They say that travel broadens the mind.
I am here in Philly to take part at a Q&A and to do a book signing in the fado Irish bar and I am looking forward to that hugely.
This piece is being written in the very same place and there is a great warm friendly vibe from the staff and patrons alike.
Given the isolating nature of being an online writer these occasions are hugely important for writer and reader alike.
However I have a more important engagement tomorrow and that will be to speak at a ceremony of remembrance at the Irish memorial in Philadelphia.
Unlike the city of my birth Philly remembers An Gorta Mor respectfully and appropriately in the public space.
Glasgow remains unique in being the only major reception centre of Famine refugees that does not commemorate those world changing events.
There is much work to be done on this issue back in Glasgow.
However, this is an opportunity to tell the global Gaeltacht the state of affairs in the Scotland of many cultures.
With occupational parity only achieved for the Glasgow Irish in 2001 (a century after the Irish in New York) the old discriminatory attitudes remain in place.
The Irish Diaspora is honoured across the world for their amazing fortitude in what they endured and how they won through. Everywhere we made landfall in the 19th century escaping from genocidal conditions imposed by a brutal aristocracy at home we have worked, served, led and enriched.
The Irish who landed in Philly were allowed to be proud Americans and to also retain their Irish heritage.
I hope that my sojourn in Philadelphia brings some attention to the cultural realities of modern Scotland.
The people who are taking very good care of me have several media opportunities lined up and I am happily at their disposal.
Hopefully I can broaden some outlooks when I am here.
I am sure I will as Philly people are open-minded and they understand the vital importance of tolerance and respect for the heritage of your neighbour.
zax_vibex
Is the magnificent edifice of Celtic Park in Glasgow, together with its great history and highly-respected fanbase worldwide, not a fitting tribute to the famine-affected communities who came to Scotland? All inspired by Brother Walfrid. If there is a ‘place for a plaque’ memorial then we no doubt have it here. Can we not build it for ourselves (a cairn or something) although some of our number may be less than happy with a religion-based memorial.
August 13, 2012 at 12:39 pm
The Wallace
I agree with you Phil and would go further and say there should be memorials in Edinburgh and Dundee.
But I wonder if you know that the Highland population was also devastated by the blight. After the clearances many Highland communities were moved onto poor land that could only grow potatoes. Although relief seemed to be a little better organised and in some areas was effective, it is reckoned over 1 million Scots found it necessary to emigrate. One community was dumped by their laird wholesale on Canada’s shores after protesting that he was exporting grain whilst they were starving. It is reckoned the same amount may have died as a consequence of this and the smaller famines in the years leading up to An Gorta Mor.
There was even a minister on one of the Western Isles who took advantage of the famine saying it was a punishment from the Almighty and because of their unholy ways urged them to burn all musical instruments on the island. It was said to be upward of two hundred fiddles were burnt in a bonfire. I believe the islanders were allowed to keep the bagpipes as the British Army were in need of pipers and this tradition was allowed to thrive.
Talk about ethnic cleansing. Scotland was hit bad, not as bad as Ireland, but it was a human calamity none the less.
Maybe these people should be remembered too.
August 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm
SamBrowneBelt
Graham M
There wasn’t any change in the law in 2001. I’m not sure what Phil is referring to, but I’d guess it’s the results of some socio-economic employment study/survey.
August 11, 2012 at 1:49 am
Phil Mac Giolla Bhain
Studies based on census data comparing both cities
August 11, 2012 at 2:03 am
iain
In how many census before that date were people able t state their ethnicity as Irish Phil?
If that option hadn’t been there before then how was “occuational parity” measured?
August 11, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Phil Mac Giolla Bhain
Professor Tom Devine has written extensively on this subject. The work is referenced and peer reviewed.
August 11, 2012 at 2:39 pm
PaulMc
Memorial locations:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_memorials_to_the_Great_Famine#United_Kingdom
From the article on the famine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Famine_(Ireland)#Memorials
Now, does this look like it’s being sentimentalised?
August 10, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Graham M
That’s uncalled for. I am asking a simple question. I am happy to admit I have no knowledge of any change in law affecting Roman Catholics in Scotland in 2001. That doesn’t make me stupid especially when I am willing to be informed. FWIW, I have been a Celtic fan since arriving in Scotland from the USA in 1971 but that shouldn’t need to be said for my question to be deserving of an answer. I am largely in agreement with a lot of what Phil writes but again that shouldn’t affect the treatment of my posts. That’s how the MSM work – ignore those that might not agree with their party line.
Well done Phil for your work exposing the Great Rangers EBT Swindle and good fortune going forward with the memorial campaign.
I’m off and won’t be back.
August 10, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Graham M
Still listening?
August 10, 2012 at 3:07 pm
redversbodkin
Who is TERRY WOGAN
August 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Stu
Same old same old.
Why does Glasgow need a memorial to the Irish Famine? You talk as if it’s the only place in the world that doesn’t have one (does London have one?), and yet there’s one just outside Glasgow in Carfin, a large sculpted parkland/pilgrimage site (as I’m sure you’re well aware) that stands as a more than fitting tribute to the presence of Catholicism (and the associated Irish element of that) in Scotland than any tiny brass plaque token gesture or small statue in a major city ever could. Carfin is a special place (one of my favourite places in the world) with a unique atmosphere, and to have somewhere that special in central Scotland should be enough to make anyone proud of this country.
Perhaps you could also ask at the same time why there’s no memorial to the Highland clearances in Glasgow, given that it’s probably a lot closer to the hearts and minds of the people of Scotland, given that it actually happened in this country?
Just because Americans tend to revel in nostalgia and almost hysterical sentimentality for a country they’ve never visited, don’t use it as something to beat this country over the head with.
August 10, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Frankier
redversbodkin Sadly, Ireland is not the place it used to be and neither are the Irish themselves. I’m not talking about the jaunting cars and shillelaghs, I am referring to the fact that it could almost be described as a “piss stinking rathole of a country” now too. I have visited Ireland, the land of my forebears also, for many years now and I don’t have the same enthusiasm now when boarding the ferry at Cairnryan and it it is not just because of the fact that my youthful zestfulness has gone. I just have to look at Terry Wogan now and I could “boak”.
August 10, 2012 at 11:21 am
Alec O'Donnell
Hi Phil
Hmm I wonder why so take so much interest in our dead after all you are a atheist who believes that the stong survive and the weak dont, I ent to the same school as you at he same time we both went to St Ambrose Coatbridge at the same time although you must have been a year below me, anyway phil as a Irish desendant catholic Iquestion your motives I have assumed and correct me if I am wrong, you are a left wing atheist, who while spouting about celtic fc and the rights and wrongs of the media in scotland which I totally agree about. you really dont agree abot the ideals that brother Walfrid meant when he founded Celtic, and by that i mean the ideas of the time as there was no communism then
August 10, 2012 at 8:49 am
SamBrowneBelt
Alec
The Communist Manifesto was written by Marx-Engels in 1848. Can’t answer your othe rpoints, will leave that to Phil.
August 11, 2012 at 1:43 am
jimk47
@Alec O’Donnell: don’t think your rambling attack on Phil’s political views does anything for the argument for Catholic schools. The lack of logic and knowledge of history in your post would be goldmine for opponents of Catholic schools. Since when did Atheism imply Social Darwinism? You’ve been listening to too many priests.Atheism is simply a lack of belief in god and an atheist can hold any position on the political spectrum and as for the history of Communism. try a bit of reading. James Connolly’s writings would be a good place to start. Finally What did you mean by “our dead”? Are you equating Irishness with Catholicism? If so, you are doing a great disservice to many good Republicans from the United Irishmen to the “Prod Squad” of the Belfast Brigade. As I said, do a bit of reading. You might find it fun.
August 16, 2012 at 9:31 am
Daithi Mac Aindriu
Pardon the typos I hate I phones.
August 10, 2012 at 2:54 am
Daithi Mac Aindriu
Phil,
Failte go Philadelphia. Well said but I hope you have met at least one Irish Cathic here and Philadelphia who told you of the Know Knothing Riots here in the neighborhoods where many of us still live.
http://hsp.org/sites/default/files/legacy_files/migrated/studentreadingriotsinthecityofbrotherlylove.pdf
August 10, 2012 at 2:52 am
redversbodkin
ANDY get a grip
August 10, 2012 at 2:06 am
Andy
Redversbodkin – It is perfectly valid to attack bigotry where it exists but failing to distinguish jokes and valid criticism from real hate does no one any favours.
To attack Dallas and remain silent on child abuse and it’s cover up, Cardinal O’Brien’s appalling homophobia or the sectarianism of the Pope stating that Protestant churches are not “real” churches simply reduces any debate about equality to a tribal squabble.
August 10, 2012 at 8:40 am
redversbodkin
hi phil GR8 post ,enjoy your time in philly,hope your visit is productive with respect to the quest for JUSTICE for the IRISH famine victims recognition particularly in Scotland,as i have previously stated my own family descendants survived that awful tragedy in human history,however, without the famine there wouldn’t be 40 million( PROUD ) Irish Americans TODAY, not that the famine can be justified in anyway ,shape, or form, let us remember our beloved Irish and others who perished,in wars & famines most certainly. I left BONNIE SCOTIA 40 years ago IT WAS A PISS stinking rat hole of a country then & nothing seems to have changed, no offence intended to anyone in Scotland but sadly it is true, I love Ireland,being there gives me a sense of beloning to that dear green isle, land of my forebears,Scotland on the other hand is most certainly the land of the “TEDDY BEARS” & I doubt that it will change, the recent disgraceful shenanigans within the S F A , S F L ,& the S P L HAVE PROVEN THAT RANGERS FC will not be allowed to die come what may, but we must try to change them, come what may, heres to the memory of Bridget O’Donnell & her family & hopefully their descendants if any, DOMINUS VOBISCUM
August 10, 2012 at 2:01 am
Graham M
Phil, can you answer my question? Thanks. Or maybe someone else can enlighten me?
August 10, 2012 at 1:50 am
PaulMc
One Scotland. Many Cultures. (except Irish)
August 10, 2012 at 1:45 am
SamBrowneBelt
Phil
I’m really not sure that it’s a great idea for a memorial in Glasgow. Fine if this were a city that showed tolerance, understanding, and a willingness to integrate but, as you know, that description does not fit Glasgow.
Such a monument would, sadly, attract hostility and, inevitably, repeated acts of vandalism, and further divide an already fractured city.
I’m afraid we have a long way to go before the bigots are so small in number that they have little influence. This, remember, is the warm, friendly city where there are regular serious attacks on those who dare to make their colours known, and are left in an unconscious heap with the calling card “Goodnight Green and White”.
All the best for your Philadelphia trip. May the road rise up to meet you …
August 10, 2012 at 1:41 am
Ralf
Glad you’re having a nice time in the USA, racism has always been a problem in the USA, we should always have a mutual respect for one another, in Scotland no more calling people fenians and huns, Mutual respect fot everyone please, its not too much to ask is it ?
August 10, 2012 at 12:38 am
Soairse
Why did you remove my post, Phil? Perhaps because you do not like criticism?
August 9, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Phil Mac Giolla Bhain
Posts awaiting moderation are not “removed”.They are just that. Awaiting moderation. There there
August 9, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Soairse
You go on ad nauseum about “succulent lamb” and of course it is right to criticise that obscene culture.
But tweeting Lennon “failte”? You are supposed to be an objective journalist, not a fan.
August 9, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Ben mcginlay
You can be a fan and objective at the same time. Common sense and fair play. Supporting Celtic is not a crime. Being up front about what you believe in isn’t either.
August 9, 2012 at 11:11 pm
gazthechef
Saiorse,you of all people with a name like that must understand the need for people like Phil to keep harping on.vnpif he didn’t,what would happen?exactly…NOTHING!hi Phil.yet another great post.im sure it would seem like a luxury for you if you were able to remain objective!the fact of the matter is that for generations,Irish Catholics in Scotland have been a 2nd class citizens with no representation.now we have a voice.that voice is you Phil.People in power are starting to listen.it may take time before they act,but they are no longer in a position to ignore the truth.you have exposed those in powerful positions as being corrupt and biggotted.it will be a long and difficult road,but the tide is definitely turning.well done.
August 10, 2012 at 8:17 am
Ipswich Bhoy
Spot on Phil. Might I suggest George Galloway’s excellent book ‘Open Season’ in which he exposes all the poison at the heart of the ‘best wee country in the world.’ Enjoy Philly, Hail Hail
August 9, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Rusty
Using the United Stataes as a bastion of peace and tolerance. Pass the sick bag.
August 9, 2012 at 10:00 pm
keighley bhoy
Top read Phil, the Americans are well versed in Irish history and truly welcome it and are extremely proud of what it brought to there country, but unfortunately for the land of my birth it couldnt be more different, zero tolerance to all things catholic, Irish and Celtic, and there unashamedly proud of it, Scotlands intolerance of our culture should be globally made known, do your best Phil, hail hail, SCOTTISH BY BIRTH, IRISH BY DECENT+
August 9, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Andy
Dallas did not insult Roman Catholics. He passed on a joke about the Bishop of Rome. It is telling that you claim to be more offended by that than by the torture and rape of children.
August 9, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Ben mcginlay
Your analogy is disgusting. The ethos of the joke is what I am making the point about.
August 9, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Ben mcginlay
Nobody is claiming to be offended. We just want treated the same as everyone else. You sit on our side of the fence and see what it feels like PAL
August 9, 2012 at 10:23 pm
bodbhoy
Read this you absolute ignoramus, your history is black, obsessed by child abuse, whilst you perpetrate it within your own institutions. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kincora_Boys'_Home
August 9, 2012 at 10:29 pm
PaulMc
He insulted The Pope. The head of the Catholic Church. In doing that he insulted all Catholics.
If I insulted the Queen or the Archbishop of Canterbury then I would be insulting all whom they represent.
August 10, 2012 at 1:48 am
Thomas
Wishing you the very best, I hope the truth and disgrace travels back here, and perhaps The New York Times along the way!
August 9, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Graham M
Phil, please excuse my ignorance. What changed in 2001 re: Irish Catholics in Scotland?
August 9, 2012 at 9:20 pm
John Finnigan
Well done, Phil, spread the word about this squalid wee bias, bigoted country of caledonia, people all over the world think of Scotland as a friendly, welcoming and happy little place, takes good, honest journalist and writers like yourself to reveal the truth. Thanks, Phil !
August 9, 2012 at 9:19 pm
iain
Ah the old “occupational parity” myth!
Wonderfull!
August 9, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Phil Mac Giolla Bhain
“Myth” meaning a truth that you can’t handle?
August 10, 2012 at 12:03 am
iain
No, myth meaning made up
August 10, 2012 at 9:45 pm
John Collins
Meaningful, thoughtful words as always Phil. It is a great shame that Glasgow does honour the people of the Famine. More so, as the leaders of the main party in power have been mainly of Irish descent. Hopefully this can be righted in the near future. Enjoy Philly. God Bless.
August 9, 2012 at 9:04 pm
gerry gee
A very interesting post Phil. Hope you enjoy your trip to Philly and enlighten many with your speech at the Remembrance ceremony I’d love to be there to hear it. Maybe not in Glasgow but we do have a memorial in Carfin Grotto and I was at that ceremony. Good luck with your 3rd book…naw you dont need luck you have knowledge and great talent!
August 9, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Phil Mac Giolla Bhain
Thanks Gerry
August 9, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Ben mcginlay
I think you are certainly in the right place to talk about other cultures and being proud of your history and heritage. From the Native Americans to the conquistadors, The British and the French, the early slave trade and eventual freedom for the so called Afro- Americans. The US of A has the biggest mix of cultures from every part of the globe. And they are all encouraged to embrace the American way of life and celebrate their heritage through festivals, art, song and dance. What is wrong with that.? Absolutely F##k all…But in Glasgow, thats a different story. We have the orange marches, Muslim festivals and other ethnic origins are encouraged to celebrate their history/religion. That’s fine, but what about the Irish Catholics, totally different story. I wonder why that is. You can’t make a joke about someone’s colour but it’s ok to make a derogatory remark about Catholics/Irish/Celtic supporters ( see Hugh Dallas). The problem runs deep. We have a top QC who has a chequered past when it comes to being PC
August 9, 2012 at 8:55 pm
paddybhoy
Enjoy your holiday Phil, yes it’s no surprise that Glasgow fails to show respect for ‘The Famine’ ……Scotland….the greatest wee bigoted country in the world!
August 9, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Ben mcginlay
Exactly right.
August 9, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Ben mcginlay
Also insular and narrow minded.
August 9, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Ben mcginlay
You need professional help, or you are just plain stupid.
August 10, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Neil
MasonDo you need a passport to get into your world/ only asking like….
ps, should that not be Walker with an “n”
August 10, 2012 at 8:52 pm