PDX Hibernian Independent for June 11, 2026
Bloomsday Meeting - The annual Portland Hibernian mid-June celebration and contemplation of Irish writing at its finest is happening on Thursday, June 18. Basically, Hibernian Erin Walsh has persuaded some members to share their favorite readings related to Bloomsday and James Joyce. Join us at Kells Restaurant - 112 SW Second Ave. No-host dinner at Six P.M. Readings etc. at Seven P.M.
On the actual Bloomsday. Tuesday 16 June. From Sandymount Dublin to Sandy Oregon. Bloomsday will be observed (ahem) all day at Meinig Memorial Park. STATELY, PLUMP Buck Mulligan at Nine A.m. Free donuts at Ten. Readings at Noon. All are welcome.
Molly Malone (right) was 15 when this picture appeared in the Oregonian on March 17, 1978. Also pictured are Sibean (sic) Ryan and Brenda Keitges.
Portland Irish dancing legend passes
RIP. Molly Mannenbach (nee Malone), who co-founded Oregon’s original and longest-serving Irish dance academy with Breda Yeates, instructed hundreds of local children and teens in one of Ireland’s most cherished artistic traditions. She was 62. There will be a Memorial Mass this Saturday, June 13, at 11 A.M. at Holy Redeemer Church in North Portland, where Molly attended grammar school.
First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill (center in the blue dress) visited San Francisco last weekend. Friday night she spoke at the United Irish Cultural Center. Some 72 hours later she was back in Belfast dealing with major anti-immigrant riots.
“Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice.” First Minister Michelle O’Neill
It’s happening again. For the third June in a row there are violent riots in and near Belfast. A man originally from Sudan was seen on a video stabbing and slashing his victim until a couple of guys driving by intervened. That video went viral and provoked the violence. There’s been a second night of rioting and attacks on immigrants in their homes and businesses.
Hero with a hurley
Maitiu Mág Tighearnán got involved. He was driving by when he saw the attack underway. “I’d taken my son to hurling practice earlier that evening and so I’d got out of the car, gone to the boot and grabbed his hurling stick. Instinct took over and I ran over and I smashed this guy over the head with the hurling stick. Right on the flat side, about three times. As hard as I could.” He was applauded by police for his actions. (Note. With that name, the fact that he lives in WEST Belfast and is involved in the GAA, it’s safe to assume Maitiu’s home is in the Catholic community. The victim is believed to be Protestant.)
More on Maitiu Mág Tighearnán.
Another Mens World Cup without Ireland
In case you haven’t heard or haven’t been paying attention, the World Cup begins later today (June 11). This will be the 23rd playing of the international soccer er football tournament that has no equal. The Republic of Ireland has qualified for the World Cup three times; in 1990, 1994 and 2002. Northern Ireland has also played in three World Cups; 1958, 1982 and 1986. When the Republic squad didn't qualify in 2022, one brash fan said, “We’ll have no problem making it into the next World Cup because they’re expanding the field from 32 to 48 teams.” How wrong I was.
Watching th World Cup
The first time my family visited Ireand was in 1994 during the World Cup. I had no idea what a big deal it was, being a fairly typical tourist from California. The experience of watching in a crowded pub that felt like a living room as the boys in green competed that summer is unforgettable.
No Ireland? No problem. Team USA may surprise people this time. With 47 other teams to choose from, I’m also keeping an eye on Mexico, Canada, Scotland, Egypt, England and Ivory Coast .
Games are being shown at:
West Side - Kells Brew Pub on NW 21st is all in on the World Cup beginning today (June 11). Sit at the bar and you can soak up all sorts of football wisdom from Gerard Fleming.
East Side - TC O’Leary’s on NE Alberta. “Ireland is out, but give that flag a flip and we’re rooting for Ivory Coast.”
What about the Women’s World Cup?
So glad you asked. Next summer at this time in Brazil the best women soccer players in the world will compete and the Republic of Ireland team has a decent shot of qualifying. There’s growing buzz about this squad. Had they defeated France on Tuesday, they would have automatically qualified for the World Cup. They lost 1 - 0. So we’ll see them in October competing for a rendezvous in Rio.
Check out real Irish games in NE Portland this Saturday
From Columbia Red Branch GAA - This Saturday, City League returns for our second week of matches. Join Columbia Red Branch at Montavilla Park.
“I’m an old cowhand from Eye-ur-LAND”
Southeastern Oregon and County Cork are connected in a way you may not be aware of.
