Member: jkavanagh

That's grand, Jimmy! Or should I say, Councillor Kavanaugh? Well congratulations. My uncle was here last month and he told me how bad things were over there, and then he saw that it was the same here. This recession is unlike any, the worst to be sure, and it's going to take us years to recover. We're still holding on to our jobs but it's tough. Our pay has been cut and we now work a four-day week since we are required to take one-day off a week without pay. Ah well, it's better than not having a job but nonetheless, we're very scared. My reading project this winter is to study up on DeValera, can you reccomend any biography or books about him? Good luck, Councillor!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:09 pm (EST) on Oct 29, 2009

"Desiderata"
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

"
— Max Ehrmann

posted by theoldman at 7:41 am (EST) on Oct 25, 2009

Jimmy,

It's been awhile since we've been in contact. Hope all is well with you. Work and circumstances here at home kept me from going to Clare this summer. Such a shame because there are some great Aer Lingus deals. My sisters are over there now visiting relatives.

Have you read anything good recently? I picked up a copy of the Everyman's Edition of Frank O'Connor, and have been reading from it every night before I turn in.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:10 pm (EST) on Jul 13, 2009

Hi,

LibraryThing contacted me and indicated you were one of the winners of the Early Reviewer Giveaway. Please send me your e-mail address (mine is mail@christophertusa.com), and I'll send you a copy of the e-book.

Thanks for entering the giveaway,

Chris

posted by cmtusa at 10:51 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2009

Hi Jimmy,
thanks for the recommendation of book on Irish famine years. I've been a bit absent lately myself, but will also be here more. I've been working getting a website finished for my online business - should launch soon.
I'll hunt for the book.
Warm wishes, Bonnie
bonsam

posted by bonsam at 8:38 pm (EST) on Mar 20, 2009

Hi Mr. Kavanagh, I am looking for a good resource on the famine years. My ancestors came to the US in 1847ish and did not seem to be poor. I've done some research and reading, but would like to know more about the class structure during those times. Family name was Gillan by the way. I didn't find out about my Irish ancestors until I was an adult and thus had missed all those happy St. Patrick's days!
Thanks much and nice to meet you, Bonnie

posted by bonsam at 7:05 pm (EST) on Dec 5, 2008

Jimmy,

The goal of early voting is usually to increase participation and relieve congestion of polling stations on Election Day. Actually, my state, Florida, officially began early voting in 2004 as part of post-2000 election reform, so it's only the second Presidential Election where it's been tried. It started three weeks ago and ended this past Saturday. The early vote here in Florida this go round has been amazing. It's been estimated that nearly 2 million Floridians voted early. I did not since I could not spend three hours standing in line. I will vote tomorrow at our precinct station which happens to be a Catholic Church, St. Patrick's. My wife, daughter and I are all going together to vote. My daughter is only nine years old but wants to see how the election process works so my wife will take her into the voting station with her so she can experience what it is like.

I think the early voting polls showed a big lead for O'Bama. Many early voters tended to be Democrats and newly registered voters, most of whom joined the Democratic party. The Republicans are in disarray right now and everybody is pretty much fed up with what has gone on with the economy and the waste of young American soldiers in Iraq, so, as history has shown, the party in power will be the loser in the election, and besides, in my own humble opinion, McCain ran an absolutely horrific campaign. O'Bama ran an absolutely magnificent campaign, the best since Bill Clinton's first run. By the way, I went to a rally last week and saw Bill Clinton and Obama. There were about 20,000 people there. I couldn't get very close to the stage but it was truly an historic moment, one I'll never forget.

I'm not well versed in Irish politics, so I really can't say where I would find myself, but I did admire what Bertie Ahern did in Northern Ireland, the social partnership and the unity he brought to his own party (and I realize there is some controversy surrounding him). I've read where in some ways Bertie's lack of vision was a positive, it made him flexible and willing to compromise, and I certainly think he was outstanding in that regard. However, the younger ones from my family in Clare thinks that he had no social or economic vision, no fire in his belly. One cousin thinks that he didn't really want to change society for the better, you know, nothing but the ward boss writ large. But at the moment isn't it unfashionable to say anything adverse about Bertie?

Well, I'm off the watch some of the political talk shows this election eve. Not much more anybody can say, but it's such an historic moment that I'm pretty much caught up in everything right now, and don't want to miss anything, no matter how repetitious.

Best to you and your family,

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:06 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2008

Yeah, I'm not sure how I feel about de Valera, based on the little I know about his history. Nonetheless, regardless of how you feel about the man, it must be an amazing feeling to own a piece of history like that. I'll have to spend a little more time looking at your library, but so far I'd say it's quite impressive. Also, I'm always glad to meet other Nick Hornby fans as well. Have you read his newest book, "Slam" yet?

posted by dodger at 2:34 am (EST) on Mar 13, 2008

I finally got around to responding to your questions in the GAA group. Maybe some day some others will join us over there, eh?

I am quite intrigued by your copy of "Is there a new race type?" I see in your comment field that it was owned by Eamon de Valera; what a cool piece of history!

posted by dodger at 5:34 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2008

Good to hear from you, Jimmy. Hope all is well.

I think Lavin's stories from that collection you came across are in her Complete Stories that I have. I hope to start that soon. In a way her writing reminds me of John McGahern.

Stay in touch when you have the time.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 6:33 pm (EST) on Feb 14, 2008

Jimmy, I finished “Looking for Jimmy - A Search for Irish America”last weekend, and what a great read it was. Have you finished it yet? His portraits of the Irish as politician, cop, priest, teacher and writer are so spot on, and reminded me so much of the Irish-American enclave I grew up in as a child. But I must say, my favorite part of the book was that description Quinn gave at the beginning of the book of his grandfather and father, a young boy at the time, in the midst of a Canadian crowd playing “God Save the King” with the Union Jack coming down. As I'm sure you recall, Quinn’s grandfather, despite threats and reproof from the crowd, refused to remove his hat and stops his son from doing the same, saying, “That flag is a symbol of royalty and aristocracy… It stands for empire and greed. Never doff your hat to it.” That reminded me so much of my mother and her side of the family.

In addition to reading from William Trevor’s Collected Stories (have you read Trevor?), I also found a book that I can’t put down, Peter Duffy’s “The Killing of Major Denis Mahon - A Mystery of Old Ireland,” which is the true story about the roadside ambush and murder of an Anglo-Irish landlord named Denis Mahon, whose ancestral family demesne in County Roscommon tenanted 12,000 poor and mostly starving people. I don't want to comment too much on since I assume you havent' read it yet, but I highly recommend this book, especially if you're interested in Famine history.

Regards,
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:28 am (EST) on Jan 18, 2008

Jimmy, I was about six feet away from Bill, and could not get any closer due to his Secret Service bodyguards. Therefore, I shouted out, "Mr. Clinton, I'm a registered Democrat and voted for you twice. I wish you could have served another four years." He turned around, laughed and said, "I don't think I could have taken another four years!" He saw that I had a book in hand, came over to me and asked what I was reading. The book was a collection of poems by Seamus Heaney. I was surprised when he said, "What's that poem he wrote that starts out, "Between my finger and my thumb, the squat pen rests, as snug as a gun." Of course, that is the poem, Digging. I told him and he said, "Yes, yes that's it." He went on to say that all of the books he read while he served as President are now housed in the Clinton Library in Little Rock, and that I should make a visit there if I were ever in Little Rock. I asked him to sign something for my 8 year old daughter and he was kind enough to write on a piece of paper, "To Siobhán, a future Democrat. I met your father today, a fine man he is. " Signed it, "Bill Clinton" and put the date on it. Needless to say I was thrilled. I've since had the paper framed and put under glass.

The signed McGahern I have is "Memoir." I received that one from Kenny's in Galway. I also have signed first editions by Sebastian Barry, Joseph O'Connor, Desmond Hogan, Colm Toibin, Anne Enright, Patrick McCabe and Colum McCann. I also have some others by some lesser known authors.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:34 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2008

Forget to add, Jimmy, that I read the up to page 85 yesterday of Looking for Jimmy and am up to the chapter, "Politcs and Place." You are right this is a most excellent collection. Quinn also wrote an excellent novel called "The Banished Children of Eve," a historical novel that takes place in New York City in 1863 and deals with the draft riots that as you know, involved the Irish immigrant population. So many books, so little time, ya know?

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:20 am (EST) on Jan 10, 2008

Jimmy,

Obama's comments yesterday about "rough and tumble" politics, and the apparent success of Clinton's attacks in New Hampshire, suggested the race may get considerably nastier before the nomination is decided. However, the DP activists and political analysts were saying this morning that there was little concern that any acrimony would prevent the party from uniting for the general election, especially if the nomination is determined on February 5th. For the party's sake I hope that's true.

Although my wife and I are both Democrats, we are a split household. She’s for Clinton, I’m for Obama. I have a feeling that the election in November is going to be a record vote, being that it is likely that one of the candidates is going to be a black or a woman. I don’t think there’s any chance of one or the other having the loser of the nomination as their VP. I think a ticket like that would bring out the Christian Coalition in record numbers in order to prevent such a ticket making it to the White House. However, whoever is on the Democratic ticket, I expect conservatives to turn out like never before. All the more important that we Dems get out there and vote.

By the way, last week Bill Clinton was in town for fund raising purposes. He was staying in the hotel across the street from the building where I work. There is a Starbucks on the first floor where I get coffee in the early morning and much to my surprise I ran in to him there. He was surrounded by a couple of Secret Service Agents but they didn't prevent me from speaking with him briefly. I only wish I would have had a copy of his book with me so he could have signed it!

On the signed edition front, I have many by Irish authors that I obtained from Kenny’s in Galway. The shop closed a couple of years ago and do nothing but mail order. Des Kenny has become a friend over the years and lets me know whenever he has something I might be interested in. Two of my prized possessions are books signed by John Banville and the late John McGahern.

Regards,
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:10 am (EST) on Jan 10, 2008

Jimmy,

As most Irish immigrants did, our family registered as Democrats after we arrived, and I've been one ever since I was eligible to register. I have no problem with Obama, and if the election were held today I would probably vote for him. The only thing that bothers me is his lack of experience, and he's been very vague on foreign policy. Another factor that I think is going to play a huge part in the upcoming election no matter who gets nominated is the economy. It may be in the toilet by the time the campaigns start and if people are hurting economic wise, the economy will be the number one issue. My own feeling is we are headed for a recession, and that people will vote with their wallets. Unfortunately, finding a solution in Iraq, and overall foreign policy may take a back seat.

I envy your signed edition of his book. How in the world did you ever come about that? Hey, if he's elected, that will be worth some money someday!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 5:34 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2008

Jimmy,

It’s a very exciting time in American politics at the moment. Clinton’s victory last night in New Hampshire was a big surprise, especially after her third place finish in Iowa. Exit polls of voters on Tuesday showed that women, registered Democrats, and older people, especially older women, came out solidly for Mrs. Clinton, while independents, men and younger voters went for Mr. Obama.

The word now is that she’s ready to call in her markers, add advisers and spend some big, big bucks over the next few weeks in order to beat Obama It’s going to be a long battle, and your guess is as good as mine right now as to whether Obama can get the nomination. Right now, if I had to pick, I’d guess that Clinton will end up with the Democratic nomination and McCain the Republican. But it’s really too early to make a guess.

One thing’s for sure, whoever ends up in the White House will be better than what we have now.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:33 am (EST) on Jan 9, 2008

Jimmy, just a little background on Mary Lavin. She was born in East Walpole, Massachusetts in 1912, the only child of Tom and Nora Lavin, an immigrant Irish couple. She attended primary school in East Walpole until the age of ten, when her mother decided to go back to Ireland. Initially, Mary and Nora lived with Nora's family in Athenry in County Galway. Afterwards, they bought a house in Dublin, and Mary's father too came back from America to join them. Many of her stories were published in The New Yorker, and she also published a few novels. But if you can find a copy of her collected stories you should start there.

Good reading to ya!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:11 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2008

Jimmy,

I gladly accept your invitation and look forward to sending recommendations back and forth. I'd appreciate it if from time to time you would let me know on what's being published in Ireland by Irish writers so I can be on the lookout. I usually have to order from Amazon UK or Kenny's in Galway.

Coincidentally my sister gave me "Looking for Jimmy" for Christmas, and I plan on starting it this week. The history of the Irish immigration experience to and in America is one that I'm most interested in. I'm sure the book will bring back memories of growing up in the Parish I lived in as a boy.

I'm always waxing on how Irish Americans have made contributions of incalculable dimensions to American society and culture. How they changed and enriched the language, gave us our greatest playwright (Eugene O'Neill), some of our finest writers (Flannery O'Connor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Alice McDermott, William Kennedy) and our greatest movie director, John Ford. I can't wait to dive into this book! Thanks for the recommendation.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 6:20 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2008

Jimmy,

Just popping in to see if you've read any of Mary Lavin's stories. I'm currently reading her Collected Stories and have been quite taken with them. She's relatively obscure and criminally neglected here in the U.S. All of her stories are set in Ireland and shaped by the mores of her people - farmers, aristocrats, clergy, etc. If you haven't read her yet I highly recommend her work.

Slainte!
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:20 am (EST) on Jan 7, 2008

Thanks for the note - we're working on finding more publishers to participate - that's the key. Publishers tend to do distribution country by country, and can only send books to certain places. So we need to find publishers *in* each country in order to send books. I'm working on it, and so are some LT members (there's a coordinated effort to send letters to various publishers, asking them to participate).

Mainly, it's a question of logistics, not exclusiveness. I'm hoping that the more successful the US publishers find it to be, the more the word will spread to other countries...

posted by ablachly at 11:36 am (EST) on Jan 3, 2008

Jimmy, yes, I've hear of Kilmihil. Last summer I attended the Clare County Fleadh for one day to watch a relative compete in the under 15s in Kilmihil, and also heard some great traditional music at Declans and Breens. It is a lovely place.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 2:23 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2007

Hi jkavanagh. Hope you don't mind that I added you to my interesting libraries list.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:42 pm (EST) on Dec 9, 2007

Hallo Jimmy, just back from a short trip home... what the dickens is going on with the HSEs??? Last time I was there, everything was in butter, but now there are cuts left, right and centre. Blasted BIFFO...
To answer your question, 99% of the books are in Hamburg now (I've been in Germany for eleven years), which means I can never leave! Well, that's my excuse, anyway...

posted by citizenkelly at 4:16 pm (EST) on Oct 22, 2007

Thanks Jimmy, nice of you to pop by!

I'm sure you already know about Kenny's online bookshop. They have a lot of signed editions. It was a sad day indeed when they "closed" their bookshop in Galway, or rather, made it solely an art gallery...

Greetings to Letterkenny, I'm a BIFFO in exile.
All the best, Carolyn

posted by citizenkelly at 1:17 am (EST) on Oct 13, 2007

thank you.

posted by jvdineen at 6:35 pm (EST) on Oct 10, 2007

Thriftbooks.com, lots of good books at very low prices

posted by liamfoley at 3:14 am (EST) on Aug 7, 2007