Bing and Jackie

In 1956 Decca Records released Bing Crosby’s latest collection of songs in an album dedicated to Ireland titled, “Shillelaghs and Shamrocks”. Nearly a decade later it was the cover art on this album that was to provide the inspiration for the FSOS logo that still serves as our brand today. An original copy of the album has been obtained for the Friendly Sons through the endeavors of Jamie O’Kane. It has been framed in green and gold by Mike Callaghan and mounted as part of the growing collection of memorabilia in the FSOS tap room by Bill Jarvis. So next time you’re in the club, take a minute to check out a piece of FSOS history that was around before many of us were born and join in the camaraderie that is the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh. Also don't forget to checkout this clip from the archives and see the first mention of the Friendly Sons by Jackie Gleason.

Article by Mike Callaghan

Irish Christmas Traditions

The Candle in the Window

A distinctive feature of Christmas decorations is the large candle placed in the front window and lit on Christmas Eve. According to one belief, this candle served as a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph who sought shelter on that first Christmas Eve. The lighting of the candle is an ancient ritual during which prayers are said for the departed and the privilege of striking the match was usually given to a daughter named Mary. It also could be lit by the youngest family member and snuffed out by someone named Mary.

The Set Table

For Centuries it was the practice in Irish villages to set the kitchen table after the evening meal on Christmas Eve. On it a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a lit candle. The door was left unlatched, offering hospitality to the Holy Family or to any traveler that might be on the road. This flickering symbol also served as a signal in times past to any priest seeking shelter and protection the he was welcome in this house and that it was safe to say Mass here.

The Holly Wreath

The glossy leaved holly with its clusters of red berries, popular as a door decoration in North America can be traced to the early settlers from the south of Ireland, who came to the United States during the Famine. Holly grows wild in the south of Ireland and at Christmas houses are lavishly decorated with it.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

During the centuries when it was a crime for Catholics to practice their faith it is believed the song, The Twelve days of Christmas, was written as a catechism song to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. It was a memory aid in a time when being caught with Catholic writings could lead to imprisonment or even hanging. Here are the verses of the song, along with their supposed symbolism:

v A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Jesus Christ

v Two Turtle Doves - The Old and New Testaments

v Three French Hens - The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity

v Four Calling/Collie Birds - Four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John

v Five Golden Rings - First five books of the Old Testament

v Six Geese-a-Laying - Six days of creation before God's rest on the 7th

v Seven Swans-a-Swimming - Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

v Eight Maids-a-Milking - Eight Beatitudes

v Nine Ladies Dancing - Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

v Ten Lords-a-Leaping - Ten Commandments

v Eleven Pipers Piping - Eleven faithful disciples

v Twelve Drummers Drumming -Twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed

 I’ll close with Nollaig Shona Daoibh (pronounced, null-ig hun-a dee-if) , "Happy Christmas" in Irish.

Larry McGrath

Consul General of Ireland Unveils Map

Saturday October 18, the Consul General of Ireland Mr. Niall Burgess accompanied by his wife Marie visited Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Hall in Old Bridge to attend the official unveiling of the newly restored Worlds Fair Map of Ireland. The Map, originally in the Irish Pavilion at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair was unveiled by our own Robert Arthur and Dennis Murphy.The key note speaker for the evening was Keynote speaker Brian Andersson: New York's Commissioner of Records displays a flag from the WTC that was taken by astronauts on a 15 million mile space shuttle mission. Flanking Brian are John Wagle, Friendly Sons President and Charles Donnelly, Master of Ceremonies.

Photos and Article by Mike Callaghan

Historic Map Back On Display

The highly anticipated unveiling of the newly restored map of Ireland at the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh took place on Sunday, October 12, 2008.  The map which originally went on display at the 1964 New York World's Fair, as acquired by the Friendly Sons in 1985 and has been on display since its arrival and installation.  It had fallen into disrepair when Charlie Donnelly chaired a committee to have the map restored  and reinstalled in the main hall.  Many people were involved with the restoration and all were honored to see it unveiled to the public on Sunday Oct 12, 2008.
 
The ceremony started off with the FSOS Pipes and Drums kicking off the event with several tunes  It was then followed up by club members Chris Finnegan and Ron Keaveney singing the American and Irish national anthems.  
 
Guest speaker, Al Meredith, author and club member, gave a delightful talk on Irish history and his book, Inishannon.  The public was then invited to view the map and trace their Irish roots back to their respective counties and provinces.  Many people stepped up to take advantage of the opportunity.
 
The evening continued on with a seisiun of Traditional Irish music which was broadcast live on The Voice Of Ireland show on WRSU-FM.  A grand time was had by all.

Photos and Article courtsey of Mike Callaghan