It’s beginning to look like St. Patrick’s Day
PDX HIBERNIAN INDEPENDENT 12 February 2026
More than an email. Less than a newspaper. From the Portland Hibernian Society. Delivered every Thursday. Available at our website. Next PHS Meeting – Feb. 19 at Kells Restaurant
A chara.
MADE IN IRELAND still means something
As we saw during supply chain disruptions, it’s a small world when it comes to where products are manufactured. When you buy something from Amazon, you have to read the fine print on an inside tag to find out where it came from. But when it’s MADE IN IRELAND, you know it will last longer, cost more and be quality. Tonight you’ll hear the stories behind the nation’s indigenous craft industry. Katie Hennessy will be sharing the story of Irish Lace. Tim Hennessy will talk about Irish Crystal, Ed Curtin has the background of Belleek China. Bill Gallagher has the Hanna Hats story. David O’Longaigh supplies the historical and cultural perspective on Ireland's craft industries. Join us at Kells Restaurant - Thursday Feb. 19 - Six P.M.
Giving Up is hard to do
If you attended Catholic school, there’s a good chance your Lenten rules and traditions came from Ireland. Has anyone asked you what you’re giving up for Lent this year? Social media seems to be a popular choice. Chocolate and alcohol were once top-of-the-list. Making small sacrifices for Lent used to be mostly a Catholic practice. Not any longer. Read Giving Up at the website.
SEAMUS CULLETON UPDATE: Not the worst of the worst but no altar boy either
The PDX HI featured Culleton’s story last Thursday. He’d been living and working in America on a visa that expired almost 20 years ago. ICE picked him up; he ended up in custody in Texas; his American wife went public with his plight and the story went viral. It turns out the 38-year-old Kilkenny man is an alleged druggie and accused dead-beat dad. His twin daughters weren’t sympathetic. There’s a lot to unpack here. Like, why didn’t Culleton self deport as thousands of Irish citizens here without status are doing? Read FIVE TAKEAWAYS from the Seamus Culleton Case.
Celtic Canada sends its best to Portland for St. Patrick's Day
This truly is a family affair. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who will lead an impressive cast of Celtic musicians on stage at the Schnitz on March 17, are married with seven children. Their oldest daughter, Mary Frances, is part of the show. Their brand of Celtic music is traditional and fiddle driven. Add dancers and you’ve got a lively stage show, if reviews and video samples are to be believed. More on their amazing Canadian story in next week’s PDX HI.
Six Nations Rugby – IRE v ENG - Ancient Rivalry
Both teams really need a win Saturday morning to have any chance of catching France, which hasn’t lost yet. Ireland lost to France in round one while England lost against Scotland. Quick story. In 2007 England played Ireland in Croke Park, home of the Gaelic Athletic Association and site of Bloody Sunday in 1920 when Brtiish troops opened fire on the crowd killing 14 and wounding 75. It’s the holy ground of Irish nationalism. So, when God Save the King was played before the match, what would happen? Officials were worried No need. The fans were respectfully silent, it is said. Rugby crowds tend to get along better with each other than soccer fans. Game time in Portland 6:10 A.M. - See it live at T.C. O’Leary’s on NE Alberta at 28th.
Abe and Paddy
Abraham Lincoln never got more than ten percent of the “Irish vote’ when he ran for President. But he didn’t take it personally and surrounded himself with Irish aides in the White House. They were called his “mick clique.” Read Abe and Paddy at the website.
Made in Ireland gifts to Trump
When Taoiseach Micheal Martin visited the Oval Office last year for Saint Patrick's Day, he came bearing gifts for Donald Trump: a custom golf tee and marker set at a cost of nearly €735, reports Journal.ie. An inventory of all the gifts he handed out in 2025 was just released. First Lady Melania Trump was given a government harp brooch worth €148.Vice President JD Vance was presented with silver cufflinks valued at €185, while his wife Usha received a Meab Enamels silk scarf costing €55. Martin even brought some books for the Veeps' kids. Vivek, Ewan and Mirabel, were given picture books titled ‘Let’s See Ireland’ and ‘The Salmon of Knowledge’, as well as ‘Paddy Pals’ teddies called Padraic the Farmer and Róisín the Dancer. That shamrock bowl cost 425 euros.
Banquet reservations are going fast
It's almost Saint Patrick's Day Weekend
