Classes, Trad Music, and Discotheques=Deadly!

On Saturday, Angie discussed WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney in her Irish literature class. MC said that Angie is very knowledgeable and simply loves listening to her. Raizel said it’s her favorite class. In Dan’s Gaelic class, students practiced the Irish National Anthem. Students had to sing in pairs in front of the class and he was blown away by the gorgeous voices of Molly, Raizel, and Sasha. They are very talented singers! In Irish history class, Dan spoke about the Famine to the 1916 Rebellion. Evan said he really enjoys Dan’s Irish history class, because he’s fascinated by Ireland’s past. It was then time for Taryn’s Irish studies. Taryn spoke about how Ireland has evolved over the past 20+ years and many students agreed that the Irish and Irish Americans are losing their identity in the modern world. The students discussed what people associate Ireland and the Irish with-not necessarily good things. They then shared what they want to teach their families and friends about Ireland and the Irish people-the culture, history, literature, and traditions… Their final task was to make a promise to themselves when they return to the states on how they were going to improve Irish culture and keep it alive in their communities. Irish American history followed and the students talked about famous Irish Americans with Dan. Catherine said she enjoys this class and learning about her ancestors. In the afternoon, students were able to have free time at the Liffey Valley Shopping Center. Many picked up blue leggings, shirts, and shorts. Some even purchased Dublin jerseys. You can tell what team everyone will be cheering for at the Leinster Finals. Both Dan and Edel are from Dublin and told the students they would not be happy if they cheered for Wexford. Up the Dubs! Later that evening, Angie's brother, Tom-came to visit us with his traditional Irish band from Belfast. We were treated with magnificent tunes of jigs, hornpipes, and reels. Music from banjos, buzukis, bodhrans, guitars, whistles and uilleann pipes echoed throughout the halls of King's Hospital. There was plenty of toe-tapping and it was music to our ears. Tom, Paddy, Paul and Ryan introduced the students to each of the various unfamiliar instruments, before playing music that the students could practice their 3's and 7's they had learned in dance class. Our Irish dancer, Kelly, performed a routine at the end of the sessiun. Molly, Raizel, and Sasha even got up to sing traditional Irish songs in front of the group. It was so special! As much as the students didn't want the music to end, Tom and his band bid adieu. "Tom's band was so amazing and I was honored to sing with the them," said Raizel/Prunes. Sallie said that the uilleann pipes are the shiz! Students were then treated to their first discotheque at King's Hospital. Everyone got dressed up and got ready to show off their stellar dance skills. It was a blast and the students loved the experience. They can't wait for more discos!

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