Stephen Finlay Archer

Irish New Year Traditions – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 28

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Dec 29, 2021 | Irish to the Core

In my week 26 blog about mummers I mentioned the fact that Samhain was celebrated at the end of the harvest on October 31st in the Celtic pagan calendar where the theme was life and rebirth. Some Irish...

Revolution, The Irish Clans, Book Five has Arrived! – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 27

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Dec 22, 2021 | Irish to the Core

I hope you have been enjoying my Irish weekly blogs during this last half of 2021. I will continue to provide what I think are interesting facts and stories which are Irish to the Core. Today I...

Irish Mummery, a Christmas Tradition? – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 26

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Dec 15, 2021 | Irish to the Core

Last week I wrote about the Irish Wren Boys dressed in straw and their procession on Boxing Day in Dingle, County Kerry that dates from centuries ago. This is one important vestige of the ancient Mummers...

Irish Candle in the Window – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 25

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Dec 8, 2021 | Irish to the Core

The Irish are enthusiastic about all holidays and Christmas celebrations are particularly festive and exuberant. Kate Phelan uncovered local Irish Christmas traditions which you might find interesting....

1918 Spanish Flu in Ireland – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 24

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Dec 1, 2021 | Irish to the Core

We’ve all been through the wringer due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 with new strains popping up to further complicate our recovery. I thought it apropos to discuss the 1918 – 1920 ‘Spanish’ flu and its impact on...

The First Irish Thanksgiving – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 23

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Nov 24, 2021 | Irish to the Core

Most of us will sit down with friends and relatives this week to give thanks for all the blessings we have received this year despite unprecedented challenges. I for one am very grateful to my family for their...

Heritage Palms – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 22

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Nov 17, 2021 | Irish to the Core

This week I am departing from an Irish history topic to discuss the wonderful reception I received last evening at the Heritage Palms Golf Club in Indio, California. There I discussed my literary journey and my...

Lia Fail (Destiny Stone) – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 21

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Nov 10, 2021 | Irish to the Core

Last week I discussed the story that Robert the Bruce gave Cormac MacCarthy a stone for his support at the Battle of Bannockburn against the English in 1314 which was later incorporated into the battlements of...

The Mac Carthaigh Clan, Part 2 – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 20

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Nov 3, 2021 | Irish to the Core

Last week I discussed the first 800 years of the Mac Carthaigh Clan in Ireland when they were called Eóganachta, centered on the Rock of Cashel, Tipperary and before Chieftain Muireadhach mac Carthaigh, son of...

Mac Carthaigh Clan, Part 1 – Irish to the Core Weekly Blog 19

by Stephen Finlay Archer | Nov 2, 2021 | Irish to the Core

Having given some background on the oppressive conditions forcing the Irish revolution of the early twentieth century, the paramilitary Volunteer organizations arming for it, and its American Irish support in my...