“All I can see is his smile. Donal’s humor was essential to both his music making and his personality.” Bill Whelan - Creator of Riverdance
Donal Lunny, left, in Belfast for the Fleadh with longtime Portland fiddler Kevin Burke, was considered Ireland’s greatest living musician until he died Oct. 23 in Dublin. Photo exclusive to PDX HI. Courtesy of Loftus Music. CLICK HERE to read about Lunny’s musical accomplishments and profound influence on ensemble music in Ireland.
PDX Hibernian Independent - 29 October 2026
More than an email. Less than a newspaper. Weekly newsletter of the Portland Hibernian Society. Delivered every Thursday morning. Always available your browser with back issues and blog posts.
Catch them while you can
The Tannahill Weavers, a trad band from Scotland, are in town tomorrow night (Oct. 30) to perform at the Winona Grange in Tualatin. The band is named for poet/musician Robet Tannahill whose father was an actual weaver. Here’s the thing. I’m still kicking myself for not seeing Donal Lunny’s longtime buddy Andy Irvine when he was here in town a year ago. You’ve got to see these acts while they’re still touring and coming to Portland. Thanks to the Tannahill Weavers for incorporating the Great Highland Bagpipes into their repertoire of traditional Scottish tunes and songs. CLICK HERE for ticket info.
Spirit of Ireland Book Night - November 19. Would you like to share a reading?
Please plan to join us for a pint and some prose at our Nov. 19 (Third Thursday) meeting. Hibernian Ed Curtin is currently recruiting readers. Is there a particular piece of fine writing that summons the Spirit of Ireland for you? It doesn’t have to be strictly Irish. Irish adjacent is more like it. Thursday, Nov. 19 @ Kells Restaurant. Six P.M. no host dinner. Readings at Seven P.M. Desserts. Door prizes. Let Ed know if you’re up for reading.
Irish writer will sacrifice UK royalty money over Palestine
When it comes to Irish writers these days, Sally Rooney sells more literary novels than any other author. But her books won’t be available in United Kingdom book stores unless Andy Burnham’s government changes policy. Read here how things stand at the end of October 2026.
Tom O’Leary’s pub is his stage
TC O’Leary’s proprietor Tom O’Leary transforms his pub into a stage on November 5 for the month-long return engagement of The Smuggler. Irish immigrant Tim Finnegan has aspirations of being a writer but struggles to earn a living and provide for his baby son. Spurred on by family pressure and his own loss of dignity, he discovers the price he’s willing to pay to get ahead. Directed by Gemma Whelan at TC O’Leary’s 2926 NE Alberta Street - Nov 5–29, Thu–Sat @ 1pm and Sun @ 8pm. Click here for background and ticket info.
Serious fun at Féile Portland
If your engagement with Celtic culture is anything but casual; if you’re interested in keeping the old ways alive, this is for you. Féile Portland, a festival of Irish language, dance and culture sponsored by the Irish Cultural Society of the Pacific Northwest (ICSPNW) takes place November 6 - 8 at PCC Sylvania Campus and includes special events at TC O’Leary’s and Kells. Click here for the full rundown and ticket info.
Samhain - When the recipe calls for a coin and a thimble
The two Irish dishes recommended for Samhain are colcannon and barmbrack. Colcannon is from the Irish Gaelic cal ceannan, which literally means "white-headed cabbage." Báirín breac sliced, toasted and buttered, is the ultimate Irish cinnamon raisin bread. But, once again, here’s the thing. The recipes for these two dishes include items you could easily choke on. What’s with that? Take colcannon. Ingredients: potatoes, cabbage, butter, milk and for Samhain add a ring, a coin, a button, and a thimble. Click here for an explanation from the Irish Star. In modern Ireland, the majority of these hidden objects have been phased out due to obvious choking hazards and safety regulations. While commercial bakers and home cooks have dropped the rags, matches, and coins, the tradition isn't entirely lost. The iconic ring has withstood the test of time and can still be found hidden inside barmbracks across the country today. Here’s a colcannon recipe - https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/food-drink/colcannon-recipe
Here’s a barmbrack recipe - https://www.daringgourmet.com/irish-barmbrack/
Don’t forget to set some cal ceannann and báirín breac aside for the fairies. They’ll come looking for it under the hemlock tree.