guest guitarist Nancy Conescu will join Mikey Beglan and Randall Bays – local legends all. In the words of Sam Keator, Come out and you will have a great time including the potluck finger food tea break. Wee lesson around 7:30, dance until 11pm. $15. DETAILS RIGHT HERE.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company from Chicago is coming to Portland to kick off its latest tour on Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at the Newmark Theater.
Before there was Riverdance. Special offer for PDX HI readers.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company is coming back to Portland next month. This performing troupe from Chicago puts its uniqueness forward as much as its Irishness. Before there was Riverdance there was the Trinity Irish Dance Company. Have you made any plans yet to come to Downtown Portland in the Fall? Their shows Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at the Newmarket Theater would be a good reason to do so. You can save twenty percent off the already affordable tickets by using the code: PDXHibernian20. Click here for tickets. Presented by White Bird.