ResourcesThis section of our class project includes resources for all units of study in the class. Students have compiled significant research and cybersleuthing activities into annotated webliographies. Scroll down to find webliographies for each unit of study (Irish Music, Peace, Politics, Blasket Islands and Martin Kearney, and Popular Culture) as compiled by each student.
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Irish Music
The year I lived in Ireland as a US Fulbright Scholar based at the University of Limerick, I was fortunate to study Irish traditional singing. One of my singing tutors was Karan Casey, a brilliantly-talented singer who bridges Irish traditional and folk styles. She sang with the amazing Irish/Irish-American group SOLAS until 1999 and has released six solo albums.
Judith Coe
Judith Coe
Irish Music Webliographies
This Webliography section of our class blog will feature student cybersleuthing research projects, relative to Irish Music and specific areas of topic research and targeted passions that resonate personally and focus on deliberate themes.
Pratibha Anand
Theme: The Tradition and Contemporary Practice of Irish Traditional Music
Biege, Bernd. (2006). “Traditional Music Sessions.” Ireland Travel. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://goireland.about.com/od/nightlife/a/sessions.htm
This source offers an exhaustive list of traditional music pub sessions that take place throughout Ireland, listed by county and city. Moreover, the author provides an overview of what a session involves, and provides some helpful guidelines regarding acceptable behavior at sessions. (The author of the website is a journalist and licensed About.com guide as well as the published author of a comprehensive guide on traveling in Ireland. While he is a single person writing with an unchecked opinion, much of the data provided on the site consists of objective facts.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Haurin, Donald, & Richens, Ann. (2006). “Irish Step Dance: A Brief History.” The Richens/ Timm Academy of Irish Dance. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.richenstimm.com/pdf/information/richens-haurin_brief_history_irish_dance.pdf
This essay provides an exhaustive review and chronological history of Irish step dance and addresses a variety of elements including the progression of step dance from ancient to modern times, costumes, dance steps, types of dance and variations, instruments, judging, and even delves into set and céilí dances. The essay provides an Irish glossary, as well. (The author of this source was Michael Flattely’s Associate Choreographer and Dance Director for “Lord of the Dance” and “Feet of Flames.” The co-author is a professor at Ohio State University who is active in the Irish community through his support of The Columbus Feis and other activities. I believe that both authors’ firsthand experience with step dancing make them credible sources. The essay consists of objective and verifiable facts and also ends with a well-documented bibliography.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Hendrickson, Stuart. (2003). “Victory Music Columns.” Victory Review Magazine. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://stewarthendrickson.com/VictoryMusic/July03-MusicalTrad-IrishSession2.html
This webpage features a column that discusses how the traditional Irish pub session is a recent phenomenon, which became popular only after the folk craze of the 1960s. [Prior to that time Irish music was played mainly at céilí (social gatherings, dance & music) houses where people would gather around the kitchen fire to entertain themselves with music, dancing, singing and story-telling.] The column also answers many questions related to the nature of playing Irish music in pubs including: What happens when Irish musicians get together and play? What are the preferred instruments? And what is the proper session etiquette? (The author is a traditional and Irish folk musician and author of the monthly column Musical Traditions for the Victory Review. The column in question primarily deals with objective facts and direct experience. However, I would otherwise be wary of relying solely upon this source’s information, as he seems to draw from his experience in the “Irish” pub session scene in the United States.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Henigan, Julie. (2002.) “Sean-nós in Donegal.” Ulster Folklife No. 37. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/sean-nos.htm
This website chronicles a trip that the author took to Country Donegal in order to learn about and record sean-nós singing. The website also develops the idea of what sean-nós singing really means and entails and quotes from many acclaimed singers and authorities on the subject. There is also a comprehensive footnotes section that contains several reliable sources at the end. (The author of this source is a musician and published authority on Irish folk music and song. She completed her Ph.D. in Literature and Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame and has since focused her scholarly work on traditional Irish song. Because of these stated reasons, I believe that she is a credible source. However, this particular webpage is based upon a personal trip to Country Donegal, and thus contains various subjective elements.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Gaeilge, Leagan. (2012). “The Origins of Irish Traditional Music.” The Standing Stones. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.standingstones.com/cmaoitm.html
This website features a historical discussion of the origins of Irish traditional music traced back from the 15th century. It interweaves the concepts of musicians, singers, instruments, and style, and includes a thorough discussion about the origins of different dance meters. (This webpage was assembled from several posts made by Caoimhín Mac Aoidh, who is an expert on the fiddle music of Donegal. He has been collecting and studying this type of music for several years and is thus a credible authority on the subject. Although there is no formal bibliography or citations page, the text of the discussion does refer to a number celebrated artists and famous books and publications.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Kearney, Daithi. (2007). “(Re)locating Irish Traditional Music: Urbanizing Rural Traditions.” Critical Public Geographies Working Papers, UCC Cork Ireland. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.aughty.org/pdf/relocate_trad_music.pdf
This website features an essay that painstakingly details the evolution and development of Irish traditional music in the context of rural tradition urbanization. It examines concepts of regional styles in music and the connection between Irish traditional music and places in Ireland. It argues that the concept it, in part, “an urban myth generated by a new urban audience in the 1950s.” The impact of social movements, economic change, and various organizations is also assessed in an attempt to understand the geography of Irish traditional music at the start of the 21st century. (The author of this dissertation is a lecturer in Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology whose research is primarily focused on Irish traditional music but extends to include performance studies, community music, music education and the connection between music and place. His PhD concentrates on the construction of geographies and regional identities in Irish traditional music and his research interests include the negotiation, mediation and construction of identities through music and the relationship between music and place. Additionally, he is an ethnomusicologist, geographer and performer who tours regularly as a musician, singer and dancer with a number of groups. Given these credentials coupled with his experience, I believe that he is a credible source who has direct firsthand experience with the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Live Trad. (2012). Live Trad. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.livetrad.com
This website features webcasts from venues all across Ireland ranging from niche festivals to major events and even typical pub sessions. Additionally, live interaction occurs between thousands of viewers through instant messaging with thousands of online viewers worldwide, which brings viewers closer to the event or session where the webcast is taking place. Archived webcasts may be access in the Videos section while audio Podcasts of individual webcasts are also available to download in full. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, The Irish Arts Council, and offers primary source material through its live webcasts of actually events and sessions. It is important to note that the site works with corporate sponsors and advertisers, and also features a blog section that might not be quite as unbiased.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Power, Ben. (2012). “Sean-nós Dance.” Irish Traditional Music and Dance, Ethnomusicology. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://benpower.info/sean%20nos.html
This website features vivid pictures and a thorough, technical description of sean-nós dance from the author’s firsthand knowledge and experience. The site also provides links to other famous sean-nós dancers’ websites and links to other articles that describe other aspects of traditional Irish music including traditional instruments. (The author of the website, Ben Power, is a flute and bodhrán player, singer, piper and sean-nós dancer. He studied with the great Irish flute player, Paul McGrattan, and subsequently completed an M.A. in Traditional Irish Music at Limerick University’s renowned Irish World Music Centre. Given his extensive relevant educational background and firsthand experience as a musician and dancer, I believe that he is himself a primary source and poses a keen awareness and knowledge of the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Roden, Christina. (2012). “Sean-nós Music.” National Geographic Music. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/sean_nos_784/en_US
This website walks readers through a clear and concise historical progression of sean-nós music and speaks to the effects of politics on the music. In addition, geographical differences in music style and dialect are discussed. Finally, the site features a virtual pop-up radio player that streams sean-nós music. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, National Geographic Magazine, and is written by a journalist who has written extensively about Irish music and Irish traditional music in particular. Nonetheless, it is important to note that no citations are directly provided on this website.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Sommers Smith, Sally K. (2001). “Irish Traditional Music in a Modern World.” Johns Hopkins University Project Muse. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
This website features a dissertation that discusses the idea of “traditional music in a modern world.” The dissertation includes extensive citations from a range of sources including composers and performers and is written in a credible, academic tone that employs rich technical language. (The author of the dissertation is an associate professor at Boston University and has written extensively on the topic of Irish Music. Notwithstanding, it is interesting to note that she is a professor of natural sciences who completed her doctoral work in the field of Biology. Still, it is very possible that she has engaged in thorough and extensive research of the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
"U2TOURFANS."
U2TOURFANS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.u2tourfans.com/
This site is designed to bring together fans of the U2 rock band and to provide a place for everything relating to U2 including: news, photo, Discography, social network links (Facebook), Biography, and much more. Beyond providing information about the band, this website encourages fans to interact with each other and share their experiences and stories that relate to the band. (This website is sponsored by well-known companies like ITunes and Amazon Music, which increases the credibility of the site. Sources for the information provided in the site are also clearly presented at the bottom of every article. In general, this site is a great tool to follow and find information about the band in one stop.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bits & Bytes."
@U2. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.atu2.com/
Similar to the site mentioned above, this website is created to give information about the U2 band to the general public. However, compared to the above website, this one provides more resources like lyrics, videos, and event coverage. (This site has been mentioned by several major news sites including: ABC News Radio, Well Street Journal, LA Times, and many more. Majority of the articles in this website also came from respected news sources, such as Irish Times, NME, and Rolling stone.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"The Bard of Boston: From Celtic to Country: 3 Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced "America's Music""
The Bard of Boston: From Celtic to Country: 3 Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced "America's Music" N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thebardofboston.com/2011/02/from-celtic-to-country-3-ways-irish-and.html
This site provides information on how the Irish and Scottish influenced the American music. The content of site is written in an assay format. Before going in depth and talking about the specific points, the site gives general information about how the Scottish-Irish immigrants came to North America. Then it provides different sections that talk about the aspects of American music that are influenced by the Irish and Scottish. These qualities include the vocal Harmony, the drone, and lyrical themes. (Even though the contents of the page are well written, since it is a blog post, the credibility is questionable. Therefore, further research is encouraged to support the information presented in this website) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Immigration: The Irish."
ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://library.thinkquest.org/20619/Irish.html
Starting from the Act of Union of 1803, this site provides background information about the history and reason for the mass immigration of Irish people into America. In a relatively short article format, this site mentions the great potato rot and political and religious conflicts that forced the Irish to leave their homeland. The article also talks about the different circumstances these people faced once they arrived to America. (Oracle Thinkquest has a reputation for being a good resource for providing a learning environment where students and teachers can collaborate and work on projects.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Martin Hayes on AllMusic."
AllMusic. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/martin-hayes-mn0000311565
This source gives a very brief overview of, Irish fiddler, Martin Hays' life. The article starts off by talking about the upbringing of Hays and how much his family (specially his father, P.J. Hayes) influenced his carrier path. The article concludes by pointing out his musical success and mentioning his albums. (allmusic.com is a credible online music database that is owned by All Media Guide) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill."
The Official Martin Hayes/Dennis Cahill Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. http://www.martinhayes.com/index.htm
This is the official Martin Hayes' and Dennis Cahill's website which provides all information related to these two artists. The contents found in this site include music, touring schedule, albums & Tune books, short biography, and contact information can be found. (Since this is their official website, credibility is not a concern.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Information on Irish Music and Organizations Dedicated to the Preservation of the Craft
“A Focus for New Music in Ireland.” Contemporary Music Centre. Contemporary Music Centre, 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.cmc.ie/about/index.html
The Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) is another database for Irish composers. It contains a more extensive library compared to that of the NAIC; however, it appears that its focus is somewhat different. While the NAIC concentrates on piano sheet music and its composers, the CMC aims to gather information of a variety of Irish musicians of the 20th and 21st century. The CMC also undergoes several other projects that include promoting select Irish contemporary composers and publications of music and related information. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, Ireland’s The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC), making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Armstrong, Eric. “Introducing Irish Music & Dance.” Treelight. Treelight, 2001. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.treelight.com/music/irishmusic.html
This article provides comprehensive information regarding Irish dance, Irish music, and the music theory behind the sounds we typically recognize in Irish music. Although the webpage is not necessarily flashy or aesthetically superior compared to other websites, there is a great amount of detailed information on its topics. Armstrong provides a variety of definitions regarding Irish music terms and instruments in a way person with no background in Irish music could understand what is being presented to him or her. (Although this page does not seem to be supported by an accredited organization, most of the information in this website seems to overlap with other websites of similar content, and the information provided is easily verifiable through other sources.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Brady, Paul. “Reflections of Irish Music.” UCDscholarcast. UCDscholarcast, 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ucd.ie/scholarcast/transcripts/reflections_on_irish_music.pdf
This is a transcript of a lecture regarding Paul Brady’s perspective on Irish music. While the majority of this article is personal anecdotes and opinions, the information within this work provides some insight to the Irish culture and some correlations between the progression American music through the 20th century and Irish music. Brady is also considered to be an expert in the field of Irish music, due to his successful career as an Irish singer-songwriter. (As stated previously, this article mostly provides Brady’s personal insight to Irish music, but nevertheless, this presentation was sponsored by a reputable source, University College Dublin and Dr. P.J. Mathews). [Reviewed 24. Feb. 2013]
“History.” Royal Irish Academy of Music. Royal Irish Academy of Music, 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.riam.ie/about-us/history/
This article describes a brief history of one of Ireland’s many musical institutions, Royal Irish Academy of Music. It is noted as Ireland’s oldest musical institution, founded in 1848. This web site is typical of any higher education institution with additional information about faculty, courses, and other related information. Nevertheless, this resource is used to represent the emphasis the Republic of Ireland places on its music culture and the education of the craft. (While this webpage is naturally biased due to its discussion of itself, it does provide useful information regarding the institution albeit brief; in addition, a person interested in attending this school would find other information on the associated website useful as well.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Klein, Axel. “Academic Papers.” Axel Klein – Irish Music Research. Axel Klein, 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://axelklein.de/academic-papers/
Klein provides many interesting academic papers regarding his past research within the scope of Irish music. His papers appear to be well written and thoroughly researched. However, it does not appear that his research is peer-reviewed, and on his website, Klein states that Irish music is more of personal passion than a primary occupation. Nevertheless, his articles provide a unique perspective to the field of Irish music. (While his papers are not peer-reviewed, Irish music is evidently of this person’s interest, and Klein appears to be somewhat of a reliable source due to his accreditation as an independent scholar with responsibilities such as the “Irish Advisor” to the German encyclopedia Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart (MGG).) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Music by The Indulgers. The Indulgers, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.shamrocker.com
This website is provides information about the band The Indulgers, who are Celtic rock band in Colorado. Their lead singer, Damien McCarron, is originally from Dublin, Ireland. This website notes a brief biography of the band and current information of the band’s whereabouts. The site also features samplings of the band’s music. (This website is sponsored by the titled band, The Indulgers, which makes it a valid yet biased resource should one desire information about this specific band.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
O’Shea, Helen. “Getting to the Heart of the Music: Idealizing Musical Community and Irish Traditional Music Sessions.” Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, Vol 2. Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, 2007. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.music.ucc.ie/jsmi/index.php/jsmi/article/view/10
This article examines the social and musical implications as a result of idealizing group performances via Irish traditional music sessions in East Clare. Through research and personal experiences, O’Shea discusses popular notions and misconception regarding the concept of the Irish sessions and the resulting reputation and implications that these notions have on the Irish musical community. She also noted various other “musical identities” found in idealized musical groups. (This article was published in the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, which is a community of expert peers on the subject of Irish Musicology, making this publication peer-reviewed and a valid source of an interesting perspective of information regarding the Irish session.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013].
“Performance.” NAIC. National Archive of Irish Composers, 2010. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.naic.ie/performance.html
This website is an excellent resource, archiving digital copies of sheet music from the National Library of Ireland with some pieces dating as far back to the late 18th century. This website also shares audio files of some of these works. This website is a useful tool for someone who is conducting research within the field of the history of Irish music. The digital library seems fairly comprehensive. However, this site primarily focuses on the piano as oppose to other musical instruments of Irish music. (This site is a product of the National Library and the Dublin Institute of Technology’s Digital Media centre, making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Raidió Fáilte 107.1fm. Northern Ireland Screen, 2006. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.raidiofailte.com
Raidió Fáilte is the only Irish radio station in Belfast, Ireland, providing an community radio service to the area’s Irish language community. The station itself plays a variety of Irish music, ranging from traditional Irish music to contemporary fusion. In addition to playing Irish music, the station also provides podcasts and news services. The website is in both Irish Gaelic and English. I find it interesting how this radio station is the only radio station directed to the Irish speaking community despite the fact that Belfast is the capital and the largest city in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, recalling the political ambiguity and social conflict that remains in Northern Ireland, the reasons behind the lack of Irish music station become somewhat clearer. (This website is sponsored by the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and does provide access to authentic Irish music to Ireland and the global community.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“Seinn Liom with Marcas Ó Murchú.” Irish. BBC, 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/irish/articles/view/1066/english/
This article primarily aims to share the experiences and perspectives of Irish native musicians. This web page provides multiple videos of different musicians of a variety of instruments discussing their passion for music, favorite memories, and inspirations. (While this web page of a credible organization does not provide factual or statistical information, it is a compilation of interviews, making it a source of primary resources, which one might find useful in Irish music research.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
“Irish Music Forver.” Irish Music Forever. Irish Music Forever, 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicforever.com/
In order to find information about Irish music in general, this website has a lot of important and interesting components to it. It provides history, a blog, top songs and bands, and even news going on in Ireland. It is mainly based on opinion from Pat Kehoe and other authors, especially in his blog. He leaves contact information for anyone to get in touch with him at [email protected]. This website is credible and a good resource for Irish music because it holds great support with internal and external links; it is up to date with dates given for each blog; and it gives background of the authors and how they came to be on this site. It goes into much detail about Irish music, heritage, songs, artists, the influence it has, and much more. For example, they look at the musician’s backgrounds and roots. [Reviewed 18 Feb. 2013]
“Video: Cara Dillion, Blackstaff Session.” BBC Northern Ireland Music. BBC, 2013. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/music/
This website posts a video on the front page demonstrating an Irish singer or band. It is updated regularly as one can see with the date at the top of the page being the current date. At the bottom of the page, there is a whole list of links to other related radio websites about Ireland music. In the “about BBC” tab there are even more tabs that give information on who they are and what they do. There is a really good mixture of text, design, and video allowing all kinds of people to be able to navigate through this website. Some might like video over text, while others might like reading more than watching. [Reviewed 18 Feb. 2013]
“Bono Biography.” @U2 since 1995. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.atu2.com/band/bono/
This source is all about U2 fans. U2 fans are the ones writing it in the first place. It is basically a newspaper online full of news writers, photographers, event planners, and editors. The staff works for free, which really shows their passion for Bono and U2. They strive to remain the number one fan website for U2. They don’t hold back. Each band member has their own biography on this website. It is easily accessible and navigation is easy. For Bono they go to great lengths to talk about his life in general, him as a performer, as an activist, and extra curricular activities. For the other band members, they don’t go into as much detail, but the information given is all very fascinating and credible. At the end of each biography, there are related stories and links. [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
“Bono.” The New York Times. 2013 The New York Times Company. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/bono/index.html
The New York Times is a well known newspaper both online and in paper. This article about Bono doesn’t focus as much on his music as it does on his work with AIDS. It gives people the other side of Bono other than his musical career. Then at the bottom, there is another U2 article that talks about the band. It has the original posted date and the updated date as well. It covers a lot of information of their uprising and how they got to where they are. Each author is credible otherwise they would not be hired to work for The New York Times in the first place. It is always up to date being a newspaper. [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
“A Look Into the Life of U2’s Bono.” The Observer. 2013 The Observer. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/2.2755/a-look-into-the-life-of-u2-s-bono-1.274827#.USkbEI7R5BI
In most articles about any band, it talks about their music and how the band came together. This article does that, but it focuses in on one band member and his whole childhood. Everyone knows the name Bono and who he is. However, what isn’t as well known is how he got the name Bono and what his real name is. Bono comes from the term “Bono Vox,” which means good voice. As anyone can see, the name stuck. His birth name is actually Paul David Hewson. He grew up in a Protestant family, but his religious views changed over the years. It is never said whether he is protestant or catholic. Other websites are the same way. Similar to The New York Times, The Observer is just as credible and fact based. Becca Saunders, the author of the article, includes her email at the end of the article for any additional questions or information. Again, this site includes the published date and the updated date. You can easily find information on the staff and The Observer as a whole. [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
“Snow Patrol Biography.” XFM London 104.9. This is Global Limited 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.xfm.co.uk/artists/snow-patrol/biography
Although there is no author for this article, there is an “about us” and “contact us” tabs that make up for it. This website is a radio station in the UK. This article is all about how Snow Patrol came to be. They started small and then made a big hit. It even talks about how band members have come and gone. Even though they were striving and becoming very successful, a founding member (Mark McClelland) left in 2005. Not only is there a biography about the band, there is also an overview, a discography, interviews, news, and even gigs. You can tell the time put into this website. What is really neat about it is the play list in the top right-hand corner. You hit the play button and you can listen live to the radio. It is these unique attributes to websites that make them stand out. [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
“Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody defends republic of Ireland football support.” Independent.ie. Independent.ie an INM website. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/irish-news/snow-patrols-gary-lightbody-defends-republic-of-ireland-football-support-26864633.html
There is more to bands than just music. It is interesting to find out what they do when they are performing or writing songs. Gary Lightbody supports football. He is a supporter of Northern Ireland, but gets behind the Republic of Ireland as well when they play. There was some controversy online. There is a photograph slideshow on this page allowing you to see Snow Patrol with the Republic of Ireland team. Advertisements stick out on this page, which draws away from the article, but also shows support for the page. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“The Script – Interview.” YouTube. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnswQMJllLY
YouTube has been around for a long time and anyone who hears the site knows what it is. The amount of views is what stands out the most when watching any video on YouTube. The more people that watch it, the more credible it becomes. The Script has an interview that was posted on YouTube. They discuss how they got their name and much more. A great thing about YouTube is the related videos on the right side. It can lead you to so much more than just searching in the bar at the top of the page. You can see artists speak, perform and much more on YouTube. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“The Script, Interview.” ContactMusic.com. 2013 contactmusic.com Ltd. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.contactmusic.com/interview/the-script-danny-o-donoghue
This source is unlike the others because it is a question and answer format. It is easy to go through. You don’t even have to read the whole article. If you are interested in one question or another, you can jump right to it for your answer. For example, my interest would jump to the question about their homeland, Ireland. Within the article, there are links that will take you to other sites and more information about the Script. There should be more information on the author, but there is the name and her contact information for further questions. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“Rewriting The Script.” Irishtime.com. 2013 Irishtimes.com. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/magazine/2012/0901/1224323300241.html
Where better to get information about someone than their hometown? The Script kicked off in Ireland and it seems fit to look at the Irish Times to see what they have to say about this band. There is a lot of information that is found on other sites, but one thing that stands out is talking about relationships the band has. There is a section at the end of the article titled, “Everything but the girl.” It discusses Danny O’Donoghue ending his relationship with his model girlfriend. Websites who give new information draws readers in. However, with new information there is the question of how true it really is since you cant back it up with other sources. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Theme: Traditional Irish Music and It’s Move to More Modern Times
http://www.itma.ie/digitallibrary/video/aonach-bhearna-na-gaoithe-song-ciaran-gealbhain-singing-in-irish/
This source is great for finding different kinds of media on traditional Irish music. It includes videos of different performers and types of traditional Irish music. In this specific video, a man is singing in sean-nos, a very traditional and beautiful form of Irish music. The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) has a great collection of different kinds of music and has many media types including sound recordings, videos, papers and images of Irish traditional music and instruments.
http://www.irishworldacademy.ie/inbhear/volume-1/Inbhear-Volume-1-Issue-1.pdf
This pdf document is a great learning tool for people who really want to master Irish music and dance. This manual includes the same techniques taught to students at the World Academy of Music and Dance and the University of Limerick, so it goes into great detail about the specific arts needed to master Irish music and dance. It also goes into the technicalities and theories behind music and dance. This source provides the actual practices and procedures of learning traditional Irish step dances and music and is published by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as the University of Limerick. The most helpful parts of this document for me was the “Parameters of Style in Irish Traditional Music” (63-90) and “Vernacular Sociality and Regional Iconicity in Step Dance” (97-108).
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
This journal article is about traditional music in the modern world. It explores how much tradition can change while still keeping its national identity and integrity. In this article, it explores the characteristics of tradition and value. The paper also includes interviews with ethnomusicologists and how music of Ireland is changing. This is only the abstract, but if you feel so inclined to buy the full paper, it is a great source that compares traditional and modern music and maps the evolution of both and how they play into each other.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/arts/music/traditional-irish-music-in-new-york-city.html?_r=0
This article shows Irish music from the point of view of an American. It also shows how Irish music has made such an impact on the average New Yorker. The Irish sessions (seisun) are almost a daily event in some areas of Manhattan. This shows just how much traditional Irish music has survived and traveled to the U.S. Some other traditional Irish music components being performed are the sean-nos and craic style of music. It goes on to portray Irish traditional music as timeless and that even in lowest of times, the culture of Irish music can still survive.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/irish_traditional_733/en_US
This article is a great summary of Irish music style by a National Geographic journalist. This is a great source to see the point of view from a traveler and what they think of Irish music. As a National Geographic traveler, many points of view are seen about world music and this article shows in detail Irish music and dance from a person who has seen many different kinds of music and dance. If you wanted to compare Irish music to another culture’s music, there is a sidebar with the different cultures/genres of music you can instantly access and compare/contrast.
http://www.libraryireland.com/articles/IrishHarpersBelfast1792/1.php
This article goes on to describe the lost art of Irish harpers in Belfast. This was one of the first political movements in Irish music and many Irish harpers have been forgotten and even executed because of it. The author goes into detail about the struggles of being an Irish Harper and delves into the lives of some specific Irish harpers. He stresses the importance of Irish harpers and the impact they have had on traditional Irish music.
http://journalofmusic.com/radar
This website is a great source that compiles many different, lesser known Irish artists and current events in Irish music. If you are ever in Ireland, you may want to check out the listings (which is still under testing), but it allows people to upload details of their musical events and opportunities and sessions being held. This shows a more modern form of Irish music with the current events and radar tab.
http://www.gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part1.pdf
This pdf serves as an official guide to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It includes rules/regulations for being in the GAA and expectations of being a GAA member. This is a great source that shows how traditional Irish culture is being conserved. Although it focuses on mostly sports related tradition, music and dance are still part of the aims and ethos of the GAA (Ch. 1). This shows how the GAA plans to keep traditions alive and the aims are for preservation of Irish National Identity and pastimes through sports, music and dance.
http://www.music.ucc.ie/jsmi/index.php/jsmi/article/view/37/38
This is a great source that analyzes the effect of geography on Irish traditional music. It is from the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland and analyzes the politics of Irish music and geographical implications. Ireland is surrounded by water, and this journal article maps the migration of Irish traditional music and the political power it had in many different geographical places.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/10/music-irish-punk-rockers-take-on-iran.html
This article and video shows a more political agenda in the more modern form of Irish music. In this song, it aims to criticize the relationship between the United States oil corporations, and Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Iraq. The song is by Irish punk rockers and has an aggressive tone and mood. The song appeared in the Irish independent music festival, Knockanstockan and shows the modern form of Irish rock.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Kevie Kawasaki
Theme: Censorship
"Claddagh School of Irish Dance." History of Irish Step Dancing. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://claddaghschool.com/history
This source gives a brief history of Irish step dancing. Multiple styles, year of origin, tempos, commonly seen styles, and descriptions of dances are provided. Located on a site of a school of Irish dance the site can be considered valid. The information would be common knowledge to those who study and often perform Irish dance. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Grattan Flood, William H. "Ancient Irish Music." Ancient Irish Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.
http://www.libraryireland.com/IrishMusic/I.php
This online book gives an extended history of Irish music. This source includes a detailed timeline of music throughout Irish history, different things that greatly influenced Irish music, and Irish scales and instruments. Although this book was written in 1905 its information does not become outdated. Being written and published a while ago without being reported, this book can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 7 Feb. 2013]
"History." Irish Music Forever. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicforever.com/enya
http://claddaghschool.com/history
This source gives information on Enya. This source includes a biography, popular songs, album titles, and her rise to fame. This source also includes the profiles of other famous Irish musicians. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"The Instruments and History of Irish Music." YouTube. YouTube, 23 June 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXccNOUTe7o
This source is a video about traditional Irish instruments. This source includes many different musicians of traditional Irish instruments introducing their instruments and showing how they are used. The musicians in this video demonstrate their mastery of their instruments. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Instruments." Discover Dublin. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.discoverdublin.ie/musical-pub-crawl/instruments
This source contains information about traditional Irish instruments. This source includes many different traditional Irish instruments and how they are used, their origins, and history. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Dixon, Morgan N. "Irish Folk Music in America 3." Irish Folk Music in America 3. N.p., n.d. 22 July 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/morgandixon/irish-folk-music-in-america-3
This source contains brief information about Irish music. This source is a slide show composed from other sources about Irish folk music, music in America, rebel artists, and music today. This source also has other slideshows with similar information. This source displays its sources and the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"Luck Of The Irish Music." Luck Of The Irish Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013.
http://luckoftheirishmusic.tumblr.com/
his source is a blog that contains brief information about Irish music and other things related to Ireland. This source has lots of Images, GIFs, and videos of Irish songs, artist, dances, and places in Ireland. This source is great to be up to date with current Irish events and music. This source could contain misinterpreted and made up information but because most of it is music and images there aren’t many facts. This source is not valid for facts rather for current Irish events. [Reviewed 15 Feb. 2013]
"The Pogues on AllMusic." AllMusic. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-pogues-mn0000489876
This source gives information on The Pogues. This source includes a biography, popular songs, album titles, awards, and videos. This source also includes the profiles of other famous musicians, Irish and not. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"Songs in Irish." Wolf Default RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.
http://www.songsinirish.com/
This source gives information on Irish songs. This source contains Irish lyrics and some with English translations and a small piece about the history of Irish music. This source does not display an author but if viewers find the information wrong it can be changed. This source is not valid for facts rather for song lyrics. [Reviewed 12 Feb. 2013]
"The Story of the National Anthem." The Story of the National Anthem / Features / Issue 1 (Spring 1996) / Volume 4 / Historyireland.com. N.p., 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.historyireland.com/volumes/volume4/issue1/features/?id=113150
This source gives information on the national anthem of Ireland. This source is about the history, which includes who wrote it, when it was written, how it was chosen as the national anthem, and how the public reacts to it. This source also includes articles about other things Irish whether music or not, historical or current. This source is a collection of online published magazines. Being written and published for a long time this magazine article can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Suzie Lee
Rickert, Don. “Adventurous Muse: Musical Instruments and Whimsical Things.” ‘Adventurous Muse: Musical Instruments and Whimsical Things’ N.p., 15 Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.adventurousmuse.com/2011/03/fiddlesetupdifferencesforscottishandirishtraditionalmusic.html
This website discusses about the difference between Scottish and Irish traditional music in terms of the hand shapes, techniques, and setting up the instrument. For Scottish people, they call themselves violinist, whereas Irish people call them fiddlers. For Scottish and Irish, the types of bow used are very similar. Scottish violin players hold chin rest, on the other hand, Irish fiddler, sometimes, they place chin on the right side of the tailpiece, which isn’t that common, and the common practice is using a shoulder rest or pad. (This website was credible because the author has a Ph D. and he has pictures that go along with his explanation.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“U2 vs The Pogues: The Pogues' Style and Authenticity.” N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://franklin.davidson.edu/academic/music/public/mus401/jafarrelly/Index1.html
This website actually has multiple categories that are related to Ireland. I used this website to learn about The Pogues, the Irish punk rock band. The category I was looking at was “U2 vs The Pogues: The Pogues' Style and Authenticity”. By comparing U2 and The Pogues, this page was able to reason why The Pogues are more Irish than U2. Such reasons are that The Pogues incorporate traditional Irish instruments like accordion and tin whistle and that the name of the band already implies that it’s more Irish than U2 because Pogue means “kiss” Gaelic word. (This website is credible because this website was created by Davidson College for their class, Music 401: Senior Seminar.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Irish Music Magazine.” Irish Music Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicmagazine.com/
This is an online magazine that has multiple categories regarding Irish music. The purpose of this Irish Music Magazine is to inform readers with the news of modern Irish music. This magazine also keeps readers updated on the current events, festivals, and tours. It has recommended releases. This website is a good exposure to Irish music. (This online magazine is credible because it has its contact number, address, and the copyright was written.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Coulter, Peter. “Irish Rappers Revealed: Meet the New Stars of Ireland's Booming Rap Scene.” BBC News. BBC, 15 July 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uknorthernireland18847251
This news on BBC talks about something that has rarely been talked about Irish rap. It mentions that due to the underemployment and bad economy, young people started to rap as a means of escaping a “hopeless situations”. One contradiction comes from the different purpose of rapping. The Working Class Army’s purpose of rapping is to convey the social messages, giving up on commercial success and spreading the music for free. On the other hand, the purpose of rapping for The Class A’z is to make money. As a part of their culture, Irish musicians write something very meaningful for their lyrics, so it is interesting to see how they do that in a rap song. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, and it was updated last year, which indicates that this is up to date.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Donnchadha, Sorcha Mac. “Traditional Irish Musical Instruments.” YourIrish. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/music/instruments/
This website, particularly this category, talks about traditional Irish musical instruments. It talks about how Irish musicians start learning these instruments when they are young. It also mentions that because most of the time Irish musicians are passionate about their music and playing instruments, they are willing to play at the public events or pubs at no cost. This shows that Irish people are really in love with music. The listed Irish instruments are: Bodhrán, flute, harp, fiddle, tin whistle, and uilleann pipes. They are considered some of the most popular Irish instruments used for Irish music. This website is really good because if you click the each instrument, it directs you to a different page that describes the each instrument, the history of the instrument, some of the famous songs played by the instrument, and how to play the instrument via videos. (This information is provided by a person who was born and raised in Ireland and graduated from a university in Ireland. The author mentioned that she spends her free time traveling around in Ireland so she could learn about local traditions.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Music.” Visit Ireland. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.visitireland.com/aboutireland/music.asp
This page talks about the history of Irish traditional music. It mentions that Irish music is the song in national heritage. Irish folk music goes from older Irish songs and ballads of countryside to dance music. This music was involved in every aspect of life, such as when people were celebrating, mourning for death, when working, when drinking, etc. This site also talks about ancient music in depth, and it also talked about how the work songs were helpful for people in the battlefield, and they were the lullabies to babies. This page states that people were inspired by these work songs. (This website is credible because Visit Ireland is a leading travel operator, and its purpose is to provide information so people can plan ahead.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Island Ireland: Irish Musicians.” Island Ireland: Irish Musicians. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.islandireland.com/Pages/arts/mus.html
This website is good for an overview of the Irish musicians, ranging from traditional, classical, and New Age, to rock genres. This page has a list of Irish musicians with a very short description of who they are right next them. Also, if you click the names, it directs you to the official or fan sites. On top of music, this website has other categories, such as histories and Irish languages, and if you go to those categories and click on the links, it leads you to websites that are very useful for the topic. (This page was last updated in January 2013, and it has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Irish Pub Radio.” Irish Pub Radio. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishpubradio.com/music.php
This is an Irish pub radio where songs are played for free. You could listen anywhere, 24 hours a day. If you go to about us section, it says that this has a huge collection of variety of Irish music. Also, they mention that they don’t play rebel songs because they don’t want to offend anybody. (This has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Scoláire Staire.” Does Irish Music lie ‘Between Tradition and Modernity’? 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.scolairestaire.com/index.php/articles/34irishhistory/57doesirishmusicliebetweentraditionandmodernity
This article is part of a magazine called Scolaire Staire History Scholar Magazine. This article talks about the influences on traditional Irish music, which are tourism, emigration, and media. Also, it talks about some characteristics of traditional music, which is that traditional musicians tend to give credit for their sources by citing it when interpreting a song. At the end, tradition and modernity are intertwining and interweaving together. “Tradition is modern, and modernity is traditional.” (It’s part of a magazine, and also at the end of the article, it suggests further reading with a list of books. It has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
McCann, Anthony. “Sean-nós singing A Bluffers Guide feature article in the Living Tradition magazine.” Sean-nós singing A Bluffers Guide feature article in the Living Tradition magazine. June/July 1998. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.folkmusic.net/htmfiles/inart378.htm
This page talks about the characteristics of sean-nós singing, which are no accompaniment, a bare voice, no vibrato, no dynamics, music taking the precedent over the lyrics, and singing in the Irish language, just to name a few. It also discusses about how sean-nós is a separate musical language, far away from the Western Art Music. One top of that, it talks about the difficulties that modernity has created to keep the characteristics of sean-nós. Whether people like/agree or dislike/disagree, there is a sean-nós competition that’s held regularly, which is a good incentive for people to sing and learn new songs. (This website is credible because it’s a magazine that has been published for 15 years. This has a copyright, and it states that any parts of this magazine can’t be used unless it is permitted, which tells that this information is legit.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Lubna Mazin
Theme: The History of Irish Music
Cullinane, John, Dr. "A Short History of Irish Dance." A Short History of Irish Dance. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.marie-duffy-foundation.com/HistoryOfIrishDance.htm
This source provides a unique perspective to the history of Irish dance. This is because the information is provided by an actual Irish Dance Historian. So although the website might not be the most reliable the information is received from a credible source. The website itself is about an organization, Marie Duffy Foundation, which provides dance scholarships. The reason why I really liked this site is because it gives you the opportunity of how the dance began, advanced, and where it is currently. (An interesting fact that I learned from this site is that ‘step dancing’ began in the 1700s by the ‘Traveling Dance Master’ who was a professional dancer who taught people the eight fundamental steps of ‘step dancing’.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Hackney Blackwell, Amy, and Ryan Hackney. "Irish History." Before There Was Riverdance -. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.netplaces.com/irish-history/preserving-irish-traditional-culture/before-there-was-riverdance.htm
This site is good for learning about a general overview how Irish dance evolved, the only problem is that it stops by the time the céilí dance appears and does not go any future. It is also very vague and does not give very much information on dates and locations. (Although some names and locations are stated it is not sufficient information. The important thing to understand about Irish dance is that it does not stop at céilí dance. Céilí dance is the folk or traditional form of dance. The source simply states that it is unknown how the newer dances were developed.)
Haurin, Don. "Irish Step Dancing A Brief History." Irish Dance, Feb. 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://web.archive.org/web/20071120114146/http://www.geocities.com/aer_mcr/irdance/irhist.html
This website is great when it comes to the terminology of Irish Dance. But there was not much information given about the history. This would be a great supplementary resource to learn more about the dance, to better understand the terminology used in more informative resources. (This website doesn’t seem to be bias but it did have a great emphasis on competitive Irish dancing. That is understandable due to that fact that it is written by the owners of an Irish Dance Academy. An interesting fact I learned is that just like in martial arts once a dancer reaches a certain level they receive a dress, rather than a belt, to signify their achievement.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
This is the perfect website to get a great understanding of the basics of the history of Irish Dance. It simplifies the history and doesn’t provide too much information that over whelms the reader. The main idea introduced in this site is the idea of the ‘Dance Master’. (This is a great site to allow children or people that don’t know a lot of information about Irish Dancing to be able to understand where the dance originated from. The site seems to be unbiased and geared towards children due to the wonderful drawings.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"Irish Dance History." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00374/history.html
This website is great regarding the history before the written history. It discusses how the Vikings play a role in the development of Irish Dance. This site also discusses approximations of dates and is easy to follow along with because it is told as though it came out of a story book. (This site seems to be unbiased, and comes from a trusted source. An fascinating detail that was included in this site is that the use of soft shoes for girls was not introduced until 1924 while boys used them until the 1970s where they switched back to hard shoes.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Masero, Angelika, "The Changes in Irish Dance Since Riverdance" (2010). Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 234.
http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/234
This article is magnificent source to learn about Irish Dance. The paper is broken down into sections of: Irish Step Dance: A Brief History; Riverdance: A Brief History; Identity; The New Face of Irish Dance; Style; The Competition Look; Profitability; and concludes with The Cultural Implications of Riverdance and Irish Step Dance’s Popularity. (This site is biased slightly biased against the changes that have occurred in the evolution of Irish Dance but still provides great information that is unbiased. Something cool I learned from this site is that before Riverdance the only an Irish Dancer can make money for that dance skills is to become a teacher.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Moffatt, Kathleen. "A Short History of Irish Céilí¬ Dancing." A Short History of Irish Céilí Dancing. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ceilidancing.com/shory_history.aspx
The Céilí¬ Dance website had very detailed information about the history. This website goes into detail about date, locations, and happenings. (The site seems to be unbiased, but I must stay it was lot of information. So if someone just wants the basic gist of the history this site is not a good reference. But on the other hand if information regarding the different people that have been recorded to have been involved in the history this site is great. Something interesting that I learned from this site is that the ‘traveling dance master’ in order to not dishearten the dancers that were not as good he created group dances, for the dancers to be able to show off their new skills.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"RIVERDANCE: A History of Irish Dance." BroadwaySan Diego Blog, 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.broadwaysd.com/blog/?p=579
This website contains a brief history of Irish Dance as well as the conflicts with the Catholic Church. This website is extremely user friendly by separating the different ideas being introduced with subtitles. The reader learns about the brief history along with the different types of dances that include step dancing, set dancing, and céilí dancing. (This source does not seem to be bias, although the author is unknown. The author of this article is the admin of the Broadway San Diego Blog.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Warta, Tamara. "History of Riverdance." EHow. Demand Media, 11 June 2009. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5087265_history-riverdance.html
This website focuses on the History of Riverdance. The Riverdance today, how the group started out, and their success are included in the information introduced to the reader. (I really didn’t like this site as much as the others because if focused on the dance group the Riverdance and their history rather than the history of where the Riverdance originated. Although this site does not have historical importance before the 1990s it does not seem bias and gives good information about this dance craze.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"What Is Irish Dance?" What Is Irish Dance? N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.albee.org/celticdance/irishdance.htm
This website is a wonderful reference to learn about the history of each individual style of dance as well as the different structure and technique of each style. The different styles introduced in this website are Ceili Dancing, Step Dancing, Set Dancing, and Waltzes and Couples Dancing. (The information in this source seems to be unbiased; I liked the fact that it is outlined and provides a source that will give the readers more detail if desired. An interesting fact that I learned for this site is that Irish Step Dancing is differentiated by the number of counts.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Taryn Olivera
O'Shea, Helen. "Music and Politics." Music and Politics; Defining the Nation and Confining the Musician: The Case of Irish Traditional Music. N.p., July 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.music.ucsb.edu/projects/musicandpolitics/archive/2009-2/oshea.html
The website, which seems much like a research paper, not only discusses traditional Irish music and how it evolved, but also gives examples of pieces of music that were commonly seen in the time periods discussed. The article is well put together, and articulated well. The list of sources at the bottom shows that the writer of this article really spend time researching this topic, which adds a credibility to the article. The site also puts Irish traditional music into context with what was happening in Ireland at the time, thus allowing readers to understand the reasons that Irish traditional music evolved the way it did, and why it is so important to the Irish people. This website is full of information, from ways that music was used to influence people in the past, to modern interpretations of Irish music. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
"Innerviews: Afro Celt Sound System - Connecting Cultures." Innerviews: Afro Celt Sound System - Connecting Cultures. Anil Prasad, 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.innerviews.org/inner/afrocelts2.html
This website is an interview with the fusion band Afro Celt Sound System. The information on the site goes from how the band was formed, to the motives and possible implications of their music. Not only is it interesting to learn, but this band is a model for fusion bands that are influential in Irish music. There is a lot to be learned from moving forward, and this band exemplifies that. They talk about politics and the ways that they used their music to spark movements. The laid back way that the answers are written make this source seem credible, as well as the facts given and the manner in which the page is written. Good grammar and punctuation add a level of credibility and thoroughness to any website. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
"Irish Folk Music | Authentic Ireland Travel." Irish Folk Music | Authentic Ireland Travel. Authentic Ireland Travel, 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. http://www.authenticireland.com/irish-folk-music
This source, while very short, is a nice thing to read because it gives you an extremely brief overview of traditional Irish music. It seems to be a credible source, because it looks like it is sponsored by a travel agency, trying to get people to come to Ireland. This could bias the source, but in the area of Irish music, it is a little bit difficult to make it sound better than it is, because it is simply traditional Irish music. There are some classic examples of traditional Irish music listed on the site, with corresponding links. This site is for people that know close to nothing about Irish traditional music, which makes it a good source for the people that only want a small taste of this topic. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Haigh, Chris. "Irish Fiddle." Irish Fiddle. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/ireland/index.html
Although no copyright information was available for this site, the writer was incredibly knowledgable on the subject, as well as a fiddle player himself. The tabs on the side allowed for scrolling through different types of fiddles, and allowed the reader to compare and contrast how they were played in different countries. The site provides specific examples of styles and players for each culture and country. For people that know very little about the fiddle and do not play themselves, this site is an excellent thing to look at. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Henigan, Julie. "Sean-nós in Donegal." Sean-nós in Donegal. N.p., 21 Oct. 2002. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/sean-nos.htm
This site was incredibly interesting to read, because it was an article that first appeared in Ulster Folklife. It is a first person narrative about one woman’s personal experience with Ireland and the traditional Sean Nos dancing. From this article, it is evident that this tradition is still alive and well in Ireland, and should be regarded as a far back reaching tradition that still holds a lot of weight in the Irish culture. This woman discusses all of her experiences in Ireland, and how the traditions in each county are slightly different. This is a good way to see a little bit into the classic Irish traditions without actually visiting Ireland. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. N.p., 1994-2004. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
The particular site listed has to do with Irish dance, but the website itself is a great place for beginners to start on their journey of learning about Ireland. There are multiple tabs on the side of the site, taking you to many different pages on the aspects of Irish culture. Within each of these pages, there are also links to other pages to help readers expand their knowledge of Ireland. There is a vast amount of information on this site, and it spans over many years of research, which gives it a thorough feeling. The way that the website is laid out and the language used also give the site credibility. There is more than one person contributing to the site, but the site is not open for the public to make changes to, which also helps the site seem valid. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Celtic Fusion on AllMusic." AllMusic. Rovi Corp, 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/style/celtic-fusion-ma0000012334
For readers interested in Irish fusion music, there is not much information on how the style of music came to be, or how it is created on this site, but there is a huge variety of different artists and albums listed. The artists that are on this site are famous in Ireland and other countries for their fusion music. The list provides a great overview of fusion artists, for readers that are interested in actually experiencing some of this powerful music. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bono: The Power of One | Globalization101." Globalization101. The Levin Institute - The State University of New York, 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.globalization101.org/bono-the-power-of-one/
This source is all about Irish lead singer of the band U2, Bono. The site talks all about his activism and the things that he has done for charity. It discusses the ways that he uses his celebrity for good and the things that he has infamously done in order to raise money and awareness for people that are in underdeveloped countries. The site is well laid out and comes from a University. There are links to many other celebrity activists as well. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Rob Blakely. "Traditional Irish Music | Halsted Harp." Halsted Harp RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. http://www.halstedharp.com/traditionalmusic/
This site is a brief overview of how traditional Irish music moved to New York with the Irish people, and the history of how the traditional music changed as the people changed. It is a good place to start for people that know very little and also do not want to read research papers. It gives a short timeline of how the Irish traditions were brought to New York, and some of the names of those most influential in this movement. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Wright, Simon. "Reasons Why Music Is Important in Irish Culture." Helium. Helium, 24 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.helium.com/items/1721668-the-importance-of-music-in-ireland
This source discusses the reasons from history that Irish music is so important to their culture. It talks about traditions being passed down, storytelling and the politics that are all such a large part of the identity of the Irish people. It discusses how the music envelops all of these things, and that it has a large role in the community as well, by bringing people together. It discusses the economic side of Irish music, and shows readers how vital Irish music is to the culture of Ireland. The site seems to be a place that almost anyone can write an article and publish it, but this man uses many Irish words and writes in a manner that shows that he has done his research. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Howe Qiu
"BBC News - Chieftains founder Martin Fay dies aged 76." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20340605
The BBC News article outlines the life of Martin Fay, a renown founding member of The Chieftans. I found it quite interesting that he was originally inspired by the legendary violinist Paganini, and that his first love was classical music. As one of the original members of The Chieftans, a famous traditional irish band, Fay toured with the group until 2001 and has been ill for quite a while. (The information provided here is factual and serves as a tribute to Martin Fay. BBC news presents this article mainly to inform readers of the news.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Coulter, Peter. "BBC News - Daniel O'Donnell sets UK chart record with 25 years album sales." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20261678
This BBC News article outlines the fame and success of Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell. According to the article, nobody besides O'Donnell has ever set UK charts every year for 25 years consecutively. I would consider it quite an achievement to even release one album a year! It is quite interesting to hear about the popular culture in Ireland, and interestingly enough, O'Donnell is known for being a philanthropist. The article reports that O'Donnell is very grateful for the support of his fans, and is also very happy to have received the award. (The information presented here portrays the artist as a very successful person. Daniel O'Donnell is definitely portrayed positively, and his success is celebrated throughout the article. The information present within his article is mainly factual and simply informative.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"BBC News - Angela's Ashes musical premiered at Derby Theatre." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-20156398
The BBC News article informs the reader of the Musical version Frank McCourt's memoir of his upbringing in New York and Limerick, Ireland. The book was critically acclaimed and has won a Pulitzer Prize. It's premiere was shown at Derby Theatre in New York. According to the article, the book was adapted into a musical by a University of Derby graduate. Although some tend to view the book as one that communicates feelings of misery and sadness, Mr. Howell, the theatre arts graduate who set the book into music, claimed that the book inspired wry humor and hope. Perhaps it depends on your upbringing and childhood. (The information provided through this article is very supportive of the musical and the book Angela's Ashes. It is clear from the tone of the BBC News article author that the article is meant to bring the spotlight and bring recognition to Angela's Ashes.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
WEBSTER, ANDY. "Traditional Irish Music in New York City - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/arts/music/traditional-irish-music-in-new-york-city.html?_r=0
This New York Times news article highlights the New York Pub, Landmark Tavern's tradition of celebrating traditional Irish music all year long. "There’s a fiddle, a guitar, a bodhran, a concertina, maybe a banjo or a flute or a tin whistle. Your foot starts tapping, you order a pint and you settle in for music summoning images of a damp, windswept isle across the Atlantic. But this isn’t St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the Landmark Tavern, on 11th Avenue in Manhattan, on almost any Monday evening." The article also references Angela's Ashes, and U2 while explaining Irish culture. One portion of the article that stands out to me is about Ireland's economic struggles: "He acknowledged Ireland’s present economic struggles but said that optimism 'could just be in the DNA of Ireland, as a country that has endured difficult times.' / 'And, you know,” he added, “we’ve gotten by on poetry before.'" There was definitely some humor in that line, but it also outlines Ireland's deeply artistic culture and traditions. (The information presented in the article portrays Irish culture in a positive light and would definitely be appealing to ready by native New Yorkers. The article is informative of Irish-American culture and how the Irish enjoy continuing to practice their culture in America.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
Gaige, Amity. "Christina Patterson: Lunch (and Several Drinks) With Shane MacGowan." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-patterson/shane-macgowan_b_2183937.html
This Huffington Post news article title gives it all away... The article is written from a personal perspective; in fact, it is written from the personal perspective of the author, or reporter. Shane MacGowan's lack of punctuality is highlighted throughout the beginning of this article. The author, in fact, emails his girlfriend asking whether they should expect him to show up for the interview or not. Surprisingly enough, his girlfriend invites the author to their house for lunch. His girlfriend describes him as simply Shane. Even if he is late, drunk, unpresentable, unreliable, she simply describes him as "unique" "magnificent" and a "genius". The final portion of the article is most interesting: "And is he, I ask, happy? There's a long pause. "Yeah." Less or more than he used to be? "I've always," he says, "been happy." What, even as a bullied Irish boy in an English school? "Well," he says, and it should make me smile, but instead it just makes me feel sad: "I'm a bit of a rebel boy by nature, a bit of a pain in the arse. If people are going to tell me I can't do it, I'll do it."" (The article provides evidence mainly from the interview and not from outside sources. It highlights the story from the interview experience, rather than from outside sources.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"John Boehner Cries While Listening To Traditional Irish Music During St. Patrick's Day Luncheon." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/john-boehner-cries_n_1370568.html
Traditional Irish music is extremely expressive, and it's not too surprising that John Boehner would cry in response to the music. I could only begin to imagine what David O'Leary was signing about during the luncheon with President Obama and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. (The source is vague and provides little information about the context of what had happened. It does provide the information that the speaker of the house was very moved by the music.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Chieftains celebrate 50 years of Irish music." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120424/us-music-the-chieftains/
Paddy Moloney accuses contemporary artists such as Mick Jagger, Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison of being commercial instead of musical. He considers their "music" to be commercial, or simply intended to make profit instead of to be musical in the raw, traditional sense. For Moloney's Chieftan's 50 Year Anniversary "Voice of Ages" record, he ended up choosing Bon Iver, the Pistol Annies, the Civil Wars, the Secret Sisters, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the Decemberists, and more.
"I was very determined to spread the gospel of this great folk art," Moloney said.
"My wife was asked about 10 years ago, `Is he ever going to stop?' " said Moloney, grinning. "She said, `Well, I think he's in rehearsal for retirement.'" (It is clear to see from the quotes attached that Moloney has definitely made his life around music. The article is a primary source and extracts it's data directly from Paddy Moloney himself.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bono: Obama An 'Extraordinary Man,' Happy U.S. Reelected President." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/bono-obama-reelection_n_2121132.html
Bono celebrates the victory of Obama for his reelection campaign. He also warns of the economic recession and the effect the recession can have on the extremely poor. I believe that his heart is truly with the people, since he thinks of those who are most in need. He also warns of budget cuts, which will affect those who are most in need more than those who are not already suffering. To put it plainly, he says: "I put it to you we must not let this economic recession become a moral recession. That would become a double cruelty." (The information stated here is a restatement of Bono's words.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
Blackwell, Amy Hackney, and Ryan Hackney. "The Irish Pub - Irish History." Netplaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.netplaces.com/irish-history/family-and-food/the-irish-pub.htm
Although many believe that Irish pubs are equivalent to American bars, they are actually quite different. Irish pubs carry the feeling of traditionalism and are known to carry on culture. Although both serve alcohol, according to the article, Irish pubs are also known for being "restaurants, music stages, meeting places, and even as local cultural museums." Although the drinking age in Ireland is 18, children are often seen in pubs since families go there for "pub-grub," which refers to relatively inexpensive food. Families may also be attracted to pubs because of "trad," which refers to traditional Irish Music. (The article is not well referenced, however it provides a plethora of interesting knowledge.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Irish Music Pub Dublin City Ireland ODonoghues Bar." Dublin B&B, Bed and Breakfast Dublin, ODonoghues Guesthouse & Bar Dublin City Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.odonoghues.ie/music.htm
O'Donoghues Bar is a place for Traditional Irish Music. This website introduces "The Dubliners" and "Rattlin Strings" as some of the artists sponsored by the bar. In addition, the website links many Irish magazines and tv and media links. According to the website, The Dubliners are present at the bar seven nights a week! (The website provides information about their venue and tells of their traditional Irish culture.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Theme: Irish Music: Formative Artists, Fusion, and Faith
Dansby, Andrew. “For U2, faith without the Christian rock label.” Chron.com. The Houston Chronicle, 8 Oct. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/For-U2-faith-without-the-Christian-rock-label-1749513.php
This article delves into the role of Christianity in both the music of U2 and in Bono’s efforts to fight AIDS in Africa. The author includes a particularly memorable quote from Bono himself: “I generally think religion gets in the way of God.” His perspective is representative of that of many modern Irish people – they might not go to church, but they are very Catholic. Dansby also quotes Episcopalian Reverend Genevieve Razim, who describes U2’s music as being about a journey of “faith developing, and asking hard questions” - not unlike the journey that the Irish people have undergone in their relationship with the Catholic Churchy throughout history. (This article’s validity is supported by the links that Dansby provides to his own sources, as well as by the Houston Chronicle’s credibility as a reputable news outlet.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Devaney, Erik Alan. “From Celtic to Country: Three Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced ‘America’s Music.’” The Bard of Boston. Blogger, 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thebardofboston.com/2011/02/from-celtic-to-country-3-ways-irish-and.html
This blog entry presents a helpful overview of the connections between Irish traditional music and American Country-Western music. As was alluded to in the “Irish Music – An Overview” handout that was distributed in UNHL 3825, the author notes that part of the so-called “Irish influence” on bluegrass music can in fact be attributed to the Ulster Scots, who were not truly Irish. Nevertheless, Devaney presents an educational and entertaining look at traditional Celtic music’s influences on modern country music, including the infamous “sob story” motif and songs praising various alcoholic beverages. (Devaney imbeds links to his sources – including both historical information and YouTube videos of Irish traditional music – throughout the text, facilitating the reader’s interaction with the material. In addition to the in-text hotlinks, the “Further Reading” section at the end of the post contains links to other relevant resources. While Devaney’s credentials (which include writer, musician, and self-professed “history geek”) are not explicitly indicative of his knowledge of Irish music, his many blog posts related to Celtic music and Irish-American culture suggest that he has a vested interest in those topics.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
ITMA Digital Library. Irish Traditional Music Archive. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.itma.ie/digitallibrary/
As its name suggests, this subset of the Irish Traditional Music Archive website provides digital versions of select items from the ITMA’s collections. It is a spectacular portal for researching Irish traditional music, as one can access a wide variety of sound recordings, printed materials, videos, and other forms of multimedia that otherwise would only be available by visiting the ITMA’s physical location in Dublin. In addition to the digitized primary sources, there are also PDFs of secondary sources, such as essays and leaflets, available to download. (The ITMA Digital Library’s authority is inherent in that it is a project of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, which describes itself as “a national reference archive and resource centre for the traditional song, instrumental music and dance of Ireland.” ITMA’s collection of multimedia regarding Irish traditional music is the largest of its kind in the world.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
James, Katherine. “The Divergence and Fusion of Traditional Irish and Appalachian Music.” My Love is in America. Google Sites, 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
https://sites.google.com/a/brvgs.k12.va.us/myloveisinamerica/research
This research essay is an exceptionally detailed examination of the relationships between Irish traditional music and Appalachian music. James does an excellent job of distinguishing between true Irish immigrants and the Ulster Scots (also known as the “Scots-Irish”), two distinct cultures whose combined influence contributed to the development of Appalachian and bluegrass music. Fusion is a prominent theme in her writing: she compares today’s “Celtic fusion” with Irish traditional music, and she also discusses how Irish traditional music fused with Scottish and African-American cultural influences during the development of Appalachian music. (My Love is in America is actually the compilation website for Katherine James’ high school senior project on Irish and old-time American music. However, she gives credibility to this context by parenthetically citing her sources and including a complete list of references, and elsewhere on the website she notes that she worked under a mentor, Alex Caton. The professional presentation of her work suggests that James, a fiddler herself, is very dedicated to the study of Irish music. Also noteworthy is the fact that her project was completed under the auspices of the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor's School, a collaborative learning community with goals similar to those of the UNHL 3825 class blog.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Kimball, Josh. “Theologian Calls New U2 Album ‘Most Thoroughly Christian’ Project to Date.” CP Entertainment. The Christian Post, 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/theologian-calls-new-u2-album-most-thoroughly-christian-project-to-date-37293/
In this article, Kimball compiles the perspectives of various religious authorities (including bishops, theologians, and ministers) regarding U2’s music, focusing on their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon. A common theme in the album is what theologian Professor Steven R. Harmon refers to as the “sound of the divine song, heard only by those who have the ears to hear it, yet unconsciously sought by everyone, for all people were created to hear and sing this song.” Other intriguing details include the fact that multiple U2 albums have been ranked as the “greatest Christian music albums of all time,” a strangely fitting accomplishment for a wildly successful rock band from a predominantly Catholic country. (While this article is clearly biased towards a Christian perspective, it is a credible bias, as Kimball includes quotes from divinity school faculty from both Yale and Samford University.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Pervege Free Films. “Sean Nos Dancing at Westport’s Heritage Day 2010. Filmed by Pervege Free Films.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 13 Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzrHvTixBHw
This video, filmed at the 2010 Heritage Day in Westport, County Mayo, provides an excellent example of sean-nós dancing, set to the tunes of a traditional céilí band. The informal – yet structured – nature of the performance is mystifying. Even a talented young boy joins in, beautifully exemplifying the sense of craíc that is at the heart of Irish traditional music. The final dance shown in the clip provides an excellent opportunity to contrast the free-flowing style of sean-nós dancing with a more exacting form of “Riverdance-esque” step-dancing. (As a YouTube video, this source lacks the surrounding context that is necessary for fully judging its validity. However, further investigation of the YouTube channel for Pervege Free Films reveals that they are located in Ireland and have a history of filming local musical performances, so it would appear that they are a credible source.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
Stern, Gary. “Rocking the church: Episcopal ‘U2-charist’ uses songs in service.” USATODAY.com. USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20061026/bl_cover26_u2eucharist.art.htm
This article provides a fascinating look at the “U2-charist” (or “U2 Eucharist”), a phenomenon in which U2’s songs are used as hymns in traditional Episcopalian liturgies. The use of an Irish rock band’s music in Anglican church services speaks to the transcendent nature of Irish music – time and time again, it is able to expand beyond the boundaries of its original context. U2-charists are also characterized by offerings for Bono’s African AIDS relief campaigns, thus demonstrating that even as his music diffuses to new settings, the spirit behind it remains intact. (While the article lacks direct citations, Stern does quote relevant primary sources, such as U2-charist originator Rev. Paige Blair and U2’s record label, Universal Music Group. Furthermore, the information regarding Christianity and U2 in general coincides with that presented by other resources.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Stone, Michael. “Irish Music, Roots and Branches.” PopMatters.com. PopMatters Media, Inc., 2001. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/020315-stpatrick-stone.html
This article provides a concise yet thorough introduction for those who are making their first forays into studying Irish traditional music. Stone begins by choosing to define Irish traditional music by its history, and then he turns his focus to the Irish folk music revival. He makes distinctions between the revival’s first (1950s), second (1970s), and third (1980s and onward) waves, and he names corresponding exemplar artists such as the Dubliners, the Chieftains, and Afro-Celt Sound System (respectively). (While this article is a secondary source, Stone encourages exploration of primary sources by ending the article with a list of referenced recordings of Irish traditional music. The article also provides an external link to the Irish Traditional Music Archive, which oversees the ITMA Digital Library (cited above as source three). Further investigation of PopMatters.com via its “About PopMatters” page establishes the site’s credibility: it is an “international magazine of cultural criticism” that has been referenced by reputable news outlets such as BBC and the New York Times.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Willie Clancy Festival. Willie Clancy Festival. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.willieclancyfestival.com/
In addition to serving as the homepage for the Willie Clancy Festival that takes place in County Clare each year, this website also provides a biography of one of Ireland’s most renowned Uilleann pipers. There is also information regarding the annual Willie Clancy Summer School, which has been teaching traditional Irish music and dance in his honor for over forty years. There are also links to several YouTube videos of various set dances from the 2012 festival. (This information can be considered a primary source of information on the festival and summer school. The biographical page on Willie Clancy is a secondary source, as the Clare County Library is cited as a source. While the website does not identify a single author, the “Contact Us” page provides contact information for Harry Hughes, the administrative director of the summer school.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
World Center for Creative Education. “Irish (Celtic) Connection: Birth of American Bluegrass & Country Music.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 9 Feb. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsZguB6ulBM
Ironically, this twenty-minute video devotes more time to discussing Irish traditional music in general than exploring the genre’s connection to country music, but it is still a valuable resource. Brief interviews (and in some cases, sessions) featuring Irish traditional musicians Paul Bradley (fiddle), Declan Corey (mandolin), and Brian McGrath (banjo) provide excellent insights into the heart and soul of Irish traditional music. Their discussions touch upon improvisation and emotional expression, as well as traditional music’s regional variations. A discussion of the changing meaning of tradition is illustrated with performances by Millish and Mutefish, an “American-Celtic fusion” band and an “Irish-fusion” band, respectively. (This video is part of a series entitled “Our Musical World,” which is produced for The World Center for Creative Education (which bills itself as “a non-profit promoting education reform”) by Visions and Vibrations International, LLC. These organizations’ credentials, as well as those for the narrator, Michael L. Naylor, Ph.D., are listed in the ending credits, giving the video professional credibility.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"About Irish Culture." Irish Culture. Ed. Philip Casey. WordPress.com, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishculture.ie/
This is quite a unique page, and I venture to say, a valuable asset to all people interested in Irish culture or researching certain aspects of it. The website is basically a database of various links, each containing helpful, detailed, seemingly credible information pertinent to Irish culture in all its aspects. The editor of the page, who has purportedly been amassing these links for years as a personal project, is an author who has published many books on various subjects, from poetry to realistic fiction, and is a well-established literary figure, making the website seem credible. A high level of organization, variety, and detail make the site well-suited to casual visitors, students, or avid Hibernophiles. Each topic has many subheadings, and each subheading, many links with short, descriptive summaries that allow readers to select the most relevant ones to their exploration. This is akin to a refined Google search for all topics relevant to Irish culture. While I might refer to it for Irish dance and music, I felt that it was necessary to provide a more complete view of the source and its extensive nature. While the possibility of a bias cannot be eliminated, the site merely serves as a platform to other primary or secondary sources (of which I’m sure many are biased), so the bias here is purely selection-based, and therefore, I would venture to say, relatively unimportant.
"About Library Ireland." Library Ireland. Libraryireland.com, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.libraryireland.com/about.php
It seems that some of the most comprehensive information about Irish culture is found through online databases, such as Library Ireland. This “online library” seems to actually be geared toward interests or projects of a more scholarly nature, considering entire books have been uploaded to the site, chapter by chapter. The site states that its purpose was to provide free public access to the growing body of Irish texts in hopes of preserving the culture and sparking further interest in the culture. Encompassed in the library are genealogy records, texts on folklore, and historical tomes. Of course, volumes on cultural staples like music and dance are plentiful – one can easily locate information on the Fairy dance, Dance of the Dead, or even traditional musical arrangements with a few strokes into the search box. This is a rich source primarily for the older history of Ireland, rather than contemporary information. More than a bias here, I would say that access to texts, as well as copyright issues, might be the main influence on the content of the database; the bias of its individual contents cannot be sufficiently evaluated in a week, so I would assume it exists as is naturally does with most authors.
Grupe, Volker. "Rory Gallagher." Rory Gallagher. Top-Priority. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.rory.de/
This is a rather interesting website to look at – it seems at first glance to be a fan page (which indicates the inherent bias towards the positive portrayal of Rory Gallagher), but its contents are mostly photographs, which are primary sources of information. The site seems to be a snapshot of Rory’s life, with images of important places, occasions, and the like in chronological order. The few articles that have been linked on the site, of course, portray Rory in a good light, but some of the text is actually material from interviews. Overall, the bias, while present, is not overwhelming, and this appears to be a credible source of information about Rory Gallagher and his life for anyone who might be interested. The author has provided his contact information, which is a small step toward indicating a credible site.
"History - Pipes." Na Piobairi Uilleann. 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.pipers.ie/home/Resources_History Pipes.htm
For someone researching the history of the Irish pipes, this site is a very rich source of information. It also caters to members of the pipe-playing and pipe-making communities, with a strong emphasis on the cultural revival of the instrument. The information on this page is purely factual, which leaves little room for author bias except for, of course, the selection bias as far as what facts are used in the overview here. The organization behind this is well-established, has active membership, office locations, and contact information to verify its existence and hint at credibility. The information on the site is relatively up to date, considering new material is added regularly to its news feed. Overall, this provides a good insight into Irish pipe culture for students and potential members.
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. Ireland's Eye, 2004. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
The information from this page of the source reads particularly like a brief report or summary of the different types of traditional Irish dance and their progression and development into the modern day. All the information seemed credible and well-researched – however, upon closer inspection of the site, I noticed that the entire article was an excerpt from a book by an author not affiliated with the site. While the credibility of the information is not diminished here, I am learning that once again, I have stumbled upon a database of articles and excerpts from highly visible sources or authors, which means that Ireland’s Eye is a secondary source of information with more selection bias, as seen before. However, by nature of it being a tourist site, the selection bias heavily favors positive and interesting aspects of Irish culture over morbid historical facts. The website has internal and external links, and boasts a colorful (not distracting) layout to welcome casual learners and possibly tourists (considering the “Tours” tab) to the page.
Jordan, Kieran. "Sean Nos Step Dancing – It’s a Living Tradition." Sean Nos Dancing. The Celtic Cafe, 31 Aug. 1998. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.celticcafe.com/archive/Dance/Articles/SeanNos_BostonIrishReporter.htm
This article combines primary sources like interview excerpts with secondary analysis by the author. The subject here is the modern expression of Sean Nos dance, which provides valuable insight to researchers or those individuals passionate about the art form. Author bias is certainly present in the tone, analysis, and conclusion of the article, from the selection of background information to the interview excerpts featured. That said, the author has had some experience writing articles for The Celtic Café, as well as other unaffiliated websites or online sources of information. The information is not very current, however, especially considering the article is archived. Before using this source, it must be cross-referenced.
O'Dwyer, Simon, and Maria C. O'Dwyer. "Instruments - Through The Ages." Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Early Medieval Musical Music. Ancient Music Ireland, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://ancientmusicireland.com/page/instruments-through-the-ages.html
This is an online marketplace replete with information, which, although it must be carefully examined, is both detailed, current, and extensive with regards to old Irish instruments. There are no citations or lists of works referenced, which is a little surprising, considering the depth of the explanations and information given. While the primary audience for this is people interested in purchasing instruments, the wealth of background knowledge provided here is a good starting point for those interested in instrument culture or the study of Irish music. The author bias is evident (the information must help sell the product) and the data or facts are probably secondary, but I would not discount the site so quickly, considering the author/owner’s transparency here. I have cross-checked some of the “Early Bronze Age” information and most can be found elsewhere.
"A Short History of Irish Dance." BBC News. BBC, 22 May 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/irish/articles/view/741/english/
There is not much to question with regards to the credibility of a BBC article. This timeline of Irish dance is quite detailed and provides many distinct points of focus separated clearly by subheadings and supplemented with the occasional audio file or image. While the information is not extensive on any one topic, the overviews are rich enough to spark fruitful searches for more specific detail on a point of interest. This is not a page with a single author – once again, compilations seem to be common here. Author bias is minimal, though it exists, and the information synthesized here is secondary. Internal links are provided for further information.
Stone, Michael. "Irish Music, Roots and Branches." Irish Music, Roots and Branches: PopMatters Music Feature. PopMatters Media, Inc., 2001. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/020315-stpatrick-stone.html
This article details the flow and transformation of Irish music from the 20th century to modern day – this is best for learning about how Irish music throughout the ages has influenced its modern forms within the nation and around the world. The author errs on the scholarly side of writing and seems to be a regular contributor to this website, although with such a popular name I cannot be sure of the nature of his other work, if any exists. The article has plenty of references, which adds to its credibility as a source. As far as author bias, the article, like many, is facts mixed with opinion. The source itself is a popular, well-established cultural magazine (rather like a scholarly journal of music for those less erudite but equally interested), and I would be likely to use this article, and the source as a whole, in future research projects.
"What Is Céilí Dancing?" Cairde Rince Céilí Na HÉireann. Cairde Rince Céilí Na HÉireann. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. http://www.ceilidancing.com/default.aspx?lang=eng
For those who are interested in joining Céilí classes or learning about the Céilí community in Ireland, this site is a good place to start. The page that I found most helpful, or relevant, discussed the parameters of Céilí dancing, and listed off quite quickly the various steps, motions, and variations of the dance. Although short, this overview was highly informative and would provide those interested in Céilí dance a good starting point to research its nuances. I have not yet found a Céilí site with so many specifics in such a condensed, unembellished manner. There is really not much information to draw a bias from – this is just a quick listing of facts.
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Jamal Zahir
BBC. BBC Northern Ireland Music. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/music/
This section of BBC News has over 10 years of archived auditory pleasure; at the same time, BBC News has been gaining credence since 1922 as one of the foremost EU News authorities. Topics on this site range from interviews of music critics, music radio, forums, and music talk shows; of course, all relating to Northern Irish Music. Updated daily, it is an excellent source of contemporary Northern Irish music. Direct discourse on the website is limited to the “comments” sections under the main “Page of the Day,” posted by BBC themselves; however, topics usually follow the subjective course (i.e. emotive responses, likes/dislikes, personal opinion, etc.). As a primary source of personal responses and news articles relating to the current Northern Irish music, this is an excellent source which adds to BBC's other trusted news sources.
IrishTimes.com. Fiddler and Original Member of Chieftains. 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/obituaries/2012/1124/1224327043330.html
Fairly new to the news scene, IrishTimes was founded in 1994; yet, it has gained immense support because of its wide ranging topics and consistently up-to-date news. Simply a recollection of Martin Fay’s (Chieftain’s fiddle player) life and his accomplishments. Due to the Chieftain’s early beginnings, the target is an older audience. This article is excellent in highlighting the antithesis of Martin Fay’s traditional music style and a contemporary time of mixed genres and new-age Irish music. As this article is fact, based on events in Fay’s life, it is tinged with opinions of Fay by his band members.
The New York Times. Northern Ireland’s Musical Riches Emerge From the Shadows. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/arts/18iht-irelandmusic18.html?pagewanted=all
The New York Times is a reputable source, with its early beginnings in 1851.This article highlights the challenges for the Northern Irish band, A Plastic Rose. Isolated in terms of politics and geography, Northern Irish music has a difficult time entering the mainstream; hence, this article highlights the struggle of this band. A Plastic Rose has been steadily gaining support and their contemporary music style has a following of people under 25 years old. This article highlights the struggles of other Northern Irish singers/bands who have had a difficult time making it to the global music scene. This article is an excellent up-to-date opinion on the state of Northern Ireland’s inching music industry in comparison to the leaps made in the early 90s and 2000s.
Culture Northern Ireland. Musicians of Belfast Exhibition Continues. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/5539/musicians-of-belfast-exhibition-continues
Although not a ubiquitously known site, Culture Northern Ireland is an excellent blog-like experience full of personal reviews, opinions, and arguments. American sites analogous to this one could be AOL Music or ET Music. Staying up-to-date is a key component of this site; rather, old is considered tarnished and unfit for news posts. The target audience of this site, however, ranges from <25 to >40 years old. In this article, a woman, inspired by Irish music, is painting traditional Irish musical instruments and putting them on display at the Belfast Exhibition. Jane Coyle, the author of this article is a veteran arts critic and has a large following online.
The Boston College Chronicle. Gaelic Roots Fall Slate. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.bc.edu/centers/irish/gaelicroots/
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “Boston College” title. Mostly students are visitors on this site looking daily for news updates ranging on all topics; however the music supplementary class offered called “Gaelic Roots” is a perfect example of the inability of the Irish to let go of their roots. A deep sense of tradition is inherent in the students signing up for this class. This article explains the Chieftain’s responsibility in creating the Boston College for Irish and Gaelic music. This is an excellent source for the identification of traditional roots in contemporary Irish academics and instruction. Often of chronological and note-taking-like structure, articles on the Boston College Chronicle record events or provide details on events to come. Maintaining an academic approach is essential in these articles, and hence is displayed in the pseudo-objective approach.
U Penn Libraries. Irish music in America: Continuity and change. 1992. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI9227728/
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “University of Pennsylvania” title. Mostly students are visitors on this site; however, this can be extended to professors and academics as well, as this is a teaching document. This is an excellent article describing the effects of Irish music in American life with respect to community, change, and acculturation. This article recommends a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Irish Music and “growing up Irish-American.” A highly subjective article, it is, however, full of supporting details and correlations that make this article highly credible as a scholarly source.
Stolaf. The Irish “Session” (Part 2). Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.stolaf.edu/people/hend/VictoryMusic/TheIrishSession2.html
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “St. Olaf University” title. A personal account from a Professor of Chemistry Emeritus turned “unemployed” folk musician. The professor explains pub playing etiquette (i.e. guitars or bouzoukis, non-traditional instruments, are not tolerated) and watching etiquette (i.e. ask before photographing or videotaping). An interesting view of the Irish pub playing etiquette from the scope of a science professor.
Project Muse. Irish Traditional Music in a Modern World. 2001. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “The Johns Hopkins University Press” title. This is an article addressing what it means to play traditional Irish music in a modern world. This contemporary article explores the shaping, molding, and evolution of traditional Irish music to make it what it is today. Sometimes, music that is Irish may not be distinguishable for non-Irish music. This article refines what it means to be traditional Irish Music (i.e. traditional Irish music must not be thought of as old; rather, contemporary Irish music may contain new sounds and tunes, but at the same time encapsulate a time, place, and national identity. Fairly academic in its nature, a personal voice is definitely visible if reading between the lines of this article.
Examiner.com. Celtic Music 101: What is a session? 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.examiner.com/article/celtic-music-101-what-is-a-session
Run solely by individual contributors around the world, Examiner.com is a highly subjective site relying on contributors most of which have unknown credentials; as a result, it is an excellent primary source for the general public’s attitude toward specific issues. A “comments” option supplements the already highly subjective nature. This article highlights that an Irish Pub Session consists of usually drunken men players which play traditional instruments. This article is in complete opposition to the fact that the art of Pub Sessions are dying (mostly due to more strict alcohol laws in Ireland). The easy to read article makes it accessible for people of all literate ages. This article is an account of Pub Session etiquette and manners in order to observe and participate in these sessions.
Innerviews. Afro Celt Sound System: Connecting Cultures. 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.innerviews.org/inner/afrocelts2.html
Established in 1994, Innerviews has provided consistently in-depth and uncompromising interviews of music artists. Articles which are focused on the younger generation <25 years old, this article is not an exception. This article explores how Afro Celt Sound System (ACSS) has bridged the gap between the cultures of its band members, while staying true to traditional Irish Music. The contemporary nature of Afro Celt Sound System, makes it a perfect candidate for an article that highlights their acceptance into a traditional Irish music dominated industry. ACSS had more issues of acceptance due to their highly diverse group of musicians (i.e. black individual). This had not been seen since Thin Lizzy’s highly diverse days with Phil Lynott. The interview style of Anil Prasad’s articles make them excellent primary sources. Furthermore, this interview style allows a direct conversation between the reader and the interviewee without interference of the interviewer. This approach makes this source desirable. Even further, Anil Prasad’s academic background has conditioned him to support his arguments with academic and scholarly sources, which are documented at the end of each of his articles.
Pratibha Anand
Theme: The Tradition and Contemporary Practice of Irish Traditional Music
Biege, Bernd. (2006). “Traditional Music Sessions.” Ireland Travel. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://goireland.about.com/od/nightlife/a/sessions.htm
This source offers an exhaustive list of traditional music pub sessions that take place throughout Ireland, listed by county and city. Moreover, the author provides an overview of what a session involves, and provides some helpful guidelines regarding acceptable behavior at sessions. (The author of the website is a journalist and licensed About.com guide as well as the published author of a comprehensive guide on traveling in Ireland. While he is a single person writing with an unchecked opinion, much of the data provided on the site consists of objective facts.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Haurin, Donald, & Richens, Ann. (2006). “Irish Step Dance: A Brief History.” The Richens/ Timm Academy of Irish Dance. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.richenstimm.com/pdf/information/richens-haurin_brief_history_irish_dance.pdf
This essay provides an exhaustive review and chronological history of Irish step dance and addresses a variety of elements including the progression of step dance from ancient to modern times, costumes, dance steps, types of dance and variations, instruments, judging, and even delves into set and céilí dances. The essay provides an Irish glossary, as well. (The author of this source was Michael Flattely’s Associate Choreographer and Dance Director for “Lord of the Dance” and “Feet of Flames.” The co-author is a professor at Ohio State University who is active in the Irish community through his support of The Columbus Feis and other activities. I believe that both authors’ firsthand experience with step dancing make them credible sources. The essay consists of objective and verifiable facts and also ends with a well-documented bibliography.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Hendrickson, Stuart. (2003). “Victory Music Columns.” Victory Review Magazine. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://stewarthendrickson.com/VictoryMusic/July03-MusicalTrad-IrishSession2.html
This webpage features a column that discusses how the traditional Irish pub session is a recent phenomenon, which became popular only after the folk craze of the 1960s. [Prior to that time Irish music was played mainly at céilí (social gatherings, dance & music) houses where people would gather around the kitchen fire to entertain themselves with music, dancing, singing and story-telling.] The column also answers many questions related to the nature of playing Irish music in pubs including: What happens when Irish musicians get together and play? What are the preferred instruments? And what is the proper session etiquette? (The author is a traditional and Irish folk musician and author of the monthly column Musical Traditions for the Victory Review. The column in question primarily deals with objective facts and direct experience. However, I would otherwise be wary of relying solely upon this source’s information, as he seems to draw from his experience in the “Irish” pub session scene in the United States.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Henigan, Julie. (2002.) “Sean-nós in Donegal.” Ulster Folklife No. 37. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/sean-nos.htm
This website chronicles a trip that the author took to Country Donegal in order to learn about and record sean-nós singing. The website also develops the idea of what sean-nós singing really means and entails and quotes from many acclaimed singers and authorities on the subject. There is also a comprehensive footnotes section that contains several reliable sources at the end. (The author of this source is a musician and published authority on Irish folk music and song. She completed her Ph.D. in Literature and Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame and has since focused her scholarly work on traditional Irish song. Because of these stated reasons, I believe that she is a credible source. However, this particular webpage is based upon a personal trip to Country Donegal, and thus contains various subjective elements.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Gaeilge, Leagan. (2012). “The Origins of Irish Traditional Music.” The Standing Stones. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.standingstones.com/cmaoitm.html
This website features a historical discussion of the origins of Irish traditional music traced back from the 15th century. It interweaves the concepts of musicians, singers, instruments, and style, and includes a thorough discussion about the origins of different dance meters. (This webpage was assembled from several posts made by Caoimhín Mac Aoidh, who is an expert on the fiddle music of Donegal. He has been collecting and studying this type of music for several years and is thus a credible authority on the subject. Although there is no formal bibliography or citations page, the text of the discussion does refer to a number celebrated artists and famous books and publications.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Kearney, Daithi. (2007). “(Re)locating Irish Traditional Music: Urbanizing Rural Traditions.” Critical Public Geographies Working Papers, UCC Cork Ireland. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.aughty.org/pdf/relocate_trad_music.pdf
This website features an essay that painstakingly details the evolution and development of Irish traditional music in the context of rural tradition urbanization. It examines concepts of regional styles in music and the connection between Irish traditional music and places in Ireland. It argues that the concept it, in part, “an urban myth generated by a new urban audience in the 1950s.” The impact of social movements, economic change, and various organizations is also assessed in an attempt to understand the geography of Irish traditional music at the start of the 21st century. (The author of this dissertation is a lecturer in Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology whose research is primarily focused on Irish traditional music but extends to include performance studies, community music, music education and the connection between music and place. His PhD concentrates on the construction of geographies and regional identities in Irish traditional music and his research interests include the negotiation, mediation and construction of identities through music and the relationship between music and place. Additionally, he is an ethnomusicologist, geographer and performer who tours regularly as a musician, singer and dancer with a number of groups. Given these credentials coupled with his experience, I believe that he is a credible source who has direct firsthand experience with the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Live Trad. (2012). Live Trad. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.livetrad.com
This website features webcasts from venues all across Ireland ranging from niche festivals to major events and even typical pub sessions. Additionally, live interaction occurs between thousands of viewers through instant messaging with thousands of online viewers worldwide, which brings viewers closer to the event or session where the webcast is taking place. Archived webcasts may be access in the Videos section while audio Podcasts of individual webcasts are also available to download in full. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, The Irish Arts Council, and offers primary source material through its live webcasts of actually events and sessions. It is important to note that the site works with corporate sponsors and advertisers, and also features a blog section that might not be quite as unbiased.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Power, Ben. (2012). “Sean-nós Dance.” Irish Traditional Music and Dance, Ethnomusicology. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://benpower.info/sean%20nos.html
This website features vivid pictures and a thorough, technical description of sean-nós dance from the author’s firsthand knowledge and experience. The site also provides links to other famous sean-nós dancers’ websites and links to other articles that describe other aspects of traditional Irish music including traditional instruments. (The author of the website, Ben Power, is a flute and bodhrán player, singer, piper and sean-nós dancer. He studied with the great Irish flute player, Paul McGrattan, and subsequently completed an M.A. in Traditional Irish Music at Limerick University’s renowned Irish World Music Centre. Given his extensive relevant educational background and firsthand experience as a musician and dancer, I believe that he is himself a primary source and poses a keen awareness and knowledge of the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Roden, Christina. (2012). “Sean-nós Music.” National Geographic Music. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/sean_nos_784/en_US
This website walks readers through a clear and concise historical progression of sean-nós music and speaks to the effects of politics on the music. In addition, geographical differences in music style and dialect are discussed. Finally, the site features a virtual pop-up radio player that streams sean-nós music. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, National Geographic Magazine, and is written by a journalist who has written extensively about Irish music and Irish traditional music in particular. Nonetheless, it is important to note that no citations are directly provided on this website.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Sommers Smith, Sally K. (2001). “Irish Traditional Music in a Modern World.” Johns Hopkins University Project Muse. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
This website features a dissertation that discusses the idea of “traditional music in a modern world.” The dissertation includes extensive citations from a range of sources including composers and performers and is written in a credible, academic tone that employs rich technical language. (The author of the dissertation is an associate professor at Boston University and has written extensively on the topic of Irish Music. Notwithstanding, it is interesting to note that she is a professor of natural sciences who completed her doctoral work in the field of Biology. Still, it is very possible that she has engaged in thorough and extensive research of the subject matter.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
"U2TOURFANS."
U2TOURFANS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.u2tourfans.com/
This site is designed to bring together fans of the U2 rock band and to provide a place for everything relating to U2 including: news, photo, Discography, social network links (Facebook), Biography, and much more. Beyond providing information about the band, this website encourages fans to interact with each other and share their experiences and stories that relate to the band. (This website is sponsored by well-known companies like ITunes and Amazon Music, which increases the credibility of the site. Sources for the information provided in the site are also clearly presented at the bottom of every article. In general, this site is a great tool to follow and find information about the band in one stop.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bits & Bytes."
@U2. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.atu2.com/
Similar to the site mentioned above, this website is created to give information about the U2 band to the general public. However, compared to the above website, this one provides more resources like lyrics, videos, and event coverage. (This site has been mentioned by several major news sites including: ABC News Radio, Well Street Journal, LA Times, and many more. Majority of the articles in this website also came from respected news sources, such as Irish Times, NME, and Rolling stone.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"The Bard of Boston: From Celtic to Country: 3 Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced "America's Music""
The Bard of Boston: From Celtic to Country: 3 Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced "America's Music" N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thebardofboston.com/2011/02/from-celtic-to-country-3-ways-irish-and.html
This site provides information on how the Irish and Scottish influenced the American music. The content of site is written in an assay format. Before going in depth and talking about the specific points, the site gives general information about how the Scottish-Irish immigrants came to North America. Then it provides different sections that talk about the aspects of American music that are influenced by the Irish and Scottish. These qualities include the vocal Harmony, the drone, and lyrical themes. (Even though the contents of the page are well written, since it is a blog post, the credibility is questionable. Therefore, further research is encouraged to support the information presented in this website) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Immigration: The Irish."
ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://library.thinkquest.org/20619/Irish.html
Starting from the Act of Union of 1803, this site provides background information about the history and reason for the mass immigration of Irish people into America. In a relatively short article format, this site mentions the great potato rot and political and religious conflicts that forced the Irish to leave their homeland. The article also talks about the different circumstances these people faced once they arrived to America. (Oracle Thinkquest has a reputation for being a good resource for providing a learning environment where students and teachers can collaborate and work on projects.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Martin Hayes on AllMusic."
AllMusic. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/martin-hayes-mn0000311565
This source gives a very brief overview of, Irish fiddler, Martin Hays' life. The article starts off by talking about the upbringing of Hays and how much his family (specially his father, P.J. Hayes) influenced his carrier path. The article concludes by pointing out his musical success and mentioning his albums. (allmusic.com is a credible online music database that is owned by All Media Guide) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill."
The Official Martin Hayes/Dennis Cahill Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. http://www.martinhayes.com/index.htm
This is the official Martin Hayes' and Dennis Cahill's website which provides all information related to these two artists. The contents found in this site include music, touring schedule, albums & Tune books, short biography, and contact information can be found. (Since this is their official website, credibility is not a concern.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Information on Irish Music and Organizations Dedicated to the Preservation of the Craft
“A Focus for New Music in Ireland.” Contemporary Music Centre. Contemporary Music Centre, 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.cmc.ie/about/index.html
The Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) is another database for Irish composers. It contains a more extensive library compared to that of the NAIC; however, it appears that its focus is somewhat different. While the NAIC concentrates on piano sheet music and its composers, the CMC aims to gather information of a variety of Irish musicians of the 20th and 21st century. The CMC also undergoes several other projects that include promoting select Irish contemporary composers and publications of music and related information. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, Ireland’s The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC), making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Armstrong, Eric. “Introducing Irish Music & Dance.” Treelight. Treelight, 2001. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.treelight.com/music/irishmusic.html
This article provides comprehensive information regarding Irish dance, Irish music, and the music theory behind the sounds we typically recognize in Irish music. Although the webpage is not necessarily flashy or aesthetically superior compared to other websites, there is a great amount of detailed information on its topics. Armstrong provides a variety of definitions regarding Irish music terms and instruments in a way person with no background in Irish music could understand what is being presented to him or her. (Although this page does not seem to be supported by an accredited organization, most of the information in this website seems to overlap with other websites of similar content, and the information provided is easily verifiable through other sources.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Brady, Paul. “Reflections of Irish Music.” UCDscholarcast. UCDscholarcast, 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ucd.ie/scholarcast/transcripts/reflections_on_irish_music.pdf
This is a transcript of a lecture regarding Paul Brady’s perspective on Irish music. While the majority of this article is personal anecdotes and opinions, the information within this work provides some insight to the Irish culture and some correlations between the progression American music through the 20th century and Irish music. Brady is also considered to be an expert in the field of Irish music, due to his successful career as an Irish singer-songwriter. (As stated previously, this article mostly provides Brady’s personal insight to Irish music, but nevertheless, this presentation was sponsored by a reputable source, University College Dublin and Dr. P.J. Mathews). [Reviewed 24. Feb. 2013]
“History.” Royal Irish Academy of Music. Royal Irish Academy of Music, 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.riam.ie/about-us/history/
This article describes a brief history of one of Ireland’s many musical institutions, Royal Irish Academy of Music. It is noted as Ireland’s oldest musical institution, founded in 1848. This web site is typical of any higher education institution with additional information about faculty, courses, and other related information. Nevertheless, this resource is used to represent the emphasis the Republic of Ireland places on its music culture and the education of the craft. (While this webpage is naturally biased due to its discussion of itself, it does provide useful information regarding the institution albeit brief; in addition, a person interested in attending this school would find other information on the associated website useful as well.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Klein, Axel. “Academic Papers.” Axel Klein – Irish Music Research. Axel Klein, 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://axelklein.de/academic-papers/
Klein provides many interesting academic papers regarding his past research within the scope of Irish music. His papers appear to be well written and thoroughly researched. However, it does not appear that his research is peer-reviewed, and on his website, Klein states that Irish music is more of personal passion than a primary occupation. Nevertheless, his articles provide a unique perspective to the field of Irish music. (While his papers are not peer-reviewed, Irish music is evidently of this person’s interest, and Klein appears to be somewhat of a reliable source due to his accreditation as an independent scholar with responsibilities such as the “Irish Advisor” to the German encyclopedia Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart (MGG).) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Music by The Indulgers. The Indulgers, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.shamrocker.com
This website is provides information about the band The Indulgers, who are Celtic rock band in Colorado. Their lead singer, Damien McCarron, is originally from Dublin, Ireland. This website notes a brief biography of the band and current information of the band’s whereabouts. The site also features samplings of the band’s music. (This website is sponsored by the titled band, The Indulgers, which makes it a valid yet biased resource should one desire information about this specific band.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
O’Shea, Helen. “Getting to the Heart of the Music: Idealizing Musical Community and Irish Traditional Music Sessions.” Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, Vol 2. Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, 2007. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.music.ucc.ie/jsmi/index.php/jsmi/article/view/10
This article examines the social and musical implications as a result of idealizing group performances via Irish traditional music sessions in East Clare. Through research and personal experiences, O’Shea discusses popular notions and misconception regarding the concept of the Irish sessions and the resulting reputation and implications that these notions have on the Irish musical community. She also noted various other “musical identities” found in idealized musical groups. (This article was published in the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, which is a community of expert peers on the subject of Irish Musicology, making this publication peer-reviewed and a valid source of an interesting perspective of information regarding the Irish session.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013].
“Performance.” NAIC. National Archive of Irish Composers, 2010. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.naic.ie/performance.html
This website is an excellent resource, archiving digital copies of sheet music from the National Library of Ireland with some pieces dating as far back to the late 18th century. This website also shares audio files of some of these works. This website is a useful tool for someone who is conducting research within the field of the history of Irish music. The digital library seems fairly comprehensive. However, this site primarily focuses on the piano as oppose to other musical instruments of Irish music. (This site is a product of the National Library and the Dublin Institute of Technology’s Digital Media centre, making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Raidió Fáilte 107.1fm. Northern Ireland Screen, 2006. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.raidiofailte.com
Raidió Fáilte is the only Irish radio station in Belfast, Ireland, providing an community radio service to the area’s Irish language community. The station itself plays a variety of Irish music, ranging from traditional Irish music to contemporary fusion. In addition to playing Irish music, the station also provides podcasts and news services. The website is in both Irish Gaelic and English. I find it interesting how this radio station is the only radio station directed to the Irish speaking community despite the fact that Belfast is the capital and the largest city in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, recalling the political ambiguity and social conflict that remains in Northern Ireland, the reasons behind the lack of Irish music station become somewhat clearer. (This website is sponsored by the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and does provide access to authentic Irish music to Ireland and the global community.) [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“Seinn Liom with Marcas Ó Murchú.” Irish. BBC, 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/irish/articles/view/1066/english/
This article primarily aims to share the experiences and perspectives of Irish native musicians. This web page provides multiple videos of different musicians of a variety of instruments discussing their passion for music, favorite memories, and inspirations. (While this web page of a credible organization does not provide factual or statistical information, it is a compilation of interviews, making it a source of primary resources, which one might find useful in Irish music research.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
“Irish Music Forver.” Irish Music Forever. Irish Music Forever, 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicforever.com/
In order to find information about Irish music in general, this website has a lot of important and interesting components to it. It provides history, a blog, top songs and bands, and even news going on in Ireland. It is mainly based on opinion from Pat Kehoe and other authors, especially in his blog. He leaves contact information for anyone to get in touch with him at [email protected]. This website is credible and a good resource for Irish music because it holds great support with internal and external links; it is up to date with dates given for each blog; and it gives background of the authors and how they came to be on this site. It goes into much detail about Irish music, heritage, songs, artists, the influence it has, and much more. For example, they look at the musician’s backgrounds and roots. [Reviewed 18 Feb. 2013]
“Video: Cara Dillion, Blackstaff Session.” BBC Northern Ireland Music. BBC, 2013. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/music/
This website posts a video on the front page demonstrating an Irish singer or band. It is updated regularly as one can see with the date at the top of the page being the current date. At the bottom of the page, there is a whole list of links to other related radio websites about Ireland music. In the “about BBC” tab there are even more tabs that give information on who they are and what they do. There is a really good mixture of text, design, and video allowing all kinds of people to be able to navigate through this website. Some might like video over text, while others might like reading more than watching. [Reviewed 18 Feb. 2013]
“Bono Biography.” @U2 since 1995. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.atu2.com/band/bono/
This source is all about U2 fans. U2 fans are the ones writing it in the first place. It is basically a newspaper online full of news writers, photographers, event planners, and editors. The staff works for free, which really shows their passion for Bono and U2. They strive to remain the number one fan website for U2. They don’t hold back. Each band member has their own biography on this website. It is easily accessible and navigation is easy. For Bono they go to great lengths to talk about his life in general, him as a performer, as an activist, and extra curricular activities. For the other band members, they don’t go into as much detail, but the information given is all very fascinating and credible. At the end of each biography, there are related stories and links. [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
“Bono.” The New York Times. 2013 The New York Times Company. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/bono/index.html
The New York Times is a well known newspaper both online and in paper. This article about Bono doesn’t focus as much on his music as it does on his work with AIDS. It gives people the other side of Bono other than his musical career. Then at the bottom, there is another U2 article that talks about the band. It has the original posted date and the updated date as well. It covers a lot of information of their uprising and how they got to where they are. Each author is credible otherwise they would not be hired to work for The New York Times in the first place. It is always up to date being a newspaper. [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
“A Look Into the Life of U2’s Bono.” The Observer. 2013 The Observer. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/2.2755/a-look-into-the-life-of-u2-s-bono-1.274827#.USkbEI7R5BI
In most articles about any band, it talks about their music and how the band came together. This article does that, but it focuses in on one band member and his whole childhood. Everyone knows the name Bono and who he is. However, what isn’t as well known is how he got the name Bono and what his real name is. Bono comes from the term “Bono Vox,” which means good voice. As anyone can see, the name stuck. His birth name is actually Paul David Hewson. He grew up in a Protestant family, but his religious views changed over the years. It is never said whether he is protestant or catholic. Other websites are the same way. Similar to The New York Times, The Observer is just as credible and fact based. Becca Saunders, the author of the article, includes her email at the end of the article for any additional questions or information. Again, this site includes the published date and the updated date. You can easily find information on the staff and The Observer as a whole. [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
“Snow Patrol Biography.” XFM London 104.9. This is Global Limited 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.xfm.co.uk/artists/snow-patrol/biography
Although there is no author for this article, there is an “about us” and “contact us” tabs that make up for it. This website is a radio station in the UK. This article is all about how Snow Patrol came to be. They started small and then made a big hit. It even talks about how band members have come and gone. Even though they were striving and becoming very successful, a founding member (Mark McClelland) left in 2005. Not only is there a biography about the band, there is also an overview, a discography, interviews, news, and even gigs. You can tell the time put into this website. What is really neat about it is the play list in the top right-hand corner. You hit the play button and you can listen live to the radio. It is these unique attributes to websites that make them stand out. [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
“Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody defends republic of Ireland football support.” Independent.ie. Independent.ie an INM website. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/irish-news/snow-patrols-gary-lightbody-defends-republic-of-ireland-football-support-26864633.html
There is more to bands than just music. It is interesting to find out what they do when they are performing or writing songs. Gary Lightbody supports football. He is a supporter of Northern Ireland, but gets behind the Republic of Ireland as well when they play. There was some controversy online. There is a photograph slideshow on this page allowing you to see Snow Patrol with the Republic of Ireland team. Advertisements stick out on this page, which draws away from the article, but also shows support for the page. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“The Script – Interview.” YouTube. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnswQMJllLY
YouTube has been around for a long time and anyone who hears the site knows what it is. The amount of views is what stands out the most when watching any video on YouTube. The more people that watch it, the more credible it becomes. The Script has an interview that was posted on YouTube. They discuss how they got their name and much more. A great thing about YouTube is the related videos on the right side. It can lead you to so much more than just searching in the bar at the top of the page. You can see artists speak, perform and much more on YouTube. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“The Script, Interview.” ContactMusic.com. 2013 contactmusic.com Ltd. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.contactmusic.com/interview/the-script-danny-o-donoghue
This source is unlike the others because it is a question and answer format. It is easy to go through. You don’t even have to read the whole article. If you are interested in one question or another, you can jump right to it for your answer. For example, my interest would jump to the question about their homeland, Ireland. Within the article, there are links that will take you to other sites and more information about the Script. There should be more information on the author, but there is the name and her contact information for further questions. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
“Rewriting The Script.” Irishtime.com. 2013 Irishtimes.com. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/magazine/2012/0901/1224323300241.html
Where better to get information about someone than their hometown? The Script kicked off in Ireland and it seems fit to look at the Irish Times to see what they have to say about this band. There is a lot of information that is found on other sites, but one thing that stands out is talking about relationships the band has. There is a section at the end of the article titled, “Everything but the girl.” It discusses Danny O’Donoghue ending his relationship with his model girlfriend. Websites who give new information draws readers in. However, with new information there is the question of how true it really is since you cant back it up with other sources. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Theme: Traditional Irish Music and It’s Move to More Modern Times
http://www.itma.ie/digitallibrary/video/aonach-bhearna-na-gaoithe-song-ciaran-gealbhain-singing-in-irish/
This source is great for finding different kinds of media on traditional Irish music. It includes videos of different performers and types of traditional Irish music. In this specific video, a man is singing in sean-nos, a very traditional and beautiful form of Irish music. The Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) has a great collection of different kinds of music and has many media types including sound recordings, videos, papers and images of Irish traditional music and instruments.
http://www.irishworldacademy.ie/inbhear/volume-1/Inbhear-Volume-1-Issue-1.pdf
This pdf document is a great learning tool for people who really want to master Irish music and dance. This manual includes the same techniques taught to students at the World Academy of Music and Dance and the University of Limerick, so it goes into great detail about the specific arts needed to master Irish music and dance. It also goes into the technicalities and theories behind music and dance. This source provides the actual practices and procedures of learning traditional Irish step dances and music and is published by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as the University of Limerick. The most helpful parts of this document for me was the “Parameters of Style in Irish Traditional Music” (63-90) and “Vernacular Sociality and Regional Iconicity in Step Dance” (97-108).
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
This journal article is about traditional music in the modern world. It explores how much tradition can change while still keeping its national identity and integrity. In this article, it explores the characteristics of tradition and value. The paper also includes interviews with ethnomusicologists and how music of Ireland is changing. This is only the abstract, but if you feel so inclined to buy the full paper, it is a great source that compares traditional and modern music and maps the evolution of both and how they play into each other.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/arts/music/traditional-irish-music-in-new-york-city.html?_r=0
This article shows Irish music from the point of view of an American. It also shows how Irish music has made such an impact on the average New Yorker. The Irish sessions (seisun) are almost a daily event in some areas of Manhattan. This shows just how much traditional Irish music has survived and traveled to the U.S. Some other traditional Irish music components being performed are the sean-nos and craic style of music. It goes on to portray Irish traditional music as timeless and that even in lowest of times, the culture of Irish music can still survive.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page.basic/genre/content.genre/irish_traditional_733/en_US
This article is a great summary of Irish music style by a National Geographic journalist. This is a great source to see the point of view from a traveler and what they think of Irish music. As a National Geographic traveler, many points of view are seen about world music and this article shows in detail Irish music and dance from a person who has seen many different kinds of music and dance. If you wanted to compare Irish music to another culture’s music, there is a sidebar with the different cultures/genres of music you can instantly access and compare/contrast.
http://www.libraryireland.com/articles/IrishHarpersBelfast1792/1.php
This article goes on to describe the lost art of Irish harpers in Belfast. This was one of the first political movements in Irish music and many Irish harpers have been forgotten and even executed because of it. The author goes into detail about the struggles of being an Irish Harper and delves into the lives of some specific Irish harpers. He stresses the importance of Irish harpers and the impact they have had on traditional Irish music.
http://journalofmusic.com/radar
This website is a great source that compiles many different, lesser known Irish artists and current events in Irish music. If you are ever in Ireland, you may want to check out the listings (which is still under testing), but it allows people to upload details of their musical events and opportunities and sessions being held. This shows a more modern form of Irish music with the current events and radar tab.
http://www.gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part1.pdf
This pdf serves as an official guide to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It includes rules/regulations for being in the GAA and expectations of being a GAA member. This is a great source that shows how traditional Irish culture is being conserved. Although it focuses on mostly sports related tradition, music and dance are still part of the aims and ethos of the GAA (Ch. 1). This shows how the GAA plans to keep traditions alive and the aims are for preservation of Irish National Identity and pastimes through sports, music and dance.
http://www.music.ucc.ie/jsmi/index.php/jsmi/article/view/37/38
This is a great source that analyzes the effect of geography on Irish traditional music. It is from the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland and analyzes the politics of Irish music and geographical implications. Ireland is surrounded by water, and this journal article maps the migration of Irish traditional music and the political power it had in many different geographical places.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/10/music-irish-punk-rockers-take-on-iran.html
This article and video shows a more political agenda in the more modern form of Irish music. In this song, it aims to criticize the relationship between the United States oil corporations, and Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Iraq. The song is by Irish punk rockers and has an aggressive tone and mood. The song appeared in the Irish independent music festival, Knockanstockan and shows the modern form of Irish rock.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Kevie Kawasaki
Theme: Censorship
"Claddagh School of Irish Dance." History of Irish Step Dancing. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://claddaghschool.com/history
This source gives a brief history of Irish step dancing. Multiple styles, year of origin, tempos, commonly seen styles, and descriptions of dances are provided. Located on a site of a school of Irish dance the site can be considered valid. The information would be common knowledge to those who study and often perform Irish dance. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Grattan Flood, William H. "Ancient Irish Music." Ancient Irish Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2013.
http://www.libraryireland.com/IrishMusic/I.php
This online book gives an extended history of Irish music. This source includes a detailed timeline of music throughout Irish history, different things that greatly influenced Irish music, and Irish scales and instruments. Although this book was written in 1905 its information does not become outdated. Being written and published a while ago without being reported, this book can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 7 Feb. 2013]
"History." Irish Music Forever. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicforever.com/enya
http://claddaghschool.com/history
This source gives information on Enya. This source includes a biography, popular songs, album titles, and her rise to fame. This source also includes the profiles of other famous Irish musicians. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"The Instruments and History of Irish Music." YouTube. YouTube, 23 June 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXccNOUTe7o
This source is a video about traditional Irish instruments. This source includes many different musicians of traditional Irish instruments introducing their instruments and showing how they are used. The musicians in this video demonstrate their mastery of their instruments. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Instruments." Discover Dublin. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.discoverdublin.ie/musical-pub-crawl/instruments
This source contains information about traditional Irish instruments. This source includes many different traditional Irish instruments and how they are used, their origins, and history. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
Dixon, Morgan N. "Irish Folk Music in America 3." Irish Folk Music in America 3. N.p., n.d. 22 July 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/morgandixon/irish-folk-music-in-america-3
This source contains brief information about Irish music. This source is a slide show composed from other sources about Irish folk music, music in America, rebel artists, and music today. This source also has other slideshows with similar information. This source displays its sources and the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"Luck Of The Irish Music." Luck Of The Irish Music. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2013.
http://luckoftheirishmusic.tumblr.com/
his source is a blog that contains brief information about Irish music and other things related to Ireland. This source has lots of Images, GIFs, and videos of Irish songs, artist, dances, and places in Ireland. This source is great to be up to date with current Irish events and music. This source could contain misinterpreted and made up information but because most of it is music and images there aren’t many facts. This source is not valid for facts rather for current Irish events. [Reviewed 15 Feb. 2013]
"The Pogues on AllMusic." AllMusic. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-pogues-mn0000489876
This source gives information on The Pogues. This source includes a biography, popular songs, album titles, awards, and videos. This source also includes the profiles of other famous musicians, Irish and not. This source does not display an author but the information matches with information found on other sites. Therefore this site can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 22 Feb. 2013]
"Songs in Irish." Wolf Default RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.
http://www.songsinirish.com/
This source gives information on Irish songs. This source contains Irish lyrics and some with English translations and a small piece about the history of Irish music. This source does not display an author but if viewers find the information wrong it can be changed. This source is not valid for facts rather for song lyrics. [Reviewed 12 Feb. 2013]
"The Story of the National Anthem." The Story of the National Anthem / Features / Issue 1 (Spring 1996) / Volume 4 / Historyireland.com. N.p., 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.historyireland.com/volumes/volume4/issue1/features/?id=113150
This source gives information on the national anthem of Ireland. This source is about the history, which includes who wrote it, when it was written, how it was chosen as the national anthem, and how the public reacts to it. This source also includes articles about other things Irish whether music or not, historical or current. This source is a collection of online published magazines. Being written and published for a long time this magazine article can be considered a valid source. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Suzie Lee
Rickert, Don. “Adventurous Muse: Musical Instruments and Whimsical Things.” ‘Adventurous Muse: Musical Instruments and Whimsical Things’ N.p., 15 Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.adventurousmuse.com/2011/03/fiddlesetupdifferencesforscottishandirishtraditionalmusic.html
This website discusses about the difference between Scottish and Irish traditional music in terms of the hand shapes, techniques, and setting up the instrument. For Scottish people, they call themselves violinist, whereas Irish people call them fiddlers. For Scottish and Irish, the types of bow used are very similar. Scottish violin players hold chin rest, on the other hand, Irish fiddler, sometimes, they place chin on the right side of the tailpiece, which isn’t that common, and the common practice is using a shoulder rest or pad. (This website was credible because the author has a Ph D. and he has pictures that go along with his explanation.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“U2 vs The Pogues: The Pogues' Style and Authenticity.” N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://franklin.davidson.edu/academic/music/public/mus401/jafarrelly/Index1.html
This website actually has multiple categories that are related to Ireland. I used this website to learn about The Pogues, the Irish punk rock band. The category I was looking at was “U2 vs The Pogues: The Pogues' Style and Authenticity”. By comparing U2 and The Pogues, this page was able to reason why The Pogues are more Irish than U2. Such reasons are that The Pogues incorporate traditional Irish instruments like accordion and tin whistle and that the name of the band already implies that it’s more Irish than U2 because Pogue means “kiss” Gaelic word. (This website is credible because this website was created by Davidson College for their class, Music 401: Senior Seminar.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Irish Music Magazine.” Irish Music Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishmusicmagazine.com/
This is an online magazine that has multiple categories regarding Irish music. The purpose of this Irish Music Magazine is to inform readers with the news of modern Irish music. This magazine also keeps readers updated on the current events, festivals, and tours. It has recommended releases. This website is a good exposure to Irish music. (This online magazine is credible because it has its contact number, address, and the copyright was written.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Coulter, Peter. “Irish Rappers Revealed: Meet the New Stars of Ireland's Booming Rap Scene.” BBC News. BBC, 15 July 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uknorthernireland18847251
This news on BBC talks about something that has rarely been talked about Irish rap. It mentions that due to the underemployment and bad economy, young people started to rap as a means of escaping a “hopeless situations”. One contradiction comes from the different purpose of rapping. The Working Class Army’s purpose of rapping is to convey the social messages, giving up on commercial success and spreading the music for free. On the other hand, the purpose of rapping for The Class A’z is to make money. As a part of their culture, Irish musicians write something very meaningful for their lyrics, so it is interesting to see how they do that in a rap song. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, and it was updated last year, which indicates that this is up to date.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Donnchadha, Sorcha Mac. “Traditional Irish Musical Instruments.” YourIrish. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/music/instruments/
This website, particularly this category, talks about traditional Irish musical instruments. It talks about how Irish musicians start learning these instruments when they are young. It also mentions that because most of the time Irish musicians are passionate about their music and playing instruments, they are willing to play at the public events or pubs at no cost. This shows that Irish people are really in love with music. The listed Irish instruments are: Bodhrán, flute, harp, fiddle, tin whistle, and uilleann pipes. They are considered some of the most popular Irish instruments used for Irish music. This website is really good because if you click the each instrument, it directs you to a different page that describes the each instrument, the history of the instrument, some of the famous songs played by the instrument, and how to play the instrument via videos. (This information is provided by a person who was born and raised in Ireland and graduated from a university in Ireland. The author mentioned that she spends her free time traveling around in Ireland so she could learn about local traditions.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Music.” Visit Ireland. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.visitireland.com/aboutireland/music.asp
This page talks about the history of Irish traditional music. It mentions that Irish music is the song in national heritage. Irish folk music goes from older Irish songs and ballads of countryside to dance music. This music was involved in every aspect of life, such as when people were celebrating, mourning for death, when working, when drinking, etc. This site also talks about ancient music in depth, and it also talked about how the work songs were helpful for people in the battlefield, and they were the lullabies to babies. This page states that people were inspired by these work songs. (This website is credible because Visit Ireland is a leading travel operator, and its purpose is to provide information so people can plan ahead.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Island Ireland: Irish Musicians.” Island Ireland: Irish Musicians. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.islandireland.com/Pages/arts/mus.html
This website is good for an overview of the Irish musicians, ranging from traditional, classical, and New Age, to rock genres. This page has a list of Irish musicians with a very short description of who they are right next them. Also, if you click the names, it directs you to the official or fan sites. On top of music, this website has other categories, such as histories and Irish languages, and if you go to those categories and click on the links, it leads you to websites that are very useful for the topic. (This page was last updated in January 2013, and it has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Irish Pub Radio.” Irish Pub Radio. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishpubradio.com/music.php
This is an Irish pub radio where songs are played for free. You could listen anywhere, 24 hours a day. If you go to about us section, it says that this has a huge collection of variety of Irish music. Also, they mention that they don’t play rebel songs because they don’t want to offend anybody. (This has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
“Scoláire Staire.” Does Irish Music lie ‘Between Tradition and Modernity’? 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.scolairestaire.com/index.php/articles/34irishhistory/57doesirishmusicliebetweentraditionandmodernity
This article is part of a magazine called Scolaire Staire History Scholar Magazine. This article talks about the influences on traditional Irish music, which are tourism, emigration, and media. Also, it talks about some characteristics of traditional music, which is that traditional musicians tend to give credit for their sources by citing it when interpreting a song. At the end, tradition and modernity are intertwining and interweaving together. “Tradition is modern, and modernity is traditional.” (It’s part of a magazine, and also at the end of the article, it suggests further reading with a list of books. It has copyright.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
McCann, Anthony. “Sean-nós singing A Bluffers Guide feature article in the Living Tradition magazine.” Sean-nós singing A Bluffers Guide feature article in the Living Tradition magazine. June/July 1998. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.folkmusic.net/htmfiles/inart378.htm
This page talks about the characteristics of sean-nós singing, which are no accompaniment, a bare voice, no vibrato, no dynamics, music taking the precedent over the lyrics, and singing in the Irish language, just to name a few. It also discusses about how sean-nós is a separate musical language, far away from the Western Art Music. One top of that, it talks about the difficulties that modernity has created to keep the characteristics of sean-nós. Whether people like/agree or dislike/disagree, there is a sean-nós competition that’s held regularly, which is a good incentive for people to sing and learn new songs. (This website is credible because it’s a magazine that has been published for 15 years. This has a copyright, and it states that any parts of this magazine can’t be used unless it is permitted, which tells that this information is legit.) [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Lubna Mazin
Theme: The History of Irish Music
Cullinane, John, Dr. "A Short History of Irish Dance." A Short History of Irish Dance. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.marie-duffy-foundation.com/HistoryOfIrishDance.htm
This source provides a unique perspective to the history of Irish dance. This is because the information is provided by an actual Irish Dance Historian. So although the website might not be the most reliable the information is received from a credible source. The website itself is about an organization, Marie Duffy Foundation, which provides dance scholarships. The reason why I really liked this site is because it gives you the opportunity of how the dance began, advanced, and where it is currently. (An interesting fact that I learned from this site is that ‘step dancing’ began in the 1700s by the ‘Traveling Dance Master’ who was a professional dancer who taught people the eight fundamental steps of ‘step dancing’.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Hackney Blackwell, Amy, and Ryan Hackney. "Irish History." Before There Was Riverdance -. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.netplaces.com/irish-history/preserving-irish-traditional-culture/before-there-was-riverdance.htm
This site is good for learning about a general overview how Irish dance evolved, the only problem is that it stops by the time the céilí dance appears and does not go any future. It is also very vague and does not give very much information on dates and locations. (Although some names and locations are stated it is not sufficient information. The important thing to understand about Irish dance is that it does not stop at céilí dance. Céilí dance is the folk or traditional form of dance. The source simply states that it is unknown how the newer dances were developed.)
Haurin, Don. "Irish Step Dancing A Brief History." Irish Dance, Feb. 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://web.archive.org/web/20071120114146/http://www.geocities.com/aer_mcr/irdance/irhist.html
This website is great when it comes to the terminology of Irish Dance. But there was not much information given about the history. This would be a great supplementary resource to learn more about the dance, to better understand the terminology used in more informative resources. (This website doesn’t seem to be bias but it did have a great emphasis on competitive Irish dancing. That is understandable due to that fact that it is written by the owners of an Irish Dance Academy. An interesting fact I learned is that just like in martial arts once a dancer reaches a certain level they receive a dress, rather than a belt, to signify their achievement.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
This is the perfect website to get a great understanding of the basics of the history of Irish Dance. It simplifies the history and doesn’t provide too much information that over whelms the reader. The main idea introduced in this site is the idea of the ‘Dance Master’. (This is a great site to allow children or people that don’t know a lot of information about Irish Dancing to be able to understand where the dance originated from. The site seems to be unbiased and geared towards children due to the wonderful drawings.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"Irish Dance History." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00374/history.html
This website is great regarding the history before the written history. It discusses how the Vikings play a role in the development of Irish Dance. This site also discusses approximations of dates and is easy to follow along with because it is told as though it came out of a story book. (This site seems to be unbiased, and comes from a trusted source. An fascinating detail that was included in this site is that the use of soft shoes for girls was not introduced until 1924 while boys used them until the 1970s where they switched back to hard shoes.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Masero, Angelika, "The Changes in Irish Dance Since Riverdance" (2010). Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 234.
http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/234
This article is magnificent source to learn about Irish Dance. The paper is broken down into sections of: Irish Step Dance: A Brief History; Riverdance: A Brief History; Identity; The New Face of Irish Dance; Style; The Competition Look; Profitability; and concludes with The Cultural Implications of Riverdance and Irish Step Dance’s Popularity. (This site is biased slightly biased against the changes that have occurred in the evolution of Irish Dance but still provides great information that is unbiased. Something cool I learned from this site is that before Riverdance the only an Irish Dancer can make money for that dance skills is to become a teacher.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Moffatt, Kathleen. "A Short History of Irish Céilí¬ Dancing." A Short History of Irish Céilí Dancing. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ceilidancing.com/shory_history.aspx
The Céilí¬ Dance website had very detailed information about the history. This website goes into detail about date, locations, and happenings. (The site seems to be unbiased, but I must stay it was lot of information. So if someone just wants the basic gist of the history this site is not a good reference. But on the other hand if information regarding the different people that have been recorded to have been involved in the history this site is great. Something interesting that I learned from this site is that the ‘traveling dance master’ in order to not dishearten the dancers that were not as good he created group dances, for the dancers to be able to show off their new skills.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"RIVERDANCE: A History of Irish Dance." BroadwaySan Diego Blog, 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.broadwaysd.com/blog/?p=579
This website contains a brief history of Irish Dance as well as the conflicts with the Catholic Church. This website is extremely user friendly by separating the different ideas being introduced with subtitles. The reader learns about the brief history along with the different types of dances that include step dancing, set dancing, and céilí dancing. (This source does not seem to be bias, although the author is unknown. The author of this article is the admin of the Broadway San Diego Blog.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
Warta, Tamara. "History of Riverdance." EHow. Demand Media, 11 June 2009. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5087265_history-riverdance.html
This website focuses on the History of Riverdance. The Riverdance today, how the group started out, and their success are included in the information introduced to the reader. (I really didn’t like this site as much as the others because if focused on the dance group the Riverdance and their history rather than the history of where the Riverdance originated. Although this site does not have historical importance before the 1990s it does not seem bias and gives good information about this dance craze.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
"What Is Irish Dance?" What Is Irish Dance? N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.albee.org/celticdance/irishdance.htm
This website is a wonderful reference to learn about the history of each individual style of dance as well as the different structure and technique of each style. The different styles introduced in this website are Ceili Dancing, Step Dancing, Set Dancing, and Waltzes and Couples Dancing. (The information in this source seems to be unbiased; I liked the fact that it is outlined and provides a source that will give the readers more detail if desired. An interesting fact that I learned for this site is that Irish Step Dancing is differentiated by the number of counts.) [Reviewed 24 February 2013]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Taryn Olivera
O'Shea, Helen. "Music and Politics." Music and Politics; Defining the Nation and Confining the Musician: The Case of Irish Traditional Music. N.p., July 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.music.ucsb.edu/projects/musicandpolitics/archive/2009-2/oshea.html
The website, which seems much like a research paper, not only discusses traditional Irish music and how it evolved, but also gives examples of pieces of music that were commonly seen in the time periods discussed. The article is well put together, and articulated well. The list of sources at the bottom shows that the writer of this article really spend time researching this topic, which adds a credibility to the article. The site also puts Irish traditional music into context with what was happening in Ireland at the time, thus allowing readers to understand the reasons that Irish traditional music evolved the way it did, and why it is so important to the Irish people. This website is full of information, from ways that music was used to influence people in the past, to modern interpretations of Irish music. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
"Innerviews: Afro Celt Sound System - Connecting Cultures." Innerviews: Afro Celt Sound System - Connecting Cultures. Anil Prasad, 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.innerviews.org/inner/afrocelts2.html
This website is an interview with the fusion band Afro Celt Sound System. The information on the site goes from how the band was formed, to the motives and possible implications of their music. Not only is it interesting to learn, but this band is a model for fusion bands that are influential in Irish music. There is a lot to be learned from moving forward, and this band exemplifies that. They talk about politics and the ways that they used their music to spark movements. The laid back way that the answers are written make this source seem credible, as well as the facts given and the manner in which the page is written. Good grammar and punctuation add a level of credibility and thoroughness to any website. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
"Irish Folk Music | Authentic Ireland Travel." Irish Folk Music | Authentic Ireland Travel. Authentic Ireland Travel, 2012. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. http://www.authenticireland.com/irish-folk-music
This source, while very short, is a nice thing to read because it gives you an extremely brief overview of traditional Irish music. It seems to be a credible source, because it looks like it is sponsored by a travel agency, trying to get people to come to Ireland. This could bias the source, but in the area of Irish music, it is a little bit difficult to make it sound better than it is, because it is simply traditional Irish music. There are some classic examples of traditional Irish music listed on the site, with corresponding links. This site is for people that know close to nothing about Irish traditional music, which makes it a good source for the people that only want a small taste of this topic. [Reviewed 23 Feb. 2013]
Haigh, Chris. "Irish Fiddle." Irish Fiddle. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.fiddlingaround.co.uk/ireland/index.html
Although no copyright information was available for this site, the writer was incredibly knowledgable on the subject, as well as a fiddle player himself. The tabs on the side allowed for scrolling through different types of fiddles, and allowed the reader to compare and contrast how they were played in different countries. The site provides specific examples of styles and players for each culture and country. For people that know very little about the fiddle and do not play themselves, this site is an excellent thing to look at. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Henigan, Julie. "Sean-nós in Donegal." Sean-nós in Donegal. N.p., 21 Oct. 2002. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/sean-nos.htm
This site was incredibly interesting to read, because it was an article that first appeared in Ulster Folklife. It is a first person narrative about one woman’s personal experience with Ireland and the traditional Sean Nos dancing. From this article, it is evident that this tradition is still alive and well in Ireland, and should be regarded as a far back reaching tradition that still holds a lot of weight in the Irish culture. This woman discusses all of her experiences in Ireland, and how the traditions in each county are slightly different. This is a good way to see a little bit into the classic Irish traditions without actually visiting Ireland. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. N.p., 1994-2004. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
The particular site listed has to do with Irish dance, but the website itself is a great place for beginners to start on their journey of learning about Ireland. There are multiple tabs on the side of the site, taking you to many different pages on the aspects of Irish culture. Within each of these pages, there are also links to other pages to help readers expand their knowledge of Ireland. There is a vast amount of information on this site, and it spans over many years of research, which gives it a thorough feeling. The way that the website is laid out and the language used also give the site credibility. There is more than one person contributing to the site, but the site is not open for the public to make changes to, which also helps the site seem valid. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Celtic Fusion on AllMusic." AllMusic. Rovi Corp, 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.allmusic.com/style/celtic-fusion-ma0000012334
For readers interested in Irish fusion music, there is not much information on how the style of music came to be, or how it is created on this site, but there is a huge variety of different artists and albums listed. The artists that are on this site are famous in Ireland and other countries for their fusion music. The list provides a great overview of fusion artists, for readers that are interested in actually experiencing some of this powerful music. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bono: The Power of One | Globalization101." Globalization101. The Levin Institute - The State University of New York, 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.globalization101.org/bono-the-power-of-one/
This source is all about Irish lead singer of the band U2, Bono. The site talks all about his activism and the things that he has done for charity. It discusses the ways that he uses his celebrity for good and the things that he has infamously done in order to raise money and awareness for people that are in underdeveloped countries. The site is well laid out and comes from a University. There are links to many other celebrity activists as well. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Rob Blakely. "Traditional Irish Music | Halsted Harp." Halsted Harp RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. http://www.halstedharp.com/traditionalmusic/
This site is a brief overview of how traditional Irish music moved to New York with the Irish people, and the history of how the traditional music changed as the people changed. It is a good place to start for people that know very little and also do not want to read research papers. It gives a short timeline of how the Irish traditions were brought to New York, and some of the names of those most influential in this movement. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Wright, Simon. "Reasons Why Music Is Important in Irish Culture." Helium. Helium, 24 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.
http://www.helium.com/items/1721668-the-importance-of-music-in-ireland
This source discusses the reasons from history that Irish music is so important to their culture. It talks about traditions being passed down, storytelling and the politics that are all such a large part of the identity of the Irish people. It discusses how the music envelops all of these things, and that it has a large role in the community as well, by bringing people together. It discusses the economic side of Irish music, and shows readers how vital Irish music is to the culture of Ireland. The site seems to be a place that almost anyone can write an article and publish it, but this man uses many Irish words and writes in a manner that shows that he has done his research. [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
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Howe Qiu
"BBC News - Chieftains founder Martin Fay dies aged 76." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20340605
The BBC News article outlines the life of Martin Fay, a renown founding member of The Chieftans. I found it quite interesting that he was originally inspired by the legendary violinist Paganini, and that his first love was classical music. As one of the original members of The Chieftans, a famous traditional irish band, Fay toured with the group until 2001 and has been ill for quite a while. (The information provided here is factual and serves as a tribute to Martin Fay. BBC news presents this article mainly to inform readers of the news.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
Coulter, Peter. "BBC News - Daniel O'Donnell sets UK chart record with 25 years album sales." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20261678
This BBC News article outlines the fame and success of Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell. According to the article, nobody besides O'Donnell has ever set UK charts every year for 25 years consecutively. I would consider it quite an achievement to even release one album a year! It is quite interesting to hear about the popular culture in Ireland, and interestingly enough, O'Donnell is known for being a philanthropist. The article reports that O'Donnell is very grateful for the support of his fans, and is also very happy to have received the award. (The information presented here portrays the artist as a very successful person. Daniel O'Donnell is definitely portrayed positively, and his success is celebrated throughout the article. The information present within his article is mainly factual and simply informative.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
"BBC News - Angela's Ashes musical premiered at Derby Theatre." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-20156398
The BBC News article informs the reader of the Musical version Frank McCourt's memoir of his upbringing in New York and Limerick, Ireland. The book was critically acclaimed and has won a Pulitzer Prize. It's premiere was shown at Derby Theatre in New York. According to the article, the book was adapted into a musical by a University of Derby graduate. Although some tend to view the book as one that communicates feelings of misery and sadness, Mr. Howell, the theatre arts graduate who set the book into music, claimed that the book inspired wry humor and hope. Perhaps it depends on your upbringing and childhood. (The information provided through this article is very supportive of the musical and the book Angela's Ashes. It is clear from the tone of the BBC News article author that the article is meant to bring the spotlight and bring recognition to Angela's Ashes.) [Reviewed 24 Feb. 2013]
WEBSTER, ANDY. "Traditional Irish Music in New York City - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/arts/music/traditional-irish-music-in-new-york-city.html?_r=0
This New York Times news article highlights the New York Pub, Landmark Tavern's tradition of celebrating traditional Irish music all year long. "There’s a fiddle, a guitar, a bodhran, a concertina, maybe a banjo or a flute or a tin whistle. Your foot starts tapping, you order a pint and you settle in for music summoning images of a damp, windswept isle across the Atlantic. But this isn’t St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the Landmark Tavern, on 11th Avenue in Manhattan, on almost any Monday evening." The article also references Angela's Ashes, and U2 while explaining Irish culture. One portion of the article that stands out to me is about Ireland's economic struggles: "He acknowledged Ireland’s present economic struggles but said that optimism 'could just be in the DNA of Ireland, as a country that has endured difficult times.' / 'And, you know,” he added, “we’ve gotten by on poetry before.'" There was definitely some humor in that line, but it also outlines Ireland's deeply artistic culture and traditions. (The information presented in the article portrays Irish culture in a positive light and would definitely be appealing to ready by native New Yorkers. The article is informative of Irish-American culture and how the Irish enjoy continuing to practice their culture in America.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
Gaige, Amity. "Christina Patterson: Lunch (and Several Drinks) With Shane MacGowan." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-patterson/shane-macgowan_b_2183937.html
This Huffington Post news article title gives it all away... The article is written from a personal perspective; in fact, it is written from the personal perspective of the author, or reporter. Shane MacGowan's lack of punctuality is highlighted throughout the beginning of this article. The author, in fact, emails his girlfriend asking whether they should expect him to show up for the interview or not. Surprisingly enough, his girlfriend invites the author to their house for lunch. His girlfriend describes him as simply Shane. Even if he is late, drunk, unpresentable, unreliable, she simply describes him as "unique" "magnificent" and a "genius". The final portion of the article is most interesting: "And is he, I ask, happy? There's a long pause. "Yeah." Less or more than he used to be? "I've always," he says, "been happy." What, even as a bullied Irish boy in an English school? "Well," he says, and it should make me smile, but instead it just makes me feel sad: "I'm a bit of a rebel boy by nature, a bit of a pain in the arse. If people are going to tell me I can't do it, I'll do it."" (The article provides evidence mainly from the interview and not from outside sources. It highlights the story from the interview experience, rather than from outside sources.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"John Boehner Cries While Listening To Traditional Irish Music During St. Patrick's Day Luncheon." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/21/john-boehner-cries_n_1370568.html
Traditional Irish music is extremely expressive, and it's not too surprising that John Boehner would cry in response to the music. I could only begin to imagine what David O'Leary was signing about during the luncheon with President Obama and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny. (The source is vague and provides little information about the context of what had happened. It does provide the information that the speaker of the house was very moved by the music.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Chieftains celebrate 50 years of Irish music." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120424/us-music-the-chieftains/
Paddy Moloney accuses contemporary artists such as Mick Jagger, Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison of being commercial instead of musical. He considers their "music" to be commercial, or simply intended to make profit instead of to be musical in the raw, traditional sense. For Moloney's Chieftan's 50 Year Anniversary "Voice of Ages" record, he ended up choosing Bon Iver, the Pistol Annies, the Civil Wars, the Secret Sisters, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the Decemberists, and more.
"I was very determined to spread the gospel of this great folk art," Moloney said.
"My wife was asked about 10 years ago, `Is he ever going to stop?' " said Moloney, grinning. "She said, `Well, I think he's in rehearsal for retirement.'" (It is clear to see from the quotes attached that Moloney has definitely made his life around music. The article is a primary source and extracts it's data directly from Paddy Moloney himself.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Bono: Obama An 'Extraordinary Man,' Happy U.S. Reelected President." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/bono-obama-reelection_n_2121132.html
Bono celebrates the victory of Obama for his reelection campaign. He also warns of the economic recession and the effect the recession can have on the extremely poor. I believe that his heart is truly with the people, since he thinks of those who are most in need. He also warns of budget cuts, which will affect those who are most in need more than those who are not already suffering. To put it plainly, he says: "I put it to you we must not let this economic recession become a moral recession. That would become a double cruelty." (The information stated here is a restatement of Bono's words.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
Blackwell, Amy Hackney, and Ryan Hackney. "The Irish Pub - Irish History." Netplaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.netplaces.com/irish-history/family-and-food/the-irish-pub.htm
Although many believe that Irish pubs are equivalent to American bars, they are actually quite different. Irish pubs carry the feeling of traditionalism and are known to carry on culture. Although both serve alcohol, according to the article, Irish pubs are also known for being "restaurants, music stages, meeting places, and even as local cultural museums." Although the drinking age in Ireland is 18, children are often seen in pubs since families go there for "pub-grub," which refers to relatively inexpensive food. Families may also be attracted to pubs because of "trad," which refers to traditional Irish Music. (The article is not well referenced, however it provides a plethora of interesting knowledge.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
"Irish Music Pub Dublin City Ireland ODonoghues Bar." Dublin B&B, Bed and Breakfast Dublin, ODonoghues Guesthouse & Bar Dublin City Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.odonoghues.ie/music.htm
O'Donoghues Bar is a place for Traditional Irish Music. This website introduces "The Dubliners" and "Rattlin Strings" as some of the artists sponsored by the bar. In addition, the website links many Irish magazines and tv and media links. According to the website, The Dubliners are present at the bar seven nights a week! (The website provides information about their venue and tells of their traditional Irish culture.) [Referenced 24 Feb. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Theme: Irish Music: Formative Artists, Fusion, and Faith
Dansby, Andrew. “For U2, faith without the Christian rock label.” Chron.com. The Houston Chronicle, 8 Oct. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/For-U2-faith-without-the-Christian-rock-label-1749513.php
This article delves into the role of Christianity in both the music of U2 and in Bono’s efforts to fight AIDS in Africa. The author includes a particularly memorable quote from Bono himself: “I generally think religion gets in the way of God.” His perspective is representative of that of many modern Irish people – they might not go to church, but they are very Catholic. Dansby also quotes Episcopalian Reverend Genevieve Razim, who describes U2’s music as being about a journey of “faith developing, and asking hard questions” - not unlike the journey that the Irish people have undergone in their relationship with the Catholic Churchy throughout history. (This article’s validity is supported by the links that Dansby provides to his own sources, as well as by the Houston Chronicle’s credibility as a reputable news outlet.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Devaney, Erik Alan. “From Celtic to Country: Three Ways the Irish and Scottish Influenced ‘America’s Music.’” The Bard of Boston. Blogger, 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thebardofboston.com/2011/02/from-celtic-to-country-3-ways-irish-and.html
This blog entry presents a helpful overview of the connections between Irish traditional music and American Country-Western music. As was alluded to in the “Irish Music – An Overview” handout that was distributed in UNHL 3825, the author notes that part of the so-called “Irish influence” on bluegrass music can in fact be attributed to the Ulster Scots, who were not truly Irish. Nevertheless, Devaney presents an educational and entertaining look at traditional Celtic music’s influences on modern country music, including the infamous “sob story” motif and songs praising various alcoholic beverages. (Devaney imbeds links to his sources – including both historical information and YouTube videos of Irish traditional music – throughout the text, facilitating the reader’s interaction with the material. In addition to the in-text hotlinks, the “Further Reading” section at the end of the post contains links to other relevant resources. While Devaney’s credentials (which include writer, musician, and self-professed “history geek”) are not explicitly indicative of his knowledge of Irish music, his many blog posts related to Celtic music and Irish-American culture suggest that he has a vested interest in those topics.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
ITMA Digital Library. Irish Traditional Music Archive. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.itma.ie/digitallibrary/
As its name suggests, this subset of the Irish Traditional Music Archive website provides digital versions of select items from the ITMA’s collections. It is a spectacular portal for researching Irish traditional music, as one can access a wide variety of sound recordings, printed materials, videos, and other forms of multimedia that otherwise would only be available by visiting the ITMA’s physical location in Dublin. In addition to the digitized primary sources, there are also PDFs of secondary sources, such as essays and leaflets, available to download. (The ITMA Digital Library’s authority is inherent in that it is a project of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, which describes itself as “a national reference archive and resource centre for the traditional song, instrumental music and dance of Ireland.” ITMA’s collection of multimedia regarding Irish traditional music is the largest of its kind in the world.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
James, Katherine. “The Divergence and Fusion of Traditional Irish and Appalachian Music.” My Love is in America. Google Sites, 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
https://sites.google.com/a/brvgs.k12.va.us/myloveisinamerica/research
This research essay is an exceptionally detailed examination of the relationships between Irish traditional music and Appalachian music. James does an excellent job of distinguishing between true Irish immigrants and the Ulster Scots (also known as the “Scots-Irish”), two distinct cultures whose combined influence contributed to the development of Appalachian and bluegrass music. Fusion is a prominent theme in her writing: she compares today’s “Celtic fusion” with Irish traditional music, and she also discusses how Irish traditional music fused with Scottish and African-American cultural influences during the development of Appalachian music. (My Love is in America is actually the compilation website for Katherine James’ high school senior project on Irish and old-time American music. However, she gives credibility to this context by parenthetically citing her sources and including a complete list of references, and elsewhere on the website she notes that she worked under a mentor, Alex Caton. The professional presentation of her work suggests that James, a fiddler herself, is very dedicated to the study of Irish music. Also noteworthy is the fact that her project was completed under the auspices of the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor's School, a collaborative learning community with goals similar to those of the UNHL 3825 class blog.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Kimball, Josh. “Theologian Calls New U2 Album ‘Most Thoroughly Christian’ Project to Date.” CP Entertainment. The Christian Post, 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/theologian-calls-new-u2-album-most-thoroughly-christian-project-to-date-37293/
In this article, Kimball compiles the perspectives of various religious authorities (including bishops, theologians, and ministers) regarding U2’s music, focusing on their 2009 album No Line on the Horizon. A common theme in the album is what theologian Professor Steven R. Harmon refers to as the “sound of the divine song, heard only by those who have the ears to hear it, yet unconsciously sought by everyone, for all people were created to hear and sing this song.” Other intriguing details include the fact that multiple U2 albums have been ranked as the “greatest Christian music albums of all time,” a strangely fitting accomplishment for a wildly successful rock band from a predominantly Catholic country. (While this article is clearly biased towards a Christian perspective, it is a credible bias, as Kimball includes quotes from divinity school faculty from both Yale and Samford University.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Pervege Free Films. “Sean Nos Dancing at Westport’s Heritage Day 2010. Filmed by Pervege Free Films.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 13 Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzrHvTixBHw
This video, filmed at the 2010 Heritage Day in Westport, County Mayo, provides an excellent example of sean-nós dancing, set to the tunes of a traditional céilí band. The informal – yet structured – nature of the performance is mystifying. Even a talented young boy joins in, beautifully exemplifying the sense of craíc that is at the heart of Irish traditional music. The final dance shown in the clip provides an excellent opportunity to contrast the free-flowing style of sean-nós dancing with a more exacting form of “Riverdance-esque” step-dancing. (As a YouTube video, this source lacks the surrounding context that is necessary for fully judging its validity. However, further investigation of the YouTube channel for Pervege Free Films reveals that they are located in Ireland and have a history of filming local musical performances, so it would appear that they are a credible source.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
Stern, Gary. “Rocking the church: Episcopal ‘U2-charist’ uses songs in service.” USATODAY.com. USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20061026/bl_cover26_u2eucharist.art.htm
This article provides a fascinating look at the “U2-charist” (or “U2 Eucharist”), a phenomenon in which U2’s songs are used as hymns in traditional Episcopalian liturgies. The use of an Irish rock band’s music in Anglican church services speaks to the transcendent nature of Irish music – time and time again, it is able to expand beyond the boundaries of its original context. U2-charists are also characterized by offerings for Bono’s African AIDS relief campaigns, thus demonstrating that even as his music diffuses to new settings, the spirit behind it remains intact. (While the article lacks direct citations, Stern does quote relevant primary sources, such as U2-charist originator Rev. Paige Blair and U2’s record label, Universal Music Group. Furthermore, the information regarding Christianity and U2 in general coincides with that presented by other resources.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Stone, Michael. “Irish Music, Roots and Branches.” PopMatters.com. PopMatters Media, Inc., 2001. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/020315-stpatrick-stone.html
This article provides a concise yet thorough introduction for those who are making their first forays into studying Irish traditional music. Stone begins by choosing to define Irish traditional music by its history, and then he turns his focus to the Irish folk music revival. He makes distinctions between the revival’s first (1950s), second (1970s), and third (1980s and onward) waves, and he names corresponding exemplar artists such as the Dubliners, the Chieftains, and Afro-Celt Sound System (respectively). (While this article is a secondary source, Stone encourages exploration of primary sources by ending the article with a list of referenced recordings of Irish traditional music. The article also provides an external link to the Irish Traditional Music Archive, which oversees the ITMA Digital Library (cited above as source three). Further investigation of PopMatters.com via its “About PopMatters” page establishes the site’s credibility: it is an “international magazine of cultural criticism” that has been referenced by reputable news outlets such as BBC and the New York Times.) [Reviewed 21 Feb. 2013]
Willie Clancy Festival. Willie Clancy Festival. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.willieclancyfestival.com/
In addition to serving as the homepage for the Willie Clancy Festival that takes place in County Clare each year, this website also provides a biography of one of Ireland’s most renowned Uilleann pipers. There is also information regarding the annual Willie Clancy Summer School, which has been teaching traditional Irish music and dance in his honor for over forty years. There are also links to several YouTube videos of various set dances from the 2012 festival. (This information can be considered a primary source of information on the festival and summer school. The biographical page on Willie Clancy is a secondary source, as the Clare County Library is cited as a source. While the website does not identify a single author, the “Contact Us” page provides contact information for Harry Hughes, the administrative director of the summer school.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
World Center for Creative Education. “Irish (Celtic) Connection: Birth of American Bluegrass & Country Music.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 9 Feb. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsZguB6ulBM
Ironically, this twenty-minute video devotes more time to discussing Irish traditional music in general than exploring the genre’s connection to country music, but it is still a valuable resource. Brief interviews (and in some cases, sessions) featuring Irish traditional musicians Paul Bradley (fiddle), Declan Corey (mandolin), and Brian McGrath (banjo) provide excellent insights into the heart and soul of Irish traditional music. Their discussions touch upon improvisation and emotional expression, as well as traditional music’s regional variations. A discussion of the changing meaning of tradition is illustrated with performances by Millish and Mutefish, an “American-Celtic fusion” band and an “Irish-fusion” band, respectively. (This video is part of a series entitled “Our Musical World,” which is produced for The World Center for Creative Education (which bills itself as “a non-profit promoting education reform”) by Visions and Vibrations International, LLC. These organizations’ credentials, as well as those for the narrator, Michael L. Naylor, Ph.D., are listed in the ending credits, giving the video professional credibility.) [Reviewed 20 Feb. 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"About Irish Culture." Irish Culture. Ed. Philip Casey. WordPress.com, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishculture.ie/
This is quite a unique page, and I venture to say, a valuable asset to all people interested in Irish culture or researching certain aspects of it. The website is basically a database of various links, each containing helpful, detailed, seemingly credible information pertinent to Irish culture in all its aspects. The editor of the page, who has purportedly been amassing these links for years as a personal project, is an author who has published many books on various subjects, from poetry to realistic fiction, and is a well-established literary figure, making the website seem credible. A high level of organization, variety, and detail make the site well-suited to casual visitors, students, or avid Hibernophiles. Each topic has many subheadings, and each subheading, many links with short, descriptive summaries that allow readers to select the most relevant ones to their exploration. This is akin to a refined Google search for all topics relevant to Irish culture. While I might refer to it for Irish dance and music, I felt that it was necessary to provide a more complete view of the source and its extensive nature. While the possibility of a bias cannot be eliminated, the site merely serves as a platform to other primary or secondary sources (of which I’m sure many are biased), so the bias here is purely selection-based, and therefore, I would venture to say, relatively unimportant.
"About Library Ireland." Library Ireland. Libraryireland.com, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.libraryireland.com/about.php
It seems that some of the most comprehensive information about Irish culture is found through online databases, such as Library Ireland. This “online library” seems to actually be geared toward interests or projects of a more scholarly nature, considering entire books have been uploaded to the site, chapter by chapter. The site states that its purpose was to provide free public access to the growing body of Irish texts in hopes of preserving the culture and sparking further interest in the culture. Encompassed in the library are genealogy records, texts on folklore, and historical tomes. Of course, volumes on cultural staples like music and dance are plentiful – one can easily locate information on the Fairy dance, Dance of the Dead, or even traditional musical arrangements with a few strokes into the search box. This is a rich source primarily for the older history of Ireland, rather than contemporary information. More than a bias here, I would say that access to texts, as well as copyright issues, might be the main influence on the content of the database; the bias of its individual contents cannot be sufficiently evaluated in a week, so I would assume it exists as is naturally does with most authors.
Grupe, Volker. "Rory Gallagher." Rory Gallagher. Top-Priority. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.rory.de/
This is a rather interesting website to look at – it seems at first glance to be a fan page (which indicates the inherent bias towards the positive portrayal of Rory Gallagher), but its contents are mostly photographs, which are primary sources of information. The site seems to be a snapshot of Rory’s life, with images of important places, occasions, and the like in chronological order. The few articles that have been linked on the site, of course, portray Rory in a good light, but some of the text is actually material from interviews. Overall, the bias, while present, is not overwhelming, and this appears to be a credible source of information about Rory Gallagher and his life for anyone who might be interested. The author has provided his contact information, which is a small step toward indicating a credible site.
"History - Pipes." Na Piobairi Uilleann. 2010. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.pipers.ie/home/Resources_History Pipes.htm
For someone researching the history of the Irish pipes, this site is a very rich source of information. It also caters to members of the pipe-playing and pipe-making communities, with a strong emphasis on the cultural revival of the instrument. The information on this page is purely factual, which leaves little room for author bias except for, of course, the selection bias as far as what facts are used in the overview here. The organization behind this is well-established, has active membership, office locations, and contact information to verify its existence and hint at credibility. The information on the site is relatively up to date, considering new material is added regularly to its news feed. Overall, this provides a good insight into Irish pipe culture for students and potential members.
"The History of Irish Dance." The History of Irish Dance. Ireland's Eye, 2004. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irelandseye.com/dance.html
The information from this page of the source reads particularly like a brief report or summary of the different types of traditional Irish dance and their progression and development into the modern day. All the information seemed credible and well-researched – however, upon closer inspection of the site, I noticed that the entire article was an excerpt from a book by an author not affiliated with the site. While the credibility of the information is not diminished here, I am learning that once again, I have stumbled upon a database of articles and excerpts from highly visible sources or authors, which means that Ireland’s Eye is a secondary source of information with more selection bias, as seen before. However, by nature of it being a tourist site, the selection bias heavily favors positive and interesting aspects of Irish culture over morbid historical facts. The website has internal and external links, and boasts a colorful (not distracting) layout to welcome casual learners and possibly tourists (considering the “Tours” tab) to the page.
Jordan, Kieran. "Sean Nos Step Dancing – It’s a Living Tradition." Sean Nos Dancing. The Celtic Cafe, 31 Aug. 1998. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.celticcafe.com/archive/Dance/Articles/SeanNos_BostonIrishReporter.htm
This article combines primary sources like interview excerpts with secondary analysis by the author. The subject here is the modern expression of Sean Nos dance, which provides valuable insight to researchers or those individuals passionate about the art form. Author bias is certainly present in the tone, analysis, and conclusion of the article, from the selection of background information to the interview excerpts featured. That said, the author has had some experience writing articles for The Celtic Café, as well as other unaffiliated websites or online sources of information. The information is not very current, however, especially considering the article is archived. Before using this source, it must be cross-referenced.
O'Dwyer, Simon, and Maria C. O'Dwyer. "Instruments - Through The Ages." Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Early Medieval Musical Music. Ancient Music Ireland, 2013. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://ancientmusicireland.com/page/instruments-through-the-ages.html
This is an online marketplace replete with information, which, although it must be carefully examined, is both detailed, current, and extensive with regards to old Irish instruments. There are no citations or lists of works referenced, which is a little surprising, considering the depth of the explanations and information given. While the primary audience for this is people interested in purchasing instruments, the wealth of background knowledge provided here is a good starting point for those interested in instrument culture or the study of Irish music. The author bias is evident (the information must help sell the product) and the data or facts are probably secondary, but I would not discount the site so quickly, considering the author/owner’s transparency here. I have cross-checked some of the “Early Bronze Age” information and most can be found elsewhere.
"A Short History of Irish Dance." BBC News. BBC, 22 May 2009. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/irish/articles/view/741/english/
There is not much to question with regards to the credibility of a BBC article. This timeline of Irish dance is quite detailed and provides many distinct points of focus separated clearly by subheadings and supplemented with the occasional audio file or image. While the information is not extensive on any one topic, the overviews are rich enough to spark fruitful searches for more specific detail on a point of interest. This is not a page with a single author – once again, compilations seem to be common here. Author bias is minimal, though it exists, and the information synthesized here is secondary. Internal links are provided for further information.
Stone, Michael. "Irish Music, Roots and Branches." Irish Music, Roots and Branches: PopMatters Music Feature. PopMatters Media, Inc., 2001. Web. 23 Feb. 2013.
http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/020315-stpatrick-stone.html
This article details the flow and transformation of Irish music from the 20th century to modern day – this is best for learning about how Irish music throughout the ages has influenced its modern forms within the nation and around the world. The author errs on the scholarly side of writing and seems to be a regular contributor to this website, although with such a popular name I cannot be sure of the nature of his other work, if any exists. The article has plenty of references, which adds to its credibility as a source. As far as author bias, the article, like many, is facts mixed with opinion. The source itself is a popular, well-established cultural magazine (rather like a scholarly journal of music for those less erudite but equally interested), and I would be likely to use this article, and the source as a whole, in future research projects.
"What Is Céilí Dancing?" Cairde Rince Céilí Na HÉireann. Cairde Rince Céilí Na HÉireann. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. http://www.ceilidancing.com/default.aspx?lang=eng
For those who are interested in joining Céilí classes or learning about the Céilí community in Ireland, this site is a good place to start. The page that I found most helpful, or relevant, discussed the parameters of Céilí dancing, and listed off quite quickly the various steps, motions, and variations of the dance. Although short, this overview was highly informative and would provide those interested in Céilí dance a good starting point to research its nuances. I have not yet found a Céilí site with so many specifics in such a condensed, unembellished manner. There is really not much information to draw a bias from – this is just a quick listing of facts.
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Jamal Zahir
BBC. BBC Northern Ireland Music. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/music/
This section of BBC News has over 10 years of archived auditory pleasure; at the same time, BBC News has been gaining credence since 1922 as one of the foremost EU News authorities. Topics on this site range from interviews of music critics, music radio, forums, and music talk shows; of course, all relating to Northern Irish Music. Updated daily, it is an excellent source of contemporary Northern Irish music. Direct discourse on the website is limited to the “comments” sections under the main “Page of the Day,” posted by BBC themselves; however, topics usually follow the subjective course (i.e. emotive responses, likes/dislikes, personal opinion, etc.). As a primary source of personal responses and news articles relating to the current Northern Irish music, this is an excellent source which adds to BBC's other trusted news sources.
IrishTimes.com. Fiddler and Original Member of Chieftains. 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/obituaries/2012/1124/1224327043330.html
Fairly new to the news scene, IrishTimes was founded in 1994; yet, it has gained immense support because of its wide ranging topics and consistently up-to-date news. Simply a recollection of Martin Fay’s (Chieftain’s fiddle player) life and his accomplishments. Due to the Chieftain’s early beginnings, the target is an older audience. This article is excellent in highlighting the antithesis of Martin Fay’s traditional music style and a contemporary time of mixed genres and new-age Irish music. As this article is fact, based on events in Fay’s life, it is tinged with opinions of Fay by his band members.
The New York Times. Northern Ireland’s Musical Riches Emerge From the Shadows. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/arts/18iht-irelandmusic18.html?pagewanted=all
The New York Times is a reputable source, with its early beginnings in 1851.This article highlights the challenges for the Northern Irish band, A Plastic Rose. Isolated in terms of politics and geography, Northern Irish music has a difficult time entering the mainstream; hence, this article highlights the struggle of this band. A Plastic Rose has been steadily gaining support and their contemporary music style has a following of people under 25 years old. This article highlights the struggles of other Northern Irish singers/bands who have had a difficult time making it to the global music scene. This article is an excellent up-to-date opinion on the state of Northern Ireland’s inching music industry in comparison to the leaps made in the early 90s and 2000s.
Culture Northern Ireland. Musicians of Belfast Exhibition Continues. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/5539/musicians-of-belfast-exhibition-continues
Although not a ubiquitously known site, Culture Northern Ireland is an excellent blog-like experience full of personal reviews, opinions, and arguments. American sites analogous to this one could be AOL Music or ET Music. Staying up-to-date is a key component of this site; rather, old is considered tarnished and unfit for news posts. The target audience of this site, however, ranges from <25 to >40 years old. In this article, a woman, inspired by Irish music, is painting traditional Irish musical instruments and putting them on display at the Belfast Exhibition. Jane Coyle, the author of this article is a veteran arts critic and has a large following online.
The Boston College Chronicle. Gaelic Roots Fall Slate. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013
http://www.bc.edu/centers/irish/gaelicroots/
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “Boston College” title. Mostly students are visitors on this site looking daily for news updates ranging on all topics; however the music supplementary class offered called “Gaelic Roots” is a perfect example of the inability of the Irish to let go of their roots. A deep sense of tradition is inherent in the students signing up for this class. This article explains the Chieftain’s responsibility in creating the Boston College for Irish and Gaelic music. This is an excellent source for the identification of traditional roots in contemporary Irish academics and instruction. Often of chronological and note-taking-like structure, articles on the Boston College Chronicle record events or provide details on events to come. Maintaining an academic approach is essential in these articles, and hence is displayed in the pseudo-objective approach.
U Penn Libraries. Irish music in America: Continuity and change. 1992. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI9227728/
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “University of Pennsylvania” title. Mostly students are visitors on this site; however, this can be extended to professors and academics as well, as this is a teaching document. This is an excellent article describing the effects of Irish music in American life with respect to community, change, and acculturation. This article recommends a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Irish Music and “growing up Irish-American.” A highly subjective article, it is, however, full of supporting details and correlations that make this article highly credible as a scholarly source.
Stolaf. The Irish “Session” (Part 2). Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.stolaf.edu/people/hend/VictoryMusic/TheIrishSession2.html
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “St. Olaf University” title. A personal account from a Professor of Chemistry Emeritus turned “unemployed” folk musician. The professor explains pub playing etiquette (i.e. guitars or bouzoukis, non-traditional instruments, are not tolerated) and watching etiquette (i.e. ask before photographing or videotaping). An interesting view of the Irish pub playing etiquette from the scope of a science professor.
Project Muse. Irish Traditional Music in a Modern World. 2001. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&&url=/journals/new_hibernia_review/v005/5.2sommers_smith.html
As an “.edu” site, this site has already established its dedication to scholarly information, even without its “The Johns Hopkins University Press” title. This is an article addressing what it means to play traditional Irish music in a modern world. This contemporary article explores the shaping, molding, and evolution of traditional Irish music to make it what it is today. Sometimes, music that is Irish may not be distinguishable for non-Irish music. This article refines what it means to be traditional Irish Music (i.e. traditional Irish music must not be thought of as old; rather, contemporary Irish music may contain new sounds and tunes, but at the same time encapsulate a time, place, and national identity. Fairly academic in its nature, a personal voice is definitely visible if reading between the lines of this article.
Examiner.com. Celtic Music 101: What is a session? 2009. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.examiner.com/article/celtic-music-101-what-is-a-session
Run solely by individual contributors around the world, Examiner.com is a highly subjective site relying on contributors most of which have unknown credentials; as a result, it is an excellent primary source for the general public’s attitude toward specific issues. A “comments” option supplements the already highly subjective nature. This article highlights that an Irish Pub Session consists of usually drunken men players which play traditional instruments. This article is in complete opposition to the fact that the art of Pub Sessions are dying (mostly due to more strict alcohol laws in Ireland). The easy to read article makes it accessible for people of all literate ages. This article is an account of Pub Session etiquette and manners in order to observe and participate in these sessions.
Innerviews. Afro Celt Sound System: Connecting Cultures. 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
http://www.innerviews.org/inner/afrocelts2.html
Established in 1994, Innerviews has provided consistently in-depth and uncompromising interviews of music artists. Articles which are focused on the younger generation <25 years old, this article is not an exception. This article explores how Afro Celt Sound System (ACSS) has bridged the gap between the cultures of its band members, while staying true to traditional Irish Music. The contemporary nature of Afro Celt Sound System, makes it a perfect candidate for an article that highlights their acceptance into a traditional Irish music dominated industry. ACSS had more issues of acceptance due to their highly diverse group of musicians (i.e. black individual). This had not been seen since Thin Lizzy’s highly diverse days with Phil Lynott. The interview style of Anil Prasad’s articles make them excellent primary sources. Furthermore, this interview style allows a direct conversation between the reader and the interviewee without interference of the interviewer. This approach makes this source desirable. Even further, Anil Prasad’s academic background has conditioned him to support his arguments with academic and scholarly sources, which are documented at the end of each of his articles.
Irish Peace
One of the most deeply haunting and meaningful learning experiences of my life was an afternoon spent in the company of one of Belfast's Black Taxi Tour drivers. He took me through West, North and East Belfast areas to see and tell stories about the murals in and around the Nationalist Falls Road (bearing Irish historical themes to emphasize an all-Ireland ethos). The Shankill and Newtownards Roads feature the Loyalist murals reflecting those communities' pro-British stance. The Shankill side of the Peace Wall also features new artwork over the original grafitti and sectarian slogans. He was intelligent, diplomatic, engaged and truly interested in helping me begin to try and understand this history of conflict and the slow path towards peace. A few days later, I drove to Derry and walked through Bogside area of the city to see the murals on Rossville Street and learn more about The Troubles from this perspective.
Judith Coe
Judith Coe
Irish Peace Webliographies
This Webliography section of our class blog will feature student cybersleuthing research projects, relative to THe Troubles and the Irish Peace Process and specific areas of topic research and targeted passions that resonate personally and focus on deliberate themes.
Pratibha Anand
Conflict, Politics, and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland
“Anglo-Irish Relations/ The Peace Process.” Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 11 Jul 2011. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=334
This source features an Overview of Irish Government policy on Northern Ireland, the Peace Process, British-Irish relations, and International support for the Peace Process. The site provides a thorough discussion of the Good Friday Agreement, the Reconciliation Fund, the Anti-Sectarianism Fund, and a strategic review of Ireland-U.S. relations. It further provides a detailed chronology of events and links to key relevant documents. (This source, which is sponsored by a reliable source – the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – individually cites each source on the linked documents, offers verifiable information and facts, and is used as an educational tool in Ireland, adding to the validity of the provided information.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
Archick, Kristin. “Northern Ireland: The Peace Process.” Federation of American Scientists. Congressional Research Service, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS21333.pdf
This report, prepared by the Congressional Research Service, provides a detailed outline of the background of the conflict in Northern Ireland with a focus on the politics at play. The report further relates U.S. Policy to the policies in place in Northern Ireland and ends with an outline of relevant legislation that helps the reader get a better idea of the relationship between Northern Ireland and the United States. (This report is sponsored by a reputable source, The Congressional Research Service, and is written by a “Speacialist in European Affairs” who has written extensively about Ireland and Northern in particular. Nonetheless, it is important to note that no citations are directly provided on the report, although most of the data provided is source material and can be verified. It is further important to note that someone with an American political bias wrote the report.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland.” CAIN Web Service - Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. University of Ulster, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/
The CAIN (Conflict Archive on the INternet) website contains information and source material on “the Troubles” and politics in Northern Ireland from 1968 to the present. There is also some material on society in the region. The website is extremely interactive by providing links associated with significant words to access relevant historical background, images, and essays. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the University of Ulster, and offers verifiable information with plenty of citations and frequent information updates. The additional links further enhance the quality of the provided information by offering background details.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Co-operation Ireland.” Co-operation Ireland – The Peace Building Charity, 2011. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.cooperationireland.org/
This website is a significant resource when exploring the Irish Peace Process as Co-operation Ireland is the leading peace-building charity on the island of Ireland. Since it was established in 1979, Co-operation Ireland has created opportunities for groups from the two main religious communities in Northern Ireland and from both sides of the border to come together so they can learn about each other's traditions and cultural backgrounds in order to help build a society which is based on tolerance and acceptance of cultural difference. This website further provides information about initiatives, programs, and ways to get involved and provides a live Facebook feed and regularly updated news. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, Co-operation Ireland, and offers primary source material about the work and projects it is currently engaged in. Additionally, the website strives to provide and impartial, unbiased information and programming. It is important to note, however, that the organization works with corporate sponsors and receives grants from various sources.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
Imbornoni, A.M. “The Northern Irish Conflict: A Chronology.” Info Please, 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/northireland1.html
This webpage chronicles the Northern Irish conflict and peace process from the 17th century into the 21st century. Each historical period and its defining events is described and key people, places, Acts, Agreements, and organizations are highlighted. (Information Please has been providing authoritative answers to all kinds of factual questions since 1938 — first as a popular radio quiz show, then starting in 1947 as an annual almanac, and since 1998 on the Internet. Information Please is part of Pearson, the world’s largest integrated education company. Pearson’s other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. Given this information, it is reasonable to conclude that the source is reputable and reliable.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland Conflict Briefing.” Flashpoints: Guide to World Conflicts. Flashpoints, May 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.flashpoints.info/CB-Northern%20Ireland.html
This website provides a thorough overview of the Northern Ireland conflict that strives to remain neutral by presenting the views of both sides. The website explores the roots of conflict, the Troubles (from 1969 to the present), the Good Friday Agreement, Issues and Aspirations, and sectarian marches. There is an additional page that goes examines the Marching Season and contentious parades that take place in Northern Ireland, as well. (This source strives to offer factual, unbiased information that is in line with its mission “to provide the information needed to make informed judgments about the nature of specific violent political conflicts, the aspirations of the adversaries and the prospects for intervention or resolution… [While remaining] impartial and presenting alternative viewpoints in the hopes of stimulating critical thought and informed debate.” The information is further verifiable through other websites.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland: Peace after The Troubles.” Guide to the Conflict and Peace-building in Northern Ireland. Insight on Conflict, 13 Mar. 2013. Web. 15 Mar 2013.
http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/northern-ireland/
This source relays a concise overview of the Troubles and provides information on local peacebuilding organizations in Northern Ireland. The website seeks to draw attention to the important work of local peacebuilders, many of whom do not have their own website. The website further contains a thorough, interactive timeline and features interviews and other audio-visual material, as well. (This source offers verifiable information with numerous citations and frequent informational updates; the additional links and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland: The Troubles.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/
This website contains a brief history of the Irish conflicts (as defined as 1167 to 1921) leading to the Troubles (as defined as 1963 to 1985). Additionally, there are links to a variety of television, radio, and interactive resources as well as a timeline of events. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the BBC, and offers a “Fact Files” page as well as fourteen different audio recordings of sources from all sides of the issues at play. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Peace and Neutrality Service.” PANA, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pana.ie/
The PANA website seeks to advocate an Independent Irish Foreign Policy, defend Irish Neutrality, and to promote a reformed United Nations as the Institution through which Ireland should pursue its security concerns. The website provides frequently updated news, newsletters, and articles concerning peace issues in Ireland as well as several videos of relevance to the topic. Finally, the organization keeps an updated page of links to relevant International Peace and Neutrality organizations. (While this source is clearly provided from an interested party with a clear agenda, the information is verified through exploration of the website links provided, including the European Union and United Nations.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Timeline: Northern Ireland's Road to Peace.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, 27 Jan. 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4072261.stm
This website provides and factual and straightforward timeline that chronicles the major events that took place over two decades (1987-2007) in Northern Ireland’s peace process. The timeline provides the event names and dates along with a short summary and photograph of the events. (This resource is likely valid due to the reputable source, BBC News, and the additional links to related sources offering similar details regarding the events that took place in Northern Ireland during the years chronicled. Still, one should note that no citations or source information is provided.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
“Wars & Conflict: The Plantation of Ulster”
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/plantation/
This site is created by BBC, which is a credible source that we used in class on several occasions. The home page provided different information regarding the Ireland political, legal, religious, and other sections before and after the Plantations. In addition to the plantations the website also has links to Ulster Scots settlement mas, Bardic Poetry, Audio gallery, American connections, Architecture, and many more information regarding the history of Ireland. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“The Plantation of Ulster”
"The Plantation of Ulster." The Plantation of Ulster. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/history/tudor-ireland/the-plantation-of-ulster/
This website has short but useful information about the Plantation of Ulster. The context of this site provides historical background about the plantations starting from the 1603 confiscation of land by James Hamilton and James Montgomery that was allowed by King James. The information covered on this site also talks about the role the plantations played in rapidly increasing the population of Ulster and changing the indigenous culture and tradition. The AskaboutIreland site is created in collaboration with several public libraries and museums to create an online resource that provides information about the history of Ireland. The information found in this site is consistent with the information found on other well trusted sites such as BBC, which increases the credibility of this resource. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Murals of Northern Ireland”
"Murals of Northern Ireland." Murals of Northern Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/mni
This site provides an interactive collection of murals from Northern Ireland, West Belfast, Republican and Loyalist, and the Troubles. Clicking on each mural will give a larger view and detailed information of the murals. The information provided for each mural includes: title, photographer, subject, short description of the mural, publisher, date the mural was photographed, affiliations, sources, type, and format. The pictures found in this site include a well-balanced variety of murals form the different social and political groups. The site is created and sponsored by Claremont University Consortium, which is an organization that encompasses seven independent colleges located in Southern California. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images”
"Debatewise." Debatewise. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013
http://debatewise.org/debates/503-should-the-murals-in-belfast-be-replaced-with-more-peaceful-images/
This site creates a place for people to show their opinions about the removal of the political murals in Belfast. People write their take on the question "Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images?" Even though, the information provided is just people’s opinions, it helps the understanding of both the negative and positive consequences of the replacement of the murals. When using the information from this site, further research is encouraged since some of the comments might be subjected to biased points of views. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Time to free Martin Corey”
"Time to Free Martin Corey." Daily News and Opinion from the Left. N.p., 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://socialistworker.org/2012/08/14/time-to-free-martin-corey
This article provides background information about the 2011 protest that demanded the release of Martin Corey from prison. The site provides a brief biography of Martin Corey, a former Irish Republican Army (IRA) member, and provides information regarding the reasons for his repeated arrest and why he become an influential figure in the Irish republican politics. The Socialistworker.org is a credible news site that is an online version of the weekly Socialist Worker newspaper that was around since 1977. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme – Peace and War through Irish Art
Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Arts Council of Northern Ireland, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/award/re-imaging_communities.htm
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is noted as the leading development agency for the arts in Northern Ireland. This webpage primarily serves to provide specific information of the program Building Peace through the Arts, Re-Imaging Communities—a particular program supported by the organization in order to promote peace in Northern Ireland. The information that is provided includes background information regarding the program, who can apply, what projects are generally supported, and other similar topics. (While this webpage is biased in terms of self-promotion, the existence of this program demonstrates current attempts for peace in the Northern Ireland region; furthermore, this program is also sponsored by several global associations, such as the European Union and the International Fund for Ireland, validating the credibility of the program.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Conlon, Bernard. “The Art of Conflict and Peace in Northern Ireland.” Ποιειν & Πραττειν. Poiein kai Prattein, 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://poieinkaiprattein.org/kids-guernica/kids-guernica-in-usa/art-education-for-social-justice/the-art-of-conflict-and-peace-in-northern-ireland-by-bernard-conlon/
This article primarily describes the significance of the Belfast Kids’ Geurnica “Portable Peace Mural.” The Belfast Kid’s Geurnica is an art project on the micro level described as determined by a macro peace and painting process. Furthermore, this article provides historical and political context of the Troubles, the famous murals, and the process of the Belfast Kids’ Geurnica. (This article was originally a paper given at Florida State University and Museum of Fine Arts and includes citations and references from books, other articles, dissertations, interviews, discussions, and audio-visual material—validating this source.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
McNaughton, Cathal. “Northern Ireland's famed murals take a more peaceful tone.” PhotoBlog. NBCnews, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/28/17132094-northern-irelands-famed-murals-take-a-more-peaceful-tone?lite
This article features additional photography of murals in Northern Ireland. In addition, the pictures are followed by personal commentary by the author. It is interesting to see the opinions of the region put forth by an American news source. In addition, the tone of the article appears to be very optimistic in terms of the progression of peace in Northern Ireland as well as shock and a slight sense of horror to the normalcy of the violent artwork. (While the author may not appears as versed on the topic as other sources, as mentioned earlier, it is interesting to take note of opinions of a reputable news source completely detached from the political tensions in Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Memorial for people killed in the Troubles of Ulster.” Memorial, Ulster Northern Ireland, The Troubles. The Linen Memorial, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.linenmemorial.org
This article discusses the Irish Troubles Linen Memorial. The website that hosts this article provides additional information and videos regarding the creation of the memorial as well as the names of the 3,721 deaths from 1966 to 2006 commemorated in the memorial. There are also pictures of people interacting with the various linens of the memorial, contributing to the emotional impact of the memorial. (This website appears to be a personal site created by the artist who created the memorial; nevertheless, the artist provides a link citing additional information, community input, and other personal artwork). [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland political murals.” Flickr, 2006. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nimurals/pool/
While this resource may not be as inclusive as the CAIN resource provided in class, this webpage provides a collection of the murals in Northern Ireland contributed by photographers across the Internet. There are currently a total of 1,297 photos in this group pool. In addition to photographs of murals, there are some pictures of locals of Northern Ireland as well as pictures that give a larger context of the setting for these murals. This resource is especially useful if an individual wanted to see a variety of visual perspectives from different photographers. (The open nature of the group pool implies that this collection is a primary resource, but there is a possibility of some copyright infringement through the stealing pictures of other photographers through the Internet; thus, while this is a useful visual resource, the origin and author of some of these photographs can be quite vague.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland’s peace walls.” Reuters, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR3AG8T#a=1
This web page provides a gallery of photographs regarding the peace walls of Northern Ireland. The majority of these pictures are mainly from Belfast in both the east and west regions of the city. One of the most useful aspects of these pictures is how the pictures demonstrate how the locals interact with these peace walls throughout their daily lives. This web page is also interactive, allowing the viewer to see each picture individually in a slideshow format. (All of the photographs are credited to one photographer supported by Reuters, a credible news source.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Peace Camp Lights Up the Northern Irish Coastline.” CultureNorthernIreland.Org, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/5086/peace-camp-lights-up-the-northern-irish-coastline
This article provides information regarding the peace camp that occurred on the coast of Northern Ireland from July 19 to July 22 of last year, emphasizing the aestetics of the illuminating tents. In addition to a brief overview of the purpose of the camp, the article provides a video with additional information about the event and a citation back to the original website hosting the peace camp. (This website is sponsored by reputable sources, such as the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the European Union, making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Peace Maze Sets an Amazing Two World Records.” Forest Service. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2004. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/forestservice/index/forest-service-press-releases/forest-service-press-releases-2004/peace-maze-sets-an-amazing-two-world-records.htm
This article notes the maintenance and creation of the Peace Maze in Northern Ireland. According to the article, Guinness World Records titled the maze as both the longest and the largest maze in the world. In addition, the maze is said to be an increasingly popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. The article also provides useful statistical data regarding visitation of the Peace Maze. (This article was published by a reputable source and can also be verified by various other similar sources.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013].
“Picture gallery: Northern Ireland murals.” UK: Northern Ireland. BBC News, 2000. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/771541.stm
This webpage is a collection of some of the political murals in Northern Ireland, particularly the ones of a militaristic nature. Both loyalist and republican murals appear to have equal representation. In addition, there is some written commentary attached to each mural, confirming which side a specific mural was promoting and allowing the reader to have a grasp on some of the meaning behind it. (The website hosting this article is a reputable source; in addition, the webpage also includes links to the original primary sources.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
White, Michael. “Promoting peace through art in Northern Ireland is a struggle – but it is happening.” Telegraph Blogs. The Telegraph, 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/michaelwhite/100052495/promoting-peace-through-art-in-northern-ireland-is-a-struggle-but-it-is-happening/
This article describes a peace attempt done two years ago in Londonderry. During a few nights in 2011, a Protestant cathedral was transformed into a Catholic basilica for the production of an opera, Act 1 of Puccini’s Tosca. The logistical planning for this event proved to be very challenging but nevertheless impressive in the face of periodical bomb scares. Because of this, Londonderry will acquire the title of UK City of Culture in 2013. This article shows high praise for the event in addition to some insight to the planning that was done in order for the event to have occurred. (While the factual information is most likely valid due to the reputation of the source, some bias may be present due to the British nature of the author and the blog post style of the article.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme – Bloody Sunday
“Jan 30, 1972: Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland.” This Day in History. History. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bloody-sunday-in-northern-ireland
This website is an overview of the shooting on Bloody Sunday in 1972. Thirteen unarmed civil rights demonstrators were shot dead. This information is supported by several other sites. Like this website, some don’t include the one who was shot, injured and died a few days later. This website does however include that 17 were wounded. (This site is very reliable mainly because it is the History site. History has a very good trustworthy status they have gained over the years. The copyright is included at the bottom: 1996-2013, A&E television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. That “All Rights Reserved” is important to see on a page. However, I would like to see who wrote the article and contact information for the author.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday.” Encyclopedia Britannica Facts Matter. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/726532/Bloody-Sunday
This source states that 14 were injured rather than 17 as the previous site stated. The number of deaths is the same on a majority of websites, while the number of injured varies between 14-17. The main chunk of this website discusses how this controversy has gone on for decades. There was never any closure until 2010 with the Saville Report. (This is a credible source because of the contributors, history, and citations tabs at the top. The contributors tab shows who and where the information came from along with the citations page. The history portion gives history of the website and leads to other events such as Bloody Sunday. There is also an email tab for readers to get more information.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday: the Saville report as it happened.” Politics Live With Andrew Sparrow. The Guardian. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2010/jun/15/bloodysunday-northernireland
On this website, people have the chance to read what happened on Bloody Sunday as it happened. There is a timeline of the day including times and quotes of people. There are personal experiences, thoughts, ideas, and reactions to the event as well. It is a good website to get an understanding of what was going on and why it was going on in the first place. (The Guardian is a reputable website. There are hotlinks throughout the article that take you to other writer’s pages. These hotlinks are included with quotes from reporters. They serve as citations and make the page more credible. There is also related information at the very bottom, which can be very helpful in doing research and finding out more information on the topic.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Derry Bloody Sunday Families Offered 50,000 compensation.” Newls Foyle & West. BBC News. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-21459312
After the Saville report, families were offered a large amount of money to compensate for all their troubles. It took decades for this to happen and makes sense how much money they are handing out. Those who were injured and families of those who died received the same amount. I think those who lost family should receive more. The killings were “unjustified and unjustifiable.” (BBC News is a great, reliable source to get information on just about anything. They update their articles and show the published date and the modified date. That is helpful when doing research. If only you could see what information was updated. For more on the article, there are related stories at the bottom that are just as credible. They are other articles within the site.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“About 1,000 people take part in Derry Bloody Sunday march.” Newls Foyle & West. BBC News. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-21223627
When the Saville report was read, there was a march that began at Creggan shops and went to the Bogside as the original one did. This march was to symbolize the original march for the families who lost loved ones that day. Some people continue to march on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary, while others brought it to an end after the Saville report. (This website includes a copyright: BBC 2013. It also states that BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If this isn’t understood there is a hotlink that says, “read more.” There is also a hotlink within the article that leads to BBC History about the event, Bloody Sunday. It shows how much effort was put into the site.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday, Derry 30 January 1972- Names of the Dead and Injured.” CAIN Web Service. CAIN. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/deadinj.htm
The CAIN website has a lot of information regarding Bloody Sunday. This isn’t an article or anything long, however it is important information. It lists the names and ages of those who were lost and those who were injured from gunfire unless otherwise stated. Looking at the ages, there is a large gap from 16-years-old to 59-years-old. It demonstrates the variety of people that participated in the march on Bloody Sunday. (At the bottom of the page it states, “CAIN contains information and source material on the conflict and politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN is based within the University of Ulster.” Universities are very credible and make this site a very good one to get information about Ireland. It is kept up to date as one can see at the bottom where it says, “last modified.”) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday Memorial.” Derry/Londonderry Sights. Lonely Planet. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northern-ireland/derry-londonderry/sights/monument/bloody-sunday-memorial
This may be a traveling site, but it gives accurate information about the memorial. Bloody Sunday was a turning point in history for the Troubles. It gives more information about the original march, whereas the previous sites I have discussed have focused on the deaths and the outcome. It is important to know about the march as well as the casualties: this site does just that for readers. The march in 1972 included 15,000 people from Creggan, through Bogside towards Guidhall. They were stopped by British Army barricades. Some began throwing stones and insults at the British soldiers. The open fire was on unarmed civilians. This case would have been completely different if the civilians were armed. It was difficult to find anyone responsible. The soldiers who fired and the officers who were in charge were not brought to trial or disciplined at all. (I find this page to be credible because it has an “about us” and “contact us” tabs at the bottom. It shows who is writing and putting the information on the website. It is also owned by BBC Worldwide.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday: Derry Rejoices in Justice.” YouTube. Video. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6u2nOg33ts
This video on YouTube shows the families, of those who were lost, reading portions of the Saville report and showing pictures of their loved ones. Reading about it is one thing, but seeing it in a video is a whole new level. You get to see the passion in these people’s voices and the crowd cheering them on. Justice is finally found decades later. (Anyone can upload a video on YouTube, but this one has reliable information because at the bottom of the video it says, “guardian.co.uk.” The amount of views and reviews show that it is accurate information.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Derry: 30th January 1972.” YouTube. Video. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5nWZxsyc7E
This YouTube video does a slideshow that includes images from the march along with the deaths. Throughout, it will add in captions to what is going on and important information to know. Unlike many videos, this one has a brief description below the video. It gives information on why people were marching in the first place. There was discrimination in the government to prevent Catholics from houses and jobs. Catholics were not allowed to vote and were shunned away from simple rights all should have. (Further information included with videos makes the page stand out more to me. It demonstrates that this person took more time with the video and page as a whole. The thousands of views make it known that it is worth watching and has key information. This page also has an “about” page that is always helpful when researching.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Remember Derry.” Welcome to the Museum of Free Derry. The Museum of Free Derry: The National Civil Rights Archive. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/index02.html
This site is very user friendly and has so much information about Derry and Bloody Sunday. It has a home page, introduction, location, history, gallery, links, and contact information. I focused on the images rather than the articles. Seeing an event is much more powerful than reading about it. The Bloody Sunday posters were just as intriguing as pictures of the event. Below are just two examples that stood out to me. (All material on this website are copyright Museum of Free Derry 2005. There is even a terms and conditions page. Leaving contact information makes a website very credible because it shows the website is able to give you more information or support the current information found. I have never been to a museum that has had false information.) [Reviewed 16 March, 2013]
Kristie Han
Byrne, Jonny, Cathy Gormley Heenan, and Gillian Robinson. "Attitudes to Peace Walls." University of Ulster. Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, May-June 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/issues/segregat/docs/byrne0612.pdf
This pdf research report explores the attitudes and beliefs people have toward the peace walls. The report categorizes attitudes into three groups: the general population, peace wall residents, and religious groups. This is a great source because it quantifies the attitudes and beliefs people have toward the walls. Also it gives the views of many people not just Catholics or not just Protestants. The many tables presented in the research show that these attitudes and beliefs are a broad spectrum rather than just if the people like the peace walls or not. This report was done by researchers of the University of Ulster and is a collaborative project aimed to determine how people view the peace walls, segregation and safety.
Geoghegan, Peter. "Foreign Policy Magazine." Foreign Policy. Foreign Policy, 20 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/12/20/return_of_the_troubles
This article is great in that it shows how people still view the violence and segregation today. This is the most recent act of violence and segregation that is occurring today and shows how violence is still present. The title “Return of the Troubles” suggests that there is still more violence to come, and that the cease fire is not as effective as some people would have hoped. There much more going on and it is a peek into the future to come.
"The IRA and Sinn Fein." PBS. PBS, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/etc/cron.html
This timeline outlines the major events that led to conflict in Northern Ireland from 1916-1999. It includes many major and minor events like protests, assassinations and bombings. This website is great because the timeline gives more unknown and less popular events that have occurred. It is great in finding interesting facts and events that have happened that many people have not heard about.
Ito, Tim, and Aileen Yoo. "Ireland's Troubled History." Northern Ireland: Special Report. Washington Post, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/overview.htm
As a beginning researcher on the topic of peace in Ireland, this website is great in that it starts from the very beginning. It starts as early as the first British involvement up to 1999. This was last updated in 1999, so it is not the greatest website in finding current events, but it is a great resource for people who do not have much background on Ireland and the Troubles in Ireland. This website is written from an American perspective, so again, it is not the greatest for in detailed information about the events that led to the conflict in Ireland, but it is a great resource for the beginning researcher in getting a brief overview.
Lloyd, Chris, David McNair, and Ian Shuttleworth. "Measuring Local Segregation in Northern Ireland." Centre for Spatial Territorial Analysis and Research. Centre for Spatial Territorial Analysis and Research. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/c-star/pubs/lloydetal.pdf
This pdf research paper is great in that it quantifies the amount of segregation among Ireland. Like the other research article, it shows many views of segregation. This study shows that segregation is variable among different regions. The paper outlines how exactly numbers were obtained and the materials and methods utilized while conducting this study. This is a great resource because it maps out and gives visual data on the segregation between Catholics and Protestants within Northern Ireland, and within all of Ireland.
Mollenkamp, Carrick, and Jennifer Martinez. "The Troubles Return." The Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal, 14 Mar. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123699310634827165.html
This article also shows the return of the troubles, but from an American perspective. The Wall Street Journal provides more of a pathos heavy article because it focuses on the killings, murders, and bombings that have recently happened. This article is great if you wanted to look at the feelings people have associated with the troubles.
"The Search for Peace." BBC News. BBC. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/default.stm
This website is a great database source that consolidates many topics into one. This search engine gives many options to search and additional external links that relate to people, politics, paramilitaries, themes and major events that lead to conflict. This is a great website because if you were unsure of what to search, there is a dropdown list to choose from. This search engine is powered by BBC and is a guide to the causes of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Shepherd Johnson, Laurie, and Sheelagh Murnaghan. "The Practice of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland: The Teachers’ Perspective." Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education. Queens University, Belfast, 2002. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/publications/pdf/Integrated_Edu_Rep.pdf
This paper outlines the process of opening integrated schools and the logistics and outcomes. This is from the perspective of a teacher, so there is some bias in making these integrated schools look better than they really are. What is good about this paper, is that it outlines the possible and anticipated outcomes of integrates schools. This is a great paper in showing what peace can really look like ad is a step into the future.
""The Troubles" in Northern Ireland." MUBI. Franklinton Underground Cinema, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://mubi.com/lists/the-troubles-in-northern-ireland
This website lists many excellent documentaries and movies regarding the Troubles and conflict in Ireland. It focuses on the events that occurred in the Troubles and events that have led up to the troubles. You have to pay to watch these movies, but it outlines many great films about the violence and struggle for peace in Ireland. Many popular films like Bloody Sunday and Hunger are listed, and this is a great resource to view more cinematic research about the peace struggle in Ireland.
"Virtual Belfast Mural Tour." Map of Belfast's Murals. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.virtualbelfastmuraltour.com/map-of-belfast-murals.htm
The Derry and Belfast murals are an outlet for both the Protestants and Catholics to express their beliefs. This website shows murals done by Catholics and Protestants in 3D, and in relation to the rest of the surroundings. This is a great tool to visualize the murals as if it were right in front of you, and because the surroundings of the murals are shown, it allows a genuine mood to be formed. The Google street view allows for multiple angles and a location/address is given if anyone would like to visit in real life. This is a great non-biased source for information on the murals because it lists thy type of mural (loyalist or nationalist) and a brief description about the mural.
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Kevie Kawasaki
Censorship
"Censored: The 274 Books and Magazines Still Banned in Ireland Today." TheJournalie. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thejournal.ie/censored-the-274-books-and-magazines-still-banned-in-ireland-today-455034-May2012/
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The books and magazines still banned in Ireland in 2012 are discussed and given explanations for their banning. This article is part of the Journalie a news source. Although the news can be skewed and be edited to tell one side of the story, this is a list of banned materials that cant be skewed making this a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Gisclard, Marielle, and Davi Rousse. "The Media and Northern Ireland." N.p., 23 Dec. 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://david.rousse.free.fr/download/miage_dess/mediaIreland.pdf
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The origins of the censorship laws are discussed as well as the literature banned and reasoning for it. Although the news can be skewed and be edited to tell one side of the story, this is a list of banned materials that can’t be skewed making this a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Rockett, Kevin. "IRISH FILM CENSORSHIP: A Cultural Journey from Silent Cinema to Internet Pornography." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.ifco.ie/ifco/ifcoweb.nsf/lookupreports2/AA073005F7A0F95780256F020055DD28/$File/a+history.pdf?openelement
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The different genres of banned cinema are broken down with reasoning for its banning and examples of popular films in that genre banned. This source was written by people educated in film who use quotes and facts for why films are banned. Because this information is not opinionated, rather factual it is a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Sinn Féin
Dalton, Des. "Sinn Féin 100 Years of Unbroken Continuity 1905-2005." Republican SINN FÈIN Poblachtach. N.p., 10 May 2005. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.rsf.ie/100years.htm
This source speaks of the history of the Sinn Féin. This is a written out timeline of major events in Sinn Féin history and its rise its current state. This source is a written recollection of a speech given by a former Sinn Féin vice president about the major trials and tribulations of the Sinn Féin. Because this information first came from a person aware of the Sinn Féin and the information matches information found on other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013]
Sheehan, Daniel D. "CHAPTER XXI. SINN FEIN - ITS ORIGINAL MEANING AND PURPOSE." Historion.net •History Online • Ireland Since Parnell •. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.z
http://historion.net/ireland-parnell/chapter-xxi-sinn-fein-its-original-meaning-and-purpose
This source speaks of the history of the Sinn Féin. This is a book with chapters about Ireland after all of Parnell’s works. This source is published and can be found on many different ebook sites and book purchasing sites. Because this information is in a book from 1921 and has not been discussed as containing errors, it is a valid source. [Reviewed 11 Mar. 2013]
Youth and Violence
Devine, Paula, and Dirk Schubotz. "Same as It Ever Was? Young People in Post-conflict Northern Ireland." Family- Russell House. N.p., Apr. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. Z
http://www.psa.ac.uk/journals/pdf/5/2012/329_1.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their past and present association to violence in Ireland. A study was done on the youth in Ireland including interviews with kids in Ireland about their personal association to violence and stories of others. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in violence. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 11 Mar. 2013]
Dowdney, Luke. "Neither War nor Peace. International Comparison of Children and Youth in Organised Armed Violence." Children and Youth of Organised Armed Violence. N.p., 1 June 2006. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. http://www.coav.org.br/publique/media/NeitherWarnorPeace.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their association to violence in Ireland. The youth in Ireland are interviews about their personal association to violence and stories of others. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in violence not only in Ireland but other countries as well. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 9 Mar. 2013]
Smyth, Marie, and Patricia Campbell. "YOUNG PEOPLE AND ARMED VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND." Children and Youth in Organised Armed Violence. N.p., 2005. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. http://www.coav.org.br/publique/media/Report%20Irlanda.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their past and present association with illegal behaviors in Ireland. A study was done on the youth in Ireland including interviews with kids in Ireland about their personal association to violence, drugs, and other illegal behavior. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in trouble. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 9 Mar. 2013]
Troubles
"Insight on Conflict." Insight on Conflict. N.p., Mar. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/northern-ireland/conflict-profile/
This source speaks of the troubles in Ireland. This source has an interactive timeline of major events that happened during the troubles including definitions and links to more in depth articles of these events. This is a source created by a peace organizations that has no side bias. Because the information here matches that of other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 10 Mar. 2013]
"The Troubles 1968-1995." The Guardian. N.p., 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/flash/0,6189,344683,00.html
This source speaks of the troubles in Ireland. This source has an interactive timeline of major events that happened during the troubles including photos and summaries. This source provides information of events from both the Irish and British side. Because the information here matches that of other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“The Signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998.” Department of Foreign Affairs -. N.p., 29 Sep. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=82885
This certain page on this website has a short video clip of a part of the news that was broadcasted on the day of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement made on 10 April 1998. This website in general has all kinds of information about foreign affairs and trade as well as many video archives regarding Ireland. (This website is credible because this website is ran by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and there are contact numbers.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“The Good Friday Agreement in Full. “BBC News. BBC, 12 Sept. 2004. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4079267.stm
This website very briefly talks about the Good Friday Agreement made on April 10, 1998, and what the plans are about. Following this, this website presents summarized outlines of the the Agreement, which are divided in three sections due to the size, and it also present links to the actual text. Also, towards the beginning of this page, there is a link to a quick guide which if clicked, opens in a little new window. This quick guide gives a short informative lesson on Northern Ireland conflict. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“End Segregated Schooling, Says NI First Minister.” - Channel 4 News. N.p., 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.channel4.com/news/time-to-end-segregated-schooling-says-ni-first-minister
This is a news channel website. On this specific page, this article talks about how it’s essential to end the segregated schools and start integrating schools. Northern Ireland’s first minister, Peter Robinson, insisted that it’s now time to end the segregation. He said, “You can't send young people from different communities to different schools and then wonder why, in later life, we have these problems.” This article also mentions that integration can’t be forced, and just increasing number of integrated schools won’t really help. (This website is credible because it has its contact number and the copyright. Also, if go to about section, it has some key facts, some of which are that this news is on at 7 pm every weeknight and that there are 20.3 million monthly viewers. Also, this article was written recently, in 2011.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Mcadam, Noel. “Ending Policy of Schools Segregation Could save Us up to £300m a Year.” Ending Policy of Schools Segregation Could save Us up to £300m a Year -BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. N.p., 19 Oct. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/ending-policy-of-schools-segregation-could-save-us-up-to-300m-a-year-28565465.html
This news on Belfast Telegraph.co.uk talks about how ending the school segregation could save up to more than £300m, which would be about 454 million dollars in the U.S. Money. Some of the reasons why segregating of schools takes lots of money are that students take the bus to go outside their geographical area and that there are many administrations due to having many schools. This website in general is informative in that it provides the news around Northern Ireland. (This website is credible because it’s a telegraph made in Belfast, and this article was written in 2010, which is considered recent.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland Peace Process.” Politics.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/northern-ireland-peace-process
This website in general is very detailed with mix of news reporting, comment & analysis, and opinions. This page in particular talks about the Northern Ireland Peace Process by going back before the Belfast agreement and talking a bit about the history. This page also briefly talks about events that have happened after the Belfast agreement was signed, some of which are Northern Ireland Elections Act 1998 and a power-sharing agreement. Following this, it talks about the controversies, and one of them is random terrorist attacks by Protestants. This created the tension between Sinn Fein and the DUP. Due to these terrorist attacks, a Catholic police officer got severely injured and another got killed in a car bomb. (This website is credible because it’s a news website is the political website in Britain, and all the content and news are looked after by the dedicated editorial team. Also, this website provide information of the members of the team and their contact numbers, which adds more trust. One of the editorial policies this website set is no political bias.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Clarity, James F. “Irish Take Heart as Peace Takes Hold.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 Oct. 1997. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/26/world/irish-take-heart-as-peace-takes-hold.html
One interesting fact about this article is that this article was written at the time of events happening. So we can get the real information about the history at that time. It states that more than 3,200 people had been killed during the conflict in the Northern Ireland since 1969, but none had died since the cease-fire. Also, it goes on to talk about how even though they just had cease-fire, they know that if one person either on an accident or on purpose starts violence, then everything will collapse, and this peace would be ruined. (This website is credible because New York Times is a famous and popular news network. Also, this article was written in the year of 1997, which means that when this news was written, it was pretty close to when events had happened.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“BLOODY SUNDAY Dublin ,November 21, 1920.” Irish Volunteersorg. N.p., 11 Feb. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://irishvolunteers.org/2012/02/bloody-sunday-dublin-november-21-1920/
This page talks about the Bloody Sunday that happened on November 21, 1920 in Dublin. It states that British Government formed paramilitary forces to augment the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary), and and the Auxiliary Division in response to IRA. However, Both groups caused a controversy because of the brutality and violence level those two groups were reaching; they not only were aggressive to IRA and the prisoners, but also, they were harsh on Irish people in general. This Bloody Sunday occurred under the direct of Michael Collins and Richard Mulcahy by IRA to wipe out the British intelligence organization in the city. (This website is ran by an organization of Irish volunteers, and the organization’s purpose is to preserve and promote the history of Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“ExecutedToday.com.” ExecutedToday.com. N.p., 21 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.executedtoday.com/2010/11/21/1920-bloody-sunday-in-ireland/
This website briefly describes the event of Bloody Sunday that happened in 1920. This event started with IRA agents killing 13 British agents in Dublin and ended with three IRA killed in British custody. At the end, 31 people lost their lives, and this ignited the event of the Irish War of Independence. This definitely escalated dirty war between Michael Collins’ Irish Republican Army and the Royal Irish Constabulary dispatched by London to crush the IRA. This article emphasizes at the end that this is different from the Bloody Sunday that happened in 1972. (This has copyright, and it provides a way to contact the person who is in charge of this website.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday Footage 1972.” YouTube. YouTube, 04 Jan. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODQ11b0_roU
This video is a footage of the Bogside riots of January 1972. This video captures the vividity of the Bloody Sunday that happened in 1972 in the Bogside area of Derry. In this event, 26 unarmed civil-rights protesters and bystanders were shot by the British Army soldiers. 13 people died right at that moment, and one person died about four months later due to that injury he got on that day. This video aids the visual part of the event. (This video is credible because this video was taken at the time of the event; it’s a footage.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“The War of Independence.” Irish HIstory Live. Queen's University Belfast, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/irishhistorylive/IrishHistoryResources/ArticlesandLectures/TheWarofIndependence/
This page is great because it talks about the War of Independence in a great depth. It divides information into six sections to focus on as much as possible. It starts by giving the readers very important, thoughtful, and critical questions, and then moves on to talk about the role played by Shinn Fein and Dáil Éireann (the parliamentary assembly formed by republicans after the general election of December 1918). Eventually at the end of this article, it talks about what IRA did in the campaign for Irish independence, and how British authorities responded to IRA’s challenges. (This website is created and ran by a school, school of history and anthology at Queen’s University Belfast.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme- The Troubles, Irish-British Conflict
"A Brief History of the Troubles." Guardian.co.uk. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/northernireland/page/0,12494,1569841,00.html
This British site gives a great timeline of the Conflict between the Irish and the British. The nice thing about this site is that rather than doing the timeline by just years such as Year: This person died, it gives the timeline according to year and event. By giving the order using events it makes it a lot easier for people learning about the event to keep the timeline straight. (Although this is a British site it seems to give an unbiased view of all the events.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"CAIN: Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. Information on 'the Troubles'" CAIN: Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. Information on 'the Troubles' Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/
This is probably the best site that I have come across when trying to learn about the Irish-British conflict. You are able to learn about background information, key events, even information such as a list of people killed. The reason why this site has all of this information is because it is the University of Ulster’s archives. (The information doesn’t seem to be bias. It is updated frequently and has many citations.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
Ito, Tim, and Aileen Yoo. "Overview Ireland's Troubled History." Washington Post. Apr. 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/overview.htm
This site gives a summarized look at the Irish-British conflict. It is a unique source because it is an outsider’s view, an American’s view, on the events the events that occurred. The way this site gives the information is by making a continuous tale of the events; some of the events are in bold but between them is an explanation of what triggered the event. (This site is unbiased for the most part. This site is really helpful because it simplifies the conflict so someone can grasp a good understanding of the conflict quickly.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland - An Overview." Transitional Justice. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://tj.facinghistory.org/readings/northernireland/overview
This site gives you a truly general idea of the Troubles. It doesn’t go into very much detail, but there are different tabs that go into details about different events that occurred during the conflict. (This site seems to be unbiased for the most part, but not a lot of information was given in the overview section to get a good understanding of the conflict. [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland Timeline." Timeline. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Chronology/timelinenorthernireland.htm
This source gives a different understanding of the conflict. You see how the conflict truly begins by examining Ireland’s history before the conflict. The interesting thing about this site is it begins telling the history of Ireland at the point when St. Patrick brought Catholicism to Ireland. (This site seems to be unbiased but gives a better understanding of the Irish side of the conflict.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Quick Guide: Conflict in Northern Ireland." BBC News. BBC, 29 June 2006. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/5097948.stm
This BBC article truly does a wonderful job summarizing and giving a clear explanation of the Irish-British conflict. It is broken up into different sections explaining the origins of the conflict, how the conflict began, a quick summary of the conflict, as well as what the future holds for Ireland and Britain. (Although this is a British site it does not seem to be biased) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles, 1963 to 1985." BBC News. BBC, Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/the_troubles_article_01.shtml
This BBC article provides a clear and precise collection of information for people trying to learn about the Troubles. It is split up into a background section, the 'Troubles' begin, Civil Rights, the Provisional IRA, direct Rule, power-sharing, hunger Strikes, and the Anglo-Irish Agreement. (BBC although it is a British company, they are great about providing the audience with an unbiased report.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles 1968-1995." Guardian.co.uk. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/flash/0,6189,344683,00.html
The Guardian regarding the Troubles gives a great summary of the event. The way this site provides the information is through slide-like images. The reader is able to learn about the Troubles in segments. This can either be really handy or really annoying, if one is trying to learn the information it is helpful if they are trying to skim the information it gets hard because you have to click through the slides. (This source seems to be unbiased for the most part.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles." The Troubles. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/quillinn/the-troubles
This website can be seen as a helpful tool due to the fact that it has different activities to advance you learning. The problem with the slideshare site is that it doesn’t site any of the information and requires you to do some research rather than gives you the information. It is valuable to have those guiding questions as well as the charts because it breaks apart the information into chunks. (For the most part this site is unbiased, but the information is also not reliable because it is not cited.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
WOODWELL, DOUGLAS. "The “Troubles” of Northern Ireland." Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://pages.uindy.edu/~woodwelld/2753_06_ch06.pdf
This site gives an interesting perspective of how the economy affected the Irish-British conflict. This document is split up into different sections including Roots of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Developing Ethnic Dominance: Northern Ireland before the 1960s, Outbreak of Violence, Economic Factors Affecting the Onset of Conflict, Conflict Duration and the Long March to Resolution, Sustaining the Conflict, and Ending the Conflict. This site also provides charts comparing the number of deaths and the time period which they occurred. (This site appears to be credible, and all of the sources are sited.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
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Howe Qiu
"BBC News - Iconic images from the Northern Ireland peace process." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18611032
The BBC photo album resource serves as a timeline, highlighting key events with regard to peacemaking in Northern Ireland. The historic images match faces with names, and the appearances showing different leaders meeting together mark several turning points. A few iconic landmarks are shown as well, including segments of the peace wall. Last but not least, an appearance showing the Queen of England is remembered through this photo timeline. (The information provided here is visual and factual. BBC news reports these images in order to provide a summary to news-readers.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News - Northern Ireland peace walls 'still needed' - study." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
A new study suggests that 75% of residents living nearby to the peace walls vote to take down the peace walls. According to one statistic, 78% of the people believe that segregation would continue regardless of peace walls. Quote: "This shows that there is a huge public appetite for greater engagement between the communities and those responsible for peace walls." The article outlines an interesting perspective concerning the peace subject. (The information provided is collected from a census and reflects the opinions of respondents only. Some qualitative quotations are also included within the article.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Baldvinsdottir, Kolfinna. "Northern Ireland peace fund faces EU budget axe | EurActiv." EurActiv | European Union Information Website (EU and Europe). N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.euractiv.com/regional-policy/eu-peace-fund-trouble-despite-no-news-517541
The article by Euractiv highlighted a little known fact that the European Union has funds to help end sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, funds may be cut, or gotten rid of altogether. Financial issues such as separation of schools for catholics and protestants also plays a major detracting role in Northern Ireland's finances. (The information provided by euractiv.com is cited from http://www.seupb.eu/Home.aspx) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News | NORTHERN IRELAND | Clinton: His role in Northern Ireland." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1065913.stm
An important correlation between former U.S. president Bill Clinton's catholic religion and Northern Ireland is drawn in this BBC news article. At the time that the article was written, President Clinton had embarked on three visits to Dublin and Belfast, which no former U.S. President had ever done. (The article from the BBC news highlights the influence that Irish-American President Bill Clinton had on Northern Ireland's peace negotiations.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Deadlock at Northern Ireland peace talks | Mail Online." Home | Mail Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-59268/Deadlock-Northern-Ireland-peace-talks.html
Daily Mail UK reminds readers of how fragile the peace talk processes are in Northern Ireland. Republicans and Unionists alike are berated for their varying opinions/viewpoints and past actions. (The article is an opinion article and highlights viewpoints from the general public and both Republican and Unionist parties.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Lessons from the Northern Ireland Peace Process | Roger Mac Ginty - Academia.edu." Academia.edu - Share research. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.academia.edu/1160533/Lessons_from_the_Northern_Ireland_Peace_Process
This excerpt of an article by Roger Mac Ginty relates other peace processes from different countries in history with Nortern Ireland's conflicts. The article suggests that suppression of violence perhaps might be more effective than negotiation of peace. However, this may not be the case, since the British Army is constantly attempting to suppress violence, yet conflicts between the British Army and the IRA break out more than necessary. (This article is theoretical and provides many ideas and possible methods of restoring peace in Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News | Northern Ireland | Understanding Northern Ireland." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/events/ira_ceasefire.stm
This historic reference outlines the history of the IRA ceasefire of August, 1994. The ceasefire only lasted 17 months, and ended with bombings in London's Docklands killing 2, wounding over 100, and causing over 85million british pounds in damage. (The information provided here is historical and factual. BBC news remembers the IRA ceasefire.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Devenport, Mark. "BBC News - Northern Ireland peace walls should 'come down by 2022'." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-21187673
According to Mark Devenport, BBC News Political Editor, Northern Ireland, Peace walls should be taken down by 2022. There are currently developments being drafted outlining the teardown of Northern Ireland's Peace Walls. These have walls have been erected since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Devenport reports a calling for equality among the people of Northern Ireland. (The information reported here is based on the opinions of people within the Northern Ireland. BBC news reporter Mark Devenport reports directly from Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Cushnahan, John. "Peace is a fragile plant that needs careful nurturing - News Debate | Opinion & Discussion |The Irish Times - Mon, Dec 10, 2012." Breaking News | Irish & International Headlines | The Irish Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/debate/peace-is-a-fragile-plant-that-needs-careful-nurturing-1.2131
An analogy is drawn between peace and a delicate plant. Peace must be watered daily and vigilantly. Some feel as if things are beginning to be buried in the past, even though violence still breaks out once in a while. The article calls readers to adapt a mindset of urgency towards peace, that it should not simply be waited upon, but sought after actively. (This opinion article from The Irish Times provides multiple perspectives and persuades readers to promote peace.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Recent Violence in Northern Ireland | Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies." Recent Violence in Northern Ireland. University of Notre Dame, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
www.kroc.nd.edu/newsevents/quickquestions/recent-violence-northern-ireland-617
Representing the University of Notre Dame, John Darby appeals to ethos, and helps readers understand the pain associated with the violence in Northern Ireland. In addition, the split between the "Continuity IRA" and the "Real IRA" is spoken of. Some emphasis is placed on the lack of unified identity between Catholics and Protestants within Northern Ireland. (Reporting from the University of Notre Dame, speculation of the troubles returning and criticism of the CIRA and RIRA are detailed within the article.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
“An Bhratach Náisiúnta - The National Flag.” Department of the Taoiseach. Department of the Taoiseach, 2011. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached_files/Pdf%20files/The%20National%20Flag.pdf
This pamphlet (in pdf form), published by the Department of the Taoiseach, provides a detailed history of the tricolor National Flag. The importance of symbolism is a recurrent theme in the realm of Irish conflict and peace, and the tricolor flag is one of the more prominent symbols. Being that it is a nationalist symbol, understanding the meanings of its colors can foster an understanding of the nationalists’ goal of a unified Ireland. (While the pamphlet does not contain a bibliography or citations for its historical sources (which include quotations from primary sources), the fact that it is published by the Department of the Taoiseach suggests that it is a valid secondary source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
Art of Reconciliation. “Bogside Artists on Death Of Innocence-Annette McGavigan Mural.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 11 Jul. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT9VnXveQF0
In this video clip, the Bogside Artists, namely Kevin Hasson, discuss the meaning and evolution of their “Death of Innocence” mural. The subject of the mural is Annette McGavigan, a 14 year-old girl who was shot by a British soldier in Derry on September 6, 1971. Class discussion has often turned to the students’ interpretations of the various Bogside murals, and this video provides an excellent opportunity to compare these interpretations to those of the original artists. (Considering that it presents an interview with the Bogside Artists themselves, this video clip can be considered a valid primary source regarding the making of the “Death of Innocence” mural. Further investigation shows that Art of Reconciliation has multiple YouTube clips regarding the Derry murals, lending them additional authority on the matter.) [Reviewed 28 Feb. 2013].
“Getting Away With Murder – From the Bogside to the Basra.” Pat Finucane Center. Pat Finucane Center, May 2004. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.
http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/hrights/bogbasra.html
This webpage contains a series of testimonies given by family members of individuals who were killed in Derry during The Troubles. Of special note is the testimony provided by May McGavigan, the surviving sister of Annette McGavigan of the “Death of Innocence” mural. (These testimonies are primary sources, given by family members of the deceased at a memorial vigil in Derry in May 2004. The webpage’s credibility is further supported by its place in the website of the Pat Finucane Centre, which describes itself as “a non-party political, anti-sectarian human rights group advocating a non-violent resolution of the conflict on the island of Ireland.” The website was one of the external links provided by the Museum of Free Derry in source 6 below.) [Reviewed 28 Feb. 2013].
Melaugh, Martin. “A Chronology of the Conflict – 1968 to the Present.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch72.htm
The yearly chronologies on this CAIN webpage are invaluable in exploring the timeline of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Many of the entries are supported by links to CAIN’s Sutton Index of Deaths, as well as links to records from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Where appropriate, there are also internal links to legislative documents housed elsewhere on CAIN. (The authority of the CAIN Web Service and the frequent updating of its information, combined with the internal links , confirm the validity of this source.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Mulhern, Dara. “Symbols Used by Both Main Traditions in Northern Ireland.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/images/symbols/crosstrad.htm
This CAIN webpage provides a helpful synthesis of the cross-traditional symbols found in Northern Ireland. There is more information regarding the Red Hand of Ulster, in addition to a discussion of the white peace ribbon (corresponding to the white section of the tricolor National Flag). Considering the importance of symbolism in the Northern Ireland conflict, this webpage is a useful reference for deciphering the imagery employed by the various factions involved in the conflict. (While there are no citations or external links on this particular webpage, the CAIN Bibliography does provide a list of external sources regarding symbolism. The authority of the CAIN Web Service, as well as the recent updating of the page’s information (January 2013), confirms the validity of this source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
Museum of Free Derry: The National Civil Rights Archive. Museum of Free Derry. 2005. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/index02.html
The website for the Museum of Free Derry provides textual descriptions and photographs for many of the key events of The Troubles that occurred in Derry, including the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman. There are also galleries for the Bogside murals and posters from various Bloody Sunday commemorative marches. (The website does not offer any citations – however, considering that that museum is a community archive of over 25,000 artifacts, it appears as though primary sources were consulted. The external links to the CAIN Web Service and the Pat Finucane Centre (which hosts source 3 above) also contribute to the website’s authority.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Northern Ireland Political. “Operation Motorman. Northern Ireland.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cns_FOzAUGk
This video provides an excellent account of Operation Motorman, the British military operation that ended IRA-controlled “Free Derry” on July 31, 1972. Operation Motorman brought an end to these Catholic-inhabited “no-go” areas, as well as marking an increase in the frequency of house searches and Catholic internment. (While the video’s YouTube “author”, Northern Ireland Political, provides no references, further investigation shows that this video was taken from a special on UTV, a popular news outlet in Northern Ireland. Although this context gives the video a potential for bias, the variety of firsthand accounts (via interviews with members of both sides of the conflict, including Martin McGuinness) suggests that the source’s perspective is valid and objective.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Northern Ireland: The Troubles. BBC Recent History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/
This BBC website provides a variety of resources related to The Troubles, including an outline of the prior events in Ireland’s history that ultimately culminated in The Troubles. The “Fact Files” are particularly helpful for distinguishing between the various political and paramilitaries groups, and the “Legacy” section contains audio clips with firsthand accounts from people who lived through The Troubles. (Although this website does not provide any external websites or citations, the BBC’s status as a reputable news source on the Northern Ireland conflict suggests that it is a valid source.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013].
O’Neill, Declan. “Hand over fist: The Red Hand of Ulster still has the power to divide Northern Ireland.” The Independent. The Independent, 25 Apr. 2010. Web. 6 Mar. 2010. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hand-over-fist-the-red-hand-of-ulster-still-has-the-power-to-divide-northern-ireland-1950412.html
In this article from The Independent, photographer Declan O’Neill outlines the history of the Red Hand of Ulster, as well as the symbol’s meaning today. The article includes a link to a gallery of examples of the Red Hand of Ulster that O’Neill photographed in various areas of Northern Ireland, including Belfast. (The article’s context in a major UK newspaper’s website seems as if it would lead to a bias in favor of the loyalists, but the author’s bias seems to go in the opposite direction – he claims that the loyalists have “misappropriated” the symbol. Although this bias, combined with the lack of citations for the historical information, is detrimental to the article’s validity, the gallery of photographs is a valuable primary source for exploring the Red Hand of Ulster’s place in modern Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 6 Mar 2010].
“The Battle of the Boyne.” BBC History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/battle_of_the_boyne
This BBC webpage provides an excellent written description of the Battle of the Boyne, including the chronology of the battle as well as the battle’s legacy (including its celebration by the Orange Order every July 12). There are links to further information (via other BBC sources) throughout the text, and the text is complemented by five short video highlights from BBC programs on the Battle of the Boyne. (While this website is a secondary source, many of the links refer to contributions by university historians, who are likely to have had access to the relevant primary sources from the time of the battle. The text also contains quotes from eyewitnesses to the battle, further suggesting the use of primary sources. The website’s validity can also be inferred from the BBC’s status as a reputable news source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
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Anushka Tandon
"The Battle of the Boyne." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/battle_of_the_boyne
The BBC sites for Irish history are quite well-executed, with plenty of detail as well as internal and external links to additional information. The strengths of this site are its attention to detail in as close to non-partisan a manner as possible, as well as its interactive nature. This is ideally suited for students who are auditory and visual learners, while still providing information in the traditional textual format of most online sources. The site breaks down the events encompassing the Battle of the Boyne, describing each in detail and assessing their importance to the outcome. The article concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and how it affected Irish history in the years to come, as well as linking an interview with a scholar to provide a primary source (albeit one of opinion) to the secondary charting of factual information.
"Belfast Murals." InYourPocket. In Your Pocket Ltd., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.inyourpocket.com/northern-ireland/belfast/Belfast-Murals_70999f
InYourPocket is a travel guide series, so the information is purely factual and no analysis is offered here. This source is helpful in distinguishing the different locations and themes of the murals in Ireland, and also points out the more modern turns the artwork is taking. This snippet is a good “jumping-off point” for researching the different groups of mural work in Ireland, and selecting a focal point for the research. The images are also good primary sources of the artwork here. The source is credible – it is a large print series of books that has an online database as well.
Brown, Derek. "How the Battle of the Boyne Earned Its Place in History." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 12 July 2000. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2000/jul/12/northernireland.comment
The Guardian is a fairly credible news source, with up-to-date information on a broad variety of topics, and a team of well-established writers to support the web-journal’s plethora of information. This article simply creates a “snapshot” of the importance of the Battle of the Boyne in Irish and English history, describing succinctly the stakes of the fight and the impact of King James’ victory on the series of events that would unfold in the coming years of Irish history. Here, one can see how the foundation for the conflict of the Troubles was laid. This source is valuable because it mentions all the key players involved in the pivotal battle, rather than focusing just on King William and King James. This is a good background knowledge source.
Hancock, Landon. "CAIN: Background Essay on the Northern Ireland Conflict." CAIN: Background Essay on the Northern Ireland Conflict. CAIN Web Service, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/landon.htm
This essay by Landon Hancock is perhaps one of the most visually and graphically informative (and comprehensive) breakdowns of the events leading up to, and transpiring during, the period of Irish history known as the Troubles. The maps of geographical borders drawn, accompanied by explanations regarding the significance and treatment of these geophysical divides, is eye-opening on a different level than other sources. This essay tends to get a bit technical, but the mass of intricate detail, with regards to economic conditions in this time period, for example, is an excellent aid to subject-specific research – this is rather like a highly detailed primer on various perspectives from which to study the Troubles.
"Ireland and the Politics of Bigotry – Part Two." Fightback. Fightback, 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. http://ireland.marxist.com/history/8390-ireland-and-the-politics-of-bigotry-part-two
The article, and this website, are both heavily biased in that they believe that conflict in Ireland was not truly based on opposing religious beliefs and behaviors, but was a conspiracy theory with regards to international alliances instead. This bias, whether appropriate or not, allows for the exploration of a rather interesting perspective on Irish warfare (specifically, the Battle of the Boyne) – positing that it was underhanded, convoluted, and covered ulterior motives. The analysis should be taken with a grain of salt; however, much of the “factual” information on the site is verifiable elsewhere on the internet. Overall, this is a good read for research, or for deepening one’s general understanding of Irish history.
Mallie, Eamonn. "Trouble Flares as Loyalist Fury over Northern Ireland Flag Row Renews." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/18/us-irish-violence-idUSBRE8BH02V20121218
This Reuters article is short and to-the-point with regards to the current political unrest in Ireland, dealing with the sectarian violence related to flag-flying in politically divided regions of Ireland, such as Belfast (as is discussed here). Reuters is a credible database of information but this article doesn’t have much substance – again, it merely outlines key themes in the violent affairs of modern Ireland. This source is a good way to get acquainted with modern conflict in Ireland, and to help decide upon a topic of research for current affairs. The article itself seems fairly low on bias, coming from a third-party source and having been worked on by three individuals before finally being published.
McDowell, Jamie, and Kerry McKittrick. "Belfast's Murals: Off the Wall?" BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Belfast Telegraph, 12 Apr. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/features/belfasts-murals-off-the-wall-28530297.html
The Belfast Telegraph is an independent paper published and circulated in Northern Ireland – it is difficult to tell whether the publication is biased towards its location, or toward its independent (possibly republican) nature. However, the article here doesn’t seem heavily favoring one side of the political divide. Rather, it discusses the unified decisions of members of Northern Irish communities to paint over violent, outdated murals in promoting a message of peace and hope for the future. This article relies mostly on snippets from interviews (primary sources) with Protestant and Catholic artists alike, as well as ordinary citizens who are participating in redesigning their communities freely (without caving to pressures from Loyalist or Republican factions as to the nature of the new artwork). This source is credible, current, and useful in an analysis of the changing views of Irish citizens post-Troubles.
McKittrick, David. "Remembering Bobby Sands." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 5 May 2006. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/remembering-bobby-sands-476884.html
This article is a mix of primary information (from interviews) and secondary facts from other references, detailing the life of Bobby Sands and the role he played in the lives of common citizens, politicians, activists, and other Irish folk involved in the troubles. The source is rather useful in that it can give you a sense of how different groups of IRA affiliates felt about Sands’ beliefs and actions, and extend that understanding to a more general picture of the complex atmosphere of emotion during this period of civil unrest. The bias here is that all candidates interviewed are IRA and Sinn Fein associated – there is no voice from the opposition here, as the article is meant to celebrate Bobby Sands, the hero. David McKittrick is an established staff writer on the Independent, giving the article more credibility, and making it ideal for use as a primary source in research.
Pingel, Stephen M. "From His Prison Cell, Bobby Sands Made the World Take Notice." Boston Irish Reporter. Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., 4 Oct. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bostonirish.com/history/his-prison-cell-bobby-sands-made-world-take-notice
This article details the activist life of Bobby Sands, with a bit more background information on his childhood and formative years than found with most other sources. The text links Sands’ actions to impacts across the world, as well as political and structural effects within Ireland. The detail is put simply in the text, making it ideal for casual reading and also for research. There appears to be a bias here (although slight) in portraying Sands positively, though the author must be credited for stating directly the terms of Sands’ arrests and his alleged involvement in violent anti-Loyalist plots. The article is the eighth in a series of 20 detailing important Irish individuals of the 20th century.
"A Time Line for the Troubles." WashingtonPost.com. The Washington Post, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/timeline.htm
I think I am biased towards timelines – the format of this article makes the events before, during, and after the Troubles so easy to learn and file away in order that it makes for an ideal reference to any research paper. This is rather like a skeleton for such an assignment, giving general overviews about key events, while allowing for students to conduct further research on those they select as most relevant or interesting. This purely secondary source seems to have been compiled by various contributors as no specific author is acknowledged here – decreasing selection bias to a great extent. The Washington Post is certainly a safe source to use with regards to research – it is a well-established news hub.
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Taryn Olivera
"UVF - The Ulster Peoples Army." UVF - The Ulster Peoples Army. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. http://www.theuvf.2ya.com/
This site is an incredible source. While it may not be accredited or published by a well-known news source, it is clearly written by Loyalist, British, Protestants. Before you even enter the site, there is a disclaimer that Ulster is British soil. As you read farther into the site, you can distinctly see the amazing biases that are inherent when one of the sides on the peace process is writing. This is a great website that, when analyzed and evaluated, really shows the feelings of the British toward the war and toward the Catholics. This is a great source for trying to understand the feelings on the side of the Protestants, and it illustrates the fact that these feelings have not changed, and the hatred still exists. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Ingraham, Jeson. "CAIN: Peace Process: 'Irish Peace Process' - an Article by Jeson Ingraham." CAIN: Peace Process: 'Irish Peace Process' - an Article by Jeson Ingraham. N.p., 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/peace/talks.htm
Although long winded, this source is credible not only due to the diction, but also the vast amount of sources in the bibliography. This site discusses the process that Northern Ireland went through to come to peace agreements, or at least the stalemate that they are currently in. There is a lot to read, but it is especially interesting for those that are interested in the politics involved in the Peace Process. The bibliography at the end also offers many more sources for papers on the political involvement in Northern Ireland. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Evans, Margaret. "Uneasy Peace, the Segregated Reality of Northern Ireland." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 03 Oct. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/10/02/f-vp-evans-northern-ireland.html
This site shows credibility, not only because it is broadcasted by a big name news source, but also because it is a first hand account. This site also the feelings of the people that are actually living in Northern Ireland, from the perspective of a person that was there in the middle of it. This is a great source for readers that are delving deeper into the reasons that Northern Ireland is still not in a completely peaceful state, and gives a wonderful first hand account of what it is actually like to be in the middle of the differing views and conflicts. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Mahjoob, Medhl. Bobby-Sands.com. N.p., 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://bobby-sands.com/biography.html
This is a website dedicated to one of the most influential hunger strikers, Bobby Sands. Not only was he elected as a member of the British Parliament, but his involvement and ultimately death in the Hunger Strike had a huge impact on the Republicans in Ireland. There was clearly an amazing amount of research that went into the creation of this site, and it is laid out in a structured way that makes it user-friendly and incredibly informative. It seems to be a factual, unbiased source, and has a wealth of information on Bobby Sands and how his life influenced Irish history. [Reviewed 16 March 2013]
Melaugh, Martin. "CAIN: Events: Hunger Strike 1981 - Chronology." CAIN: Events: Hunger Strike 1981 - Chronology. CAIN, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/hstrike/chronology.htm
This site is a great resource for readers that are just beginning their search for information about the Irish Hunger Strike. The Hunger Strike is a huge part of the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and this site does a great job of detailing the Hunger Strike, as well as giving a timeline with context around the Hunger Strike, so readers can understand the events leading up to the actual event, as well as the impacts of it. The dictation and amount of information on the site gives it credibility, as well as the fact that it is a CAIN website. [Reviewed 16 March 2013]
Archick, Kristin. Northern Ireland: The Peace Process. Rep. Congressional Research Service, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS21333.pdf
This source is a research project, complete with a large list of sources, all about the Irish Peace Process. It includes in depth, detailed information about what happened with the conflict in Northern Ireland. The resources, the publisher, and the manner in which the paper is written all contribute to the credibility of this source. The research is done well, and the paper is well developed. It is a good source for readers that are interested in knowing everything that there is to know about the Irish Peace Process. While not the most reader friendly page, and also a little tedious to read, there is an amazing wealth of information on the Peace Process, including geography. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
PBS. PBS, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/conflict/violence.html
This is a source on the Irish Republican Army that is written from a perspective of a supporter of the Irish Republic. It details not only the violence that occurred in Northern Ireland, but it also explains, from the Republican side, the political and social motivations behind all of the violent acts committed by the Irish Republican Army. It also helps the reader to understand the attitudes of the people, and has an immense amount of information, including pertinent cultural pieces like poems and songs that are about this topic. This source is put out by PBS, which is a known credible source, and also provides a list of links and other sources that will help expand knowledge. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
"The Rise of Sinn Féin." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/aftermath/af03.shtml
This BBC site gives a short article on how the Sinn Féin came to be the dominant political party among the Irish Republicans. The fact that it is published and has a copyright from BBC gives the entire site credibility. The site is an incredible source, with timelines of multiple important events that all had impacts on the Irish people in regards to peace and politics. In addition to writing, there are also audio clips from professors that are employed at Universities in Ireland, which adds to the credibility of the site. This is a good site for readers that are interested in the politics that emerged from the violence and the ways that the issues have been partially solved. [Reviewed 17 March 013]
Montgomery, Alison, Grace Fraser, Claire McGlynn, Alan Smith, and Tony Galagher.Integrated Education in Northern Ireland; Integration in Practice. Rep. UNESCO Centre; University at Ulster at Coleraine, Mar. 2003. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://arrts.gtcni.org.uk/gtcni/bitstream/2428/6018/1/Integration%2520in%2520Practice.pdf
This source is a very long report on the progress that has been made, however little that is, in Northern Ireland. One of the biggest steps they have made is these integrated schools, which are trying to open the gates of communication between the two groups of people living in the same cities. The goal of these schools is to lessen the hate in the younger generations, in hopes that as they grow up they will be instrumental in closing the gap through understanding. This site is credible because it is a report that is backed by a major university in Ireland, and there are also multiple contributors, allowing for more than one point of view in the report. This study examines how well this system is working, and the impact that these schools are making on the communities in Northern Ireland that they are in. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland Peace Walls 'still Needed' - Study." BBC News. BBC, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
This source is about the peace walls in Northern Ireland, that are used to separate the Republican Catholics from the Protestant Loyalists. There have been recent movements to bring these peace walls down, and this source discusses the feelings of the Irish people, as well as some of the reactions to bringing the peace walls down. This is a great source for readers that are interested in the current events that are going on in Ireland, and how the feelings of the citizens are changing, or not changing. The publisher of the site and the first hand accounts in this short article show its credibility. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
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Jamal Zahir
“The Search for Peace.” BBC News, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/default.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This website is an excellent source for students in history classes searching for key figures (i.e. John Hume, Gerry Adams, etc.) in Irish history as well as general themes, key events, and political parties & paramilitary groups. More of a history covering the Irish civil rights struggle, this site does not cover contemporary events in Ireland. Events are purely fact based without a bias favoring the British side; after all, BBC is British. All information is assumed to be correct, as per the credibility of BBC; at the same time, however, not even one source is cited for facts written.
“One Minute World News.” Timeline: Northern Ireland’s Road to Peace. BBC News, 2006. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4072261.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. A purely fact and event based timeline with minute tidbits about important peace advancing events only in the political sector. Students would fare well if they were to read this text; the small excerpts make for easy reading with a high retention rate. As such, students and an audience interested about the major events in the political peace process since 1987 would do themselves a favor by looking at this site. Written in 2006, the age of the paper does not change the validity of the events. Again, integral to the BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation.
“News Northern Ireland.” Northern Ireland Peace Walls ‘Still Needed’ - Study. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. A contemporary research study polling a random sample of the Northern Ireland populous finds that two-thirds of the population cannot see a time when the Peace Walls will not be necessary – a grim finding considering the decades of violent aggression between Britain and Ireland. This is an important study displaying ongoing animosity between the Irish and British. As the sample size and demographic of the poll was not exposed, the accuracy of the quantitative analysis must be questioned, at least. Again, in BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation. Contemporary researchers (i.e. undergraduates, graduates, professors, etc.) at institutions will find this page very pertinent to describing the dynamics of the Northern Ireland peace wall removal.
“BBC NEWS.” Clinton: His role in Northern Ireland. BBC News, 2000. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1065913.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. An article highlighting the reasons for which Clinton was a part of the Northern Ireland peace process. Purely fictional, this article focuses on Clinton’s overt influence over the Northern Ireland peace process. This article is heavily skewed in thought in that it favors Clinton’s influence over all other factors, leading to Northern Irish peace. Again, integral to the BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation. This source provides more of a qualitative approach as opposed to a quantitative approach; for example, dates of events are not given, but rather a general discussion of themes and outcomes is prevalent.
“News Northern Ireland.” Michael D Higgins tribute to Northern Ireland peace process. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20145939
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source highlights the Irish President’s aspiration for true ‘reconciliation,’ rather than just ‘peace.’ As a contemporary piece, this article is excellent in describing the most up-to-date sentiments about the Irish and British peace process. In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“News Northern Ireland.” End of Northern Ireland peace lines is aim of week. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18045647
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source provides an overview of cultural sensitivity programs being introduced in Northern Ireland for kids, so that a tolerant mind-set comes to fruition; rather, Catholics and Protestants might get along in the future. A highly subjective article, this source is excellent on drawing from current viewpoints about the possible dissolution of the peace walls. . In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“TIME World.” Terror Returns to Northern Ireland. TIME, 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1883723,00.html
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, TIME has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. TIME news may be associated with credible news sources like Al-Jazeera, BBC, Russian TV, and CNN. This source is purely an informative and reflective piece; informative in that is conveys details of IRA terrorist attacks and reflective in that it analyzes this events relation to the peace process. Written almost a decade after the formal Northern Irish peace process, this source is excellent for an analysis of Irish political history in the twenty-first century. Similar to most news sources which have set a precedent for disseminating credible information, TIME World also does not cite its sources. Supposed facts in articles are assumed to be accurate.
“News Northern Ireland.” Northern Ireland-Terrorism 'Increasing Threat' to Britain. BBC News, 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14123147
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. However, this article seems to be heavily laden with a bias favoring the British. This paper is very keen on presenting cut-n-dry quantitative data supporting the continued unwanted British presence in Northern Ireland. For example, the source mentions, “the number of terrorist-related arrests in Northern Ireland was 98% higher in 2010 than in 2009.” That being said, this source is highly subjective on the political conflict between the Irish and the British. In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“AL-JAZEERA.” Peace in Northern Ireland: A Model of Success?. AL-JAZEERA, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/08/201281292223454712.html
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, AL-JAZEERA has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This article answers the question of the title: it’s simply, no. Peace walls and agreements like the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) have simply unanswered the true need for Ireland, civil rights and a stable economy. This source critiques the failure of the “peace promoting machinery” (i.e. peace walls and political decisions). A highly subjective look at the impact of the treaties and peacelines, this article is not alone in its premise. As this article is under the “Opinions” section of AL-JAZEERA, it is pertinent to realize that this is a personal opinion; however, as the author is a professor of political science at the University of Scranton, his view must be considered authoritative.
“Global Forum Reports.” Economics driving Northern Ireland Peace Process. University of Colorado Denver, 1999. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/InternationalPrograms/CIBER/GlobalForumReports/Documents/Economics_Driving_Northern_Ireland.pdf
As a student of the University of Colorado Denver, I can vouch for the accuracy of the research conducted at this domestically renowned university, by Professor James M. Lyons, Attorney; Special Advisor to President and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland. Students and professors in academia would benefit most from this source. This source argues that there is a positive correlation between the state of the Irish economy and the level of peace in Northern Ireland. Taking a purely economic standpoint, this article differs in that it does not mention political decisions or physical boundaries as important drivers of peace. A highly unique and subjective piece, this article considers the economic state of Ireland as the most important marker for prospective peace. Lyons’ credibility is secured by his position as attorney and Special Advisor to President and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland.
Pratibha Anand
Conflict, Politics, and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland
“Anglo-Irish Relations/ The Peace Process.” Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 11 Jul 2011. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=334
This source features an Overview of Irish Government policy on Northern Ireland, the Peace Process, British-Irish relations, and International support for the Peace Process. The site provides a thorough discussion of the Good Friday Agreement, the Reconciliation Fund, the Anti-Sectarianism Fund, and a strategic review of Ireland-U.S. relations. It further provides a detailed chronology of events and links to key relevant documents. (This source, which is sponsored by a reliable source – the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – individually cites each source on the linked documents, offers verifiable information and facts, and is used as an educational tool in Ireland, adding to the validity of the provided information.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
Archick, Kristin. “Northern Ireland: The Peace Process.” Federation of American Scientists. Congressional Research Service, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS21333.pdf
This report, prepared by the Congressional Research Service, provides a detailed outline of the background of the conflict in Northern Ireland with a focus on the politics at play. The report further relates U.S. Policy to the policies in place in Northern Ireland and ends with an outline of relevant legislation that helps the reader get a better idea of the relationship between Northern Ireland and the United States. (This report is sponsored by a reputable source, The Congressional Research Service, and is written by a “Speacialist in European Affairs” who has written extensively about Ireland and Northern in particular. Nonetheless, it is important to note that no citations are directly provided on the report, although most of the data provided is source material and can be verified. It is further important to note that someone with an American political bias wrote the report.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland.” CAIN Web Service - Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. University of Ulster, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/
The CAIN (Conflict Archive on the INternet) website contains information and source material on “the Troubles” and politics in Northern Ireland from 1968 to the present. There is also some material on society in the region. The website is extremely interactive by providing links associated with significant words to access relevant historical background, images, and essays. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the University of Ulster, and offers verifiable information with plenty of citations and frequent information updates. The additional links further enhance the quality of the provided information by offering background details.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Co-operation Ireland.” Co-operation Ireland – The Peace Building Charity, 2011. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.cooperationireland.org/
This website is a significant resource when exploring the Irish Peace Process as Co-operation Ireland is the leading peace-building charity on the island of Ireland. Since it was established in 1979, Co-operation Ireland has created opportunities for groups from the two main religious communities in Northern Ireland and from both sides of the border to come together so they can learn about each other's traditions and cultural backgrounds in order to help build a society which is based on tolerance and acceptance of cultural difference. This website further provides information about initiatives, programs, and ways to get involved and provides a live Facebook feed and regularly updated news. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, Co-operation Ireland, and offers primary source material about the work and projects it is currently engaged in. Additionally, the website strives to provide and impartial, unbiased information and programming. It is important to note, however, that the organization works with corporate sponsors and receives grants from various sources.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
Imbornoni, A.M. “The Northern Irish Conflict: A Chronology.” Info Please, 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/northireland1.html
This webpage chronicles the Northern Irish conflict and peace process from the 17th century into the 21st century. Each historical period and its defining events is described and key people, places, Acts, Agreements, and organizations are highlighted. (Information Please has been providing authoritative answers to all kinds of factual questions since 1938 — first as a popular radio quiz show, then starting in 1947 as an annual almanac, and since 1998 on the Internet. Information Please is part of Pearson, the world’s largest integrated education company. Pearson’s other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. Given this information, it is reasonable to conclude that the source is reputable and reliable.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland Conflict Briefing.” Flashpoints: Guide to World Conflicts. Flashpoints, May 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.flashpoints.info/CB-Northern%20Ireland.html
This website provides a thorough overview of the Northern Ireland conflict that strives to remain neutral by presenting the views of both sides. The website explores the roots of conflict, the Troubles (from 1969 to the present), the Good Friday Agreement, Issues and Aspirations, and sectarian marches. There is an additional page that goes examines the Marching Season and contentious parades that take place in Northern Ireland, as well. (This source strives to offer factual, unbiased information that is in line with its mission “to provide the information needed to make informed judgments about the nature of specific violent political conflicts, the aspirations of the adversaries and the prospects for intervention or resolution… [While remaining] impartial and presenting alternative viewpoints in the hopes of stimulating critical thought and informed debate.” The information is further verifiable through other websites.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland: Peace after The Troubles.” Guide to the Conflict and Peace-building in Northern Ireland. Insight on Conflict, 13 Mar. 2013. Web. 15 Mar 2013.
http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/northern-ireland/
This source relays a concise overview of the Troubles and provides information on local peacebuilding organizations in Northern Ireland. The website seeks to draw attention to the important work of local peacebuilders, many of whom do not have their own website. The website further contains a thorough, interactive timeline and features interviews and other audio-visual material, as well. (This source offers verifiable information with numerous citations and frequent informational updates; the additional links and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland: The Troubles.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/
This website contains a brief history of the Irish conflicts (as defined as 1167 to 1921) leading to the Troubles (as defined as 1963 to 1985). Additionally, there are links to a variety of television, radio, and interactive resources as well as a timeline of events. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the BBC, and offers a “Fact Files” page as well as fourteen different audio recordings of sources from all sides of the issues at play. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Peace and Neutrality Service.” PANA, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pana.ie/
The PANA website seeks to advocate an Independent Irish Foreign Policy, defend Irish Neutrality, and to promote a reformed United Nations as the Institution through which Ireland should pursue its security concerns. The website provides frequently updated news, newsletters, and articles concerning peace issues in Ireland as well as several videos of relevance to the topic. Finally, the organization keeps an updated page of links to relevant International Peace and Neutrality organizations. (While this source is clearly provided from an interested party with a clear agenda, the information is verified through exploration of the website links provided, including the European Union and United Nations.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
“Timeline: Northern Ireland's Road to Peace.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, 27 Jan. 2007. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4072261.stm
This website provides and factual and straightforward timeline that chronicles the major events that took place over two decades (1987-2007) in Northern Ireland’s peace process. The timeline provides the event names and dates along with a short summary and photograph of the events. (This resource is likely valid due to the reputable source, BBC News, and the additional links to related sources offering similar details regarding the events that took place in Northern Ireland during the years chronicled. Still, one should note that no citations or source information is provided.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
“Wars & Conflict: The Plantation of Ulster”
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/plantation/
This site is created by BBC, which is a credible source that we used in class on several occasions. The home page provided different information regarding the Ireland political, legal, religious, and other sections before and after the Plantations. In addition to the plantations the website also has links to Ulster Scots settlement mas, Bardic Poetry, Audio gallery, American connections, Architecture, and many more information regarding the history of Ireland. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“The Plantation of Ulster”
"The Plantation of Ulster." The Plantation of Ulster. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/history/tudor-ireland/the-plantation-of-ulster/
This website has short but useful information about the Plantation of Ulster. The context of this site provides historical background about the plantations starting from the 1603 confiscation of land by James Hamilton and James Montgomery that was allowed by King James. The information covered on this site also talks about the role the plantations played in rapidly increasing the population of Ulster and changing the indigenous culture and tradition. The AskaboutIreland site is created in collaboration with several public libraries and museums to create an online resource that provides information about the history of Ireland. The information found in this site is consistent with the information found on other well trusted sites such as BBC, which increases the credibility of this resource. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Murals of Northern Ireland”
"Murals of Northern Ireland." Murals of Northern Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/mni
This site provides an interactive collection of murals from Northern Ireland, West Belfast, Republican and Loyalist, and the Troubles. Clicking on each mural will give a larger view and detailed information of the murals. The information provided for each mural includes: title, photographer, subject, short description of the mural, publisher, date the mural was photographed, affiliations, sources, type, and format. The pictures found in this site include a well-balanced variety of murals form the different social and political groups. The site is created and sponsored by Claremont University Consortium, which is an organization that encompasses seven independent colleges located in Southern California. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images”
"Debatewise." Debatewise. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013
http://debatewise.org/debates/503-should-the-murals-in-belfast-be-replaced-with-more-peaceful-images/
This site creates a place for people to show their opinions about the removal of the political murals in Belfast. People write their take on the question "Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images?" Even though, the information provided is just people’s opinions, it helps the understanding of both the negative and positive consequences of the replacement of the murals. When using the information from this site, further research is encouraged since some of the comments might be subjected to biased points of views. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Time to free Martin Corey”
"Time to Free Martin Corey." Daily News and Opinion from the Left. N.p., 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://socialistworker.org/2012/08/14/time-to-free-martin-corey
This article provides background information about the 2011 protest that demanded the release of Martin Corey from prison. The site provides a brief biography of Martin Corey, a former Irish Republican Army (IRA) member, and provides information regarding the reasons for his repeated arrest and why he become an influential figure in the Irish republican politics. The Socialistworker.org is a credible news site that is an online version of the weekly Socialist Worker newspaper that was around since 1977. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme – Peace and War through Irish Art
Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Arts Council of Northern Ireland, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/award/re-imaging_communities.htm
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is noted as the leading development agency for the arts in Northern Ireland. This webpage primarily serves to provide specific information of the program Building Peace through the Arts, Re-Imaging Communities—a particular program supported by the organization in order to promote peace in Northern Ireland. The information that is provided includes background information regarding the program, who can apply, what projects are generally supported, and other similar topics. (While this webpage is biased in terms of self-promotion, the existence of this program demonstrates current attempts for peace in the Northern Ireland region; furthermore, this program is also sponsored by several global associations, such as the European Union and the International Fund for Ireland, validating the credibility of the program.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Conlon, Bernard. “The Art of Conflict and Peace in Northern Ireland.” Ποιειν & Πραττειν. Poiein kai Prattein, 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://poieinkaiprattein.org/kids-guernica/kids-guernica-in-usa/art-education-for-social-justice/the-art-of-conflict-and-peace-in-northern-ireland-by-bernard-conlon/
This article primarily describes the significance of the Belfast Kids’ Geurnica “Portable Peace Mural.” The Belfast Kid’s Geurnica is an art project on the micro level described as determined by a macro peace and painting process. Furthermore, this article provides historical and political context of the Troubles, the famous murals, and the process of the Belfast Kids’ Geurnica. (This article was originally a paper given at Florida State University and Museum of Fine Arts and includes citations and references from books, other articles, dissertations, interviews, discussions, and audio-visual material—validating this source.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
McNaughton, Cathal. “Northern Ireland's famed murals take a more peaceful tone.” PhotoBlog. NBCnews, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/28/17132094-northern-irelands-famed-murals-take-a-more-peaceful-tone?lite
This article features additional photography of murals in Northern Ireland. In addition, the pictures are followed by personal commentary by the author. It is interesting to see the opinions of the region put forth by an American news source. In addition, the tone of the article appears to be very optimistic in terms of the progression of peace in Northern Ireland as well as shock and a slight sense of horror to the normalcy of the violent artwork. (While the author may not appears as versed on the topic as other sources, as mentioned earlier, it is interesting to take note of opinions of a reputable news source completely detached from the political tensions in Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Memorial for people killed in the Troubles of Ulster.” Memorial, Ulster Northern Ireland, The Troubles. The Linen Memorial, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.linenmemorial.org
This article discusses the Irish Troubles Linen Memorial. The website that hosts this article provides additional information and videos regarding the creation of the memorial as well as the names of the 3,721 deaths from 1966 to 2006 commemorated in the memorial. There are also pictures of people interacting with the various linens of the memorial, contributing to the emotional impact of the memorial. (This website appears to be a personal site created by the artist who created the memorial; nevertheless, the artist provides a link citing additional information, community input, and other personal artwork). [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland political murals.” Flickr, 2006. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nimurals/pool/
While this resource may not be as inclusive as the CAIN resource provided in class, this webpage provides a collection of the murals in Northern Ireland contributed by photographers across the Internet. There are currently a total of 1,297 photos in this group pool. In addition to photographs of murals, there are some pictures of locals of Northern Ireland as well as pictures that give a larger context of the setting for these murals. This resource is especially useful if an individual wanted to see a variety of visual perspectives from different photographers. (The open nature of the group pool implies that this collection is a primary resource, but there is a possibility of some copyright infringement through the stealing pictures of other photographers through the Internet; thus, while this is a useful visual resource, the origin and author of some of these photographs can be quite vague.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland’s peace walls.” Reuters, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR3AG8T#a=1
This web page provides a gallery of photographs regarding the peace walls of Northern Ireland. The majority of these pictures are mainly from Belfast in both the east and west regions of the city. One of the most useful aspects of these pictures is how the pictures demonstrate how the locals interact with these peace walls throughout their daily lives. This web page is also interactive, allowing the viewer to see each picture individually in a slideshow format. (All of the photographs are credited to one photographer supported by Reuters, a credible news source.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Peace Camp Lights Up the Northern Irish Coastline.” CultureNorthernIreland.Org, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article/5086/peace-camp-lights-up-the-northern-irish-coastline
This article provides information regarding the peace camp that occurred on the coast of Northern Ireland from July 19 to July 22 of last year, emphasizing the aestetics of the illuminating tents. In addition to a brief overview of the purpose of the camp, the article provides a video with additional information about the event and a citation back to the original website hosting the peace camp. (This website is sponsored by reputable sources, such as the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the European Union, making this website a credible resource.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Peace Maze Sets an Amazing Two World Records.” Forest Service. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2004. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/forestservice/index/forest-service-press-releases/forest-service-press-releases-2004/peace-maze-sets-an-amazing-two-world-records.htm
This article notes the maintenance and creation of the Peace Maze in Northern Ireland. According to the article, Guinness World Records titled the maze as both the longest and the largest maze in the world. In addition, the maze is said to be an increasingly popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. The article also provides useful statistical data regarding visitation of the Peace Maze. (This article was published by a reputable source and can also be verified by various other similar sources.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013].
“Picture gallery: Northern Ireland murals.” UK: Northern Ireland. BBC News, 2000. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/771541.stm
This webpage is a collection of some of the political murals in Northern Ireland, particularly the ones of a militaristic nature. Both loyalist and republican murals appear to have equal representation. In addition, there is some written commentary attached to each mural, confirming which side a specific mural was promoting and allowing the reader to have a grasp on some of the meaning behind it. (The website hosting this article is a reputable source; in addition, the webpage also includes links to the original primary sources.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
White, Michael. “Promoting peace through art in Northern Ireland is a struggle – but it is happening.” Telegraph Blogs. The Telegraph, 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/michaelwhite/100052495/promoting-peace-through-art-in-northern-ireland-is-a-struggle-but-it-is-happening/
This article describes a peace attempt done two years ago in Londonderry. During a few nights in 2011, a Protestant cathedral was transformed into a Catholic basilica for the production of an opera, Act 1 of Puccini’s Tosca. The logistical planning for this event proved to be very challenging but nevertheless impressive in the face of periodical bomb scares. Because of this, Londonderry will acquire the title of UK City of Culture in 2013. This article shows high praise for the event in addition to some insight to the planning that was done in order for the event to have occurred. (While the factual information is most likely valid due to the reputation of the source, some bias may be present due to the British nature of the author and the blog post style of the article.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme – Bloody Sunday
“Jan 30, 1972: Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland.” This Day in History. History. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bloody-sunday-in-northern-ireland
This website is an overview of the shooting on Bloody Sunday in 1972. Thirteen unarmed civil rights demonstrators were shot dead. This information is supported by several other sites. Like this website, some don’t include the one who was shot, injured and died a few days later. This website does however include that 17 were wounded. (This site is very reliable mainly because it is the History site. History has a very good trustworthy status they have gained over the years. The copyright is included at the bottom: 1996-2013, A&E television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. That “All Rights Reserved” is important to see on a page. However, I would like to see who wrote the article and contact information for the author.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday.” Encyclopedia Britannica Facts Matter. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/726532/Bloody-Sunday
This source states that 14 were injured rather than 17 as the previous site stated. The number of deaths is the same on a majority of websites, while the number of injured varies between 14-17. The main chunk of this website discusses how this controversy has gone on for decades. There was never any closure until 2010 with the Saville Report. (This is a credible source because of the contributors, history, and citations tabs at the top. The contributors tab shows who and where the information came from along with the citations page. The history portion gives history of the website and leads to other events such as Bloody Sunday. There is also an email tab for readers to get more information.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday: the Saville report as it happened.” Politics Live With Andrew Sparrow. The Guardian. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2010/jun/15/bloodysunday-northernireland
On this website, people have the chance to read what happened on Bloody Sunday as it happened. There is a timeline of the day including times and quotes of people. There are personal experiences, thoughts, ideas, and reactions to the event as well. It is a good website to get an understanding of what was going on and why it was going on in the first place. (The Guardian is a reputable website. There are hotlinks throughout the article that take you to other writer’s pages. These hotlinks are included with quotes from reporters. They serve as citations and make the page more credible. There is also related information at the very bottom, which can be very helpful in doing research and finding out more information on the topic.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Derry Bloody Sunday Families Offered 50,000 compensation.” Newls Foyle & West. BBC News. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-21459312
After the Saville report, families were offered a large amount of money to compensate for all their troubles. It took decades for this to happen and makes sense how much money they are handing out. Those who were injured and families of those who died received the same amount. I think those who lost family should receive more. The killings were “unjustified and unjustifiable.” (BBC News is a great, reliable source to get information on just about anything. They update their articles and show the published date and the modified date. That is helpful when doing research. If only you could see what information was updated. For more on the article, there are related stories at the bottom that are just as credible. They are other articles within the site.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“About 1,000 people take part in Derry Bloody Sunday march.” Newls Foyle & West. BBC News. Web. 15 March. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-21223627
When the Saville report was read, there was a march that began at Creggan shops and went to the Bogside as the original one did. This march was to symbolize the original march for the families who lost loved ones that day. Some people continue to march on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary, while others brought it to an end after the Saville report. (This website includes a copyright: BBC 2013. It also states that BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If this isn’t understood there is a hotlink that says, “read more.” There is also a hotlink within the article that leads to BBC History about the event, Bloody Sunday. It shows how much effort was put into the site.) [Reviewed 15 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday, Derry 30 January 1972- Names of the Dead and Injured.” CAIN Web Service. CAIN. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/deadinj.htm
The CAIN website has a lot of information regarding Bloody Sunday. This isn’t an article or anything long, however it is important information. It lists the names and ages of those who were lost and those who were injured from gunfire unless otherwise stated. Looking at the ages, there is a large gap from 16-years-old to 59-years-old. It demonstrates the variety of people that participated in the march on Bloody Sunday. (At the bottom of the page it states, “CAIN contains information and source material on the conflict and politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN is based within the University of Ulster.” Universities are very credible and make this site a very good one to get information about Ireland. It is kept up to date as one can see at the bottom where it says, “last modified.”) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday Memorial.” Derry/Londonderry Sights. Lonely Planet. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northern-ireland/derry-londonderry/sights/monument/bloody-sunday-memorial
This may be a traveling site, but it gives accurate information about the memorial. Bloody Sunday was a turning point in history for the Troubles. It gives more information about the original march, whereas the previous sites I have discussed have focused on the deaths and the outcome. It is important to know about the march as well as the casualties: this site does just that for readers. The march in 1972 included 15,000 people from Creggan, through Bogside towards Guidhall. They were stopped by British Army barricades. Some began throwing stones and insults at the British soldiers. The open fire was on unarmed civilians. This case would have been completely different if the civilians were armed. It was difficult to find anyone responsible. The soldiers who fired and the officers who were in charge were not brought to trial or disciplined at all. (I find this page to be credible because it has an “about us” and “contact us” tabs at the bottom. It shows who is writing and putting the information on the website. It is also owned by BBC Worldwide.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday: Derry Rejoices in Justice.” YouTube. Video. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6u2nOg33ts
This video on YouTube shows the families, of those who were lost, reading portions of the Saville report and showing pictures of their loved ones. Reading about it is one thing, but seeing it in a video is a whole new level. You get to see the passion in these people’s voices and the crowd cheering them on. Justice is finally found decades later. (Anyone can upload a video on YouTube, but this one has reliable information because at the bottom of the video it says, “guardian.co.uk.” The amount of views and reviews show that it is accurate information.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Derry: 30th January 1972.” YouTube. Video. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5nWZxsyc7E
This YouTube video does a slideshow that includes images from the march along with the deaths. Throughout, it will add in captions to what is going on and important information to know. Unlike many videos, this one has a brief description below the video. It gives information on why people were marching in the first place. There was discrimination in the government to prevent Catholics from houses and jobs. Catholics were not allowed to vote and were shunned away from simple rights all should have. (Further information included with videos makes the page stand out more to me. It demonstrates that this person took more time with the video and page as a whole. The thousands of views make it known that it is worth watching and has key information. This page also has an “about” page that is always helpful when researching.) [Reviewed 16 March. 2013]
“Remember Derry.” Welcome to the Museum of Free Derry. The Museum of Free Derry: The National Civil Rights Archive. Web. 16 March. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/index02.html
This site is very user friendly and has so much information about Derry and Bloody Sunday. It has a home page, introduction, location, history, gallery, links, and contact information. I focused on the images rather than the articles. Seeing an event is much more powerful than reading about it. The Bloody Sunday posters were just as intriguing as pictures of the event. Below are just two examples that stood out to me. (All material on this website are copyright Museum of Free Derry 2005. There is even a terms and conditions page. Leaving contact information makes a website very credible because it shows the website is able to give you more information or support the current information found. I have never been to a museum that has had false information.) [Reviewed 16 March, 2013]
Kristie Han
Byrne, Jonny, Cathy Gormley Heenan, and Gillian Robinson. "Attitudes to Peace Walls." University of Ulster. Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, May-June 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/issues/segregat/docs/byrne0612.pdf
This pdf research report explores the attitudes and beliefs people have toward the peace walls. The report categorizes attitudes into three groups: the general population, peace wall residents, and religious groups. This is a great source because it quantifies the attitudes and beliefs people have toward the walls. Also it gives the views of many people not just Catholics or not just Protestants. The many tables presented in the research show that these attitudes and beliefs are a broad spectrum rather than just if the people like the peace walls or not. This report was done by researchers of the University of Ulster and is a collaborative project aimed to determine how people view the peace walls, segregation and safety.
Geoghegan, Peter. "Foreign Policy Magazine." Foreign Policy. Foreign Policy, 20 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/12/20/return_of_the_troubles
This article is great in that it shows how people still view the violence and segregation today. This is the most recent act of violence and segregation that is occurring today and shows how violence is still present. The title “Return of the Troubles” suggests that there is still more violence to come, and that the cease fire is not as effective as some people would have hoped. There much more going on and it is a peek into the future to come.
"The IRA and Sinn Fein." PBS. PBS, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/etc/cron.html
This timeline outlines the major events that led to conflict in Northern Ireland from 1916-1999. It includes many major and minor events like protests, assassinations and bombings. This website is great because the timeline gives more unknown and less popular events that have occurred. It is great in finding interesting facts and events that have happened that many people have not heard about.
Ito, Tim, and Aileen Yoo. "Ireland's Troubled History." Northern Ireland: Special Report. Washington Post, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/overview.htm
As a beginning researcher on the topic of peace in Ireland, this website is great in that it starts from the very beginning. It starts as early as the first British involvement up to 1999. This was last updated in 1999, so it is not the greatest website in finding current events, but it is a great resource for people who do not have much background on Ireland and the Troubles in Ireland. This website is written from an American perspective, so again, it is not the greatest for in detailed information about the events that led to the conflict in Ireland, but it is a great resource for the beginning researcher in getting a brief overview.
Lloyd, Chris, David McNair, and Ian Shuttleworth. "Measuring Local Segregation in Northern Ireland." Centre for Spatial Territorial Analysis and Research. Centre for Spatial Territorial Analysis and Research. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/c-star/pubs/lloydetal.pdf
This pdf research paper is great in that it quantifies the amount of segregation among Ireland. Like the other research article, it shows many views of segregation. This study shows that segregation is variable among different regions. The paper outlines how exactly numbers were obtained and the materials and methods utilized while conducting this study. This is a great resource because it maps out and gives visual data on the segregation between Catholics and Protestants within Northern Ireland, and within all of Ireland.
Mollenkamp, Carrick, and Jennifer Martinez. "The Troubles Return." The Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal, 14 Mar. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123699310634827165.html
This article also shows the return of the troubles, but from an American perspective. The Wall Street Journal provides more of a pathos heavy article because it focuses on the killings, murders, and bombings that have recently happened. This article is great if you wanted to look at the feelings people have associated with the troubles.
"The Search for Peace." BBC News. BBC. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/default.stm
This website is a great database source that consolidates many topics into one. This search engine gives many options to search and additional external links that relate to people, politics, paramilitaries, themes and major events that lead to conflict. This is a great website because if you were unsure of what to search, there is a dropdown list to choose from. This search engine is powered by BBC and is a guide to the causes of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Shepherd Johnson, Laurie, and Sheelagh Murnaghan. "The Practice of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland: The Teachers’ Perspective." Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education. Queens University, Belfast, 2002. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/publications/pdf/Integrated_Edu_Rep.pdf
This paper outlines the process of opening integrated schools and the logistics and outcomes. This is from the perspective of a teacher, so there is some bias in making these integrated schools look better than they really are. What is good about this paper, is that it outlines the possible and anticipated outcomes of integrates schools. This is a great paper in showing what peace can really look like ad is a step into the future.
""The Troubles" in Northern Ireland." MUBI. Franklinton Underground Cinema, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://mubi.com/lists/the-troubles-in-northern-ireland
This website lists many excellent documentaries and movies regarding the Troubles and conflict in Ireland. It focuses on the events that occurred in the Troubles and events that have led up to the troubles. You have to pay to watch these movies, but it outlines many great films about the violence and struggle for peace in Ireland. Many popular films like Bloody Sunday and Hunger are listed, and this is a great resource to view more cinematic research about the peace struggle in Ireland.
"Virtual Belfast Mural Tour." Map of Belfast's Murals. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.virtualbelfastmuraltour.com/map-of-belfast-murals.htm
The Derry and Belfast murals are an outlet for both the Protestants and Catholics to express their beliefs. This website shows murals done by Catholics and Protestants in 3D, and in relation to the rest of the surroundings. This is a great tool to visualize the murals as if it were right in front of you, and because the surroundings of the murals are shown, it allows a genuine mood to be formed. The Google street view allows for multiple angles and a location/address is given if anyone would like to visit in real life. This is a great non-biased source for information on the murals because it lists thy type of mural (loyalist or nationalist) and a brief description about the mural.
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Kevie Kawasaki
Censorship
"Censored: The 274 Books and Magazines Still Banned in Ireland Today." TheJournalie. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
http://www.thejournal.ie/censored-the-274-books-and-magazines-still-banned-in-ireland-today-455034-May2012/
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The books and magazines still banned in Ireland in 2012 are discussed and given explanations for their banning. This article is part of the Journalie a news source. Although the news can be skewed and be edited to tell one side of the story, this is a list of banned materials that cant be skewed making this a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Gisclard, Marielle, and Davi Rousse. "The Media and Northern Ireland." N.p., 23 Dec. 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://david.rousse.free.fr/download/miage_dess/mediaIreland.pdf
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The origins of the censorship laws are discussed as well as the literature banned and reasoning for it. Although the news can be skewed and be edited to tell one side of the story, this is a list of banned materials that can’t be skewed making this a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Rockett, Kevin. "IRISH FILM CENSORSHIP: A Cultural Journey from Silent Cinema to Internet Pornography." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.ifco.ie/ifco/ifcoweb.nsf/lookupreports2/AA073005F7A0F95780256F020055DD28/$File/a+history.pdf?openelement
This source speaks of the censorship in Ireland. The different genres of banned cinema are broken down with reasoning for its banning and examples of popular films in that genre banned. This source was written by people educated in film who use quotes and facts for why films are banned. Because this information is not opinionated, rather factual it is a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
Sinn Féin
Dalton, Des. "Sinn Féin 100 Years of Unbroken Continuity 1905-2005." Republican SINN FÈIN Poblachtach. N.p., 10 May 2005. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.rsf.ie/100years.htm
This source speaks of the history of the Sinn Féin. This is a written out timeline of major events in Sinn Féin history and its rise its current state. This source is a written recollection of a speech given by a former Sinn Féin vice president about the major trials and tribulations of the Sinn Féin. Because this information first came from a person aware of the Sinn Féin and the information matches information found on other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013]
Sheehan, Daniel D. "CHAPTER XXI. SINN FEIN - ITS ORIGINAL MEANING AND PURPOSE." Historion.net •History Online • Ireland Since Parnell •. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.z
http://historion.net/ireland-parnell/chapter-xxi-sinn-fein-its-original-meaning-and-purpose
This source speaks of the history of the Sinn Féin. This is a book with chapters about Ireland after all of Parnell’s works. This source is published and can be found on many different ebook sites and book purchasing sites. Because this information is in a book from 1921 and has not been discussed as containing errors, it is a valid source. [Reviewed 11 Mar. 2013]
Youth and Violence
Devine, Paula, and Dirk Schubotz. "Same as It Ever Was? Young People in Post-conflict Northern Ireland." Family- Russell House. N.p., Apr. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. Z
http://www.psa.ac.uk/journals/pdf/5/2012/329_1.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their past and present association to violence in Ireland. A study was done on the youth in Ireland including interviews with kids in Ireland about their personal association to violence and stories of others. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in violence. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 11 Mar. 2013]
Dowdney, Luke. "Neither War nor Peace. International Comparison of Children and Youth in Organised Armed Violence." Children and Youth of Organised Armed Violence. N.p., 1 June 2006. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. http://www.coav.org.br/publique/media/NeitherWarnorPeace.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their association to violence in Ireland. The youth in Ireland are interviews about their personal association to violence and stories of others. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in violence not only in Ireland but other countries as well. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 9 Mar. 2013]
Smyth, Marie, and Patricia Campbell. "YOUNG PEOPLE AND ARMED VIOLENCE IN NORTHERN IRELAND." Children and Youth in Organised Armed Violence. N.p., 2005. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. http://www.coav.org.br/publique/media/Report%20Irlanda.pdf
This source speaks of the youth and their past and present association with illegal behaviors in Ireland. A study was done on the youth in Ireland including interviews with kids in Ireland about their personal association to violence, drugs, and other illegal behavior. This source was written by members of an organization investigating youth in trouble. Because this information is not opinionated rather recordings of youth and their accounts of violence and it is part of a journal it is a valid source. [Reviewed 9 Mar. 2013]
Troubles
"Insight on Conflict." Insight on Conflict. N.p., Mar. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/northern-ireland/conflict-profile/
This source speaks of the troubles in Ireland. This source has an interactive timeline of major events that happened during the troubles including definitions and links to more in depth articles of these events. This is a source created by a peace organizations that has no side bias. Because the information here matches that of other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 10 Mar. 2013]
"The Troubles 1968-1995." The Guardian. N.p., 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/flash/0,6189,344683,00.html
This source speaks of the troubles in Ireland. This source has an interactive timeline of major events that happened during the troubles including photos and summaries. This source provides information of events from both the Irish and British side. Because the information here matches that of other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 25 Feb. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“The Signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998.” Department of Foreign Affairs -. N.p., 29 Sep. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=82885
This certain page on this website has a short video clip of a part of the news that was broadcasted on the day of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement made on 10 April 1998. This website in general has all kinds of information about foreign affairs and trade as well as many video archives regarding Ireland. (This website is credible because this website is ran by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and there are contact numbers.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“The Good Friday Agreement in Full. “BBC News. BBC, 12 Sept. 2004. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4079267.stm
This website very briefly talks about the Good Friday Agreement made on April 10, 1998, and what the plans are about. Following this, this website presents summarized outlines of the the Agreement, which are divided in three sections due to the size, and it also present links to the actual text. Also, towards the beginning of this page, there is a link to a quick guide which if clicked, opens in a little new window. This quick guide gives a short informative lesson on Northern Ireland conflict. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“End Segregated Schooling, Says NI First Minister.” - Channel 4 News. N.p., 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.channel4.com/news/time-to-end-segregated-schooling-says-ni-first-minister
This is a news channel website. On this specific page, this article talks about how it’s essential to end the segregated schools and start integrating schools. Northern Ireland’s first minister, Peter Robinson, insisted that it’s now time to end the segregation. He said, “You can't send young people from different communities to different schools and then wonder why, in later life, we have these problems.” This article also mentions that integration can’t be forced, and just increasing number of integrated schools won’t really help. (This website is credible because it has its contact number and the copyright. Also, if go to about section, it has some key facts, some of which are that this news is on at 7 pm every weeknight and that there are 20.3 million monthly viewers. Also, this article was written recently, in 2011.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Mcadam, Noel. “Ending Policy of Schools Segregation Could save Us up to £300m a Year.” Ending Policy of Schools Segregation Could save Us up to £300m a Year -BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. N.p., 19 Oct. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/ending-policy-of-schools-segregation-could-save-us-up-to-300m-a-year-28565465.html
This news on Belfast Telegraph.co.uk talks about how ending the school segregation could save up to more than £300m, which would be about 454 million dollars in the U.S. Money. Some of the reasons why segregating of schools takes lots of money are that students take the bus to go outside their geographical area and that there are many administrations due to having many schools. This website in general is informative in that it provides the news around Northern Ireland. (This website is credible because it’s a telegraph made in Belfast, and this article was written in 2010, which is considered recent.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Northern Ireland Peace Process.” Politics.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.politics.co.uk/reference/northern-ireland-peace-process
This website in general is very detailed with mix of news reporting, comment & analysis, and opinions. This page in particular talks about the Northern Ireland Peace Process by going back before the Belfast agreement and talking a bit about the history. This page also briefly talks about events that have happened after the Belfast agreement was signed, some of which are Northern Ireland Elections Act 1998 and a power-sharing agreement. Following this, it talks about the controversies, and one of them is random terrorist attacks by Protestants. This created the tension between Sinn Fein and the DUP. Due to these terrorist attacks, a Catholic police officer got severely injured and another got killed in a car bomb. (This website is credible because it’s a news website is the political website in Britain, and all the content and news are looked after by the dedicated editorial team. Also, this website provide information of the members of the team and their contact numbers, which adds more trust. One of the editorial policies this website set is no political bias.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
Clarity, James F. “Irish Take Heart as Peace Takes Hold.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 Oct. 1997. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/26/world/irish-take-heart-as-peace-takes-hold.html
One interesting fact about this article is that this article was written at the time of events happening. So we can get the real information about the history at that time. It states that more than 3,200 people had been killed during the conflict in the Northern Ireland since 1969, but none had died since the cease-fire. Also, it goes on to talk about how even though they just had cease-fire, they know that if one person either on an accident or on purpose starts violence, then everything will collapse, and this peace would be ruined. (This website is credible because New York Times is a famous and popular news network. Also, this article was written in the year of 1997, which means that when this news was written, it was pretty close to when events had happened.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“BLOODY SUNDAY Dublin ,November 21, 1920.” Irish Volunteersorg. N.p., 11 Feb. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://irishvolunteers.org/2012/02/bloody-sunday-dublin-november-21-1920/
This page talks about the Bloody Sunday that happened on November 21, 1920 in Dublin. It states that British Government formed paramilitary forces to augment the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary), and and the Auxiliary Division in response to IRA. However, Both groups caused a controversy because of the brutality and violence level those two groups were reaching; they not only were aggressive to IRA and the prisoners, but also, they were harsh on Irish people in general. This Bloody Sunday occurred under the direct of Michael Collins and Richard Mulcahy by IRA to wipe out the British intelligence organization in the city. (This website is ran by an organization of Irish volunteers, and the organization’s purpose is to preserve and promote the history of Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“ExecutedToday.com.” ExecutedToday.com. N.p., 21 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.executedtoday.com/2010/11/21/1920-bloody-sunday-in-ireland/
This website briefly describes the event of Bloody Sunday that happened in 1920. This event started with IRA agents killing 13 British agents in Dublin and ended with three IRA killed in British custody. At the end, 31 people lost their lives, and this ignited the event of the Irish War of Independence. This definitely escalated dirty war between Michael Collins’ Irish Republican Army and the Royal Irish Constabulary dispatched by London to crush the IRA. This article emphasizes at the end that this is different from the Bloody Sunday that happened in 1972. (This has copyright, and it provides a way to contact the person who is in charge of this website.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday Footage 1972.” YouTube. YouTube, 04 Jan. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODQ11b0_roU
This video is a footage of the Bogside riots of January 1972. This video captures the vividity of the Bloody Sunday that happened in 1972 in the Bogside area of Derry. In this event, 26 unarmed civil-rights protesters and bystanders were shot by the British Army soldiers. 13 people died right at that moment, and one person died about four months later due to that injury he got on that day. This video aids the visual part of the event. (This video is credible because this video was taken at the time of the event; it’s a footage.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
“The War of Independence.” Irish HIstory Live. Queen's University Belfast, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/irishhistorylive/IrishHistoryResources/ArticlesandLectures/TheWarofIndependence/
This page is great because it talks about the War of Independence in a great depth. It divides information into six sections to focus on as much as possible. It starts by giving the readers very important, thoughtful, and critical questions, and then moves on to talk about the role played by Shinn Fein and Dáil Éireann (the parliamentary assembly formed by republicans after the general election of December 1918). Eventually at the end of this article, it talks about what IRA did in the campaign for Irish independence, and how British authorities responded to IRA’s challenges. (This website is created and ran by a school, school of history and anthology at Queen’s University Belfast.) [Reviewed 17 Mar. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme- The Troubles, Irish-British Conflict
"A Brief History of the Troubles." Guardian.co.uk. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/northernireland/page/0,12494,1569841,00.html
This British site gives a great timeline of the Conflict between the Irish and the British. The nice thing about this site is that rather than doing the timeline by just years such as Year: This person died, it gives the timeline according to year and event. By giving the order using events it makes it a lot easier for people learning about the event to keep the timeline straight. (Although this is a British site it seems to give an unbiased view of all the events.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"CAIN: Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. Information on 'the Troubles'" CAIN: Northern Ireland Conflict, Politics, and Society. Information on 'the Troubles' Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/
This is probably the best site that I have come across when trying to learn about the Irish-British conflict. You are able to learn about background information, key events, even information such as a list of people killed. The reason why this site has all of this information is because it is the University of Ulster’s archives. (The information doesn’t seem to be bias. It is updated frequently and has many citations.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
Ito, Tim, and Aileen Yoo. "Overview Ireland's Troubled History." Washington Post. Apr. 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/overview.htm
This site gives a summarized look at the Irish-British conflict. It is a unique source because it is an outsider’s view, an American’s view, on the events the events that occurred. The way this site gives the information is by making a continuous tale of the events; some of the events are in bold but between them is an explanation of what triggered the event. (This site is unbiased for the most part. This site is really helpful because it simplifies the conflict so someone can grasp a good understanding of the conflict quickly.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland - An Overview." Transitional Justice. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://tj.facinghistory.org/readings/northernireland/overview
This site gives you a truly general idea of the Troubles. It doesn’t go into very much detail, but there are different tabs that go into details about different events that occurred during the conflict. (This site seems to be unbiased for the most part, but not a lot of information was given in the overview section to get a good understanding of the conflict. [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland Timeline." Timeline. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Chronology/timelinenorthernireland.htm
This source gives a different understanding of the conflict. You see how the conflict truly begins by examining Ireland’s history before the conflict. The interesting thing about this site is it begins telling the history of Ireland at the point when St. Patrick brought Catholicism to Ireland. (This site seems to be unbiased but gives a better understanding of the Irish side of the conflict.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"Quick Guide: Conflict in Northern Ireland." BBC News. BBC, 29 June 2006. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/5097948.stm
This BBC article truly does a wonderful job summarizing and giving a clear explanation of the Irish-British conflict. It is broken up into different sections explaining the origins of the conflict, how the conflict began, a quick summary of the conflict, as well as what the future holds for Ireland and Britain. (Although this is a British site it does not seem to be biased) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles, 1963 to 1985." BBC News. BBC, Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/the_troubles_article_01.shtml
This BBC article provides a clear and precise collection of information for people trying to learn about the Troubles. It is split up into a background section, the 'Troubles' begin, Civil Rights, the Provisional IRA, direct Rule, power-sharing, hunger Strikes, and the Anglo-Irish Agreement. (BBC although it is a British company, they are great about providing the audience with an unbiased report.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles 1968-1995." Guardian.co.uk. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/flash/0,6189,344683,00.html
The Guardian regarding the Troubles gives a great summary of the event. The way this site provides the information is through slide-like images. The reader is able to learn about the Troubles in segments. This can either be really handy or really annoying, if one is trying to learn the information it is helpful if they are trying to skim the information it gets hard because you have to click through the slides. (This source seems to be unbiased for the most part.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
"The Troubles." The Troubles. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/quillinn/the-troubles
This website can be seen as a helpful tool due to the fact that it has different activities to advance you learning. The problem with the slideshare site is that it doesn’t site any of the information and requires you to do some research rather than gives you the information. It is valuable to have those guiding questions as well as the charts because it breaks apart the information into chunks. (For the most part this site is unbiased, but the information is also not reliable because it is not cited.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
WOODWELL, DOUGLAS. "The “Troubles” of Northern Ireland." Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://pages.uindy.edu/~woodwelld/2753_06_ch06.pdf
This site gives an interesting perspective of how the economy affected the Irish-British conflict. This document is split up into different sections including Roots of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Developing Ethnic Dominance: Northern Ireland before the 1960s, Outbreak of Violence, Economic Factors Affecting the Onset of Conflict, Conflict Duration and the Long March to Resolution, Sustaining the Conflict, and Ending the Conflict. This site also provides charts comparing the number of deaths and the time period which they occurred. (This site appears to be credible, and all of the sources are sited.) [Reviewed 30 March 2013]
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Howe Qiu
"BBC News - Iconic images from the Northern Ireland peace process." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18611032
The BBC photo album resource serves as a timeline, highlighting key events with regard to peacemaking in Northern Ireland. The historic images match faces with names, and the appearances showing different leaders meeting together mark several turning points. A few iconic landmarks are shown as well, including segments of the peace wall. Last but not least, an appearance showing the Queen of England is remembered through this photo timeline. (The information provided here is visual and factual. BBC news reports these images in order to provide a summary to news-readers.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News - Northern Ireland peace walls 'still needed' - study." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
A new study suggests that 75% of residents living nearby to the peace walls vote to take down the peace walls. According to one statistic, 78% of the people believe that segregation would continue regardless of peace walls. Quote: "This shows that there is a huge public appetite for greater engagement between the communities and those responsible for peace walls." The article outlines an interesting perspective concerning the peace subject. (The information provided is collected from a census and reflects the opinions of respondents only. Some qualitative quotations are also included within the article.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Baldvinsdottir, Kolfinna. "Northern Ireland peace fund faces EU budget axe | EurActiv." EurActiv | European Union Information Website (EU and Europe). N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.euractiv.com/regional-policy/eu-peace-fund-trouble-despite-no-news-517541
The article by Euractiv highlighted a little known fact that the European Union has funds to help end sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, funds may be cut, or gotten rid of altogether. Financial issues such as separation of schools for catholics and protestants also plays a major detracting role in Northern Ireland's finances. (The information provided by euractiv.com is cited from http://www.seupb.eu/Home.aspx) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News | NORTHERN IRELAND | Clinton: His role in Northern Ireland." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1065913.stm
An important correlation between former U.S. president Bill Clinton's catholic religion and Northern Ireland is drawn in this BBC news article. At the time that the article was written, President Clinton had embarked on three visits to Dublin and Belfast, which no former U.S. President had ever done. (The article from the BBC news highlights the influence that Irish-American President Bill Clinton had on Northern Ireland's peace negotiations.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Deadlock at Northern Ireland peace talks | Mail Online." Home | Mail Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-59268/Deadlock-Northern-Ireland-peace-talks.html
Daily Mail UK reminds readers of how fragile the peace talk processes are in Northern Ireland. Republicans and Unionists alike are berated for their varying opinions/viewpoints and past actions. (The article is an opinion article and highlights viewpoints from the general public and both Republican and Unionist parties.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Lessons from the Northern Ireland Peace Process | Roger Mac Ginty - Academia.edu." Academia.edu - Share research. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.academia.edu/1160533/Lessons_from_the_Northern_Ireland_Peace_Process
This excerpt of an article by Roger Mac Ginty relates other peace processes from different countries in history with Nortern Ireland's conflicts. The article suggests that suppression of violence perhaps might be more effective than negotiation of peace. However, this may not be the case, since the British Army is constantly attempting to suppress violence, yet conflicts between the British Army and the IRA break out more than necessary. (This article is theoretical and provides many ideas and possible methods of restoring peace in Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"BBC News | Northern Ireland | Understanding Northern Ireland." BBC News - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/events/ira_ceasefire.stm
This historic reference outlines the history of the IRA ceasefire of August, 1994. The ceasefire only lasted 17 months, and ended with bombings in London's Docklands killing 2, wounding over 100, and causing over 85million british pounds in damage. (The information provided here is historical and factual. BBC news remembers the IRA ceasefire.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Devenport, Mark. "BBC News - Northern Ireland peace walls should 'come down by 2022'." BBC - Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-21187673
According to Mark Devenport, BBC News Political Editor, Northern Ireland, Peace walls should be taken down by 2022. There are currently developments being drafted outlining the teardown of Northern Ireland's Peace Walls. These have walls have been erected since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Devenport reports a calling for equality among the people of Northern Ireland. (The information reported here is based on the opinions of people within the Northern Ireland. BBC news reporter Mark Devenport reports directly from Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
Cushnahan, John. "Peace is a fragile plant that needs careful nurturing - News Debate | Opinion & Discussion |The Irish Times - Mon, Dec 10, 2012." Breaking News | Irish & International Headlines | The Irish Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/debate/peace-is-a-fragile-plant-that-needs-careful-nurturing-1.2131
An analogy is drawn between peace and a delicate plant. Peace must be watered daily and vigilantly. Some feel as if things are beginning to be buried in the past, even though violence still breaks out once in a while. The article calls readers to adapt a mindset of urgency towards peace, that it should not simply be waited upon, but sought after actively. (This opinion article from The Irish Times provides multiple perspectives and persuades readers to promote peace.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
"Recent Violence in Northern Ireland | Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies." Recent Violence in Northern Ireland. University of Notre Dame, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
www.kroc.nd.edu/newsevents/quickquestions/recent-violence-northern-ireland-617
Representing the University of Notre Dame, John Darby appeals to ethos, and helps readers understand the pain associated with the violence in Northern Ireland. In addition, the split between the "Continuity IRA" and the "Real IRA" is spoken of. Some emphasis is placed on the lack of unified identity between Catholics and Protestants within Northern Ireland. (Reporting from the University of Notre Dame, speculation of the troubles returning and criticism of the CIRA and RIRA are detailed within the article.) [Reviewed 28 Mar. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
“An Bhratach Náisiúnta - The National Flag.” Department of the Taoiseach. Department of the Taoiseach, 2011. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached_files/Pdf%20files/The%20National%20Flag.pdf
This pamphlet (in pdf form), published by the Department of the Taoiseach, provides a detailed history of the tricolor National Flag. The importance of symbolism is a recurrent theme in the realm of Irish conflict and peace, and the tricolor flag is one of the more prominent symbols. Being that it is a nationalist symbol, understanding the meanings of its colors can foster an understanding of the nationalists’ goal of a unified Ireland. (While the pamphlet does not contain a bibliography or citations for its historical sources (which include quotations from primary sources), the fact that it is published by the Department of the Taoiseach suggests that it is a valid secondary source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
Art of Reconciliation. “Bogside Artists on Death Of Innocence-Annette McGavigan Mural.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 11 Jul. 2011. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT9VnXveQF0
In this video clip, the Bogside Artists, namely Kevin Hasson, discuss the meaning and evolution of their “Death of Innocence” mural. The subject of the mural is Annette McGavigan, a 14 year-old girl who was shot by a British soldier in Derry on September 6, 1971. Class discussion has often turned to the students’ interpretations of the various Bogside murals, and this video provides an excellent opportunity to compare these interpretations to those of the original artists. (Considering that it presents an interview with the Bogside Artists themselves, this video clip can be considered a valid primary source regarding the making of the “Death of Innocence” mural. Further investigation shows that Art of Reconciliation has multiple YouTube clips regarding the Derry murals, lending them additional authority on the matter.) [Reviewed 28 Feb. 2013].
“Getting Away With Murder – From the Bogside to the Basra.” Pat Finucane Center. Pat Finucane Center, May 2004. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.
http://www.patfinucanecentre.org/hrights/bogbasra.html
This webpage contains a series of testimonies given by family members of individuals who were killed in Derry during The Troubles. Of special note is the testimony provided by May McGavigan, the surviving sister of Annette McGavigan of the “Death of Innocence” mural. (These testimonies are primary sources, given by family members of the deceased at a memorial vigil in Derry in May 2004. The webpage’s credibility is further supported by its place in the website of the Pat Finucane Centre, which describes itself as “a non-party political, anti-sectarian human rights group advocating a non-violent resolution of the conflict on the island of Ireland.” The website was one of the external links provided by the Museum of Free Derry in source 6 below.) [Reviewed 28 Feb. 2013].
Melaugh, Martin. “A Chronology of the Conflict – 1968 to the Present.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch72.htm
The yearly chronologies on this CAIN webpage are invaluable in exploring the timeline of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Many of the entries are supported by links to CAIN’s Sutton Index of Deaths, as well as links to records from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Where appropriate, there are also internal links to legislative documents housed elsewhere on CAIN. (The authority of the CAIN Web Service and the frequent updating of its information, combined with the internal links , confirm the validity of this source.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Mulhern, Dara. “Symbols Used by Both Main Traditions in Northern Ireland.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/images/symbols/crosstrad.htm
This CAIN webpage provides a helpful synthesis of the cross-traditional symbols found in Northern Ireland. There is more information regarding the Red Hand of Ulster, in addition to a discussion of the white peace ribbon (corresponding to the white section of the tricolor National Flag). Considering the importance of symbolism in the Northern Ireland conflict, this webpage is a useful reference for deciphering the imagery employed by the various factions involved in the conflict. (While there are no citations or external links on this particular webpage, the CAIN Bibliography does provide a list of external sources regarding symbolism. The authority of the CAIN Web Service, as well as the recent updating of the page’s information (January 2013), confirms the validity of this source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
Museum of Free Derry: The National Civil Rights Archive. Museum of Free Derry. 2005. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/index02.html
The website for the Museum of Free Derry provides textual descriptions and photographs for many of the key events of The Troubles that occurred in Derry, including the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman. There are also galleries for the Bogside murals and posters from various Bloody Sunday commemorative marches. (The website does not offer any citations – however, considering that that museum is a community archive of over 25,000 artifacts, it appears as though primary sources were consulted. The external links to the CAIN Web Service and the Pat Finucane Centre (which hosts source 3 above) also contribute to the website’s authority.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Northern Ireland Political. “Operation Motorman. Northern Ireland.” YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cns_FOzAUGk
This video provides an excellent account of Operation Motorman, the British military operation that ended IRA-controlled “Free Derry” on July 31, 1972. Operation Motorman brought an end to these Catholic-inhabited “no-go” areas, as well as marking an increase in the frequency of house searches and Catholic internment. (While the video’s YouTube “author”, Northern Ireland Political, provides no references, further investigation shows that this video was taken from a special on UTV, a popular news outlet in Northern Ireland. Although this context gives the video a potential for bias, the variety of firsthand accounts (via interviews with members of both sides of the conflict, including Martin McGuinness) suggests that the source’s perspective is valid and objective.) [Reviewed 3 Mar. 2013].
Northern Ireland: The Troubles. BBC Recent History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/
This BBC website provides a variety of resources related to The Troubles, including an outline of the prior events in Ireland’s history that ultimately culminated in The Troubles. The “Fact Files” are particularly helpful for distinguishing between the various political and paramilitaries groups, and the “Legacy” section contains audio clips with firsthand accounts from people who lived through The Troubles. (Although this website does not provide any external websites or citations, the BBC’s status as a reputable news source on the Northern Ireland conflict suggests that it is a valid source.) [Reviewed 15 Mar. 2013].
O’Neill, Declan. “Hand over fist: The Red Hand of Ulster still has the power to divide Northern Ireland.” The Independent. The Independent, 25 Apr. 2010. Web. 6 Mar. 2010. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hand-over-fist-the-red-hand-of-ulster-still-has-the-power-to-divide-northern-ireland-1950412.html
In this article from The Independent, photographer Declan O’Neill outlines the history of the Red Hand of Ulster, as well as the symbol’s meaning today. The article includes a link to a gallery of examples of the Red Hand of Ulster that O’Neill photographed in various areas of Northern Ireland, including Belfast. (The article’s context in a major UK newspaper’s website seems as if it would lead to a bias in favor of the loyalists, but the author’s bias seems to go in the opposite direction – he claims that the loyalists have “misappropriated” the symbol. Although this bias, combined with the lack of citations for the historical information, is detrimental to the article’s validity, the gallery of photographs is a valuable primary source for exploring the Red Hand of Ulster’s place in modern Northern Ireland.) [Reviewed 6 Mar 2010].
“The Battle of the Boyne.” BBC History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/battle_of_the_boyne
This BBC webpage provides an excellent written description of the Battle of the Boyne, including the chronology of the battle as well as the battle’s legacy (including its celebration by the Orange Order every July 12). There are links to further information (via other BBC sources) throughout the text, and the text is complemented by five short video highlights from BBC programs on the Battle of the Boyne. (While this website is a secondary source, many of the links refer to contributions by university historians, who are likely to have had access to the relevant primary sources from the time of the battle. The text also contains quotes from eyewitnesses to the battle, further suggesting the use of primary sources. The website’s validity can also be inferred from the BBC’s status as a reputable news source.) [Reviewed 6 Mar. 2013].
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Anushka Tandon
"The Battle of the Boyne." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/battle_of_the_boyne
The BBC sites for Irish history are quite well-executed, with plenty of detail as well as internal and external links to additional information. The strengths of this site are its attention to detail in as close to non-partisan a manner as possible, as well as its interactive nature. This is ideally suited for students who are auditory and visual learners, while still providing information in the traditional textual format of most online sources. The site breaks down the events encompassing the Battle of the Boyne, describing each in detail and assessing their importance to the outcome. The article concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and how it affected Irish history in the years to come, as well as linking an interview with a scholar to provide a primary source (albeit one of opinion) to the secondary charting of factual information.
"Belfast Murals." InYourPocket. In Your Pocket Ltd., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.inyourpocket.com/northern-ireland/belfast/Belfast-Murals_70999f
InYourPocket is a travel guide series, so the information is purely factual and no analysis is offered here. This source is helpful in distinguishing the different locations and themes of the murals in Ireland, and also points out the more modern turns the artwork is taking. This snippet is a good “jumping-off point” for researching the different groups of mural work in Ireland, and selecting a focal point for the research. The images are also good primary sources of the artwork here. The source is credible – it is a large print series of books that has an online database as well.
Brown, Derek. "How the Battle of the Boyne Earned Its Place in History." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 12 July 2000. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2000/jul/12/northernireland.comment
The Guardian is a fairly credible news source, with up-to-date information on a broad variety of topics, and a team of well-established writers to support the web-journal’s plethora of information. This article simply creates a “snapshot” of the importance of the Battle of the Boyne in Irish and English history, describing succinctly the stakes of the fight and the impact of King James’ victory on the series of events that would unfold in the coming years of Irish history. Here, one can see how the foundation for the conflict of the Troubles was laid. This source is valuable because it mentions all the key players involved in the pivotal battle, rather than focusing just on King William and King James. This is a good background knowledge source.
Hancock, Landon. "CAIN: Background Essay on the Northern Ireland Conflict." CAIN: Background Essay on the Northern Ireland Conflict. CAIN Web Service, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/landon.htm
This essay by Landon Hancock is perhaps one of the most visually and graphically informative (and comprehensive) breakdowns of the events leading up to, and transpiring during, the period of Irish history known as the Troubles. The maps of geographical borders drawn, accompanied by explanations regarding the significance and treatment of these geophysical divides, is eye-opening on a different level than other sources. This essay tends to get a bit technical, but the mass of intricate detail, with regards to economic conditions in this time period, for example, is an excellent aid to subject-specific research – this is rather like a highly detailed primer on various perspectives from which to study the Troubles.
"Ireland and the Politics of Bigotry – Part Two." Fightback. Fightback, 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. http://ireland.marxist.com/history/8390-ireland-and-the-politics-of-bigotry-part-two
The article, and this website, are both heavily biased in that they believe that conflict in Ireland was not truly based on opposing religious beliefs and behaviors, but was a conspiracy theory with regards to international alliances instead. This bias, whether appropriate or not, allows for the exploration of a rather interesting perspective on Irish warfare (specifically, the Battle of the Boyne) – positing that it was underhanded, convoluted, and covered ulterior motives. The analysis should be taken with a grain of salt; however, much of the “factual” information on the site is verifiable elsewhere on the internet. Overall, this is a good read for research, or for deepening one’s general understanding of Irish history.
Mallie, Eamonn. "Trouble Flares as Loyalist Fury over Northern Ireland Flag Row Renews." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/18/us-irish-violence-idUSBRE8BH02V20121218
This Reuters article is short and to-the-point with regards to the current political unrest in Ireland, dealing with the sectarian violence related to flag-flying in politically divided regions of Ireland, such as Belfast (as is discussed here). Reuters is a credible database of information but this article doesn’t have much substance – again, it merely outlines key themes in the violent affairs of modern Ireland. This source is a good way to get acquainted with modern conflict in Ireland, and to help decide upon a topic of research for current affairs. The article itself seems fairly low on bias, coming from a third-party source and having been worked on by three individuals before finally being published.
McDowell, Jamie, and Kerry McKittrick. "Belfast's Murals: Off the Wall?" BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Belfast Telegraph, 12 Apr. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/features/belfasts-murals-off-the-wall-28530297.html
The Belfast Telegraph is an independent paper published and circulated in Northern Ireland – it is difficult to tell whether the publication is biased towards its location, or toward its independent (possibly republican) nature. However, the article here doesn’t seem heavily favoring one side of the political divide. Rather, it discusses the unified decisions of members of Northern Irish communities to paint over violent, outdated murals in promoting a message of peace and hope for the future. This article relies mostly on snippets from interviews (primary sources) with Protestant and Catholic artists alike, as well as ordinary citizens who are participating in redesigning their communities freely (without caving to pressures from Loyalist or Republican factions as to the nature of the new artwork). This source is credible, current, and useful in an analysis of the changing views of Irish citizens post-Troubles.
McKittrick, David. "Remembering Bobby Sands." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 5 May 2006. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/remembering-bobby-sands-476884.html
This article is a mix of primary information (from interviews) and secondary facts from other references, detailing the life of Bobby Sands and the role he played in the lives of common citizens, politicians, activists, and other Irish folk involved in the troubles. The source is rather useful in that it can give you a sense of how different groups of IRA affiliates felt about Sands’ beliefs and actions, and extend that understanding to a more general picture of the complex atmosphere of emotion during this period of civil unrest. The bias here is that all candidates interviewed are IRA and Sinn Fein associated – there is no voice from the opposition here, as the article is meant to celebrate Bobby Sands, the hero. David McKittrick is an established staff writer on the Independent, giving the article more credibility, and making it ideal for use as a primary source in research.
Pingel, Stephen M. "From His Prison Cell, Bobby Sands Made the World Take Notice." Boston Irish Reporter. Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., 4 Oct. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bostonirish.com/history/his-prison-cell-bobby-sands-made-world-take-notice
This article details the activist life of Bobby Sands, with a bit more background information on his childhood and formative years than found with most other sources. The text links Sands’ actions to impacts across the world, as well as political and structural effects within Ireland. The detail is put simply in the text, making it ideal for casual reading and also for research. There appears to be a bias here (although slight) in portraying Sands positively, though the author must be credited for stating directly the terms of Sands’ arrests and his alleged involvement in violent anti-Loyalist plots. The article is the eighth in a series of 20 detailing important Irish individuals of the 20th century.
"A Time Line for the Troubles." WashingtonPost.com. The Washington Post, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/timeline.htm
I think I am biased towards timelines – the format of this article makes the events before, during, and after the Troubles so easy to learn and file away in order that it makes for an ideal reference to any research paper. This is rather like a skeleton for such an assignment, giving general overviews about key events, while allowing for students to conduct further research on those they select as most relevant or interesting. This purely secondary source seems to have been compiled by various contributors as no specific author is acknowledged here – decreasing selection bias to a great extent. The Washington Post is certainly a safe source to use with regards to research – it is a well-established news hub.
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Taryn Olivera
"UVF - The Ulster Peoples Army." UVF - The Ulster Peoples Army. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. http://www.theuvf.2ya.com/
This site is an incredible source. While it may not be accredited or published by a well-known news source, it is clearly written by Loyalist, British, Protestants. Before you even enter the site, there is a disclaimer that Ulster is British soil. As you read farther into the site, you can distinctly see the amazing biases that are inherent when one of the sides on the peace process is writing. This is a great website that, when analyzed and evaluated, really shows the feelings of the British toward the war and toward the Catholics. This is a great source for trying to understand the feelings on the side of the Protestants, and it illustrates the fact that these feelings have not changed, and the hatred still exists. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Ingraham, Jeson. "CAIN: Peace Process: 'Irish Peace Process' - an Article by Jeson Ingraham." CAIN: Peace Process: 'Irish Peace Process' - an Article by Jeson Ingraham. N.p., 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/peace/talks.htm
Although long winded, this source is credible not only due to the diction, but also the vast amount of sources in the bibliography. This site discusses the process that Northern Ireland went through to come to peace agreements, or at least the stalemate that they are currently in. There is a lot to read, but it is especially interesting for those that are interested in the politics involved in the Peace Process. The bibliography at the end also offers many more sources for papers on the political involvement in Northern Ireland. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Evans, Margaret. "Uneasy Peace, the Segregated Reality of Northern Ireland." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 03 Oct. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/10/02/f-vp-evans-northern-ireland.html
This site shows credibility, not only because it is broadcasted by a big name news source, but also because it is a first hand account. This site also the feelings of the people that are actually living in Northern Ireland, from the perspective of a person that was there in the middle of it. This is a great source for readers that are delving deeper into the reasons that Northern Ireland is still not in a completely peaceful state, and gives a wonderful first hand account of what it is actually like to be in the middle of the differing views and conflicts. [Reviewed 13 March 2013]
Mahjoob, Medhl. Bobby-Sands.com. N.p., 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://bobby-sands.com/biography.html
This is a website dedicated to one of the most influential hunger strikers, Bobby Sands. Not only was he elected as a member of the British Parliament, but his involvement and ultimately death in the Hunger Strike had a huge impact on the Republicans in Ireland. There was clearly an amazing amount of research that went into the creation of this site, and it is laid out in a structured way that makes it user-friendly and incredibly informative. It seems to be a factual, unbiased source, and has a wealth of information on Bobby Sands and how his life influenced Irish history. [Reviewed 16 March 2013]
Melaugh, Martin. "CAIN: Events: Hunger Strike 1981 - Chronology." CAIN: Events: Hunger Strike 1981 - Chronology. CAIN, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/hstrike/chronology.htm
This site is a great resource for readers that are just beginning their search for information about the Irish Hunger Strike. The Hunger Strike is a huge part of the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and this site does a great job of detailing the Hunger Strike, as well as giving a timeline with context around the Hunger Strike, so readers can understand the events leading up to the actual event, as well as the impacts of it. The dictation and amount of information on the site gives it credibility, as well as the fact that it is a CAIN website. [Reviewed 16 March 2013]
Archick, Kristin. Northern Ireland: The Peace Process. Rep. Congressional Research Service, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS21333.pdf
This source is a research project, complete with a large list of sources, all about the Irish Peace Process. It includes in depth, detailed information about what happened with the conflict in Northern Ireland. The resources, the publisher, and the manner in which the paper is written all contribute to the credibility of this source. The research is done well, and the paper is well developed. It is a good source for readers that are interested in knowing everything that there is to know about the Irish Peace Process. While not the most reader friendly page, and also a little tedious to read, there is an amazing wealth of information on the Peace Process, including geography. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
PBS. PBS, 1998. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/conflict/violence.html
This is a source on the Irish Republican Army that is written from a perspective of a supporter of the Irish Republic. It details not only the violence that occurred in Northern Ireland, but it also explains, from the Republican side, the political and social motivations behind all of the violent acts committed by the Irish Republican Army. It also helps the reader to understand the attitudes of the people, and has an immense amount of information, including pertinent cultural pieces like poems and songs that are about this topic. This source is put out by PBS, which is a known credible source, and also provides a list of links and other sources that will help expand knowledge. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
"The Rise of Sinn Féin." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/aftermath/af03.shtml
This BBC site gives a short article on how the Sinn Féin came to be the dominant political party among the Irish Republicans. The fact that it is published and has a copyright from BBC gives the entire site credibility. The site is an incredible source, with timelines of multiple important events that all had impacts on the Irish people in regards to peace and politics. In addition to writing, there are also audio clips from professors that are employed at Universities in Ireland, which adds to the credibility of the site. This is a good site for readers that are interested in the politics that emerged from the violence and the ways that the issues have been partially solved. [Reviewed 17 March 013]
Montgomery, Alison, Grace Fraser, Claire McGlynn, Alan Smith, and Tony Galagher.Integrated Education in Northern Ireland; Integration in Practice. Rep. UNESCO Centre; University at Ulster at Coleraine, Mar. 2003. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://arrts.gtcni.org.uk/gtcni/bitstream/2428/6018/1/Integration%2520in%2520Practice.pdf
This source is a very long report on the progress that has been made, however little that is, in Northern Ireland. One of the biggest steps they have made is these integrated schools, which are trying to open the gates of communication between the two groups of people living in the same cities. The goal of these schools is to lessen the hate in the younger generations, in hopes that as they grow up they will be instrumental in closing the gap through understanding. This site is credible because it is a report that is backed by a major university in Ireland, and there are also multiple contributors, allowing for more than one point of view in the report. This study examines how well this system is working, and the impact that these schools are making on the communities in Northern Ireland that they are in. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
"Northern Ireland Peace Walls 'still Needed' - Study." BBC News. BBC, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
This source is about the peace walls in Northern Ireland, that are used to separate the Republican Catholics from the Protestant Loyalists. There have been recent movements to bring these peace walls down, and this source discusses the feelings of the Irish people, as well as some of the reactions to bringing the peace walls down. This is a great source for readers that are interested in the current events that are going on in Ireland, and how the feelings of the citizens are changing, or not changing. The publisher of the site and the first hand accounts in this short article show its credibility. [Reviewed 17 March 2013]
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Jamal Zahir
“The Search for Peace.” BBC News, 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/northern_ireland/understanding/default.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This website is an excellent source for students in history classes searching for key figures (i.e. John Hume, Gerry Adams, etc.) in Irish history as well as general themes, key events, and political parties & paramilitary groups. More of a history covering the Irish civil rights struggle, this site does not cover contemporary events in Ireland. Events are purely fact based without a bias favoring the British side; after all, BBC is British. All information is assumed to be correct, as per the credibility of BBC; at the same time, however, not even one source is cited for facts written.
“One Minute World News.” Timeline: Northern Ireland’s Road to Peace. BBC News, 2006. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4072261.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. A purely fact and event based timeline with minute tidbits about important peace advancing events only in the political sector. Students would fare well if they were to read this text; the small excerpts make for easy reading with a high retention rate. As such, students and an audience interested about the major events in the political peace process since 1987 would do themselves a favor by looking at this site. Written in 2006, the age of the paper does not change the validity of the events. Again, integral to the BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation.
“News Northern Ireland.” Northern Ireland Peace Walls ‘Still Needed’ - Study. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19715791
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. A contemporary research study polling a random sample of the Northern Ireland populous finds that two-thirds of the population cannot see a time when the Peace Walls will not be necessary – a grim finding considering the decades of violent aggression between Britain and Ireland. This is an important study displaying ongoing animosity between the Irish and British. As the sample size and demographic of the poll was not exposed, the accuracy of the quantitative analysis must be questioned, at least. Again, in BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation. Contemporary researchers (i.e. undergraduates, graduates, professors, etc.) at institutions will find this page very pertinent to describing the dynamics of the Northern Ireland peace wall removal.
“BBC NEWS.” Clinton: His role in Northern Ireland. BBC News, 2000. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1065913.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. An article highlighting the reasons for which Clinton was a part of the Northern Ireland peace process. Purely fictional, this article focuses on Clinton’s overt influence over the Northern Ireland peace process. This article is heavily skewed in thought in that it favors Clinton’s influence over all other factors, leading to Northern Irish peace. Again, integral to the BBC-style, sources are not cited for historic validation. This source provides more of a qualitative approach as opposed to a quantitative approach; for example, dates of events are not given, but rather a general discussion of themes and outcomes is prevalent.
“News Northern Ireland.” Michael D Higgins tribute to Northern Ireland peace process. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20145939
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source highlights the Irish President’s aspiration for true ‘reconciliation,’ rather than just ‘peace.’ As a contemporary piece, this article is excellent in describing the most up-to-date sentiments about the Irish and British peace process. In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“News Northern Ireland.” End of Northern Ireland peace lines is aim of week. BBC News, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18045647
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source provides an overview of cultural sensitivity programs being introduced in Northern Ireland for kids, so that a tolerant mind-set comes to fruition; rather, Catholics and Protestants might get along in the future. A highly subjective article, this source is excellent on drawing from current viewpoints about the possible dissolution of the peace walls. . In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“TIME World.” Terror Returns to Northern Ireland. TIME, 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1883723,00.html
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, TIME has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. TIME news may be associated with credible news sources like Al-Jazeera, BBC, Russian TV, and CNN. This source is purely an informative and reflective piece; informative in that is conveys details of IRA terrorist attacks and reflective in that it analyzes this events relation to the peace process. Written almost a decade after the formal Northern Irish peace process, this source is excellent for an analysis of Irish political history in the twenty-first century. Similar to most news sources which have set a precedent for disseminating credible information, TIME World also does not cite its sources. Supposed facts in articles are assumed to be accurate.
“News Northern Ireland.” Northern Ireland-Terrorism 'Increasing Threat' to Britain. BBC News, 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14123147
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. However, this article seems to be heavily laden with a bias favoring the British. This paper is very keen on presenting cut-n-dry quantitative data supporting the continued unwanted British presence in Northern Ireland. For example, the source mentions, “the number of terrorist-related arrests in Northern Ireland was 98% higher in 2010 than in 2009.” That being said, this source is highly subjective on the political conflict between the Irish and the British. In true BBC style, sources are not mentioned; however, the validity of details is assumed due to the precedent of accurate information disseminated from the BBC.
“AL-JAZEERA.” Peace in Northern Ireland: A Model of Success?. AL-JAZEERA, 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/08/201281292223454712.html
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, AL-JAZEERA has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This article answers the question of the title: it’s simply, no. Peace walls and agreements like the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) have simply unanswered the true need for Ireland, civil rights and a stable economy. This source critiques the failure of the “peace promoting machinery” (i.e. peace walls and political decisions). A highly subjective look at the impact of the treaties and peacelines, this article is not alone in its premise. As this article is under the “Opinions” section of AL-JAZEERA, it is pertinent to realize that this is a personal opinion; however, as the author is a professor of political science at the University of Scranton, his view must be considered authoritative.
“Global Forum Reports.” Economics driving Northern Ireland Peace Process. University of Colorado Denver, 1999. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/InternationalPrograms/CIBER/GlobalForumReports/Documents/Economics_Driving_Northern_Ireland.pdf
As a student of the University of Colorado Denver, I can vouch for the accuracy of the research conducted at this domestically renowned university, by Professor James M. Lyons, Attorney; Special Advisor to President and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland. Students and professors in academia would benefit most from this source. This source argues that there is a positive correlation between the state of the Irish economy and the level of peace in Northern Ireland. Taking a purely economic standpoint, this article differs in that it does not mention political decisions or physical boundaries as important drivers of peace. A highly unique and subjective piece, this article considers the economic state of Ireland as the most important marker for prospective peace. Lyons’ credibility is secured by his position as attorney and Special Advisor to President and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland.
Irish Politics
While I lived in Ireland, I also took a UL class on Irish Traveller History and Culture. It was a fabulous class and I learned so much about this culture and the politics involved. Take a look at this quote from Modern Politics by Amy Hackney Blackwell and Ryan Hackney:
"Ireland faces a human rights challenge with the Travellers. Also known as Tinkers, this gypsylike community travels around in caravans and rarely puts down roots. The people suffer severe discrimination in many Irish communities, who fear that the Travellers bring crime. The government has tried to ease the situation, but it's difficult to provide social services to a transient community."
The professor was a settled traveller from Galway and he was a kind and wise guide on this journey.
Judith Coe
"Ireland faces a human rights challenge with the Travellers. Also known as Tinkers, this gypsylike community travels around in caravans and rarely puts down roots. The people suffer severe discrimination in many Irish communities, who fear that the Travellers bring crime. The government has tried to ease the situation, but it's difficult to provide social services to a transient community."
The professor was a settled traveller from Galway and he was a kind and wise guide on this journey.
Judith Coe
Irish Politics Webliography
This Webliography section of our class blog will feature student cybersleuthing research projects, relative to Irish Politics and specific areas of topic research and targeted passions that resonate personally and focus on deliberate themes.
Pratibha Anand
The Bloody Sunday Conflict of January 30th, 1972
“Bloody Sunday.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/bloody_sunday
This website contains a birds’ eye overview of Bloody Sunday including an overview of Free Derry, the events of the fateful day, and ensuing reaction and inquiries. Additionally, there are links to a variety of television, radio, and interactive resources as well as a timeline of events. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the BBC, and offers a variety of links to relevant articles, radio clips, and videos, including a timeline of events. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2010. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/726532/Bloody-Sunday
This source features an overview of the events that took place on Bloody Sunday and explores the precipitating factors that led to the event. It further provides hyperlinks to key words, places, people, and organizations involved in the conflict. Finally, there is a discussion surrounding the aftermath of the conflict including the 2010 Saville Report and recent details about recompenses paid to victims’ relatives. (This source strives to offer factual, unbiased information that is in line with its mission to “promote knowledge and learning” that is “timely, relevant, and trustworthy…In a world where questionable information is rampant.” The organization collaborates “with experts, scholars, educators, instructional designers, and user-experience specialists” and claims that “subjecting [its] work to rigorous editorial review” contributes to its utility, reliability, and enjoyment. The information on this website is further verifiable through other websites.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday 1972.” New World Encyclopedia. Paragon House Publishers, 12 Feb. 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bloody_Sunday_(1972)
This website provides and factual and thorough account of the events that took place on Bloody Sunday including the names and circumstances of death for each of the deceased men. This is followed by a discussion on perspectives and analyses of the day, the Saville Inquiry, and the impact on Northern Ireland divisions. Interestingly, there is also a brief section that discusses artistic reaction to the event and includes several color photographs. (The New World Encyclopedia is intended for use by teachers and students who are drawn to the ease of use of online resources Wikipedia, but are concerned about quality, consistency, and core values. New World Encyclopedia combines the benefits of open source Internet media with those of traditional and careful editorial supervision by scholars. This source has the benefit of hyperlinks and the greater detail found in online encyclopedias, coupled with the traditional review of facts, grammar, and values by researchers and experts in the field. The publisher, Paragon House, offers books of cultural and intellectual significance with a specific international and interdisciplinary character. Given this information, it is reasonable to conclude that the source is reputable and reliable.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland.” History Channel. A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bloody-sunday-in-northern-ireland
This source relays a concise overview of Bloody Sunday and provides information on developments that have taken place since the conflict occurred. The website seeks to draw attention to the key people, organizations, and places involved in the conflict and features some audio-visual material, as well. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, the History Channel, and offers thoroughly researched material about the event. Additionally, the website strives to provide and impartial, unbiased information and programming. It is important to note, however, that the organization works with corporate sponsors and its parent company, A&E Television Networks, LLC, prides itself on accessibility and entertainment, which could compromise thoroughness and depth.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Key Events: Bloody Sunday, Derry 30 January 1972.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict Archive on the Internet. University of Ulster, 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/index.html
The CAIN Website dedicated to Bloody Sunday thoroughly chronicles the event and provides specific pages dedicated to Key Events, Key Issues, Conflict Background, Chronology, the Deceased, Circumstances, Background, Events, Photographs, and Sources. The website further includes photographs, audio clips, details of source material, and a list of related relevant websites. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the University of Ulster, and offers verifiable information with plenty of citations and frequent information updates. The additional links further enhance the quality of the provided information by offering background details.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
“Wars & Conflict: The Plantation of Ulster”
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/plantation/
This site is created by BBC, which is a credible source that we used in class on several occasions. The home page provided different information regarding the Ireland political, legal, religious, and other sections before and after the Plantations. In addition to the plantations the website also has links to Ulster Scots settlement mas, Bardic Poetry, Audio gallery, American connections, Architecture, and many more information regarding the history of Ireland. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“The Plantation of Ulster”
"The Plantation of Ulster." The Plantation of Ulster. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/history/tudor-ireland/the-plantation-of-ulster/
This website has short but useful information about the Plantation of Ulster. The context of this site provides historical background about the plantations starting from the 1603 confiscation of land by James Hamilton and James Montgomery that was allowed by King James. The information covered on this site also talks about the role the plantations played in rapidly increasing the population of Ulster and changing the indigenous culture and tradition. The AskaboutIreland site is created in collaboration with several public libraries and museums to create an online resource that provides information about the history of Ireland. The information found in this site is consistent with the information found on other well trusted sites such as BBC, which increases the credibility of this resource. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Murals of Northern Ireland”
"Murals of Northern Ireland." Murals of Northern Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/mni
This site provides an interactive collection of murals from Northern Ireland, West Belfast, Republican and Loyalist, and the Troubles. Clicking on each mural will give a larger view and detailed information of the murals. The information provided for each mural includes: title, photographer, subject, short description of the mural, publisher, date the mural was photographed, affiliations, sources, type, and format. The pictures found in this site include a well-balanced variety of murals form the different social and political groups. The site is created and sponsored by Claremont University Consortium, which is an organization that encompasses seven independent colleges located in Southern California. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images”
"Debatewise." Debatewise. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://debatewise.org/debates/503-should-the-murals-in-belfast-be-replaced-with-more-peaceful-images/
This site creates a place for people to show their opinions about the removal of the political murals in Belfast. People write their take on the question "Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images?" Even though, the information provided is just people’s opinions, it helps the understanding of both the negative and positive consequences of the replacement of the murals. When using the information from this site, further research is encouraged since some of the comments might be subjected to biased points of views. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Time to free Martin Corey”
"Time to Free Martin Corey." Daily News and Opinion from the Left. N.p., 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://socialistworker.org/2012/08/14/time-to-free-martin-corey
This article provides background information about the 2011 protest that demanded the release of Martin Corey from prison. The site provides a brief biography of Martin Corey, a former Irish Republican Army (IRA) member, and provides information regarding the reasons for his repeated arrest and why he become an influential figure in the Irish republican politics. The Socialistworker.org is a credible news site that is an online version of the weekly Socialist Worker newspaper that was around since 1977. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Women in Irish Politics
“Advancement of women in public life.” BBC NI Learning. BBC, 2006. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/learning/history/stateapart/agreement/society/advancement1.shtml
This article discusses the social and political advancements women have made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. However, the article also states that Ireland’s society is still far from achieving complete gender equality, particularly in politics. The article makes note of several supporting facts and statistics, especially regarding Northern Ireland. It also examines how the Good Friday Agreement established the political tone and environment for women in the future and the effects. (This website appears to be a credible source of information due to similar and corresponding information on other websites.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Equality Statistics for the Northern Ireland Civil Service.” Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Department of Finance and Personnel, 2012. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/NICS%20Equality%20Report%202012.pdf
This article provides a detailed overview regarding the state of diversity and equality of those who serve in Northern Ireland’s civil service. Not only does this provide accurate statistics regarding all aspects of Northern Ireland’s government workers such as ethnicity, gender, and age, but this publication also includes various graphics and other types of visual representation of the data that could prove to be quite useful in research. (This appears to be a valid source since not only was this provided by a government agency but this was also conducted by a nonpartisan third party organization in addition to a quality assessment attached in the annex of the publication.). [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Irish Feminist Network Policy Brief on Women’s Political Representation in Ireland.” Irish Feminist Network. Irish Feminist Network, 2011. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishfeministnetwork.org/uploads/8/4/9/1/8491921/irish_feminist_network_policy_brief_on_womens_political_representation_in_ireland.pdf
This publication discusses the problems with women being under-represented in Irish politics, reasons that these issues are significant, and possible ways to potentially resolve this matter. It also goes into detail as potential causes for these problems and how this matter affects everyone in the community. This article is very useful since it provides a great amount of information and presents the information in a way that is readable to the average citizen and personally meaningful. (While there is a slight bias present in the article since the article’s purpose is to persuade the audience into taking action or obtaining this mindset, this publication provides multiple valid references and resources regarding the presented information, making it a credible source.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
Marsh, Michael. “Mary Robinson (president of Ireland).” Britannica Online Encyclopedia, n. d. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/505757/Mary-Robinson
This article details the life and political accomplishments of Mary Robinson. The article does not examine her early life but nevertheless begins from her education at Trinity College and discusses her political actions and affiliations since then. (This article could have been improved if it had provided controversies where Robinson has been involved or downfalls in her political career as oppose to listing only her accomplishments; nevertheless, Britannica is recognized to be a credible resource and the article also provides information that appears to overlap with other websites as well as the appropriate references.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
Women for Election. Women for Election, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.womenforelection.ie/about-us/
Women for Election is described as a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that stemmed from the organization Women for Europe. The goal of this organization is to inspire women to consider a career in politics, provided them with the tools to become elected, and inform the women in communities of the benefits and significance of politics. The existence of this website not only demonstrates the awareness of the existence of gender inequality in the nation’s politics but also shows the presences of motivated Irish people who strive to combat this social issue. (This organization appears to be credible; not only is its website informative and professional in manner, the organization is supported and sponsored by many other non-profit organizations such as The Equality Authority, The Ireland Funds, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Blueface, Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, The Community Foundation for Ireland, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, and The Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation for Ireland.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme: Easter Rising
“Easter Rising 1916: From Home Rule To Independence.” Wars & Conflict: 1916 Easter Rising. BBC Home. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/
The political landscape changed due to the 1916 Easter Rising. This website is helpful and resourceful because you can look at the prelude, insurrection, and the aftermath. It’s separated into these sections and makes it easier for anyone to use the site and learn what they want to about the Easter Rising. I focused on the prelude section, which discussed what led to the Easter Rising. Once you click prelude, it leads you to more links that give important information about this event. For example, the Unionist Resistance and the Dublin Lockout 1913. (This site is credible because it is a very known and reliable site: BBC. Also, it has the current date at the top of the page demonstrating that this page is kept up to date. It is very easy to navigate as well and get you to the information you need.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising 1916.” Easter 1916. Easter Rising 1916 “Ireland Unfree Shall Never Be At Peace.” Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.easter1916.net/
The layout of this website caught my attention right away. It is Ireland’s colors and the quotes used stand out as well. The first sentence is a quote to get the readers attention right away. This site, unlike the previous one, states that The Passage of the National Service Act in January 1916 was a threat to the conscription in Ireland. There is no one event that led to the rising; there were multiple that played a role in it. James Connolly and Patrick Pearse were the leaders of the rising. They decided to take charge in spite of MacNeil, the leader of the Irish Republic Brotherhood. MacNeil originally wanted a parade on Easter, but decided to cancel it because he realized it would be the base of the rising. (This site focuses more on the people who were involved in the event. It is credible because of the copyright at the bottom of the page and the further information with external links. Sources are also given at the bottom.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“The 1916 Easter Rising.” The 1916 Easter Rising. History Learning Site. Web. 10 April. 2013. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/1916_easter_rising.htm
To some, the leaders were heroes, while to others they were traitors. The number one goal was to gain Irish Independence. Not many people joined the rebellion though. This surprised me because I would think a majority of the people would join in order to fight for their independence. People were nervous and concerned about what Pearse’s and Conolly’s true intentions were. (There were a few spelling errors, but I still found the information on this website credible. There could have been more time put into it, but that doesn’t make the information given untrue. There is an ‘about the author’ section, which is very helpful because if I had any questions or suggestions, I could contact the author. Also, having this sections shows where the author is from and their background.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising.” History. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.history.com/topics/easter-rising
This event didn’t even take place on Easter. It was actually the Monday after Easter. This whole event was against the British Government in Ireland. This site is focused on the aftermath. Thousands of people died within a week. That is how long they could hold their ground. Many were injured as well. The leaders of the rebellion were eventually executed. There was little support for the leaders, but after the event many looked up to them for fighting for Ireland Independence. In 1921, a treaty was signed stating the Irish Free State. Today it is known as the Republic of Ireland. (I like how there are recommended articles to the right on this site. It gives more information about what I am researching on this site. That makes this site credible because other sites support the information on this site. It is also very organized. History is a well known website and resource many use.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising.” RTE Archives. RTE. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/1011-ireland-and-the-great-war/1016-easter-rising/
This site caught my eye because it is full of articles, pictures, videos, interviews and more. There were so many mixed reactions to this event. Some were shocked and didn’t believe it was going to happen, some wanted to join in the actions, some saw the leaders as “stabbing them in the back,” and some just shrugged their shoulders and went on with their days. Veterans of the First World War are the ones who felt they were traitors and being stabbed in the back. Soldiers felt it was “madness” and “annoying.” Some citizens felt they were forced to join in. (This site has a copyright, commercial partners, and contact information that makes it all reliable information. It is important for sites to have copyrights, if they don’t, I wouldn’t trust that website. The commercial partners shows who the site worked with to produce it and get the information. Contact information makes a site credible because the people making the site aren’t afraid to put their contact information out there. It allows me to ask them questions or anything I need.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Theme: Photo Galleries and Consolidated Works on Irish Politics
"Easter Rising Gallery." Wars and Conflict. BBC News, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/gallery/index.shtml
This gallery shows photos of the Easter Rising 1916. There are many propaganda postcards and is biased toward the rebels of Ireland. This is a great combination of actual events captured on camera, works of art interpreted by rebels, propaganda posters and glimpses of everyday life surrounded by soldiers. There are descriptions on each photo and some background on each for clarity. This is a reliable source and comes from the BBC website.
Free Derry National Civil Rights Archive. Museum of Free Derry, 2005. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/gallery-civil-rights-01.html
Here is another website for visual people. In this website, there are pictures of the Civil Rights movement and all the posters advertising for Civil Rights. There is bias and the Civil Rights posters are made to make people feel bad about the living conditions some people are living in Derry. This website also has more pictures of Bloody Sunday 1972 and more background information on Civil Rights, Bloody Sunday, and the Battle of the Bogside. This is a reliable source because it is produced by the Museum of Free Derry and you can actually visit the Museum in Ireland.
Gaeilge, Leagan. "The Executed Leaders of the 1916 Rising." Department of Taoiseach -. Department of the Taoiseach, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Historical_Information/1916_Commemorations/The_Executed_Leaders_of_the_1916_Rising.html
This website is a great resource to see the lesser known leaders involved in the Easter Rising of 1916. The website lists all the known leaders who were executed after the Easter Rising and a short biography about them. There is a lot of information regarding more popular figures in Irish history like Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, so this is a great source to see different just how diverse the group of leaders were. The leaders ranged from soldiers to teachers and the website lists them all and the date of the execution as well. This is a reliable source because it comes from the Department of the Taoiseach.
Mark, Darron. "Annual Bloody Sunday Parade, Derry, Northern Ireland." Demotix. DEMOTIX, 27 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.demotix.com/news/1755427/annual-bloody-sunday-parade-derry-northern-ireland#media-1755332
This website is great for more visual people. It shows photos of the Annual Bloody Sunday Parade in Derry, Northern Ireland on January 27, 2013. This is a great source because it is a place for photojournalists to upload their pictures and share their work. There are captions on each photo explaining the context and history behind it. This website is great to see how past events still affect people today and show the importance of Bloody Sunday in present times. This is a reliable source because not everyone is able to upload their pictures onto this site. Professional photojournalists are the only people able to post online and their partners are BBC, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The New York Times, and more.
Treaty Exhibition. The National Archives of Ireland, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://treaty.nationalarchives.ie/document-gallery/
This website is a collection of uploaded documents read and written by the Irish leaders themselves. The tangible documents were seen by the eyes of Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera at some point and this website has uploaded them to share with everyone. In the gallery, there are documents on drafts of the Treaty, letters to de Velara, notes on meetings with de Velara and Collins, and many more official documents. This is a reliable source because the exhibition of documents is uploaded by the National Archives of Ireland. This website is also great in seeing all the proposals of the Treaty before it was finalized and we can see the process it had to go through.
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Kevie Kawasaki
"1920 in Ireland." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 Oct. 2013. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_in_Ireland
This source speaks of the major events that occurred in Ireland during 1920. This source gives a short written description of the events that happened in 1920 in chronological order. Although this source is on Wikipedia where anyone could create a page, it is a good starting point. The names of major events and dates are given allowing you to further your research. [Reviewed 5 Apr. 2013]
"Eamon De Valera (1882 - 1975)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/de_valera_eamon.shtml
This source speaks of Eamon De Valera. This source gives information about Eamon De Valera, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. The site also contains profiles for other important figures of Ireland. Located on a BBC website this information should represent true historic events. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Apr. 2013]
"The GAA Archive." Croke Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
http://www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum/gaa-archive/gaa-museum-irish-times-articles/bloody-sunday,-1920
This source speaks of the events that took place at Croke Park on Bloody Sunday. This source gives a detailed account of events from November 21, 1920. Located on the website for the park and the Gaelic Athletic Association great knowledge of these events is most likely to come from where the events actually occurred. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 5 Apr. 2013]
"Michael Collins." History Learning Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/michael_collins.htm
This source speaks of Michael Collins. This source gives information about Michael Collins, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. This site is dedicated to historic events and historic people and claims integrity to its information. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Apr. 2013]
Sara. "Sara's Michael Collins Site." Sara's Michael Collins Site. N.p., 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.sarasmichaelcollinssite.com/
This source speaks of Michael Collins. This source gives greatly detailed information about Michael Collins, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. Part of this source is composed of quotes from people who knew Collins well and those who were with Collins during certain experiences; the rest is a collection of information about Collins. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 10 Apr. 2013]
"Secrets of the Belfast Project." CNN. N.p., 30 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/30/se.01.html
This source contains some of the highly coveted interviews with members of the IRA. This interview transcript may contain information about Jean McConville from the Belfast Project done by the Boston College. This source is a post of the real words and the people who said them from a part of the interview that was released in court. Because the information located on this website is not an opinion or a story but the exact words from an interview it is a valid source. [Reviewed 1 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Patrick Pearse 1879-1916.” BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/profiles/po11.shtml
This certain page on this website talks about Patrick Pearse, an important figure for the event, Easter Rising 1916. He was very into the revival of Irish language, and he even regarded this as more important than political independence. This eventually led him to establish an independent Irish-speaking school for boys in Dublin. He said that his students were to “work hard … for their fatherland, and if it should ever be necessary … die for it”. After joining Irish Volunteer Force in November 1913, he got involved with IRB Military Council, which focused on planning the Easter Rising. Even though he was involved in this event, it was unlikely that he fired a single shot. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
“Easter Rising 1916 Ireland.” Easter Rising 1916 Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.easter1916.net/
This website talks about the event, Easter Rising 1916 in Ireland. On Easter Monday, Patrick Pearse and Volunteers gathered at multiple pre-arranged meeting points. He was never the center of the rebellion, but acted as a guider. In total, the event resulted in 450 deaths, 2,614 injured people, and 9 people missing, almost all in Dublin. The only significant action elsewhere was at Ashbourne, which is 10 miles north of Dublin. Military casualties were 116 deaths, 368 wounded people, and 9 people missing. A total of 254 civilians died. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written at the bottom of the page. Also, it cited all the sources it used for writing the information.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
Trueman, Chris. “Patrick Pearse.” Patrick Pearse. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/patrick_pearse.htm
This talks about Patrick Pearse’s life, starting from when he was born to death. Between 1909 and 1912, Patrick Pearse became more interested and involved in politics. Upcoming year in 1913, Patrick Pearse felt bad and depressed by the fact that Ireland was controlled by the rule of London. Then, this led him to take a political stance by the time World War one started. Like most of the Irish people, he disliked the Home Rule Bill of 1912, and he wanted full Irish independence. (This website is credible because it provides information about the author. Also, it provides an email address just in case readers have questions or any comments. It stated the copyright.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
O'Shea, James. “New Evidence Emerges on Death of Irish Hero Michael Collins in IRA Ambush - VIDEO.” IrishCentral.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/New-evidence-emerges-on-death-of-Irish-hero-Michael-Collins-in-IRA-ambush-166682986.html
This article talks about new evidence on Michael Collins’ death in IRA ambush. He was killed in August 1922 when he was only 31. This article says that the lack of protection around Collins was the real cause of his death. Collins, being a Chief of Staff of the Irish army, should have been protected more than he actually had been. On top of that, this article says that even to this day, nobody knows why Collins didn’t order the convoy to drive on and rather, stopped and fought. Also, it is unknown why he didn’t really protect himself by taking shelter in the armored car and rather, chose to shoot back from his touring car. (This website is credible because it was updated last year in August, and it has the author’s name. This website also has all kinds of information about Ireland. It has a section where it describes what the page is about.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
“Michael Collins (1890 - 1922).” BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This page is basically a biography of Michael Collins. The key information this page talks about is the leadership role of Michael Collins. He, as a member of Irish Republican Army (IRA), was famous for being a great leader of the republican military campaign against Britain. He was in charge of directing a group of gunmen tasked to assassinate British agent. This came to an end on 21st of November in 1920 with the killing of 14 British officers in Dublin. Following the violence in the same day, British forces opened fire at a Gaelic football game, killing 12 people. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S. Also, it has a copyright.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Michael Collins
"Michael Collins (1890 - 1922)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This article published in BBC gives the reader a great basic idea of who Michael Collins was. It goes through and describes different events that he was involved in throughout his life such as his involvement in the Irish Republic Army (IRA). This website is very convenient because it summaries his life in a short easy to read article while providing important information it does not go into too much detail. (This article comes from a trusted source and seems to be unbiased.)
Hartline, Martin C., and M. M. Kaulbach. "Michael Collins and Bloody Sunday — Central Intelligence Agency." CSI. N.p., 2 July 1996. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol13no1/html/v13i1a06p_0001.htm
This article is actually published from the central intelligence agency. It describes the Bloody Sunday in Irish history as well as Michael Collins. The article is broken up into different segments an introduction, the Collins organization, and the British react. It’s nice that they are separated because the material is broken into digestible parts. (This article is a published piece from the CIA, due to the fact that the CIA is a very serious government organization meaning it is an unbiased source.)
Fleming, Diarmaid. "Examining Irish Leader's Youthful past." BBC News. BBC, 22 July 2004. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3915341.stm
This is article published in BBC gives readers an interesting and new perspective. It explores Michael Collins as well as different pieces of writing that he composed. This article even includes direct quotes by Collins. (This article comes from a trusted source and seems to be unbiased.)
"Michael Collins." And The War of Independence Truce. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://generalmichaelcollins.com/Michael_Collins_Life_and_Times/8.THE_TRUCE.html
This site has a very detailed record of Michael Collins’ life. The site is divided in several ways but it goes about telling the readers about Michael Collins through a collection of his books. This site allows the audience to read his own tails. (Although a lot of this information seems accurate it can be slightly biased due to the fact that the writers of this site are part of Collins 22 Society.)
The Deputies of Dáil Eireann. "Debate on the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, Signed in London on the 6th December 1921: Sessions 14 December 1921 to 10 January 1922." Debate on the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, Signed in London on the 6th December 1921: Sessions 14 December 1921 to 10 January 1922. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/E900003-001/
This resource is very interesting especially if information is wanted about trial of whether Ireland will accept the new treaty. This paper is interesting because it is the record of the court case or meeting minutes. Minutes are required at many meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The nice thing is that this source will give readers the opportunity to physically read exactly what occurring in that room. (This source comes from the Deputies so it should be unbiased.)
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Taryn Olivera
Lynn, Brendan, and Martin Melaugh. "CAIN: People: Biographies of People Prominent During 'the Troubles' - C." CAIN: People: Biographies of People Prominent During 'the Troubles' - C. N.p., 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/people/biography/cpeople.htm
This site is a great source for short bibliographies about influential political leaders in Ireland. The credibility is shown, based on the fact that the site is based out of the University of Ulster, and there are book resources given for where the information was found that is on the site. This source is not a long read, and is great for getting a small grasp on a few important people that are involved in Irish politics. It is a good source for readers that already have a handle on political parties and the issues that they stand for, because the biographies talk about the things that these people have accomplished and the movements that they were involved in. [Reviewed 9 April 2013].
"Bloody Sunday." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/bloody_sunday
This is a wonderful site for a very short overview of Bloody Sunday. Bloody Sunday is such a huge part of Irish history, it is a necessary component to learn if a reader wants to understand why the politics in Ireland ended up the way that they did. BBC is a credible site, because it is a news/history website. There are also many links to external websites that a reader can click on to learn more about Bloody Sunday. This is an integral part of Irish history, and reading about it from both sides can really deepen a readers understanding of the historical issues in Ireland, and give a little bit of insight into why these two groups of people living in the same country do not like each other. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
Bowcott, Owen. "Bloody Sunday Families Offered £50,000 Compensation by MoD."The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/14/bloody-sunday-families-offered-50000-compensation
This resource is a current article, that gives updated information on victims of Bloody Sunday. This is a good resource to read, because learning about Bloody Sunday really leaves a reader wondering what really happened. There was so much controversy about what the truth is, that this article really helped sum up what was eventually done about the injustices that occurred on Bloody Sunday. This website is a world news website that reports on many issues that arise globally, and that helps with its credibility. This article also shows the progress being made between the two groups as far as living peacefully with one another is concerned, and in the realm or reparations for past events. Although current history, this article is a good thing to read to compare the past events with those of the much more current past. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
"The Irish Republican Brotherhood - Irish Republican News - Mon, Mar 15, 2010." The Irish Republican Brotherhood - Irish Republican News - Mon, Mar 15, 2010. N.p., 15 Mar. 2010. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. http://republican-news.org/current/news/2010/03/the_irish_republican_brotherho.html
This is a news source, based out of the Republic of Ireland, that talks about the history of one of many influential groups of Irish people that played significant roles in the peace process and The Troubles, the Irish Republican Brotherhood. This groups was especially important because of Michael Collins and his involvement in the group. This is a great source for readers that are looking to understand how an individual group could have so much power in one country. This site seems credible based on the amount of information on the site, the depth that it goes into, and the manner in which it was written. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This BBC site is a biography of Michael Collins. It includes information about his involvement in Irish politics and peace, but is only a small highlight of his most famous and influential moments. This is a good site not only for reading about Michael Collins, but also because there is a huge amount of other people that BBC has made short biographies on. From this site, a reader can read a short overview of many different Irish leaders, and learn small amounts about each one. This site covers a lot of information in a concise manner, making it an ideal learning tool for learning about individual leaders. BBC is a great source that is written well and in a manner that is easy to read and understand. The ability to search leaders by name is helpful for finding a specific person that was important in Irish History, but could also prove to be confusing. Many important leaders globally are included in these lists, so a reader would have to know a specific name in order to learn about that person. There is no way on the site to sort out Irish leaders from the rest of them. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
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Howe Qui
Cornell, Martyn. "Irish politics at a glance - The National." Latest and breaking news | thenational.ae - The National. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/europe/irish-politics-at-a-glance
Although this article is a bit dated, this article reviews each component of the Irish Governmental System. In addition, a few major parties are listed with a brief history. (The information provided here is educational.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"The Troubles In Northern Ireland." Irish Nationalist & Irish Republican political groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
irishconflict.webs.com/nationalistparties.htm
This resource highlights the major political groups throughout the 20th century. (The information provided here discusses political parties, their respective leaders, and their respective interests.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"Dublin Castle: Chapter 16: The End of British Rule." Dublin Castle. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. http://www.dublincastle.ie/HistoryEducation/History/Chapter16TheEndofBritishRule/
The Dublin Castle chapter sets the stage in an old castle in Dublin, and tells the history of The Troubles, and the end of British Rule. The following quote is presented on the webpage: Lord Lieutenant FitzAlan is reported to have said, "You are seven minutes late Mr. Collins" to which he received the reply "We've been waiting over seven hundred years, you can have the extra seven minutes". I found this page to be mainly a historical recollection of politics, rather than a discussion about politics. (The information provided here is factual and historical. The Dublin Castle provides this information in order to inform readers of past political events.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
Mair, Peter. "Paradoxes and problems of modern Irish politics." Political Reform Ireland. European University Institute, Florence, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
http://www.politicalreformireland.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/paradoxes-and-problems-of-modern-irish-politics-glenties-2010.pdf
This article by Peter Mair analyzes Irish behavior in politics, stating that although the Irish are very well informed about their politics, they do not engage in politics conventionally. Another paradox exploited by Mair is that the Irish government is very well disciplined and passive, even though they are one of the most open and least party-controlled electoral systems in the world. The article also states that the government is quite steady and does not change so often. (The information provided here is opinion. Peter Mair provides this debate in order to discuss paradoxes in Irish government.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
McGarry, Fearghal. "Irish history Live." Queen's University Belfast. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/irishhistorylive/IrishHistoryResources/ArticlesandLectures/TheEasterRising/
This Irish History Live article by Dr. Fearghal McGarry connects the dots between politics and The Easter Rising. The Easter Rising was definitely a turing point for Irish nationalists, because without The Easter Rising, Southern Ireland might have remained under British rule. This resource outlines the roles and ideology of Patrick Pearse and James Connolly. (The information provided here is a political discussion. Dr. McGarry highlights important information about Irish Nationalists within this informational 5 part article.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Theme: The Easter Rising and Bloody Sunday: Exploring Two Key Events in the History of Irish Politics
Babb, Stefanie. “ ‘Bloody Sunday’ and its Effect on the Irish Republican Cause.” Florida Conference of Historians, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
http://fch.ju.edu/FCH-2009/Babb_Bloody_Sunday_and_its_effect_on_the_Irish_Republican_Cause.htm
This essay is a valuable supplement to CAIN’s chronology of events for Bloody Sunday (refer to source 3 below), as it “fleshes out” the chain of events by adding the perspectives of those who were involved, including direct testimonies in some instances. In addition to discussing the role of the IRA in Bloody Sunday and its aftermath, the author also examines the controversy regarding the nail bombs that were supposedly planted by the British army. (Further investigation suggests that the Florida Conference of Historians is a reputable source, as its website states that it was founded to give Florida’s historians “an opportunity to share their scholarship and develop a sense of collegiality.” The footnotes, which cite a variety of books, articles and even a government report, further support the essay’s validity) [Reviewed 24 Mar. 2013].
“Colonel Eamon Broy’s Role in Irish Espionage.” An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
http://www.garda.ie/Documents/User/Colonel%20Eamon%20Broy's%20Role%20in%20Irish%20Espionage.pdf
While watching and discussing Michael Collins provided a great starting point to the class’ exploration of the Easter Rising and Ireland’s struggle for independence, one of the film’s shortcomings lies in its dramatized depiction of Eamon “Ned” Broy. This essay, in contrast, provides a factual account of Broy’s role in the politics of Irish independence, from his beginning as a double agent “G-man” in the Dublin Metropolitan Police to his later position in the IRA. (While this essay does not include a bibliography or citations for its sources, the fact that it is published by the Garda itself suggests that it is a valid secondary source) [Reviewed 6 Apr. 2013].
Melaugh, Martin and Fionnuala Mckenna. “ ‘Bloody Sunday,’ 30 January 1972 - A Chronology of Events.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/chron.htm
While the chaotic nature of Bloody Sunday can make it difficult to delineate key occurrences, this CAIN webpage does an excellent job of laying out the day’s chain of events in detail. Key events in the prelude to Bloody Sunday, as well as those in the aftermath, are also included, allowing the day’s events to be analyzed within a greater historical context. (The authority of the CAIN Web Service and the frequent updating of its information, combined with the internal links to supporting CAIN materials, confirm the validity of this source. The credibility is further supported by a link to a sources page that lists the books, government reports, websites, and other publications used in the creation of the chronology) [Reviewed 24 Mar. 2013].
The 1916 Rising: Personalities and Perspectives. National Library of Ireland. 2006. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nli.ie/1916/
This online exhibition by the National Library of Ireland is a beautifully executed interactive compilation of information regarding the 1916 Easter Rising. The detailed text is complemented by galleries of images and historical documents, and there is even a handy map of 1916 Dublin available for quick reference. (The exhibition’s validity is inherent in that it was created by the National Library of Ireland. The opening page also includes an extensive bibliography and a list of external links, thus enhancing credibility while also encouraging further investigation by the reader) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013].
Wars and Conflict: 1916 Easter Rising. BBC History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/index.shtml
This BBC website is a rich source of resources regarding the 1916 Easter Rising: in addition to the wealth of textual information (such as profiles on the key leaders and organizations in the rising), the website also incorporates multimedia sources, including a radio archive and a gallery of photographs and other images. The sections dedicated to the rising’s prelude and aftermath also provide the reader with a greater understanding of the rising’s historical context, similar to the way in which source 3 considers Bloody Sunday. (The BBC’s status as a reputable news source on Irish history suggests that it is a valid source, and the credibility is further supported by a list of further readings and relevant museums in Ireland) [Reviewed 6 Apr. 2013].
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Jamal Zahir
"News Northern Ireland." Sinn Fein 'paralysed' by SDLP says Robinson, 2012. Web.10 April 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19977525
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source is an excellent source for both the casual reader and students studying contemporary bouts in the Irish political arena. This source is fact based and describes the relative “openness” of Sinn Fein to adopt some of the SDLP’s political viewpoints, in an attempt to win Irish votes. This source analyzes Sinn Fein’s subtle adoption of SDLP viewpoints, perhaps in an attempt to highlight Sinn Fein’s declining public support. In true BBC fashion, no sources are cited, but because of BBC’s past credibility, all facts are considered true and accurate.
“The Telegraph.” The Bloody Sunday Soldiers Were Morally Worse Than IRA Terrorists, 2010. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/georgepitcher/100043725/the-bloody-sunday-soldiers-were-morally-worse-than-ira-terrorists/
The Telegraph, although not a widely recognized source of credible news, has gained considerable attention in the last few years because of its fact based and analytical pieces. As a result, more often than not, The Telegraph is associated with credible news. This source is catered for both Irish and British who still remember the Bloody Sunday massacre and have a strong sense of connection to the event. This source is one-sided in that it demonizes the contributors in the massacre and the whole British Army for their horrendous acts. A relatively recent source, this highlights the shift in thoughts about the true tyrannical nature of Bloody Sunday; moreover, as the author is a Brit, this source is excellent in highlighting the changing view of the British in their view of Bloody Sunday. As this source is part of the opinions section, the author does not cite any sources.
“Ireland First.” Bloody Sunday, 2005. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://www.eirefirst.com/archive/Bloodysunday.html
This is a privately funded site consisting of pro-Irish authors. Anything associated with Britain is immediately attacked. This site is catered for the Irish independency fanatics and definitely not for the British. This site has not been updated since 2005, and so does not cover any contemporary issues or apologies between the British and the Irish. As a result, the site retains an extremist and highly subjective view of Britain. Surprisingly, unlike personal opinion-based sites like this source, the facts in the articles are sourced to credible sources; however, the links to those sources seem to be down.
“BBC News.” Bloody Sunday Leader Finds Faith in Film, 2002. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1791090.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source is only for the reader who is well-versed in Irish civil rights history. Rather, a casual reader would get lost in the dates and events mentioned. This source is timeless in that it captured Ivan Cooper’s feelings after he viewed the movie and recorded them. This source remains fact based, only recording and re-telling stories about Ivan Cooper. In true BBC fashion, no sources are cited, except Bloody Sunday the motion picture.
“General Michael Collins.” Michael Collins: His Life and Times, 1996. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://generalmichaelcollins.com/pages/Michael_Collins.html
This source is highly subjective in that it calls for the “perpetuation of Michael Collin’s name,” in order to remember the sacrifice that Collins made to save Ireland from total warfare against the stronger British. A Collins loyalist wrote this book that is free on this source, recounting Collin’s lifetime and events that eventually led to his appeasement attitude toward the British (i.e. the Anglo-Irish Treaty). This source is catered towards the Irish who consider Collins a hero, rather than a traitor, which anti-Treaty republicans consider him to be. Support for this source comes courtesy of opinion based sources as well as fact based sources. As a result, sometimes empirical evidence and personal viewpoint boundaries are blurred, therefore creating a source that is highly subjective, while maintaining a sense of truth.
Pratibha Anand
The Bloody Sunday Conflict of January 30th, 1972
“Bloody Sunday.” BBC News. British Broadcasting, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/bloody_sunday
This website contains a birds’ eye overview of Bloody Sunday including an overview of Free Derry, the events of the fateful day, and ensuing reaction and inquiries. Additionally, there are links to a variety of television, radio, and interactive resources as well as a timeline of events. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the BBC, and offers a variety of links to relevant articles, radio clips, and videos, including a timeline of events. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2010. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/726532/Bloody-Sunday
This source features an overview of the events that took place on Bloody Sunday and explores the precipitating factors that led to the event. It further provides hyperlinks to key words, places, people, and organizations involved in the conflict. Finally, there is a discussion surrounding the aftermath of the conflict including the 2010 Saville Report and recent details about recompenses paid to victims’ relatives. (This source strives to offer factual, unbiased information that is in line with its mission to “promote knowledge and learning” that is “timely, relevant, and trustworthy…In a world where questionable information is rampant.” The organization collaborates “with experts, scholars, educators, instructional designers, and user-experience specialists” and claims that “subjecting [its] work to rigorous editorial review” contributes to its utility, reliability, and enjoyment. The information on this website is further verifiable through other websites.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday 1972.” New World Encyclopedia. Paragon House Publishers, 12 Feb. 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bloody_Sunday_(1972)
This website provides and factual and thorough account of the events that took place on Bloody Sunday including the names and circumstances of death for each of the deceased men. This is followed by a discussion on perspectives and analyses of the day, the Saville Inquiry, and the impact on Northern Ireland divisions. Interestingly, there is also a brief section that discusses artistic reaction to the event and includes several color photographs. (The New World Encyclopedia is intended for use by teachers and students who are drawn to the ease of use of online resources Wikipedia, but are concerned about quality, consistency, and core values. New World Encyclopedia combines the benefits of open source Internet media with those of traditional and careful editorial supervision by scholars. This source has the benefit of hyperlinks and the greater detail found in online encyclopedias, coupled with the traditional review of facts, grammar, and values by researchers and experts in the field. The publisher, Paragon House, offers books of cultural and intellectual significance with a specific international and interdisciplinary character. Given this information, it is reasonable to conclude that the source is reputable and reliable.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland.” History Channel. A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bloody-sunday-in-northern-ireland
This source relays a concise overview of Bloody Sunday and provides information on developments that have taken place since the conflict occurred. The website seeks to draw attention to the key people, organizations, and places involved in the conflict and features some audio-visual material, as well. (This website is sponsored by a credible source, the History Channel, and offers thoroughly researched material about the event. Additionally, the website strives to provide and impartial, unbiased information and programming. It is important to note, however, that the organization works with corporate sponsors and its parent company, A&E Television Networks, LLC, prides itself on accessibility and entertainment, which could compromise thoroughness and depth.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Key Events: Bloody Sunday, Derry 30 January 1972.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict Archive on the Internet. University of Ulster, 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/index.html
The CAIN Website dedicated to Bloody Sunday thoroughly chronicles the event and provides specific pages dedicated to Key Events, Key Issues, Conflict Background, Chronology, the Deceased, Circumstances, Background, Events, Photographs, and Sources. The website further includes photographs, audio clips, details of source material, and a list of related relevant websites. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the University of Ulster, and offers verifiable information with plenty of citations and frequent information updates. The additional links further enhance the quality of the provided information by offering background details.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
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Tewoderos Ayele
“Wars & Conflict: The Plantation of Ulster”
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/plantation/
This site is created by BBC, which is a credible source that we used in class on several occasions. The home page provided different information regarding the Ireland political, legal, religious, and other sections before and after the Plantations. In addition to the plantations the website also has links to Ulster Scots settlement mas, Bardic Poetry, Audio gallery, American connections, Architecture, and many more information regarding the history of Ireland. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“The Plantation of Ulster”
"The Plantation of Ulster." The Plantation of Ulster. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/history/tudor-ireland/the-plantation-of-ulster/
This website has short but useful information about the Plantation of Ulster. The context of this site provides historical background about the plantations starting from the 1603 confiscation of land by James Hamilton and James Montgomery that was allowed by King James. The information covered on this site also talks about the role the plantations played in rapidly increasing the population of Ulster and changing the indigenous culture and tradition. The AskaboutIreland site is created in collaboration with several public libraries and museums to create an online resource that provides information about the history of Ireland. The information found in this site is consistent with the information found on other well trusted sites such as BBC, which increases the credibility of this resource. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Murals of Northern Ireland”
"Murals of Northern Ireland." Murals of Northern Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/mni
This site provides an interactive collection of murals from Northern Ireland, West Belfast, Republican and Loyalist, and the Troubles. Clicking on each mural will give a larger view and detailed information of the murals. The information provided for each mural includes: title, photographer, subject, short description of the mural, publisher, date the mural was photographed, affiliations, sources, type, and format. The pictures found in this site include a well-balanced variety of murals form the different social and political groups. The site is created and sponsored by Claremont University Consortium, which is an organization that encompasses seven independent colleges located in Southern California. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images”
"Debatewise." Debatewise. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2013.
http://debatewise.org/debates/503-should-the-murals-in-belfast-be-replaced-with-more-peaceful-images/
This site creates a place for people to show their opinions about the removal of the political murals in Belfast. People write their take on the question "Should the murals in Belfast be replaced with more peaceful images?" Even though, the information provided is just people’s opinions, it helps the understanding of both the negative and positive consequences of the replacement of the murals. When using the information from this site, further research is encouraged since some of the comments might be subjected to biased points of views. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
“Time to free Martin Corey”
"Time to Free Martin Corey." Daily News and Opinion from the Left. N.p., 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. http://socialistworker.org/2012/08/14/time-to-free-martin-corey
This article provides background information about the 2011 protest that demanded the release of Martin Corey from prison. The site provides a brief biography of Martin Corey, a former Irish Republican Army (IRA) member, and provides information regarding the reasons for his repeated arrest and why he become an influential figure in the Irish republican politics. The Socialistworker.org is a credible news site that is an online version of the weekly Socialist Worker newspaper that was around since 1977. [Reviewed March 17, 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Women in Irish Politics
“Advancement of women in public life.” BBC NI Learning. BBC, 2006. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/learning/history/stateapart/agreement/society/advancement1.shtml
This article discusses the social and political advancements women have made since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. However, the article also states that Ireland’s society is still far from achieving complete gender equality, particularly in politics. The article makes note of several supporting facts and statistics, especially regarding Northern Ireland. It also examines how the Good Friday Agreement established the political tone and environment for women in the future and the effects. (This website appears to be a credible source of information due to similar and corresponding information on other websites.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Equality Statistics for the Northern Ireland Civil Service.” Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Department of Finance and Personnel, 2012. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/NICS%20Equality%20Report%202012.pdf
This article provides a detailed overview regarding the state of diversity and equality of those who serve in Northern Ireland’s civil service. Not only does this provide accurate statistics regarding all aspects of Northern Ireland’s government workers such as ethnicity, gender, and age, but this publication also includes various graphics and other types of visual representation of the data that could prove to be quite useful in research. (This appears to be a valid source since not only was this provided by a government agency but this was also conducted by a nonpartisan third party organization in addition to a quality assessment attached in the annex of the publication.). [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
“Irish Feminist Network Policy Brief on Women’s Political Representation in Ireland.” Irish Feminist Network. Irish Feminist Network, 2011. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishfeministnetwork.org/uploads/8/4/9/1/8491921/irish_feminist_network_policy_brief_on_womens_political_representation_in_ireland.pdf
This publication discusses the problems with women being under-represented in Irish politics, reasons that these issues are significant, and possible ways to potentially resolve this matter. It also goes into detail as potential causes for these problems and how this matter affects everyone in the community. This article is very useful since it provides a great amount of information and presents the information in a way that is readable to the average citizen and personally meaningful. (While there is a slight bias present in the article since the article’s purpose is to persuade the audience into taking action or obtaining this mindset, this publication provides multiple valid references and resources regarding the presented information, making it a credible source.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
Marsh, Michael. “Mary Robinson (president of Ireland).” Britannica Online Encyclopedia, n. d. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/505757/Mary-Robinson
This article details the life and political accomplishments of Mary Robinson. The article does not examine her early life but nevertheless begins from her education at Trinity College and discusses her political actions and affiliations since then. (This article could have been improved if it had provided controversies where Robinson has been involved or downfalls in her political career as oppose to listing only her accomplishments; nevertheless, Britannica is recognized to be a credible resource and the article also provides information that appears to overlap with other websites as well as the appropriate references.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
Women for Election. Women for Election, 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.
http://www.womenforelection.ie/about-us/
Women for Election is described as a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that stemmed from the organization Women for Europe. The goal of this organization is to inspire women to consider a career in politics, provided them with the tools to become elected, and inform the women in communities of the benefits and significance of politics. The existence of this website not only demonstrates the awareness of the existence of gender inequality in the nation’s politics but also shows the presences of motivated Irish people who strive to combat this social issue. (This organization appears to be credible; not only is its website informative and professional in manner, the organization is supported and sponsored by many other non-profit organizations such as The Equality Authority, The Ireland Funds, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Blueface, Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, The Community Foundation for Ireland, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, and The Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation for Ireland.) [Reviewed 9 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme: Easter Rising
“Easter Rising 1916: From Home Rule To Independence.” Wars & Conflict: 1916 Easter Rising. BBC Home. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/
The political landscape changed due to the 1916 Easter Rising. This website is helpful and resourceful because you can look at the prelude, insurrection, and the aftermath. It’s separated into these sections and makes it easier for anyone to use the site and learn what they want to about the Easter Rising. I focused on the prelude section, which discussed what led to the Easter Rising. Once you click prelude, it leads you to more links that give important information about this event. For example, the Unionist Resistance and the Dublin Lockout 1913. (This site is credible because it is a very known and reliable site: BBC. Also, it has the current date at the top of the page demonstrating that this page is kept up to date. It is very easy to navigate as well and get you to the information you need.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising 1916.” Easter 1916. Easter Rising 1916 “Ireland Unfree Shall Never Be At Peace.” Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.easter1916.net/
The layout of this website caught my attention right away. It is Ireland’s colors and the quotes used stand out as well. The first sentence is a quote to get the readers attention right away. This site, unlike the previous one, states that The Passage of the National Service Act in January 1916 was a threat to the conscription in Ireland. There is no one event that led to the rising; there were multiple that played a role in it. James Connolly and Patrick Pearse were the leaders of the rising. They decided to take charge in spite of MacNeil, the leader of the Irish Republic Brotherhood. MacNeil originally wanted a parade on Easter, but decided to cancel it because he realized it would be the base of the rising. (This site focuses more on the people who were involved in the event. It is credible because of the copyright at the bottom of the page and the further information with external links. Sources are also given at the bottom.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“The 1916 Easter Rising.” The 1916 Easter Rising. History Learning Site. Web. 10 April. 2013. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/1916_easter_rising.htm
To some, the leaders were heroes, while to others they were traitors. The number one goal was to gain Irish Independence. Not many people joined the rebellion though. This surprised me because I would think a majority of the people would join in order to fight for their independence. People were nervous and concerned about what Pearse’s and Conolly’s true intentions were. (There were a few spelling errors, but I still found the information on this website credible. There could have been more time put into it, but that doesn’t make the information given untrue. There is an ‘about the author’ section, which is very helpful because if I had any questions or suggestions, I could contact the author. Also, having this sections shows where the author is from and their background.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising.” History. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.history.com/topics/easter-rising
This event didn’t even take place on Easter. It was actually the Monday after Easter. This whole event was against the British Government in Ireland. This site is focused on the aftermath. Thousands of people died within a week. That is how long they could hold their ground. Many were injured as well. The leaders of the rebellion were eventually executed. There was little support for the leaders, but after the event many looked up to them for fighting for Ireland Independence. In 1921, a treaty was signed stating the Irish Free State. Today it is known as the Republic of Ireland. (I like how there are recommended articles to the right on this site. It gives more information about what I am researching on this site. That makes this site credible because other sites support the information on this site. It is also very organized. History is a well known website and resource many use.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
“Easter Rising.” RTE Archives. RTE. Web. 10 April. 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/1011-ireland-and-the-great-war/1016-easter-rising/
This site caught my eye because it is full of articles, pictures, videos, interviews and more. There were so many mixed reactions to this event. Some were shocked and didn’t believe it was going to happen, some wanted to join in the actions, some saw the leaders as “stabbing them in the back,” and some just shrugged their shoulders and went on with their days. Veterans of the First World War are the ones who felt they were traitors and being stabbed in the back. Soldiers felt it was “madness” and “annoying.” Some citizens felt they were forced to join in. (This site has a copyright, commercial partners, and contact information that makes it all reliable information. It is important for sites to have copyrights, if they don’t, I wouldn’t trust that website. The commercial partners shows who the site worked with to produce it and get the information. Contact information makes a site credible because the people making the site aren’t afraid to put their contact information out there. It allows me to ask them questions or anything I need.) [Reviewed 10 April. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Theme: Photo Galleries and Consolidated Works on Irish Politics
"Easter Rising Gallery." Wars and Conflict. BBC News, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/gallery/index.shtml
This gallery shows photos of the Easter Rising 1916. There are many propaganda postcards and is biased toward the rebels of Ireland. This is a great combination of actual events captured on camera, works of art interpreted by rebels, propaganda posters and glimpses of everyday life surrounded by soldiers. There are descriptions on each photo and some background on each for clarity. This is a reliable source and comes from the BBC website.
Free Derry National Civil Rights Archive. Museum of Free Derry, 2005. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.museumoffreederry.org/gallery-civil-rights-01.html
Here is another website for visual people. In this website, there are pictures of the Civil Rights movement and all the posters advertising for Civil Rights. There is bias and the Civil Rights posters are made to make people feel bad about the living conditions some people are living in Derry. This website also has more pictures of Bloody Sunday 1972 and more background information on Civil Rights, Bloody Sunday, and the Battle of the Bogside. This is a reliable source because it is produced by the Museum of Free Derry and you can actually visit the Museum in Ireland.
Gaeilge, Leagan. "The Executed Leaders of the 1916 Rising." Department of Taoiseach -. Department of the Taoiseach, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Historical_Information/1916_Commemorations/The_Executed_Leaders_of_the_1916_Rising.html
This website is a great resource to see the lesser known leaders involved in the Easter Rising of 1916. The website lists all the known leaders who were executed after the Easter Rising and a short biography about them. There is a lot of information regarding more popular figures in Irish history like Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, so this is a great source to see different just how diverse the group of leaders were. The leaders ranged from soldiers to teachers and the website lists them all and the date of the execution as well. This is a reliable source because it comes from the Department of the Taoiseach.
Mark, Darron. "Annual Bloody Sunday Parade, Derry, Northern Ireland." Demotix. DEMOTIX, 27 Jan. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.demotix.com/news/1755427/annual-bloody-sunday-parade-derry-northern-ireland#media-1755332
This website is great for more visual people. It shows photos of the Annual Bloody Sunday Parade in Derry, Northern Ireland on January 27, 2013. This is a great source because it is a place for photojournalists to upload their pictures and share their work. There are captions on each photo explaining the context and history behind it. This website is great to see how past events still affect people today and show the importance of Bloody Sunday in present times. This is a reliable source because not everyone is able to upload their pictures onto this site. Professional photojournalists are the only people able to post online and their partners are BBC, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The New York Times, and more.
Treaty Exhibition. The National Archives of Ireland, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://treaty.nationalarchives.ie/document-gallery/
This website is a collection of uploaded documents read and written by the Irish leaders themselves. The tangible documents were seen by the eyes of Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera at some point and this website has uploaded them to share with everyone. In the gallery, there are documents on drafts of the Treaty, letters to de Velara, notes on meetings with de Velara and Collins, and many more official documents. This is a reliable source because the exhibition of documents is uploaded by the National Archives of Ireland. This website is also great in seeing all the proposals of the Treaty before it was finalized and we can see the process it had to go through.
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Kevie Kawasaki
"1920 in Ireland." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 Oct. 2013. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_in_Ireland
This source speaks of the major events that occurred in Ireland during 1920. This source gives a short written description of the events that happened in 1920 in chronological order. Although this source is on Wikipedia where anyone could create a page, it is a good starting point. The names of major events and dates are given allowing you to further your research. [Reviewed 5 Apr. 2013]
"Eamon De Valera (1882 - 1975)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/de_valera_eamon.shtml
This source speaks of Eamon De Valera. This source gives information about Eamon De Valera, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. The site also contains profiles for other important figures of Ireland. Located on a BBC website this information should represent true historic events. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Apr. 2013]
"The GAA Archive." Croke Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
http://www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum/gaa-archive/gaa-museum-irish-times-articles/bloody-sunday,-1920
This source speaks of the events that took place at Croke Park on Bloody Sunday. This source gives a detailed account of events from November 21, 1920. Located on the website for the park and the Gaelic Athletic Association great knowledge of these events is most likely to come from where the events actually occurred. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 5 Apr. 2013]
"Michael Collins." History Learning Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/michael_collins.htm
This source speaks of Michael Collins. This source gives information about Michael Collins, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. This site is dedicated to historic events and historic people and claims integrity to its information. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 3 Apr. 2013]
Sara. "Sara's Michael Collins Site." Sara's Michael Collins Site. N.p., 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.sarasmichaelcollinssite.com/
This source speaks of Michael Collins. This source gives greatly detailed information about Michael Collins, his life, accomplishments, and why he is important. Part of this source is composed of quotes from people who knew Collins well and those who were with Collins during certain experiences; the rest is a collection of information about Collins. The information located on this website also matches that on other sites making it a valid source. [Reviewed 10 Apr. 2013]
"Secrets of the Belfast Project." CNN. N.p., 30 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/30/se.01.html
This source contains some of the highly coveted interviews with members of the IRA. This interview transcript may contain information about Jean McConville from the Belfast Project done by the Boston College. This source is a post of the real words and the people who said them from a part of the interview that was released in court. Because the information located on this website is not an opinion or a story but the exact words from an interview it is a valid source. [Reviewed 1 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Patrick Pearse 1879-1916.” BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/profiles/po11.shtml
This certain page on this website talks about Patrick Pearse, an important figure for the event, Easter Rising 1916. He was very into the revival of Irish language, and he even regarded this as more important than political independence. This eventually led him to establish an independent Irish-speaking school for boys in Dublin. He said that his students were to “work hard … for their fatherland, and if it should ever be necessary … die for it”. After joining Irish Volunteer Force in November 1913, he got involved with IRB Military Council, which focused on planning the Easter Rising. Even though he was involved in this event, it was unlikely that he fired a single shot. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
“Easter Rising 1916 Ireland.” Easter Rising 1916 Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.easter1916.net/
This website talks about the event, Easter Rising 1916 in Ireland. On Easter Monday, Patrick Pearse and Volunteers gathered at multiple pre-arranged meeting points. He was never the center of the rebellion, but acted as a guider. In total, the event resulted in 450 deaths, 2,614 injured people, and 9 people missing, almost all in Dublin. The only significant action elsewhere was at Ashbourne, which is 10 miles north of Dublin. Military casualties were 116 deaths, 368 wounded people, and 9 people missing. A total of 254 civilians died. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written at the bottom of the page. Also, it cited all the sources it used for writing the information.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
Trueman, Chris. “Patrick Pearse.” Patrick Pearse. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/patrick_pearse.htm
This talks about Patrick Pearse’s life, starting from when he was born to death. Between 1909 and 1912, Patrick Pearse became more interested and involved in politics. Upcoming year in 1913, Patrick Pearse felt bad and depressed by the fact that Ireland was controlled by the rule of London. Then, this led him to take a political stance by the time World War one started. Like most of the Irish people, he disliked the Home Rule Bill of 1912, and he wanted full Irish independence. (This website is credible because it provides information about the author. Also, it provides an email address just in case readers have questions or any comments. It stated the copyright.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
O'Shea, James. “New Evidence Emerges on Death of Irish Hero Michael Collins in IRA Ambush - VIDEO.” IrishCentral.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/New-evidence-emerges-on-death-of-Irish-hero-Michael-Collins-in-IRA-ambush-166682986.html
This article talks about new evidence on Michael Collins’ death in IRA ambush. He was killed in August 1922 when he was only 31. This article says that the lack of protection around Collins was the real cause of his death. Collins, being a Chief of Staff of the Irish army, should have been protected more than he actually had been. On top of that, this article says that even to this day, nobody knows why Collins didn’t order the convoy to drive on and rather, stopped and fought. Also, it is unknown why he didn’t really protect himself by taking shelter in the armored car and rather, chose to shoot back from his touring car. (This website is credible because it was updated last year in August, and it has the author’s name. This website also has all kinds of information about Ireland. It has a section where it describes what the page is about.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
“Michael Collins (1890 - 1922).” BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This page is basically a biography of Michael Collins. The key information this page talks about is the leadership role of Michael Collins. He, as a member of Irish Republican Army (IRA), was famous for being a great leader of the republican military campaign against Britain. He was in charge of directing a group of gunmen tasked to assassinate British agent. This came to an end on 21st of November in 1920 with the killing of 14 British officers in Dublin. Following the violence in the same day, British forces opened fire at a Gaelic football game, killing 12 people. (This website is credible because it’s from the online BBC news, which is a very trustable and famous news channel in the U.S. Also, it has a copyright.) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Michael Collins
"Michael Collins (1890 - 1922)." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This article published in BBC gives the reader a great basic idea of who Michael Collins was. It goes through and describes different events that he was involved in throughout his life such as his involvement in the Irish Republic Army (IRA). This website is very convenient because it summaries his life in a short easy to read article while providing important information it does not go into too much detail. (This article comes from a trusted source and seems to be unbiased.)
Hartline, Martin C., and M. M. Kaulbach. "Michael Collins and Bloody Sunday — Central Intelligence Agency." CSI. N.p., 2 July 1996. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol13no1/html/v13i1a06p_0001.htm
This article is actually published from the central intelligence agency. It describes the Bloody Sunday in Irish history as well as Michael Collins. The article is broken up into different segments an introduction, the Collins organization, and the British react. It’s nice that they are separated because the material is broken into digestible parts. (This article is a published piece from the CIA, due to the fact that the CIA is a very serious government organization meaning it is an unbiased source.)
Fleming, Diarmaid. "Examining Irish Leader's Youthful past." BBC News. BBC, 22 July 2004. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3915341.stm
This is article published in BBC gives readers an interesting and new perspective. It explores Michael Collins as well as different pieces of writing that he composed. This article even includes direct quotes by Collins. (This article comes from a trusted source and seems to be unbiased.)
"Michael Collins." And The War of Independence Truce. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://generalmichaelcollins.com/Michael_Collins_Life_and_Times/8.THE_TRUCE.html
This site has a very detailed record of Michael Collins’ life. The site is divided in several ways but it goes about telling the readers about Michael Collins through a collection of his books. This site allows the audience to read his own tails. (Although a lot of this information seems accurate it can be slightly biased due to the fact that the writers of this site are part of Collins 22 Society.)
The Deputies of Dáil Eireann. "Debate on the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, Signed in London on the 6th December 1921: Sessions 14 December 1921 to 10 January 1922." Debate on the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland, Signed in London on the 6th December 1921: Sessions 14 December 1921 to 10 January 1922. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/E900003-001/
This resource is very interesting especially if information is wanted about trial of whether Ireland will accept the new treaty. This paper is interesting because it is the record of the court case or meeting minutes. Minutes are required at many meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The nice thing is that this source will give readers the opportunity to physically read exactly what occurring in that room. (This source comes from the Deputies so it should be unbiased.)
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Taryn Olivera
Lynn, Brendan, and Martin Melaugh. "CAIN: People: Biographies of People Prominent During 'the Troubles' - C." CAIN: People: Biographies of People Prominent During 'the Troubles' - C. N.p., 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/people/biography/cpeople.htm
This site is a great source for short bibliographies about influential political leaders in Ireland. The credibility is shown, based on the fact that the site is based out of the University of Ulster, and there are book resources given for where the information was found that is on the site. This source is not a long read, and is great for getting a small grasp on a few important people that are involved in Irish politics. It is a good source for readers that already have a handle on political parties and the issues that they stand for, because the biographies talk about the things that these people have accomplished and the movements that they were involved in. [Reviewed 9 April 2013].
"Bloody Sunday." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/bloody_sunday
This is a wonderful site for a very short overview of Bloody Sunday. Bloody Sunday is such a huge part of Irish history, it is a necessary component to learn if a reader wants to understand why the politics in Ireland ended up the way that they did. BBC is a credible site, because it is a news/history website. There are also many links to external websites that a reader can click on to learn more about Bloody Sunday. This is an integral part of Irish history, and reading about it from both sides can really deepen a readers understanding of the historical issues in Ireland, and give a little bit of insight into why these two groups of people living in the same country do not like each other. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
Bowcott, Owen. "Bloody Sunday Families Offered £50,000 Compensation by MoD."The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/14/bloody-sunday-families-offered-50000-compensation
This resource is a current article, that gives updated information on victims of Bloody Sunday. This is a good resource to read, because learning about Bloody Sunday really leaves a reader wondering what really happened. There was so much controversy about what the truth is, that this article really helped sum up what was eventually done about the injustices that occurred on Bloody Sunday. This website is a world news website that reports on many issues that arise globally, and that helps with its credibility. This article also shows the progress being made between the two groups as far as living peacefully with one another is concerned, and in the realm or reparations for past events. Although current history, this article is a good thing to read to compare the past events with those of the much more current past. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
"The Irish Republican Brotherhood - Irish Republican News - Mon, Mar 15, 2010." The Irish Republican Brotherhood - Irish Republican News - Mon, Mar 15, 2010. N.p., 15 Mar. 2010. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. http://republican-news.org/current/news/2010/03/the_irish_republican_brotherho.html
This is a news source, based out of the Republic of Ireland, that talks about the history of one of many influential groups of Irish people that played significant roles in the peace process and The Troubles, the Irish Republican Brotherhood. This groups was especially important because of Michael Collins and his involvement in the group. This is a great source for readers that are looking to understand how an individual group could have so much power in one country. This site seems credible based on the amount of information on the site, the depth that it goes into, and the manner in which it was written. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/collins_michael.shtml
This BBC site is a biography of Michael Collins. It includes information about his involvement in Irish politics and peace, but is only a small highlight of his most famous and influential moments. This is a good site not only for reading about Michael Collins, but also because there is a huge amount of other people that BBC has made short biographies on. From this site, a reader can read a short overview of many different Irish leaders, and learn small amounts about each one. This site covers a lot of information in a concise manner, making it an ideal learning tool for learning about individual leaders. BBC is a great source that is written well and in a manner that is easy to read and understand. The ability to search leaders by name is helpful for finding a specific person that was important in Irish History, but could also prove to be confusing. Many important leaders globally are included in these lists, so a reader would have to know a specific name in order to learn about that person. There is no way on the site to sort out Irish leaders from the rest of them. [Reviewed 10 April 2013]
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Howe Qui
Cornell, Martyn. "Irish politics at a glance - The National." Latest and breaking news | thenational.ae - The National. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/europe/irish-politics-at-a-glance
Although this article is a bit dated, this article reviews each component of the Irish Governmental System. In addition, a few major parties are listed with a brief history. (The information provided here is educational.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"The Troubles In Northern Ireland." Irish Nationalist & Irish Republican political groups. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
irishconflict.webs.com/nationalistparties.htm
This resource highlights the major political groups throughout the 20th century. (The information provided here discusses political parties, their respective leaders, and their respective interests.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"Dublin Castle: Chapter 16: The End of British Rule." Dublin Castle. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. http://www.dublincastle.ie/HistoryEducation/History/Chapter16TheEndofBritishRule/
The Dublin Castle chapter sets the stage in an old castle in Dublin, and tells the history of The Troubles, and the end of British Rule. The following quote is presented on the webpage: Lord Lieutenant FitzAlan is reported to have said, "You are seven minutes late Mr. Collins" to which he received the reply "We've been waiting over seven hundred years, you can have the extra seven minutes". I found this page to be mainly a historical recollection of politics, rather than a discussion about politics. (The information provided here is factual and historical. The Dublin Castle provides this information in order to inform readers of past political events.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
Mair, Peter. "Paradoxes and problems of modern Irish politics." Political Reform Ireland. European University Institute, Florence, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013.
http://www.politicalreformireland.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/paradoxes-and-problems-of-modern-irish-politics-glenties-2010.pdf
This article by Peter Mair analyzes Irish behavior in politics, stating that although the Irish are very well informed about their politics, they do not engage in politics conventionally. Another paradox exploited by Mair is that the Irish government is very well disciplined and passive, even though they are one of the most open and least party-controlled electoral systems in the world. The article also states that the government is quite steady and does not change so often. (The information provided here is opinion. Peter Mair provides this debate in order to discuss paradoxes in Irish government.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
McGarry, Fearghal. "Irish history Live." Queen's University Belfast. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2013. http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/irishhistorylive/IrishHistoryResources/ArticlesandLectures/TheEasterRising/
This Irish History Live article by Dr. Fearghal McGarry connects the dots between politics and The Easter Rising. The Easter Rising was definitely a turing point for Irish nationalists, because without The Easter Rising, Southern Ireland might have remained under British rule. This resource outlines the roles and ideology of Patrick Pearse and James Connolly. (The information provided here is a political discussion. Dr. McGarry highlights important information about Irish Nationalists within this informational 5 part article.) [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Theme: The Easter Rising and Bloody Sunday: Exploring Two Key Events in the History of Irish Politics
Babb, Stefanie. “ ‘Bloody Sunday’ and its Effect on the Irish Republican Cause.” Florida Conference of Historians, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
http://fch.ju.edu/FCH-2009/Babb_Bloody_Sunday_and_its_effect_on_the_Irish_Republican_Cause.htm
This essay is a valuable supplement to CAIN’s chronology of events for Bloody Sunday (refer to source 3 below), as it “fleshes out” the chain of events by adding the perspectives of those who were involved, including direct testimonies in some instances. In addition to discussing the role of the IRA in Bloody Sunday and its aftermath, the author also examines the controversy regarding the nail bombs that were supposedly planted by the British army. (Further investigation suggests that the Florida Conference of Historians is a reputable source, as its website states that it was founded to give Florida’s historians “an opportunity to share their scholarship and develop a sense of collegiality.” The footnotes, which cite a variety of books, articles and even a government report, further support the essay’s validity) [Reviewed 24 Mar. 2013].
“Colonel Eamon Broy’s Role in Irish Espionage.” An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána, n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
http://www.garda.ie/Documents/User/Colonel%20Eamon%20Broy's%20Role%20in%20Irish%20Espionage.pdf
While watching and discussing Michael Collins provided a great starting point to the class’ exploration of the Easter Rising and Ireland’s struggle for independence, one of the film’s shortcomings lies in its dramatized depiction of Eamon “Ned” Broy. This essay, in contrast, provides a factual account of Broy’s role in the politics of Irish independence, from his beginning as a double agent “G-man” in the Dublin Metropolitan Police to his later position in the IRA. (While this essay does not include a bibliography or citations for its sources, the fact that it is published by the Garda itself suggests that it is a valid secondary source) [Reviewed 6 Apr. 2013].
Melaugh, Martin and Fionnuala Mckenna. “ ‘Bloody Sunday,’ 30 January 1972 - A Chronology of Events.” CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland. CAIN Web Service, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/bsunday/chron.htm
While the chaotic nature of Bloody Sunday can make it difficult to delineate key occurrences, this CAIN webpage does an excellent job of laying out the day’s chain of events in detail. Key events in the prelude to Bloody Sunday, as well as those in the aftermath, are also included, allowing the day’s events to be analyzed within a greater historical context. (The authority of the CAIN Web Service and the frequent updating of its information, combined with the internal links to supporting CAIN materials, confirm the validity of this source. The credibility is further supported by a link to a sources page that lists the books, government reports, websites, and other publications used in the creation of the chronology) [Reviewed 24 Mar. 2013].
The 1916 Rising: Personalities and Perspectives. National Library of Ireland. 2006. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nli.ie/1916/
This online exhibition by the National Library of Ireland is a beautifully executed interactive compilation of information regarding the 1916 Easter Rising. The detailed text is complemented by galleries of images and historical documents, and there is even a handy map of 1916 Dublin available for quick reference. (The exhibition’s validity is inherent in that it was created by the National Library of Ireland. The opening page also includes an extensive bibliography and a list of external links, thus enhancing credibility while also encouraging further investigation by the reader) [Reviewed 8 Apr. 2013].
Wars and Conflict: 1916 Easter Rising. BBC History. BBC News, 2013. Web. 6 Apr. 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/index.shtml
This BBC website is a rich source of resources regarding the 1916 Easter Rising: in addition to the wealth of textual information (such as profiles on the key leaders and organizations in the rising), the website also incorporates multimedia sources, including a radio archive and a gallery of photographs and other images. The sections dedicated to the rising’s prelude and aftermath also provide the reader with a greater understanding of the rising’s historical context, similar to the way in which source 3 considers Bloody Sunday. (The BBC’s status as a reputable news source on Irish history suggests that it is a valid source, and the credibility is further supported by a list of further readings and relevant museums in Ireland) [Reviewed 6 Apr. 2013].
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Jamal Zahir
"News Northern Ireland." Sinn Fein 'paralysed' by SDLP says Robinson, 2012. Web.10 April 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19977525
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source is an excellent source for both the casual reader and students studying contemporary bouts in the Irish political arena. This source is fact based and describes the relative “openness” of Sinn Fein to adopt some of the SDLP’s political viewpoints, in an attempt to win Irish votes. This source analyzes Sinn Fein’s subtle adoption of SDLP viewpoints, perhaps in an attempt to highlight Sinn Fein’s declining public support. In true BBC fashion, no sources are cited, but because of BBC’s past credibility, all facts are considered true and accurate.
“The Telegraph.” The Bloody Sunday Soldiers Were Morally Worse Than IRA Terrorists, 2010. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/georgepitcher/100043725/the-bloody-sunday-soldiers-were-morally-worse-than-ira-terrorists/
The Telegraph, although not a widely recognized source of credible news, has gained considerable attention in the last few years because of its fact based and analytical pieces. As a result, more often than not, The Telegraph is associated with credible news. This source is catered for both Irish and British who still remember the Bloody Sunday massacre and have a strong sense of connection to the event. This source is one-sided in that it demonizes the contributors in the massacre and the whole British Army for their horrendous acts. A relatively recent source, this highlights the shift in thoughts about the true tyrannical nature of Bloody Sunday; moreover, as the author is a Brit, this source is excellent in highlighting the changing view of the British in their view of Bloody Sunday. As this source is part of the opinions section, the author does not cite any sources.
“Ireland First.” Bloody Sunday, 2005. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://www.eirefirst.com/archive/Bloodysunday.html
This is a privately funded site consisting of pro-Irish authors. Anything associated with Britain is immediately attacked. This site is catered for the Irish independency fanatics and definitely not for the British. This site has not been updated since 2005, and so does not cover any contemporary issues or apologies between the British and the Irish. As a result, the site retains an extremist and highly subjective view of Britain. Surprisingly, unlike personal opinion-based sites like this source, the facts in the articles are sourced to credible sources; however, the links to those sources seem to be down.
“BBC News.” Bloody Sunday Leader Finds Faith in Film, 2002. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/1791090.stm
As a widely recognized source of mostly objective and credible news, BBC has won the world over with its demonstrated credibility. This source is only for the reader who is well-versed in Irish civil rights history. Rather, a casual reader would get lost in the dates and events mentioned. This source is timeless in that it captured Ivan Cooper’s feelings after he viewed the movie and recorded them. This source remains fact based, only recording and re-telling stories about Ivan Cooper. In true BBC fashion, no sources are cited, except Bloody Sunday the motion picture.
“General Michael Collins.” Michael Collins: His Life and Times, 1996. Web. 10 April 2013.
http://generalmichaelcollins.com/pages/Michael_Collins.html
This source is highly subjective in that it calls for the “perpetuation of Michael Collin’s name,” in order to remember the sacrifice that Collins made to save Ireland from total warfare against the stronger British. A Collins loyalist wrote this book that is free on this source, recounting Collin’s lifetime and events that eventually led to his appeasement attitude toward the British (i.e. the Anglo-Irish Treaty). This source is catered towards the Irish who consider Collins a hero, rather than a traitor, which anti-Treaty republicans consider him to be. Support for this source comes courtesy of opinion based sources as well as fact based sources. As a result, sometimes empirical evidence and personal viewpoint boundaries are blurred, therefore creating a source that is highly subjective, while maintaining a sense of truth.
Irish Popular Culture
The site, Your Irish: Direct from Ireland is a great site that explores Irish culture from the perspectives ofIrish music and dance, drinking culture, sports, traditions and customs, folklore and myths, Irish food and recipes, and history. I also love the handy survival guide by Patricia Levy, Culture Shock Ireland.
Judith Coe
Judith Coe
Irish Popular Culture Webliography
This Webliography section of our class blog will feature student cybersleuthing research projects, relative to Irish Popular Culture and specific areas of topic research and targeted passions that resonate personally and focus on deliberate themes.
Pratibha Anand
Casey, Philip. “A Guide to Irish Culture on the Web.” About Irish Culture. Irish Culture Creative Commons, 2013. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishculture.ie
This website is a significant resource when exploring Irish culture as it provides over a thousand descriptive links to absorbing and dazzling examples of Irish Culture, including the usual favorites such as art, history, literature, cinema, mythology, flora, fauna and genealogy, but also its commerce, religions, government, science and technology. The site is a living compendium of modern as well as ancient Ireland – many sites are stunningly illustrated – created by hundreds of experts and expert enthusiasts alike. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Irish Culture Creative Commons, and offers links to over a thousand websites deemed reputable be a team of research experts about various aspects of Irish culture. The website further includes several photographs and maps and provides links to websites that are frequently updated and revised, adding to its credibility.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Culture of Ireland.” Countries and their Cultures. Advameg, Inc., 2011. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Ireland.html#b
This website contains a brief history and background of the evolution of Irish culture over the past two millennia. In addition to history and ethnic relations, this website further explores the topics of urbanism, architecture, and the use of space; food and economy; social stratification; political life; social welfare and change programs; nongovernmental organizations and other associations; gender roles and statuses; marriage family, and kinship; socialization; etiquette; religion; medicine and healthcare; secular celebrations; arts and humanities; and physical and social sciences. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, Advameg, Inc., and offers a compendium of resources for readers including several links to other reputable and primary source websites and a complete bibliography. Moreover, this source offers photographs and information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
Sweeny, Colm. Enjoy Irish Culture. “Irish Culture and Ireland Tourism Guide.” 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.enjoy-irish-culture.com/#sthash.bwG36eY5.LB7RPIBT.dpbs
This website chronicles a plethora of different topics related to Irish culture and provides a wealth of useful information including photographs and a particularly interesting and amusing section on Irish customs that includes tips on making conversation, smiling, paying the bill, saying sorry, and more. (This source offers credible information that is verifiable through other sources. The website is also updated on an almost daily basis, lending further support to its credibility. The additional links to relevant websites and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Irish Culture & Customs of Ireland.” About the Culture of Ireland. Your Irish, 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/
This website provides easily digestible and accessible information about Irish culture and customs and features a variety of pages that discuss (among other things), drinking culture, Irish dancing, Irish language, Irish sports, Irish music, and Irish food. Additionally, there are hyperlinks on each page that allow readers to delve deeper into the various topics discussed. (This source is most probably valid and reliable due to the links provided that enhance the quality of the information provided by offering background details and the very frequent informational updates.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Reference Information About Ireland.” Ireland-Information. The Information About Ireland Site, 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/#cult
This source provides pictures and a detailed outline and overview of Irish culture that includes sub-sections that provide information on Irish literature, publishing, art, architecture, music, dance, cinema, folklore, sport, and St. Patrick’s Day. The source also lists information about the Irish State, Irish economy, and Ireland in the World today.
(This resource is likely valid due to the various links to related and reputable sources provided that offer similar details regarding Irish culture. Moreover, the website is frequently updated and revised, adding to the timeliness and relevance of information presented.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Disproving stereotypes of Irish Travellers
Colm, Power. “Room to Roam: English Irish Travellers.” Irish Traveller Movement in Britain. Irish Traveller Movement, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.irishtraveller.org.uk/images/roomtoroam.pdf
This website leads to a very detailed report regarding Irish Travellers. The report discusses who the Irish Travellers are, their origin, and almost all aspects of their culture and lifestyle. Furthermore, the report articulates Irish Travellers and their relationship to the government, accommodation and housing, health and social welfare, education and training, and policing and criminal justice. This source is an excellent source to begin one’s research of Irish Traveller because the report provides a great amount of information about all aspects of the Irish Travellers. (Not only does a credible author write the report, but the report was also funded by the Community Fund and supported by the national second tier community charity The Traveller Movement, and the extensive bibliography contributes to the validity of the report’s information.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
Kabachnik, Peter. “The culture of crime: Examining representations of Irish Travellers in Traveller and The Riches.” Academia.edu. Academia, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.academia.edu/841892/The_culture_of_crime_Examining_representations_of_Irish_Travelers_in_Traveller_and_The_Riches
This webpage provides access to a peer-reviewed academic journal article that discusses the crime-culture stereotype regarding Irish Travellers in the media. The article uses the 1997 film Traveller and the 2007 television serious The Riches as examples. Although the information may be somewhat dense, there is a plethora of information and analysis concerning specific stereotypes that exist. The article analyzes the origin and potential causes of these stereotypes and how and why they continue to exist in contemporary media. (The nature of this academic article being peer-reviewed and published by the reputable Liverpool University Press makes it a strongly credible source.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
“Recognise Traveller Ethnicity.” iPetitions. Angle Three Associates, LCC, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/itmethnicity/
This webpage is a petition urging the Irish Government to recognize the Travellers as a minority group. According to the petition, the recognition of the Traveller Ethnicity would send a strong message to Irish Travellers that their cultural heritage and place in Irish society has substantial value, provide greater political protection for the Travellers, and allow Traveller representation within the political system. Currently, this petition has 1,079 signatures. (This petition is sponsored by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), which is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community; although this source does not necessarily provide any information specifically regarding Irish Traveller history or their role in society, this petition serves as evidence that there is a cultural and societal disconnect that is a prevalent problem in Irish society, and people strongly feel that the Irish government should be involved and address the problem.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
Tobin, Carol. “The traveller testimony.” Independent.ie. Irish Independent, 2008. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/the-traveller-testimony-26487527.html
This article includes an interview with a 23-year-old Irish Traveller. In the article, the Traveller Martin discusses his life and answers controversial questions about discrimination, the marriage culture, bare-knuckles fighting, and other similar cultural topics. Martin presents himself as rather a comedian and is very entertaining to read, but he still provides useful information and insight about the Traveller culture. (The Irish Independent is considered a reliable news sources in the media, and while the information given by the interviewee presents some natural bias, the article is well written and provides an excellent personal testimony.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
“Travellers and Education.” Pavee Point Travellers’ Center. Pavee Point, 2013. Web. 14 May 2013.
http://paveepoint.ie/pdf/Education_Leaflet.pdf
This is a pamphlet discussing the contemporary problems and potential solutions regarding Irish Travellers and education. The pamphlet provides an array of useful information, such as statistics about the status of Travellers’ education and testimonies from Travellers of different generations and their perspectives on the education system. In addition, possible strategies are also discussed, particularly the Traveller Education Strategy and other similar projects. (The information in this document is provided by the voluntary non-governmental organization solely dedicated to elevating the status of Irish Travellers, which mostly likely causes inherent bias in the presentation of its information; however, the organization is funded and supported by the National Development Plan, European Union, Léargas, Gender Equality Unit, and other organizations that contribute to the credibility of the information.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme: Magdalene Laundry
“Seeking Redress for a Mother’s Life in a Workhouse.” Europe. The New York Times. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/world/europe/seeking-redress-in-ireland-over-magdalene-laundry.html?_r=0
This is the first article that really hit me with what the Magdalene laundry is all about. Rather than talking about what they do and what it is in general, this is a personal story of one family that had to go through this devastation. It is about twins who were adopted and went looking for their biological mother. They found her in one of the laundries and discovered they were born due to sexual abuse. This is extremely sad and I can’t imagine going through this. It would be hard finding your biological mother after all these years. And not only that, but finding out you had another sister out in the world probably going through the same things. I think adopted children always wonder why their parents abandoned them. They got the answers they were looking for, but not necessarily what they wanted. (The New York Times is a very reliable and credible company and source. They have worked hard to get where they are today and it definitely appears through their website. It is very organized and user friendly. They have all the information you could possibly want to make sure a source is credible, such as author’s information, dates, copyrights, etc.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“Ireland's Magdalene Laundries: I hope my birth mother can now rest in peace.” Women’s Politics. The Telegraph. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/9878223/Irelands-Magdalene-Laundries-I-hope-my-birth-mother-can-now-rest-in-peace.html
This site continues the story about the twins finding their birth mother. However, this one is specifically about the mother and her life in the laundry. Margaret Bullen, the mother, was put into Ireland’s Industrial School system when she was two-years-old. Her own mother and father were unable to take care of the seven children they had on top of the mother being very sick. From then on, Margaret was no longer a part of society. At just five-years-old she was cooking for at least 70 children. When she was 16, she got moved to Gloucester Street Magdalene Laundry where she worked for no pay the rest of her life. She was 42 by the time her children found her, but looked over 60. While in the laundry, she got pregnant twice, once with twins and another with a girl three years later. Sadly, she didn’t even remember she had children of her own. From all the post-traumatic stress, she simply forgot. I think it was harder for Margaret than it was for the twins to meet her. Her children were taken from her right after they were born and she didn’t even have a say in it. (I am not very familiar with The Telegraph so I liked learning of a new website. It is very professional and has a great layout. The information is supported through other websites I have looked at on the topic. The information is updated daily based on the date.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“Ireland apologizes for 'slave labour' at Magdalene Laundries.” News: World News: Ireland. The Guardian. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/19/ireland-apologises-slave-labour-magdalene-laundries
What truly amazes me with all these articles is that they are dated in 2013. There have been Magdalene women since the 60’s and it is just now being addressed and apologized for. This article is about The Irish State finally apologizing for all the trauma and devastation they put 10,000 and more women through over decades. These women were treated as slaves and it wasn’t put to an end until 1996. I was three-years-old then. I can’t believe this was going on. Along with an apology, there was also a compensation for about 800 women who remained alive. Out of 10,000 women, only 800 got the compensation. The rest didn’t live to see this day. (The Guardian is another well-known newspaper. I like how there are article and related items at the bottom of the page that allow for further research on the topic someone is looking at. It gives outside resources and more information on the topic. By giving outside resources it demonstrates that the information is more likely to be credible because it is in multiple places.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“My 3 years as a child slave in a workhouse run by sadistic nuns.” Real Life: Me. The Sun. Web. 4 May. 2013. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
This website stood out to me because it has a picture right on the front of women at work in the laundries It makes it that much more real than the words in the article in my opinion. I also thought it was just older women that were in these systems, but they start as little girls and work their whole lives here. It is truly awful. This is the firs site where it states when the laundries started. I didn’t realize it was in 1922. That makes it that much worse than I originally thought it was. This article focuses on another woman’s story of her life in the Magdalene Laundries. Her name was Kathleen Legg. The only reason she was put into this life was because she was born out of wedlock. Her mother and even she thought she would be in school and treated well. Obviously, that was not the case. Right from the start her life was completely different. They took away her name and gave her a number: 26. It seems worse than prison. They had no calendars or mirrors. I wonder if they kept track of the days or just figured it wasn’t worth it. It says she left the laundry when she was 19. If these women could leave when they wanted, why not leave earlier? She was able to get back on her feet and became a medic in the air force. When she got married, she never told her husband of 38 years that she was in the laundry. However, the memories always remained in her head. (This site has multiple pictures throughout the article and each one is given a caption and source. The article has an author and then at the bottom there is a person’s name listed for additional reporting. There is also a section at the end with just facts given on the topic, which sums up all the important details.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“The Magdalene laundries were used as reformatories where girls were sent without due process. But they were not brutal: anti-Catholics have lied about them.” Comments and Blogs. CatholicHerald.co.uk. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2013/02/25/the-magdalen-laundries-were-used-as-reformatories-where-girls-were-sent-without-due-process-but-they-were-not-brutal-anti-catholics-have-lied-about-them/
I think women would be traumatized after this experience. In this article there are quotes from women saying they were treated well and never beaten or touched. I think if they were harmed, it wouldn’t be in public in front of everyone, but who knows. I don’t think many would want to talk about the harm done to them to the media. I know I wouldn’t. This is a situation that women would want to put behind them and not discuss. I think the last four sites I found for this webliography were very informative and a good learning experience for me. I also think it is good to include a website on here that isn’t as good as others. It demonstrates how the same story can be seen from a different light. I’m not saying this source isn’t credible, but I didn’t get as much out of it as I did with other source. (While reading this article, I was a little confused because it states that there was no physical or sexual abuse to the women while in the laundries. However, I found two sources listed above along with multiple others that say there was sexual abuse. That makes me questions this article overall. However, other information listed is the same as other sources I have found.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Carney, John. "Hong Kong Irish Dance Troupe Reels in the Medals at European Championships." South China Morning Post. HONG KONG, 05 May 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1230275/hong-kong-irish-dance-troupe-reels-medals-european-championships
This article is about an Irish dance school located in China and how the students received medals and awards for their performances. This is a great article because it shows how Irish popular culture is present in many forms and how it has impacted other cultures like in China. It is also interesting how Irish popular culture has traveled and preserved itself in different cultures. This article is not biased because it mentions that more than 25 different nationalities of students attend the school and it is a great resource to show how diverse Irish popular culture can be. This source comes from the South China Morning Post and is a great resource from a different perspective.
Duncan, Pamela. "Dangerous Driving Offences Rose by More than 100,000 between 2010 and 2011." Irish Times: Crime and Law. The Irish Times, 30 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/dangerous-driving-offences-rose-by-more-than-100-000-between-2010-and-2011-1.1377946
This is a very factual article that gives mainly statistics on speeding reports, drink driving offenses, car thefts, and other general safety in Ireland. The article focuses on driving safety in Ireland and shows how the number of incidences of speeding and drink driving offences has increased since 2010 and 2011. Because this article is mainly statistics, it is not very biased. This is also an accurate website because it comes from the Irish Times, but it may still have some statistics that may be inaccurate.
Kelly, Maura. "From Vikings to Game of Thrones: Ireland Evolves Into TV Production Destination." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maura-kelly/from-vikings-to-games-of-_b_3093539.html
This article is about Irish television production becoming more popular despite economic issues Ireland faces. Many aspects of Ireland like the award winning actors, beautiful landscapes to film, and great writers contribute to the growth and expansion of Irish television. This is a reliable source because the author, Maura Kelly, is an executive and social entrepreneur for television and is writing a brief history of the growth and expansion of Irish television.
Peters, Rick. "Kinsale's Travelling Banquet." Life and Style: Irish Food and Drink. The Guardian, 01 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/01/kinsale-international-gourmet-festival-ireland
This article is about County Cork’s annual Gourmet Festival, one of the most famous food destinations/celebrations. The festival is a travelling banquet, where many restaurants get to advertise their dishes. This article is a great resource to compare the different food traditions among different cultures. For, example the Gourmet Festival can be compared to Restaurant Week, Taste of Colorado, and other food festivals. There is some bias in this article because it is an opinion article and the author lists only the restaurants, food places, he enjoys. However, this is still a great resource to see different food traditions from a news writer in The Guardian.
"Welcome to the Export Food and Drink." Food and Drink Export Ireland. Irish Exporters Association, 2010. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.exportfoodanddrink.org/
This website is a useful tool for seeing how the food trade works in Ireland. The goal of the website is to help food/drink companies grow and develop by networking and providing useful insight on projects and news articles about the food industry. There is not really any bias in this website because it is mostly factual on how the food industry in Ireland works, but it is geared toward an audience that has a food company ready to market. This is a reliable source because it is run by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) and it lists all the sponsors and donors that have helped the website grow.
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Kevie Kawasaki
"Big Fat Gypsy Wedding (Episode 3 Part 1)." YouTube. YouTube, 19 Feb. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eMV3jkTiI
This source gives a look into Irish Traveler lifestyle. This video is one of four parts that follows two Irish Traveler brides and the everyday life of some of their relatives. The wedding preparations, ceremony, what marriage means in their culture, differences in views of men and women, and courtship are all touched upon in this video. Because this source is largely interviews with Irish Travelers it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
Byrne, John. "Top 20 Irish TV Shows." RTE Ten. N.p., 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/0314/irishtv.html
This source gives a look into Irish TV. This source gives the top 20 shows on Irish TV and a short synopsis. This is the site for Irish TV so from here you can see Irish TV and Radio listings and find out more information about the many Irish TV shows. Because this source was created by the people who air Irish TV and TV is their job it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
Kitchin, Rob, Cian OʻCallaghan, and Justin Gleeson. "Unfinished Estates in Post-Celtic Tiger Ireland." NIRSA 67 (2012): 1-18. Feb. 2012. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
http://www.nuim.ie/nirsa/research/documents/NIRSA%20working%20paper%2067%20-%20Unfinished%20estates%20in%20post%20Celtic%20Tiger%20Ireland.pdf
This source gives a look into the economy in Ireland and ghost estates. This source covers Irelands economy before during and after the global financial crisis and how that related to ghost estates. This source offers background necessary to understand ghost estates, the main point of this article. Because this source is in a journal and cited its sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
McVeigh, Robbie. "‘Ethnicity Denial’ and Racism: The Case of the Government of Ireland Against Irish Travellers." Translocations 2.1 (2007): 90-133. 2007. Web. 1 May 2013.
http://www.translocations.ie
This source gives a look into racism surrounding Irish Travelers. This source looks into the racism of Irish Travelers from where it originated, what it looks like, and its effects. This source defines racism for its argument and presents evidence for its existence. Because this source is in a journal and cited its sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 1 May. 2013]
Nolan, Natasha. "Traditional Irish Foods." Pinterest. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. http://pinterest.com/tashanolan/traditional-irish-foods/
This source gives a look into Irish food. This source gives many different images and recipes for some traditional Irish foods. This blog has links to other sources where you can find more information about Irish food. I would not consider this a valid source of authentic Irish food but it is a great resource for lots of Irish foods. [Reviewed 23 Apr. 2013]
"The Truth About Irish Travellers (Part 1/5)." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Aug. 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mod4B_suRIU
This source gives a look into Irish Traveler lifestyle. This video is one of five parts that investigates many aspects of the Irish Traveler lifestyle. A large part of the video is interviewing members of the Traveler community and experts in the Traveler culture about many different aspects of Traveler life. Because this source is largely interviews with Irish Travelers and experts it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Health Issues Caused by Drinking.” Ireland'sDrinkingCulture. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://bcfestudentweb.com/mmhnd/0608/rushegerard/Healthissuespage.htm
This website is a good source to get the information on the history of drinking culture and health issues that are going on in Ireland. It states that The first recorded whiskey can be traced back to 1405 A.D. The oldest pub in Ireland is recorded to be 1198. However, those were only the recorded versions, which means that there could be earlier ones that weren't just recorded. About 50-60 years ago, only men were allowed to the pub, and women weren't seen in the pub. Binge drinking, which is drinking over four pints for men and three pints for women in a night, is a big problem because Irish people go way beyond the binge drinking. (This website doesn't have a copyright or any information on who is in the charge of this website or anything, but there is a way for readers to get a hold of the owner of the website by going to the contact section. Also, this website is trustable in a way in that it provides the link it used to gather information.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Corrigan, Conn. “Irish Pubs for Dummies: Drinking Etiquette.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 27 Sept. 2009. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/travel-irish-pubs-dummies/story?id=8674067#.UX9CVaK-2Sp
This article on this website talks about basic drinking cultural etiquette that people should know about Ireland. It offers many tips, mannerisms, and behaviors that readers should follow when in Ireland, such as tipping and what the round culture is. When you get offered a drink, there is an unspoken condition that you return the favor. If a person doesn't buy his or her round, Irish people will talk badly about that person. Tipping is unnecessary unless you get a table service. The minimum wage is over $11 per hour, and most bars don’t have table services to begin with. (This website is credible because its article is from a famous news company. Not only the author’s name is shown, but also, it has sections for contact information, feedback, privacy policy, terms of use, etc.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Donnchadha, Sorcha Mac. “Your Irish.” Ireland Pub and Drink Culture – Irish Drink. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/drink/
This website talks a little bit about Irish drinking culture. It says that Guinness is the most popular stout in the world. Even though it’s really famous, its heavy and dark liquid make it hard for people to drink a full pint. Guinness was first brewed in the 18th century by Arthur Guinness. Irish whiskey is the finest whiskey anyone can ask for in the world. Some of the famous and best Irish whiskeys are Bushmills whiskey and Jameson whiskey, which are found in every bar in Ireland. Also, a more popular drink in Ireland but unknown outside Ireland is poteen, which was once illegal. Irish poteen is like a moonshine brewed and sold from people’s homes. This is so strong that only “trained” drinkers in Ireland dare to try. (This website is credible because it is written by a person who was born and raised in Ireland. There is a copyright written on the bottom of the page.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Ellis, Jessica, and Bronwyn Harris. “What Is Boxty?” WiseGeek. Conjecture, n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-boxty.htm
This article talks about the famous Irish food, potato pancakes. It is called “Boxty,” or boxties for plural. A Boxty is a traditional Irish dish that uses the staple food of Ireland, potatoes. Boxty can be eaten in many ways, including, but not limited to, by itself, wrapped around meat or vegetables like tortillas, or as a side dish. Because of its inexpensive ingredients, it was often referred to as “peasant food.” The Gaelic name for the dish is “aran bocht ti,” which translates to “poor house bread.” Boxty can be served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it is often the first dish Irish girls learn, which leads to the famous saying in Irish culture, “Boxty in the kitchen, boxty in the pan, if you can't make boxty, you'll never get a man!” (This website is credible because it has a copyright on the bottom of the page, and it allows readers to contact them with any questions it might have. Also, this website is commonly used by lots of people for any kinds of information.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Ramstedt, Mats, and Ann Hope. “The Irish Drinking Culture.” N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/5841/1/2396-2528.pdf
This is a research paper that studies the drinking habits of Irish people. The analysis is based on a survey containing similar questions that were used in a recent European comparative survey involving Finland, Sweden, Germany, UK, France and Italy. This helps us examine the Irish results in a comparative framework. A lot of alcohol is consumed in the form of beer. It was concluded that Ireland had the highest tendency for people to drink a lot of alcohol on one occasion, referred to as binge drinking, and this is very common in Ireland. Younger aged people tend to drink more and binge drink more than people who are older. (This research is credible because the information of two researchers are given, suggesting that they are confident in their research, and references were given at the end of the study. The study sets out many data with good and thorough analysis.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Tippett, Jennifer. “My 3 Years as a Child Slave in a Workhouse Run by Sadistic Nuns.” Real Life RSS. N.p., 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 03 May 2013. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
This article on this website shows how brutal it was in the Magdalene Laundries. This article focuses on one survivor of this event, Kathleen Legg. She says that it was like a nightmare with forced labor. Even though this happened to her about 60 years ago, and even though she is a mom of two children with a happy life, every time she closes her eyes at night, she is back to that horrible place; she said she can’t erase her memories. Some of the terrible things that nuns did to women were laughing at them and not taking care of them when workers were injured. This news article helps readers feel the fear and brutality that women at that time felt. (This website is credible because it’s an online news website in United Kingdom, and also, this article was reported a couple months ago, so it’s recent.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Irish Travelers
"Countries and Their Cultures." Religion and Expressive Culture. Web. 05 May 2013. http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Irish-Travelers-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html
This site is a pretty useful resource to learn about the Religious Beliefs of the Irish Travelers. Topics such as death and the afterlife are discussed along with Catholic Faith. This site also talks about Catholic baptism, communion, and confirmation. This site even entails what Irish Travelers particularly the women pray for. These things include marriage for their daughters, along with the ability to bare children, for their husbands and sons to quit drinking, as well as for families’ health. (This site seems to be creditable and unbiased.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
"Irish Travelers: Culture and Ethnicity." Ed. May McCann, Seamas O. Siochain, and Joseph Ruane. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://eprints.nuim.ie/1087/1/IrishTravellersSOS.pdf
This paper discusses the Irish Travelers culture and ethnicity. It is a great resource because in the culture portion things such as nomadism, language, perspective, community relations, and policy. A specific topic discussed in this article that I found interesting is the idea of a Culture of Poverty. This is the idea that poverty would continue from generation to generation and it would make the cycle very hard to break. (This site seems to be unbiased and creditable.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Koerner, Brendan. "What Is an Irish Traveler? - Slate Magazine." Slate Magazine. 22 Sept. 2002. Web. 05 May 2013. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2002/09/what_is_an_irish_traveler.html
This is a very brief site explains What an Irish Traveler is. The author does a very good job of giving the audience the basics without over welling them with information. Some things discussed in the article include a brief history and information about the populations. I think the style that the author presented the information was good but I wish he would have discussed more things such as tradition and the struggles they currently face. (This site seems to be unbiased as well as credible.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
"Navan Travellers Workshops - Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd." Navan Travellers Workshops - Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.travellerheritage.ie/
This is a very interesting site that really gets into a lot of details about the Irish Traveler community. The site is split up into six sections which include: Photograph Archive, Music and Song, Travelers Talking, Culture and History, Academic Research, and Recourses. Something I did not like about this site is that there was lot of information that it made it hard to get a full understanding. I also found myself questioning whether they were talking about Irish Travelers or Travelers as a whole. When going into some of the sections you are then faced with different topics that fall under that category and then you are redirected to a paper which made things a little bit confusing. (Other than organizational problems this was a very good site with a lot of information. This site was unbiased and seemed to be creditable for the most part.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Rock, Lauren. "Documenting The Irish Travellers: A Nomadic Culture of Yore." NPR. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/11/05/164364134/documenting-the-irish-travellers-a-nomadic-culture-of-yore
This is a wonderful site to go to look at pictures of Irish Travelers. The images used in this NPR article are of such good quality. This site also goes into a little bit of information about the Irish Traveler community. I love this site because it connects the book Tinkers No More as well as the show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. You can see that both aspects of Traveler life is covered the old and the new. (This article is credible due to the fact that it comes from a credible source and seems to be unbiased.) [Reviewed 5 May 5, 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Donegal Travellers Project. Donegal Travellers Project, 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://donegaltravellersproject.org/
This website for the Donegal Travellers Project provides an excellent overview of the variety of functions and activities carried out by the project. In addition to addressing a multitude of issues related to the current state of Irish Travellers in Ireland (such as health, politics, and education), the website also contains a documentary, “Barrel Top Days,” that examines life in the “old days” of the Donegal Irish Travellers. (As stated on the website’s home page, the Donegal Travellers Project was “developed with the support of the Respecting and Connecting Communities Project, a Peace III Program managed for the Special EU Programs Body by Donegal County Council.” This sponsorship by both the European Union and the local Irish government suggests that website, as well as the project as a whole, is a credible source of information regarding Irish Travellers). [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
“Guinness Ads.” Guinness Storehouse. Guinness & Co., 2013. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/advertisements.aspx
This gallery showcases a multitude of Guinness ads from the 1930s to the 1980s, which can be sorted by decade or medium (print, poster, or TV advert) for easy viewing. Each ad is accompanied by a short written caption, which is helpful for providing historical context as well as for sparking further research. In browsing this gallery, one is afforded a glimpse into the fascinating (and sometimes nearly horrifying) history of the oft-tempestuous relationship between alcohol and the Irish. (The gallery is hosted by the official website of the Guinness Storehouse, thus confirming the authenticity of the advertisements shown.) [Reviewed 26 Apr. 2013]
Healy, Don McNeill. “96 Pigeon House Road.” ZoneZero. ZoneZero, 2010. Web. 5 May 2013. http://www.zonezero.com/zz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1092
This multimedia exhibition represents the culmination of the year and half that photographer Don McNeill Healy spent living with the Maughans, a family of Travellers who live on the outskirts of Dublin. It is truly an eye-opening look at the everyday life of Irish Travellers in contemporary Ireland. (Don McNeill Healy is a well-established photographer and ZoneZero is a well-respected online photography magazine, so the context of the photo essay is credible. Additionally, the kinship with the Maughans that Healy alludes to in the introductory text suggests that he took the time to construct a valid representation of modern Irish Traveller life.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Irish American Mom. Wordpress, 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2013.
www.irishamericanmom.com
This blog provides a fascinating look at Irish popular culture, as the author, Mairead, writes from her perspective as Irish immigrant who has lived in America for over twenty years. She muses on everything from border collies to boxties, the latter of which are among the many delicious recipes available on her blog. Her unique perspective also offers the reader an excellent opportunity to compare and contrast Irish and American popular cultures. (Mairead provides a short biography in her “About Me” section, which helps to establish her credibility as an Irish expatriate. Aside from her personal anecdotes, she uses external links to supplement her writings on Irish culture in general, thus further enhancing the validity of her blog posts.) [Reviewed 23 Apr. 2013]
Navan Travellers Workshops. Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd., 2010. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.travellerheritage.ie/
This website is a compendium of the Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd.’s many efforts to preserve and promote the culture of the Irish Travellers. It offers a variety of resources, including academic research articles, interviews with Travellers, and even recordings of Traveller music. There is also an extensive photograph archive, the culmination of the Workshops’ collection of hundreds of old Traveller photographs over the years. (Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd. describes themselves as “a Traveller led community development organization” that has been in operation for over forty years, suggesting that the website is valid in providing an authoritative Traveller perspective.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"The History and Culture of Irish Travellers." Irish Traveller Movement in Britain. Wordpress.org, n.d. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://irishtraveller.org.uk/find-out-about-irish-travellers/history-and-culture
This website is from a credible, well-recognized charity organization that works toward unifying Travellers and preserving their culture. The site details the history of Irish Travellers and English Gypsies, and posts events within the community, as well as current news pieces are helpful resources for both “nomadic” members and curious visitors. This is a good information hotspot, rather like an online directory to all things Traveller, and with a more positive spin than is commonly associated with these groups. There is a bit of bias, basically, but the perspective is uncommonly good, so it almost balances out the negatively-tinged articles and opinions out there.
McDonald, Henry. "Irish Catholic Church Child Abuse: 'A Cruel and Wicked System'" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 20 May 2009. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/irish-catholic-church-child-abuse1
The Guardian is a credible and popular news site for information in the UK, and the bias is kept to a minimum. The title here smacks of opinion, however, so perhaps this is not the best article selection for neutral dissemination of facts. It does, however, do a good job of giving more detail than most about the murky history of Irish industrial schools, though the “sex abuse” and “beating” details are kept tactfully hidden to allow for more general viewing. This is a good article for constructing a framework of the abuse endured by males at the hands of the Catholic church, especially since the Magdalene laundries are a more central focus and better publicized, without a doubt.
Paige Brettingen. "Survivors of Magdalene Laundries Still Waiting for an Apology." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 01 May 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/survivors-of-magdalene-laundries-still-waiting-for-an-apology/2013/05/01/164f2be8-b290-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Again, the Washington Post is known for its credibility. This article is a good mixture of primary-source interview snippets and secondary analysis, or factual information. Survivors of the Laundries are the only ones who are able to give detailed accounts of their lives and the suffering they endured, because the Catholic Church has kept relatively quiet about these incidents. The article is excellent for those curious about survivor stories, and for any research with regards to the demands of that life and the psychological impact of being a laundry girl during formative childhood and adolescent years.
Tippett, Jennifer. "My 3 Years as a Child Slave in a Workhouse Run by Sadistic Nuns." The Sun. News Group Newspapers Limited, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
The Sun is more tabloid material than hard-hitting news stories, but because the story in question is based heavily off of a survivor interview, it is not unusable. What is different about Kathleen Legg’s story is the detail with which it explores her life after the laundries, and the extent to which she perceived her past as shameful and burdensome. This article is valuable as a more in-depth than usual case study of a Laundries survivor. Because the sensationalism for which the Sun is popular is minimized in the story, this resource should be utilized.
Wiedel, Janine. "Janine Wiedel's Best Photograph: An Irish Traveller in 1970s Galway." TheGuardian. Guardian News and Media, 3 Apr. 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2013/apr/03/janine-wiedel-best-photograph
This story is different from most others one might encounter while doing research because the contribution is not from a regular Guardian staffer, but rather one of its readers. The perspective of a photographer coming into the Traveller community as an outsider, and for only a brief amount of time, strikes a tone in the article of a visitor caught somewhere between popular beliefs (about the community) and the truth behind them. It is interesting to see the story behind a photograph, as told by the artist who created the image.
Pratibha Anand
Casey, Philip. “A Guide to Irish Culture on the Web.” About Irish Culture. Irish Culture Creative Commons, 2013. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishculture.ie
This website is a significant resource when exploring Irish culture as it provides over a thousand descriptive links to absorbing and dazzling examples of Irish Culture, including the usual favorites such as art, history, literature, cinema, mythology, flora, fauna and genealogy, but also its commerce, religions, government, science and technology. The site is a living compendium of modern as well as ancient Ireland – many sites are stunningly illustrated – created by hundreds of experts and expert enthusiasts alike. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Irish Culture Creative Commons, and offers links to over a thousand websites deemed reputable be a team of research experts about various aspects of Irish culture. The website further includes several photographs and maps and provides links to websites that are frequently updated and revised, adding to its credibility.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Culture of Ireland.” Countries and their Cultures. Advameg, Inc., 2011. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Ireland.html#b
This website contains a brief history and background of the evolution of Irish culture over the past two millennia. In addition to history and ethnic relations, this website further explores the topics of urbanism, architecture, and the use of space; food and economy; social stratification; political life; social welfare and change programs; nongovernmental organizations and other associations; gender roles and statuses; marriage family, and kinship; socialization; etiquette; religion; medicine and healthcare; secular celebrations; arts and humanities; and physical and social sciences. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, Advameg, Inc., and offers a compendium of resources for readers including several links to other reputable and primary source websites and a complete bibliography. Moreover, this source offers photographs and information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
Sweeny, Colm. Enjoy Irish Culture. “Irish Culture and Ireland Tourism Guide.” 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.enjoy-irish-culture.com/#sthash.bwG36eY5.LB7RPIBT.dpbs
This website chronicles a plethora of different topics related to Irish culture and provides a wealth of useful information including photographs and a particularly interesting and amusing section on Irish customs that includes tips on making conversation, smiling, paying the bill, saying sorry, and more. (This source offers credible information that is verifiable through other sources. The website is also updated on an almost daily basis, lending further support to its credibility. The additional links to relevant websites and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Irish Culture & Customs of Ireland.” About the Culture of Ireland. Your Irish, 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/
This website provides easily digestible and accessible information about Irish culture and customs and features a variety of pages that discuss (among other things), drinking culture, Irish dancing, Irish language, Irish sports, Irish music, and Irish food. Additionally, there are hyperlinks on each page that allow readers to delve deeper into the various topics discussed. (This source is most probably valid and reliable due to the links provided that enhance the quality of the information provided by offering background details and the very frequent informational updates.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
“Reference Information About Ireland.” Ireland-Information. The Information About Ireland Site, 2012. Web 27 Apr. 2013.
http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/#cult
This source provides pictures and a detailed outline and overview of Irish culture that includes sub-sections that provide information on Irish literature, publishing, art, architecture, music, dance, cinema, folklore, sport, and St. Patrick’s Day. The source also lists information about the Irish State, Irish economy, and Ireland in the World today.
(This resource is likely valid due to the various links to related and reputable sources provided that offer similar details regarding Irish culture. Moreover, the website is frequently updated and revised, adding to the timeliness and relevance of information presented.) [Reviewed 27 Apr. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Disproving stereotypes of Irish Travellers
Colm, Power. “Room to Roam: English Irish Travellers.” Irish Traveller Movement in Britain. Irish Traveller Movement, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.irishtraveller.org.uk/images/roomtoroam.pdf
This website leads to a very detailed report regarding Irish Travellers. The report discusses who the Irish Travellers are, their origin, and almost all aspects of their culture and lifestyle. Furthermore, the report articulates Irish Travellers and their relationship to the government, accommodation and housing, health and social welfare, education and training, and policing and criminal justice. This source is an excellent source to begin one’s research of Irish Traveller because the report provides a great amount of information about all aspects of the Irish Travellers. (Not only does a credible author write the report, but the report was also funded by the Community Fund and supported by the national second tier community charity The Traveller Movement, and the extensive bibliography contributes to the validity of the report’s information.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
Kabachnik, Peter. “The culture of crime: Examining representations of Irish Travellers in Traveller and The Riches.” Academia.edu. Academia, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.academia.edu/841892/The_culture_of_crime_Examining_representations_of_Irish_Travelers_in_Traveller_and_The_Riches
This webpage provides access to a peer-reviewed academic journal article that discusses the crime-culture stereotype regarding Irish Travellers in the media. The article uses the 1997 film Traveller and the 2007 television serious The Riches as examples. Although the information may be somewhat dense, there is a plethora of information and analysis concerning specific stereotypes that exist. The article analyzes the origin and potential causes of these stereotypes and how and why they continue to exist in contemporary media. (The nature of this academic article being peer-reviewed and published by the reputable Liverpool University Press makes it a strongly credible source.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
“Recognise Traveller Ethnicity.” iPetitions. Angle Three Associates, LCC, 2013. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/itmethnicity/
This webpage is a petition urging the Irish Government to recognize the Travellers as a minority group. According to the petition, the recognition of the Traveller Ethnicity would send a strong message to Irish Travellers that their cultural heritage and place in Irish society has substantial value, provide greater political protection for the Travellers, and allow Traveller representation within the political system. Currently, this petition has 1,079 signatures. (This petition is sponsored by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), which is a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community; although this source does not necessarily provide any information specifically regarding Irish Traveller history or their role in society, this petition serves as evidence that there is a cultural and societal disconnect that is a prevalent problem in Irish society, and people strongly feel that the Irish government should be involved and address the problem.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
Tobin, Carol. “The traveller testimony.” Independent.ie. Irish Independent, 2008. Web. 4 May 2013.
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/the-traveller-testimony-26487527.html
This article includes an interview with a 23-year-old Irish Traveller. In the article, the Traveller Martin discusses his life and answers controversial questions about discrimination, the marriage culture, bare-knuckles fighting, and other similar cultural topics. Martin presents himself as rather a comedian and is very entertaining to read, but he still provides useful information and insight about the Traveller culture. (The Irish Independent is considered a reliable news sources in the media, and while the information given by the interviewee presents some natural bias, the article is well written and provides an excellent personal testimony.) [Reviewed 4 May 2013]
“Travellers and Education.” Pavee Point Travellers’ Center. Pavee Point, 2013. Web. 14 May 2013.
http://paveepoint.ie/pdf/Education_Leaflet.pdf
This is a pamphlet discussing the contemporary problems and potential solutions regarding Irish Travellers and education. The pamphlet provides an array of useful information, such as statistics about the status of Travellers’ education and testimonies from Travellers of different generations and their perspectives on the education system. In addition, possible strategies are also discussed, particularly the Traveller Education Strategy and other similar projects. (The information in this document is provided by the voluntary non-governmental organization solely dedicated to elevating the status of Irish Travellers, which mostly likely causes inherent bias in the presentation of its information; however, the organization is funded and supported by the National Development Plan, European Union, Léargas, Gender Equality Unit, and other organizations that contribute to the credibility of the information.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
Theme: Magdalene Laundry
“Seeking Redress for a Mother’s Life in a Workhouse.” Europe. The New York Times. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/world/europe/seeking-redress-in-ireland-over-magdalene-laundry.html?_r=0
This is the first article that really hit me with what the Magdalene laundry is all about. Rather than talking about what they do and what it is in general, this is a personal story of one family that had to go through this devastation. It is about twins who were adopted and went looking for their biological mother. They found her in one of the laundries and discovered they were born due to sexual abuse. This is extremely sad and I can’t imagine going through this. It would be hard finding your biological mother after all these years. And not only that, but finding out you had another sister out in the world probably going through the same things. I think adopted children always wonder why their parents abandoned them. They got the answers they were looking for, but not necessarily what they wanted. (The New York Times is a very reliable and credible company and source. They have worked hard to get where they are today and it definitely appears through their website. It is very organized and user friendly. They have all the information you could possibly want to make sure a source is credible, such as author’s information, dates, copyrights, etc.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“Ireland's Magdalene Laundries: I hope my birth mother can now rest in peace.” Women’s Politics. The Telegraph. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/9878223/Irelands-Magdalene-Laundries-I-hope-my-birth-mother-can-now-rest-in-peace.html
This site continues the story about the twins finding their birth mother. However, this one is specifically about the mother and her life in the laundry. Margaret Bullen, the mother, was put into Ireland’s Industrial School system when she was two-years-old. Her own mother and father were unable to take care of the seven children they had on top of the mother being very sick. From then on, Margaret was no longer a part of society. At just five-years-old she was cooking for at least 70 children. When she was 16, she got moved to Gloucester Street Magdalene Laundry where she worked for no pay the rest of her life. She was 42 by the time her children found her, but looked over 60. While in the laundry, she got pregnant twice, once with twins and another with a girl three years later. Sadly, she didn’t even remember she had children of her own. From all the post-traumatic stress, she simply forgot. I think it was harder for Margaret than it was for the twins to meet her. Her children were taken from her right after they were born and she didn’t even have a say in it. (I am not very familiar with The Telegraph so I liked learning of a new website. It is very professional and has a great layout. The information is supported through other websites I have looked at on the topic. The information is updated daily based on the date.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“Ireland apologizes for 'slave labour' at Magdalene Laundries.” News: World News: Ireland. The Guardian. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/19/ireland-apologises-slave-labour-magdalene-laundries
What truly amazes me with all these articles is that they are dated in 2013. There have been Magdalene women since the 60’s and it is just now being addressed and apologized for. This article is about The Irish State finally apologizing for all the trauma and devastation they put 10,000 and more women through over decades. These women were treated as slaves and it wasn’t put to an end until 1996. I was three-years-old then. I can’t believe this was going on. Along with an apology, there was also a compensation for about 800 women who remained alive. Out of 10,000 women, only 800 got the compensation. The rest didn’t live to see this day. (The Guardian is another well-known newspaper. I like how there are article and related items at the bottom of the page that allow for further research on the topic someone is looking at. It gives outside resources and more information on the topic. By giving outside resources it demonstrates that the information is more likely to be credible because it is in multiple places.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“My 3 years as a child slave in a workhouse run by sadistic nuns.” Real Life: Me. The Sun. Web. 4 May. 2013. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
This website stood out to me because it has a picture right on the front of women at work in the laundries It makes it that much more real than the words in the article in my opinion. I also thought it was just older women that were in these systems, but they start as little girls and work their whole lives here. It is truly awful. This is the firs site where it states when the laundries started. I didn’t realize it was in 1922. That makes it that much worse than I originally thought it was. This article focuses on another woman’s story of her life in the Magdalene Laundries. Her name was Kathleen Legg. The only reason she was put into this life was because she was born out of wedlock. Her mother and even she thought she would be in school and treated well. Obviously, that was not the case. Right from the start her life was completely different. They took away her name and gave her a number: 26. It seems worse than prison. They had no calendars or mirrors. I wonder if they kept track of the days or just figured it wasn’t worth it. It says she left the laundry when she was 19. If these women could leave when they wanted, why not leave earlier? She was able to get back on her feet and became a medic in the air force. When she got married, she never told her husband of 38 years that she was in the laundry. However, the memories always remained in her head. (This site has multiple pictures throughout the article and each one is given a caption and source. The article has an author and then at the bottom there is a person’s name listed for additional reporting. There is also a section at the end with just facts given on the topic, which sums up all the important details.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
“The Magdalene laundries were used as reformatories where girls were sent without due process. But they were not brutal: anti-Catholics have lied about them.” Comments and Blogs. CatholicHerald.co.uk. Web. 4 May. 2013.
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2013/02/25/the-magdalen-laundries-were-used-as-reformatories-where-girls-were-sent-without-due-process-but-they-were-not-brutal-anti-catholics-have-lied-about-them/
I think women would be traumatized after this experience. In this article there are quotes from women saying they were treated well and never beaten or touched. I think if they were harmed, it wouldn’t be in public in front of everyone, but who knows. I don’t think many would want to talk about the harm done to them to the media. I know I wouldn’t. This is a situation that women would want to put behind them and not discuss. I think the last four sites I found for this webliography were very informative and a good learning experience for me. I also think it is good to include a website on here that isn’t as good as others. It demonstrates how the same story can be seen from a different light. I’m not saying this source isn’t credible, but I didn’t get as much out of it as I did with other source. (While reading this article, I was a little confused because it states that there was no physical or sexual abuse to the women while in the laundries. However, I found two sources listed above along with multiple others that say there was sexual abuse. That makes me questions this article overall. However, other information listed is the same as other sources I have found.) [Reviewed 4 May. 2013]
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Kristie Han
Carney, John. "Hong Kong Irish Dance Troupe Reels in the Medals at European Championships." South China Morning Post. HONG KONG, 05 May 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1230275/hong-kong-irish-dance-troupe-reels-medals-european-championships
This article is about an Irish dance school located in China and how the students received medals and awards for their performances. This is a great article because it shows how Irish popular culture is present in many forms and how it has impacted other cultures like in China. It is also interesting how Irish popular culture has traveled and preserved itself in different cultures. This article is not biased because it mentions that more than 25 different nationalities of students attend the school and it is a great resource to show how diverse Irish popular culture can be. This source comes from the South China Morning Post and is a great resource from a different perspective.
Duncan, Pamela. "Dangerous Driving Offences Rose by More than 100,000 between 2010 and 2011." Irish Times: Crime and Law. The Irish Times, 30 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/dangerous-driving-offences-rose-by-more-than-100-000-between-2010-and-2011-1.1377946
This is a very factual article that gives mainly statistics on speeding reports, drink driving offenses, car thefts, and other general safety in Ireland. The article focuses on driving safety in Ireland and shows how the number of incidences of speeding and drink driving offences has increased since 2010 and 2011. Because this article is mainly statistics, it is not very biased. This is also an accurate website because it comes from the Irish Times, but it may still have some statistics that may be inaccurate.
Kelly, Maura. "From Vikings to Game of Thrones: Ireland Evolves Into TV Production Destination." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maura-kelly/from-vikings-to-games-of-_b_3093539.html
This article is about Irish television production becoming more popular despite economic issues Ireland faces. Many aspects of Ireland like the award winning actors, beautiful landscapes to film, and great writers contribute to the growth and expansion of Irish television. This is a reliable source because the author, Maura Kelly, is an executive and social entrepreneur for television and is writing a brief history of the growth and expansion of Irish television.
Peters, Rick. "Kinsale's Travelling Banquet." Life and Style: Irish Food and Drink. The Guardian, 01 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/01/kinsale-international-gourmet-festival-ireland
This article is about County Cork’s annual Gourmet Festival, one of the most famous food destinations/celebrations. The festival is a travelling banquet, where many restaurants get to advertise their dishes. This article is a great resource to compare the different food traditions among different cultures. For, example the Gourmet Festival can be compared to Restaurant Week, Taste of Colorado, and other food festivals. There is some bias in this article because it is an opinion article and the author lists only the restaurants, food places, he enjoys. However, this is still a great resource to see different food traditions from a news writer in The Guardian.
"Welcome to the Export Food and Drink." Food and Drink Export Ireland. Irish Exporters Association, 2010. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.exportfoodanddrink.org/
This website is a useful tool for seeing how the food trade works in Ireland. The goal of the website is to help food/drink companies grow and develop by networking and providing useful insight on projects and news articles about the food industry. There is not really any bias in this website because it is mostly factual on how the food industry in Ireland works, but it is geared toward an audience that has a food company ready to market. This is a reliable source because it is run by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) and it lists all the sponsors and donors that have helped the website grow.
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Kevie Kawasaki
"Big Fat Gypsy Wedding (Episode 3 Part 1)." YouTube. YouTube, 19 Feb. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eMV3jkTiI
This source gives a look into Irish Traveler lifestyle. This video is one of four parts that follows two Irish Traveler brides and the everyday life of some of their relatives. The wedding preparations, ceremony, what marriage means in their culture, differences in views of men and women, and courtship are all touched upon in this video. Because this source is largely interviews with Irish Travelers it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
Byrne, John. "Top 20 Irish TV Shows." RTE Ten. N.p., 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/ten/2011/0314/irishtv.html
This source gives a look into Irish TV. This source gives the top 20 shows on Irish TV and a short synopsis. This is the site for Irish TV so from here you can see Irish TV and Radio listings and find out more information about the many Irish TV shows. Because this source was created by the people who air Irish TV and TV is their job it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
Kitchin, Rob, Cian OʻCallaghan, and Justin Gleeson. "Unfinished Estates in Post-Celtic Tiger Ireland." NIRSA 67 (2012): 1-18. Feb. 2012. Web. 28 Apr 2013.
http://www.nuim.ie/nirsa/research/documents/NIRSA%20working%20paper%2067%20-%20Unfinished%20estates%20in%20post%20Celtic%20Tiger%20Ireland.pdf
This source gives a look into the economy in Ireland and ghost estates. This source covers Irelands economy before during and after the global financial crisis and how that related to ghost estates. This source offers background necessary to understand ghost estates, the main point of this article. Because this source is in a journal and cited its sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
McVeigh, Robbie. "‘Ethnicity Denial’ and Racism: The Case of the Government of Ireland Against Irish Travellers." Translocations 2.1 (2007): 90-133. 2007. Web. 1 May 2013.
http://www.translocations.ie
This source gives a look into racism surrounding Irish Travelers. This source looks into the racism of Irish Travelers from where it originated, what it looks like, and its effects. This source defines racism for its argument and presents evidence for its existence. Because this source is in a journal and cited its sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 1 May. 2013]
Nolan, Natasha. "Traditional Irish Foods." Pinterest. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. http://pinterest.com/tashanolan/traditional-irish-foods/
This source gives a look into Irish food. This source gives many different images and recipes for some traditional Irish foods. This blog has links to other sources where you can find more information about Irish food. I would not consider this a valid source of authentic Irish food but it is a great resource for lots of Irish foods. [Reviewed 23 Apr. 2013]
"The Truth About Irish Travellers (Part 1/5)." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Aug. 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mod4B_suRIU
This source gives a look into Irish Traveler lifestyle. This video is one of five parts that investigates many aspects of the Irish Traveler lifestyle. A large part of the video is interviewing members of the Traveler community and experts in the Traveler culture about many different aspects of Traveler life. Because this source is largely interviews with Irish Travelers and experts it is a valid source. [Reviewed 28 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Health Issues Caused by Drinking.” Ireland'sDrinkingCulture. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://bcfestudentweb.com/mmhnd/0608/rushegerard/Healthissuespage.htm
This website is a good source to get the information on the history of drinking culture and health issues that are going on in Ireland. It states that The first recorded whiskey can be traced back to 1405 A.D. The oldest pub in Ireland is recorded to be 1198. However, those were only the recorded versions, which means that there could be earlier ones that weren't just recorded. About 50-60 years ago, only men were allowed to the pub, and women weren't seen in the pub. Binge drinking, which is drinking over four pints for men and three pints for women in a night, is a big problem because Irish people go way beyond the binge drinking. (This website doesn't have a copyright or any information on who is in the charge of this website or anything, but there is a way for readers to get a hold of the owner of the website by going to the contact section. Also, this website is trustable in a way in that it provides the link it used to gather information.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Corrigan, Conn. “Irish Pubs for Dummies: Drinking Etiquette.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 27 Sept. 2009. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/travel-irish-pubs-dummies/story?id=8674067#.UX9CVaK-2Sp
This article on this website talks about basic drinking cultural etiquette that people should know about Ireland. It offers many tips, mannerisms, and behaviors that readers should follow when in Ireland, such as tipping and what the round culture is. When you get offered a drink, there is an unspoken condition that you return the favor. If a person doesn't buy his or her round, Irish people will talk badly about that person. Tipping is unnecessary unless you get a table service. The minimum wage is over $11 per hour, and most bars don’t have table services to begin with. (This website is credible because its article is from a famous news company. Not only the author’s name is shown, but also, it has sections for contact information, feedback, privacy policy, terms of use, etc.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Donnchadha, Sorcha Mac. “Your Irish.” Ireland Pub and Drink Culture – Irish Drink. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.yourirish.com/culture/drink/
This website talks a little bit about Irish drinking culture. It says that Guinness is the most popular stout in the world. Even though it’s really famous, its heavy and dark liquid make it hard for people to drink a full pint. Guinness was first brewed in the 18th century by Arthur Guinness. Irish whiskey is the finest whiskey anyone can ask for in the world. Some of the famous and best Irish whiskeys are Bushmills whiskey and Jameson whiskey, which are found in every bar in Ireland. Also, a more popular drink in Ireland but unknown outside Ireland is poteen, which was once illegal. Irish poteen is like a moonshine brewed and sold from people’s homes. This is so strong that only “trained” drinkers in Ireland dare to try. (This website is credible because it is written by a person who was born and raised in Ireland. There is a copyright written on the bottom of the page.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Ellis, Jessica, and Bronwyn Harris. “What Is Boxty?” WiseGeek. Conjecture, n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-boxty.htm
This article talks about the famous Irish food, potato pancakes. It is called “Boxty,” or boxties for plural. A Boxty is a traditional Irish dish that uses the staple food of Ireland, potatoes. Boxty can be eaten in many ways, including, but not limited to, by itself, wrapped around meat or vegetables like tortillas, or as a side dish. Because of its inexpensive ingredients, it was often referred to as “peasant food.” The Gaelic name for the dish is “aran bocht ti,” which translates to “poor house bread.” Boxty can be served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it is often the first dish Irish girls learn, which leads to the famous saying in Irish culture, “Boxty in the kitchen, boxty in the pan, if you can't make boxty, you'll never get a man!” (This website is credible because it has a copyright on the bottom of the page, and it allows readers to contact them with any questions it might have. Also, this website is commonly used by lots of people for any kinds of information.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Ramstedt, Mats, and Ann Hope. “The Irish Drinking Culture.” N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2013.
http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/5841/1/2396-2528.pdf
This is a research paper that studies the drinking habits of Irish people. The analysis is based on a survey containing similar questions that were used in a recent European comparative survey involving Finland, Sweden, Germany, UK, France and Italy. This helps us examine the Irish results in a comparative framework. A lot of alcohol is consumed in the form of beer. It was concluded that Ireland had the highest tendency for people to drink a lot of alcohol on one occasion, referred to as binge drinking, and this is very common in Ireland. Younger aged people tend to drink more and binge drink more than people who are older. (This research is credible because the information of two researchers are given, suggesting that they are confident in their research, and references were given at the end of the study. The study sets out many data with good and thorough analysis.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
Tippett, Jennifer. “My 3 Years as a Child Slave in a Workhouse Run by Sadistic Nuns.” Real Life RSS. N.p., 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 03 May 2013. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
This article on this website shows how brutal it was in the Magdalene Laundries. This article focuses on one survivor of this event, Kathleen Legg. She says that it was like a nightmare with forced labor. Even though this happened to her about 60 years ago, and even though she is a mom of two children with a happy life, every time she closes her eyes at night, she is back to that horrible place; she said she can’t erase her memories. Some of the terrible things that nuns did to women were laughing at them and not taking care of them when workers were injured. This news article helps readers feel the fear and brutality that women at that time felt. (This website is credible because it’s an online news website in United Kingdom, and also, this article was reported a couple months ago, so it’s recent.) [Reviewed 03 May 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Irish Travelers
"Countries and Their Cultures." Religion and Expressive Culture. Web. 05 May 2013. http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Irish-Travelers-Religion-and-Expressive-Culture.html
This site is a pretty useful resource to learn about the Religious Beliefs of the Irish Travelers. Topics such as death and the afterlife are discussed along with Catholic Faith. This site also talks about Catholic baptism, communion, and confirmation. This site even entails what Irish Travelers particularly the women pray for. These things include marriage for their daughters, along with the ability to bare children, for their husbands and sons to quit drinking, as well as for families’ health. (This site seems to be creditable and unbiased.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
"Irish Travelers: Culture and Ethnicity." Ed. May McCann, Seamas O. Siochain, and Joseph Ruane. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://eprints.nuim.ie/1087/1/IrishTravellersSOS.pdf
This paper discusses the Irish Travelers culture and ethnicity. It is a great resource because in the culture portion things such as nomadism, language, perspective, community relations, and policy. A specific topic discussed in this article that I found interesting is the idea of a Culture of Poverty. This is the idea that poverty would continue from generation to generation and it would make the cycle very hard to break. (This site seems to be unbiased and creditable.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Koerner, Brendan. "What Is an Irish Traveler? - Slate Magazine." Slate Magazine. 22 Sept. 2002. Web. 05 May 2013. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2002/09/what_is_an_irish_traveler.html
This is a very brief site explains What an Irish Traveler is. The author does a very good job of giving the audience the basics without over welling them with information. Some things discussed in the article include a brief history and information about the populations. I think the style that the author presented the information was good but I wish he would have discussed more things such as tradition and the struggles they currently face. (This site seems to be unbiased as well as credible.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
"Navan Travellers Workshops - Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd." Navan Travellers Workshops - Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.travellerheritage.ie/
This is a very interesting site that really gets into a lot of details about the Irish Traveler community. The site is split up into six sections which include: Photograph Archive, Music and Song, Travelers Talking, Culture and History, Academic Research, and Recourses. Something I did not like about this site is that there was lot of information that it made it hard to get a full understanding. I also found myself questioning whether they were talking about Irish Travelers or Travelers as a whole. When going into some of the sections you are then faced with different topics that fall under that category and then you are redirected to a paper which made things a little bit confusing. (Other than organizational problems this was a very good site with a lot of information. This site was unbiased and seemed to be creditable for the most part.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Rock, Lauren. "Documenting The Irish Travellers: A Nomadic Culture of Yore." NPR. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/11/05/164364134/documenting-the-irish-travellers-a-nomadic-culture-of-yore
This is a wonderful site to go to look at pictures of Irish Travelers. The images used in this NPR article are of such good quality. This site also goes into a little bit of information about the Irish Traveler community. I love this site because it connects the book Tinkers No More as well as the show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. You can see that both aspects of Traveler life is covered the old and the new. (This article is credible due to the fact that it comes from a credible source and seems to be unbiased.) [Reviewed 5 May 5, 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Donegal Travellers Project. Donegal Travellers Project, 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://donegaltravellersproject.org/
This website for the Donegal Travellers Project provides an excellent overview of the variety of functions and activities carried out by the project. In addition to addressing a multitude of issues related to the current state of Irish Travellers in Ireland (such as health, politics, and education), the website also contains a documentary, “Barrel Top Days,” that examines life in the “old days” of the Donegal Irish Travellers. (As stated on the website’s home page, the Donegal Travellers Project was “developed with the support of the Respecting and Connecting Communities Project, a Peace III Program managed for the Special EU Programs Body by Donegal County Council.” This sponsorship by both the European Union and the local Irish government suggests that website, as well as the project as a whole, is a credible source of information regarding Irish Travellers). [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
“Guinness Ads.” Guinness Storehouse. Guinness & Co., 2013. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/advertisements.aspx
This gallery showcases a multitude of Guinness ads from the 1930s to the 1980s, which can be sorted by decade or medium (print, poster, or TV advert) for easy viewing. Each ad is accompanied by a short written caption, which is helpful for providing historical context as well as for sparking further research. In browsing this gallery, one is afforded a glimpse into the fascinating (and sometimes nearly horrifying) history of the oft-tempestuous relationship between alcohol and the Irish. (The gallery is hosted by the official website of the Guinness Storehouse, thus confirming the authenticity of the advertisements shown.) [Reviewed 26 Apr. 2013]
Healy, Don McNeill. “96 Pigeon House Road.” ZoneZero. ZoneZero, 2010. Web. 5 May 2013. http://www.zonezero.com/zz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1092
This multimedia exhibition represents the culmination of the year and half that photographer Don McNeill Healy spent living with the Maughans, a family of Travellers who live on the outskirts of Dublin. It is truly an eye-opening look at the everyday life of Irish Travellers in contemporary Ireland. (Don McNeill Healy is a well-established photographer and ZoneZero is a well-respected online photography magazine, so the context of the photo essay is credible. Additionally, the kinship with the Maughans that Healy alludes to in the introductory text suggests that he took the time to construct a valid representation of modern Irish Traveller life.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
Irish American Mom. Wordpress, 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2013.
www.irishamericanmom.com
This blog provides a fascinating look at Irish popular culture, as the author, Mairead, writes from her perspective as Irish immigrant who has lived in America for over twenty years. She muses on everything from border collies to boxties, the latter of which are among the many delicious recipes available on her blog. Her unique perspective also offers the reader an excellent opportunity to compare and contrast Irish and American popular cultures. (Mairead provides a short biography in her “About Me” section, which helps to establish her credibility as an Irish expatriate. Aside from her personal anecdotes, she uses external links to supplement her writings on Irish culture in general, thus further enhancing the validity of her blog posts.) [Reviewed 23 Apr. 2013]
Navan Travellers Workshops. Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd., 2010. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.travellerheritage.ie/
This website is a compendium of the Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd.’s many efforts to preserve and promote the culture of the Irish Travellers. It offers a variety of resources, including academic research articles, interviews with Travellers, and even recordings of Traveller music. There is also an extensive photograph archive, the culmination of the Workshops’ collection of hundreds of old Traveller photographs over the years. (Meath Travellers Workshops Ltd. describes themselves as “a Traveller led community development organization” that has been in operation for over forty years, suggesting that the website is valid in providing an authoritative Traveller perspective.) [Reviewed 5 May 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"The History and Culture of Irish Travellers." Irish Traveller Movement in Britain. Wordpress.org, n.d. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://irishtraveller.org.uk/find-out-about-irish-travellers/history-and-culture
This website is from a credible, well-recognized charity organization that works toward unifying Travellers and preserving their culture. The site details the history of Irish Travellers and English Gypsies, and posts events within the community, as well as current news pieces are helpful resources for both “nomadic” members and curious visitors. This is a good information hotspot, rather like an online directory to all things Traveller, and with a more positive spin than is commonly associated with these groups. There is a bit of bias, basically, but the perspective is uncommonly good, so it almost balances out the negatively-tinged articles and opinions out there.
McDonald, Henry. "Irish Catholic Church Child Abuse: 'A Cruel and Wicked System'" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 20 May 2009. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/irish-catholic-church-child-abuse1
The Guardian is a credible and popular news site for information in the UK, and the bias is kept to a minimum. The title here smacks of opinion, however, so perhaps this is not the best article selection for neutral dissemination of facts. It does, however, do a good job of giving more detail than most about the murky history of Irish industrial schools, though the “sex abuse” and “beating” details are kept tactfully hidden to allow for more general viewing. This is a good article for constructing a framework of the abuse endured by males at the hands of the Catholic church, especially since the Magdalene laundries are a more central focus and better publicized, without a doubt.
Paige Brettingen. "Survivors of Magdalene Laundries Still Waiting for an Apology." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 01 May 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/survivors-of-magdalene-laundries-still-waiting-for-an-apology/2013/05/01/164f2be8-b290-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Again, the Washington Post is known for its credibility. This article is a good mixture of primary-source interview snippets and secondary analysis, or factual information. Survivors of the Laundries are the only ones who are able to give detailed accounts of their lives and the suffering they endured, because the Catholic Church has kept relatively quiet about these incidents. The article is excellent for those curious about survivor stories, and for any research with regards to the demands of that life and the psychological impact of being a laundry girl during formative childhood and adolescent years.
Tippett, Jennifer. "My 3 Years as a Child Slave in a Workhouse Run by Sadistic Nuns." The Sun. News Group Newspapers Limited, 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 05 May 2013.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/real_life/4812617/For-three-years-I-was-a-child-slave-in-the-Magdalene-Laundries.html
The Sun is more tabloid material than hard-hitting news stories, but because the story in question is based heavily off of a survivor interview, it is not unusable. What is different about Kathleen Legg’s story is the detail with which it explores her life after the laundries, and the extent to which she perceived her past as shameful and burdensome. This article is valuable as a more in-depth than usual case study of a Laundries survivor. Because the sensationalism for which the Sun is popular is minimized in the story, this resource should be utilized.
Wiedel, Janine. "Janine Wiedel's Best Photograph: An Irish Traveller in 1970s Galway." TheGuardian. Guardian News and Media, 3 Apr. 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2013/apr/03/janine-wiedel-best-photograph
This story is different from most others one might encounter while doing research because the contribution is not from a regular Guardian staffer, but rather one of its readers. The perspective of a photographer coming into the Traveller community as an outsider, and for only a brief amount of time, strikes a tone in the article of a visitor caught somewhere between popular beliefs (about the community) and the truth behind them. It is interesting to see the story behind a photograph, as told by the artist who created the image.
Blasket Islands and Martin Kearney
The Blasket Islands are a beautiful, wild group of islands off the southwest coast of Ireland, on the Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry. They were inhabited until 1953 by an Irish-speaking population, and today are part of the Gaeltacht. The inhabitants were evacuated to the mainland (Dún Chaoin/Dunquin) when the population declined owing to immigration and aging of the few remaining inhabitants. Many of those descendants currently live in Springfield, MA, and some former residents still live on the Dingle Peninsula, in the area. Martin Kearney was born on the Great Blasket and immigrated to Springfield as a young man, where he lived until his death in 2009. We met in Dunquin in 2006 and I returned to Dunquin in 2011 to continue my study of and research on Blasket Island culture and Martin's life on the Blaskets and in America.I was a Visiting Scholar during my sabbatical in 2011, in the The Blasket Centre. It was a life-changing, transformative experience and the people in this lovely village were so kind and intelligent, sharing their homes and their stories with me.
"The Blascaod Centre in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population."
Judith Coe
"The Blascaod Centre in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly An Blascaod Mór was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population."
Judith Coe
Blasket Islands Webliography
This Webliography section of our class blog will feature student cybersleuthing research projects, relative to the Blasket Islands and specific areas of topic research and targeted passions that resonate personally and focus on deliberate themes.
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Pratibha Anand
Theme: The Blasket Islands and The Dingle Penninsula
“Ireland’s Blasket Islands.” Smithsonian Magazine. The Smithsonian Institution, April 2009. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/ricksteves/Irelands-Blasket-Islands.html
This website provides easily digestible and accessible information about the Great Blasket Centre and the Blasket Islands and also provides step-by-step directions on how to get to the island from both Dunquin and Dingle Town. Additionally, there are links to a variety of videos and other articles written about this region of Ireland. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Smithsonian Institute. Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for “modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times”. The website also offers a variety of links to relevant articles, pictures, and videos. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland.” Dingle Peninsula Tourism. Fàilte Ireland Tourist Office, 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets.html
This source provides pictures and a detailed outline and overview of the Blasket Islands that includes sub-sections that provide information on name origins, flora and fauna, birds, the people, population statistics, the way of life, tillage, fishing, changes in the way of life, houses, furniture, food and sustenance, sheep, meals, fish, delicacies, drink, fire and light, lamps, social activities and recreation, music and song, and visitors and their influence. The source also lists information about the Blasket Centre, the Blasket Island Ferry, and the Blasket Island Eco Marine Tour. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Fàilte Ireland Tourist Office, and offers a compendium of resources for visitors to the Dingle Peninsula including several links to other reputable and primary source websites and frequent updates. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Islands.” Irish Classics. Granta Books, 2000. Web.18 Apr. 2013.
http://irishislands.info/blaskets.html
This website chronicles the history of the Blasket Islands and provides a wealth of interesting information including maps, photographs, bird species counts (and their pictures), and excerpts from the works of Blasket Islands authors (in Irish along with their translations). (This source offers verifiable information with numerous citations and a thorough bibliography of books and articles; the additional links to relevant websites and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“The Great Blasket Island Off The Dingle Peninsula Coastline.” Explore the Dingle Peninsula: The Complete Guide. Horgan, Gerald. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-region.com/island.htm
This website contains a brief history and background of the Blasket Islands and is the self-proclaimed “complete tourist guide to the Dingle Peninsula” as well as “the best guide to bed & breakfast, self-catering accommodation, activities, and more.” The website further provides a real-time weather forecast of the region and includes a breathtaking three-minute video of the island. (This resource is likely valid due to the various links to related and reputable sources provided that offer similar details regarding the Blasket Islands. Moreover, there is a video with primary footage of the island provided along with several additional links to accommodations, activities, restaurants, places to see, taxis, and tours.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Islands Photographs” Paintings and Photographs by Helene Brennan. Brennan, Helene, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.helene-brennan.com/c53-blasket-islands-photographs
This website is a significant resource when exploring the Blasket Islands as it provides stunning visuals (photographs) of the islands along with a description for each place shown. A very brief description of the island’s history is also provided. Through the photographs, viewers may truly get an idea of what it might have been like to live on the majestic islands through breathtaking panoramic views of seascapes, hillsides, sunsets and sunrises, the beach, the skies, and more. (This source is most probably valid and reliable due to the links provided that enhance the quality of the information provided by offering background details and the very frequent informational updates. Furthermore, the photographs act as primary source documentation and the photographer – an Irish woman – has been living in Western County Kerry since 1999 and used to live on the Dingle Peninsula “for a number of years”. She also maintains a frequently updated blog whose focus is Ireland, and County Kerry/the Dingle Peninsula in particular). [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Islands full of stories
Eastlake, John. “Orality and Agency: Reading an Irish Autobiography from the Great Blasket Island.” Oral Tradition. Center for Studies in Oral Tradition, 2009. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://journal.oraltradition.org/files/articles/24i/06_24.1.pdf
This is an academic journal article from the journal Oral Tradition. The article investigates the collaborations among the Blasket Island authors and challenges the notion that oral tradition is a dynamic rather than static form of storytelling. The article also examines the significance of the author’s agency and the reader’s perception between the native as the representative type and the native as an author. This article also explores the nature and history of each of the Blasket Island authors in substantial depth. (Because this academic journal article is a peer-reviewed source and includes references to all of its resources within the article, this journal article can be considered highly reputable.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
“Houses in Great Blasket Island.” National Archives: Census of Ireland 1911. The National Archives of Ireland, n. d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Kerry/Dunquin/Great_Blasket_Island/
This webpage provides the census for the Great Blasket Island in 1911. Not only does this provide information about the residents of each of the houses on the Great Blasket Island, but the webpage also includes the original census paperwork taken in the year 1911. The organization of this website is based on house number and the surnames of each household. (This is an excellent primary source provided by the reputable National Archives of Ireland, regulated by Ireland’s federal government; this census project is also partnered with he Library and Archives of Canada, the National Library of Ireland, Dublin City Library and Archives, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Irish Railway Records Society, Fingal County Council Archives, the Ulster Museum, Waterford County Examiner, and the Irish Examiner—contributing to the census’s credibility.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
Lucchitti, Irene. “The Blasket Islands and the Literary Imagination.” Shima: The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures. Shima, 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.shimajournal.org/issues/v7n1/h.%20Lucchitti%20Shima%20v7n1%2096-105.pdf
This is an academic journal article derived from the international journal Shima. In this article, the author of this article discusses the history and culture of the Blasket Islands. In addition, the article explores the representation of the Blasket Islands in literature after the inhabitants have emigrated from the islands. The article also explores several literary motifs that appear in Blasket Island literature, which makes for an interesting read. (This article, which includes citations and references at the end, comes from a peer-reviewed source from a large academic community, making for a highly valid source; this article also appears to be represented by the University of Wollongong, contributing to the article’s validity.). [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
Nolan, Lewis and Betty Nolan. “On the Famine Trail in Search of Ancestral Roots.” Ireland Revisited, Part 6. Nolan Travels, 1997. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.lewisnolan.com/nolantravels/97ir6.html
This webpage presents the experiences of Lewis and Betty Nolan during their travels on the Blasket Islands in 1997. Not only does the webpage provide great details about their thoughts, feelings, and some history that they had learned, but there are also pictures provided regarding their experiences. The website also presents two perspectives regarding the travels of the Blasket Islands, one from Lewis Nolan and one from Betty Nolan. This provides the reader greater insight since the reader can then make much more educated inferences about the Blasket Islands since the reader is provided multiple perspectives on the same experience. (Although some bias may be present regarding the history detailed in the website, this website mostly serves as a credible primary source, documenting the personal thoughts and photographs of travellers of the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
“Oíche nollag.” RTÉ Archives. RTÉ, 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/921-peig-sayers/289580-peig-sayers-taifeadai-on-ghort/
This webpage provides an audio of Peig Sayers telling a story of Christmas Eve at the beginning of the twentieth century in the year 1947. The audio is in her native tongue of Gaelic Irish. Because this is the original audio, the audio could be classified as a primary source. (The audio comes from RTÉ, a reputable source and Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster; the multiple press releases and awards that RTÉ has received contribute to the broadcaster’s credibility in addition to the support from the Minister, Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, and Energy and Natural Resources.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
“A Brief History.” Bádóirí an Bhlascaoid Teo. Blasket Island Ferries/Eco-Ventures. Blasket Island. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/briefhistory.html
I wanted to know more about the Blaskets’ history and this site was very helpful in doing so. No one knows why the name came to be, but some think it comes from brasker, which is “a dangerous place.” I don’t think that fits though. People have lived on these islands before and today can still camp out on them. I don’t see any harm there. Also, they are beautiful and I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to visit them. It was a hard life to live on the islands though, which is maybe where the danger comes in. There was sacrifice and hardship. The highest population on the islands was after the famine when there were 176 people living there. Eventually though, the island was abandoned. I like how this site refers to the island as a “her” rather than “it.” (This site is very visual and pulls the reader in. There is a good balance are writing and pictures to keep the attention strong. I really like how at the end of the article, it suggests reading, “The Blasket Islands, next Parish America.” I focused on the “brief history” section, but to the left there are links for more information. At the top there are numbers and email addresses to get in touch with the people who run the page, which make it more reliable.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“Blasket Island Boat Tours – Slea Head - Dingle.” YouTube. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuqGG9AD4wA
This short video shows boat tours. I really liked how it took many different angles of the island and the water. We have discussed a lot in class about the rocky edges and wild waves of the water. The video also demonstrates how there are no docks for boats to go right up to the island. There are no words, but it is still a great video and informative. The music is upbeat and fits well with the video. The tour goes from Dunquin Pier around the coast of the Blasket Islands. On the tours you could see seals, dolphins, sharks, and many birds. (I liked reading people’s comments about this video. It gave me more insight and information about the Blaskets. I also like how the person who posted the video gave a phone number for more information on the boat tours. That alone helps me know this video is reliable.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life.” Radio Boston. 90.9 wbur Boston’s NPR news station. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
This site is like no other. It is a radio station online. I find this very interesting and very informative about the Blasket Islands. The speakers focus on Peig Sayers. She was one of the native Irish speakers of the Blasket Islands. There are parts where they record Sayers speaking. It is absolutely stunning to hear. Listening to people talk about something is much better than reading articles. In addition, there is a short article on this site to add emphasis on what was said in the segment. On the show, Robert Kanigel is a guest speaker. He is the author of, “On an Irish Island.” He is knowledgeable about so much when it comes to the island. (Having a guest speaker who is an author is credible. He has published books and obviously knows what he is talking about. The radio station being able to get guest speakers shows their hard work and dedication. No one would be a guest speaker on the show, if it wasn’t a show that people could count on.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“Explore The Blasket Islands-Na Blascaodai.” The Blaskets- Na Blascaodai. Discover Ireland.IE. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Ireland-s-Islands/South-West-(Kerry)/The-Blaskets-Na-Blascaodai
This website stood out to me because it uses the names Irish people call the islands. For example, the Blasket Islands are known as Na Blascaodai to the Irish. Another example is the Great Blasket, which is known as An Blascaod Mor. This island was abandoned in 1953 when the last twenty-two people were moved to the mainland. It is open to visitors, but no one lives there anymore. I think camping there for a night would be quite the experience. It amazes me how many literature writers have come from this island. As I talked about in a previous post, Peig Sayers is a world-renowned writer. She documented island life. She is just one example of many. (There is so much key information on this one website. There are multiple links to send readers to various places. I like how there is a Google map included. If they are linked with Google, there has to be trust and credibility there. To the right of the website there are links of activities, food, culture, etc. There are also links at the top and bottom of the page. The copyright is big and bold at the bottom of the page as well.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“County Kerry, Ireland.” Kerry. KerryHoliday.co. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.kerryholiday.co.uk/blaskets.html
Until this website, I had never heard of the Blasket Sound. It is the two miles of sea between the mainland and the Blaskets. This website has a lot of information about the abandonment of the islands and general information as well. It states that the main reason people had to move to the mainland was because fuel became so scarce. Traveling between the two lands was long and tiring for people. All the houses have fallen into ruins. I would like to visit and see these houses. Even if they are ruins, it would still be an amazing experience. Every winter there is more damage done to the island. I like how there are images of new houses for the people who moved from the islands to the mainland. Peig Sayers’ house is one of those shown. She appeared in a few of the websites I looked at. This demonstrates how important she was the role she played. (There is no author shown on this website, which makes me question it. However, other websites I have looked at have some of the same information. When you find the same information on multiple sites that makes it more reliable. I like the coloring on this website. It really stands out.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
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Kristie Han
"An Accordian Player on the Blasket Islands." The Kennelly Archive. Kenelly. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.kennellyarchive.com/search-all/670236/1/80/
This archive gives many great pictures of the artist, Maria Simmons Gooding on the Blasket Islands painting and finding inspiration for her new paintings. The photographs are taken by Padraig Kennelly and his wife Joan. Some of the pictures include what the canoes actually looked like and what it would be like in the day of the life of a Blasket Islander. The prints are also for sale and they also give some insight to who Maria Simmons Gooding is and how she finds inspiration for her art.
"The Blasket Center." Ionad and Bhlascaoid Mhóir. Heritage Ireland. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/IonadandBhlascaoidMhoir-TheBlascaoidCentre/
This website gives more information on the Heritage Center of the Basket Islands located on the mainland in Dún Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. The Heritage center contains exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks to preserve the rich history of the Blasket Islanders and is a great way to get a glimpse into the life of a Blasket Islander. It is a very informational website outlining the hours, rates, and facilities included in the Heritage Center. It shows how much work was done to preserve the history of the Blasket Islands and is open to the public.
"The Blasket Islands School of Art." The Blasket Islands School of Art. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketislandsschoolofart.com/index.html
This website gives information on the Blasket Island School of Art. It is a great website because the mission of the school is that anyone can capture the Beauty of the Island. The school is not just for people studying art, it is for everyone including people with no painting or artistic skills. The school has a studio located in Dún Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula overlooking the Blasket Islands. This is an interesting website because it advocates the beauty and art of the Blasket Islands and encourages everyone to paint and capture that beauty with the help of experienced teachers and tutors.
Brennan, Helene. "Irish Artist Helene Brennan." Blasket Islands Photographs. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.helene-brennan.com/c53-blasket-islands-photographs
This website is a collective gallery done by artist Helene Brennan. She is a photographer who captures the beautiful, natural views of the Blasket Islands. This website is great because it gives beautiful photographs of the sea and landscapes of the Blasket Islands. Her prints are available for sale and the great thing about this website is that she gives tags if you want to search for a specific print or prints similar to it. She also puts the name of where she took the photograph so you can locate that place if you were to ever visit the Blasket Islands.
Hickey, Donal. "Evacuation of Blasket Re-told." Today's Stories. Irish Examiner, 04 July 2012. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/evacuation-of-blasket-re-told-199555.html
This article outlines the brief history of what happened when Eamon de Valera evacuated the Blasket Islands. It summarizes a new book that is being released in 2012, titled Scéal agus Dán Oileáin (The Story and Fate of an Island). This is an interesting article because it shows both sides of the story of the evacuation. It mentions that the Islanders “plead” for help to get off the Island, and it also mentioned that de Valera was blamed by some for accelerating the abandonment of the island. This article gives a little insight on the attitudes and history of the evacuation of the Blasket Islands. It is part of the Irish Examiner newspaper and it an opinion article, but still reliable.
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Kevie Kawasaki
Foley, Caitlin. "Blaskets to Springfield." Blaskets to Springfield. N.p., 13 May 2008. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://cfoleyblaskets.blogspot.com/
This source speaks of life on the and off the Blasket Islands. This source has an oral recording of Martin Kearney and Maggie Kearney. They give a brief history of where they were from and why they left the Blasket Islands and how life was after. Because this source is of a first hand experience living on the Blaskets and life after from real people from the Blaskets it is a valid source. His source is also a very rich resource for Martin Kearney and the Kearney family. [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
"Living Memory: A Blasket Island Story." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Oct. 2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9LEq7341Qo
This source is a video of a radio segment done about stories from the Blasket Islands. This source plays one segment done by Radio Kerry portraying a for Blasket native telling children stories about his life on the Blaskets. The stories may be scripted and not recalling true events but they are events that could have happened and give an insight into what life on the Blaskets may have been like. Because the stories aren’t real it isn’t a source to get real events but to find out what life on the Blaskets was like. [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
McCabe, Carol. "Islands Magazine." To the Great Blasket. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.islands.com/article/To-the-Great-Blasket-
This source gives some history about life on the Blaskets. This source was written as an ode to the people on the Blaskets in a way that major events and what life was like are expressed. A major focus is the evacuation of the Blaskets and what that must have been like for the islanders. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
"Sea Life." Sea Life. N.p., 2010. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/sealife.html
This source provides information about life on the Blaskets. This source was written by the people who can take you to the Blasket Islands located in Derry. This source gives many links to different aspects of life on the Blaskets from the people to the seal life, which this link directs you to. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"Www.dingle-peninsula.ie." History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets2.html
This source provides information about life on the Blaskets. This source covers many different aspects of life on the Blaskets from the food to the furniture. This source also has information about how to get there, where to stay, and other visitor information. This site is a complete compilation of history and information to know when visiting. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 12 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Blasket Island A Brief History.” Blasket Island A Brief History. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/briefhistory.html
This section of the website talks about the brief history of the Blaskets, which are composed of six islands. According to this website, nobody really knows why that became the name, but one suggestion was that it might have come from the Norse word, “brasker,” which means “a dangerous place.” In the Great Blasket Island, the biggest island of all six islands, by 1916, about 176 people lived, but later, the island was abandoned by its people. Donkey was one of the most important inhabitants on the island. Also, from early 1920’s to the late 1930’s, the Great Blasket Island produced some talented writers. (This website is credible because this website is run by the people in Ireland, and some of the writings, including the copyright, are in Irish. This website is for touring information, so it is obvious that the information they put on are accurate.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Horgan, Gerald. “The Great Blasket Islands off the Dingle Peninsula Coastline.” The Great Blasket Islands off the Dingle Peninsula Coastline. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013
http://www.dingle-region.com/island.htm
This website touches on the history of the Great Blasket, one of the six islands in the Blasket Islands. It states that the Great Blasket was once home to 170 people who were living in the stone houses on the steep slope, facing the mainland. The life on this island was tough because there was no source of power other than burning turf from the hill, and there was no source of food except a few animals that they grew, such as cows and seafoods. On top of this, only few crops could grow on this island. Irish historians believe that monks inhabited the Blaskets in the fifth and sixth centuries. Also, it was believed that the Vikings used the islands as the jumping-off points for invading the mainland in the ninth and 10th centuries. This website also has a video of the sceneries of Blasket Islands. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written on the bottom of the page. Also, this website is created for the purpose of exploring the Dingle Peninsula, so it is trustable that it has the right information.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“www.dingle-peninsula.ie.” History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/index.html
This page on this website did a terrific job describing general living life in Blasket Islands. There are many categories that they each describe. For furniture, it says that it was simple and basic. One or two wooden beds were common, and some even had an iron bed. For food, there was no shop, so they had to go to the mainland for flour and other household goods. Sheep was very important, and the number of sheep indicated a man’s wealth. It goes on and on about how they cook fish, how many meals they have per day, and etc. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written on the bottom of the page. Also, this website is created for the purpose of visiting the Dingle Peninsula, so it is trustable that it has the right information.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Island Boat Tours - Slea Head - Dingle.” YouTube. YouTube, 15 June 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuqGG9AD4wA
This is a video on Youtube that shows the route of the boat trip to the Blasket Islands from Dunquin Pier on the Slea Head peninsula. (This video was on Youtube uploaded by a travel agency.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Tulloch, Richard. “GREAT BLASKET ISLAND – the Abandoned Heart of Irish heritage.” Richard Tullochs LIFE ON THE ROAD. N.p., 7 Sept. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://richardtullochwriter.com/2011/09/07/great-blasket-island/
This is a blog done by a man named Richard Tulloch. He is originally a writer, but now, he travels and writes travel articles and share them on his blog. On this certain page, he talks a little bit about the history of the Blasket Islands. He stated that when the population fell down to 21 in 1953, the government decided that it couldn't support the Great Blasket anymore and eventually evacuated all the residents to the mainland. He also mentions that one remarkable feature of the Great Blasket is that even though nobody received any education past grade six and many islanders were illiterate of Irish, it produced a number of significant writers. (This website is a good source because the author actually went to the Dingle Peninsula and observed the Blasket Islands. Even though he couldn't really get to the Great Blasket Island due to the weather, this gives readers a sense of what it is.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life.” On Great Blasket Island A Different Way Of Life Radio Boston RSS 20. N.p., 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
This particular page of the website talks about the Great Blasket Island. Not only this has a picture and a short writing about it, but also, it has a recorded version of the talk between the host and the guest who was Robert Kanigel, an author of the book, “On an Irish Island.” During the talk, Kanigel mentions that people were dependent on each other and therefore helped each other. On top of that, because the islanders were apart from the rest of the Europe, everything about the Great Blasket was pure and unique; they were cut off from the modernity. He mentions that this is why scholars and writers started to open their eyes to this island - because of its pure culture. This is what Kanigel said on the radio: “The appeal to the visitors at this time, a resurgence of interest in Irish culture and the Irish language, was that the Blasket Irish was something pretty close to pure [that was] uncontaminated [and] untainted by English.” (This website is credible because it’s a radio station.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“GoKerry - Na Blascaodaí/ Blasket Islands.” GoKerry - Na Blascaodaí/ Blasket Islands. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.gokerry.ie/locations/na-blascaoda-blasket-islands/
This page is full of great information on the Great Blasket Island. Not only it talks about all the six islands that make up the Blasket Islands, but also, it goes into the literature side of the place. For example, it talks about Tomás Ó Criomhthain who was the first islander to write his stories down. Another example given was Peig Sayers. She was a storyteller, and she wrote her autobiography in 1936, and it became a set text in Irish schools. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written at the bottom of the page. Also, it has a space for comment, which indicates that they are confident about the information that they put out.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Epilepsy
"Epilepsy Center: Symptoms, Seizures, Treatments, Causes, and Tests." WebMD. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/default.htm
This WebMD article on epilepsy goes into different categories dealing with epilepsy. These categories are broken down into overview and facts, symptoms and types, diagnosis and tests, treatment and care, living and managing, and support and resources. The article then goes on to include articles that more clearly examine: Causes of Epilepsy, Epilepsy Seizure Symptoms, Epilepsy Drugs, Ketogenic Diet, Epilepsy in Children, Types of Seizures, Surgery for Epilepsy, Biofeedback, Diagnosing Epilepsy, EEG, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, as well as Epilepsy and Pregnancy. (This site is a trusted unbiased source; it has received numerous awards including the “Most Trusted and Recommended Internet Brand” award.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"The Mission of the Epilepsy Foundation Is to Stop Seizures and SUDEP, Find a Cure and Overcome the Challenges Created by Epilepsy through Efforts including Education, Advocacy and Research to Accelerate Ideas into Therapies." Epilepsy Foundation. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
The Epilepsy Foundation is a good site to learn about epilepsy as well as getting involved in the movement. The site is split up into sections that tells you about epilepsy, living with epilepsy, resources, how to get involved, current research, and gives you different communities you can become a part of. This site is a great way to learn about different opportunities one can contribute to. An interesting fact I learned from this site is that approximately 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. (This is a trusted unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Neuroscience for Kids - Epilepsy." Neuroscience for Kids - Epilepsy. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/epi.html
This is an overview of epilepsy. This site was very short and did not go into much scientific detail. It did however separate the way information was told by having topics. These topics include: Types of Epilepsy, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Famous People with epilepsy, and Organizations. Although this source was short it did have good information. (This was an unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Read What Your Physician Is Reading on Medscape." EMedicineHealth. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/epilepsy/article_em.htm
This site is much like the WebMD site it gives you a great medical perspective of epilepsy. The information is divided into sections including: Epilepsy Overview, Epilepsy Causes, Epilepsy Symptoms, When to Seek Medical Care, Exams and Tests, Epilepsy Treatment, Self-Care at Home, Medications, Next Steps, Follow-up, Prevention, and Outlook. The only bad thing is that it does not go into in depth detail. (This site is a trusted and unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Tips on Seizure Rescue Medication for Kids." Epilepsy and Seizure Information for Patients and Health Professionals. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.epilepsy.com/
This site is an interesting branch created by the Epilepsy Foundation. This site focuses on the treatment of epilepsy. For example it has articles describing the side effects of different medications. It also has information on the different types of surgeries. This is a great resource for families dealing with epilepsy and trying to find different options for treatment. (This is a trusted and unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
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Howe Qui
Irish Radio Transmitters Society. "BLASKET ISLAND IRELAND, 1958 IRISH RADIO AMATEURS' OUTING - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSM2O4EyZSU
Maurice Lyons filmed this video sometime between 1958 and 1959. This video resource shows the lifestyle of people on the Blasket Island, and also demonstrates the natural beauty found on the island. The film shows how they fished, how they prepared their goats, and their schools. (The information provided through this video is qualitative, and expresses the raw natural beauty of the people who inhabit it and mother nature herself.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Holiday, Kerry. "The Blasket Islands, County Kerry, Ireland." Kerry, a special place. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.kerryholiday.co.uk/blaskets.htm
This resource by Kerry Holiday outlines a brief history of the Blasket Islanders. According to this source, the Blasket Islanders left their island in 1953, when their only source of fuel, turf, was depleted. Interestingly enough, the island was known for their preservation and refinement of the Gaelic language. Scholars were known to visit the island during the summer in order to study language more deeply. (Information provided by this source is historical.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Marine Tours. "The Blasket Islands | Spectacular islands off the West Coast of Kerry near Dingle." Marine Eco Tours Ireland | Whale watching Dolphins Birds and Marine life | Dingle. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.marinetours.ie/blasket-islands.html
The Great Blasket Islands were dubbed "Great" because of it was the greatest island in Ireland with about 200 inhabitants at it's peak. This resource provides such wonderful pictures. (This resource acts mainly as a site for potential tourists to visit in order to advertise the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Blasket Islands Ferry. "Landscape | Blasket Islands Ferry." Blasket Islands Ferry and Eco Adventure in Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketislands.ie/landscape.htm
This resource portrays the visual beauty of the Blasket Islands, and speaks of history of the former taoiseach Charley Haughey. It also speaks of the wildlife that inhabits the island, unobstructed by human activity.
Kanigel, Robert. "On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life | Radio Boston." Radio Boston. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
Robert Kanigel speaks of how the Blasket Island was full of renaissance men and women because of their isolation from the rest of Europe. Their language and way of life became a preserved historical snapshot of what used to be. Unfortunately, the island was abandoned in 1953. (This resource shows the nostalgia that the Irish people feel towards the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Connell, Jackie, ed. “Friends of IDW Newsletter – June 2008.” International Dolphin Watch. International Dolphin Watch, Jun. 2008. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
http://newsletter.dolphinfriend.com/assets/applets/Newsletter_June_2008.pdf
This newsletter provides an excellent introduction to Fungie, the famous “Dingle Dolphin,” who is said to have made his home in Dingle Bay since 1983. Fungie’s role in the culture of the Dingle Peninsula is evident in the artwork of Maria Simonds-Gooding (some of which can be seen in the newsletter), who counts the dolphin as a great influence on both her artwork and her life. (The International Dolphin Watch appears to be a credible source, for the newsletter describes it as having “an unblemished reputation as a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping dolphins since it was founded by Dr. Horace Dobbs in 1978.” In addition, the information regarding Simonds-Gooding and Fungie was verified by both Simonds-Gooding’s website and Dr. Judith Coe (who has spoken with Simonds-Gooding personally), further supporting the newsletter’s validity.) [Reviewed 12 Apr. 2013]
Cunningham, John. “How Emigration Changed Ireland: The Impact of Emigration.” Cassidy Clan. Cassidy Clan, 2007. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.cassidyclan.org/lecture.htm
While this essay does not mention emigration from the Blasket Islands, many of the themes presented by Cunningham are also evident in Dr. Judith Coe’s video interviews with the Kearney family. Cunningham does an excellent job of explaining the dichotomy between national identities that emigrants from Ireland experience, and his perspective can be applied in gaining insight into Martin Kearney’s feelings on his national identity. (The editor’s note describes John Cunningham as noted historian in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, suggesting that he is a credible secondary source. Further investigation shows that the Cassidy Clan is a non-profit hereditary association, and their “3 Shamrock Award” from Telecom Ireland suggests that they are a valid source of information on Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Foley, Caitlin. “Martin Kearney.” Blaskets to Springfield. Blogger, 13 May 2008. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://cfoleyblaskets.blogspot.com/2008/05/martin-kearney.html
Although it is brief, this interview transcript is valuable in providing Martin Kearney’s own perspective on his life, as unfortunately Dr. Coe did not begin her interview project until after his death. Martin Kearney’s discussion of his early life on the Blaskets, as well as his immigration to America, illustrates the transition faced by the many Blasket Islanders who moved to Springfield before and during the islands’ evacuation. (Foley’s introduction to the project seems to have some inaccuracies, as she appears to confuse Martin’s sister Maureen with a cousin named Mauried. However, the photograph accompanying Martin’s interview transcript confirms his identity, and the information is concurrent with Dr. Coe’s interviews with his family members, so it appears as though the interview with Martin is a valid primary source.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013].
SeizureAware. Epilepsy Ireland. n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.epilepsy.ie/go/seizureaware
This website for the SeizureAware campaign highlights Epilepsy Ireland’s efforts to shatter the stigma that continues to surround epilepsy in Ireland today. While the articles, videos, and survey results are related to epilepsy among Irish people in Ireland, much of the information can be extrapolated to understanding the perceptions of epilepsy among members of the Irish immigrant community in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Epilepsy Ireland’s authority is inherent in its status as a long-standing association dedicated to improving the lives of Irish people who have epilepsy.) [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
Verling, John. “My son has epilepsy and stigma still surrounds the disease.” The Journal.ie. Journal Media, 11 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/column-my-son-has-epilepsy-and-stigma-still-surrounds-the-disease-786658-Feb2013/
This article provides excellent firsthand insight regarding various aspects of epilepsy in Ireland, including stigma, daily life, and the controversy over the recent closures of the epilepsy monitoring units in Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital. The challenges that Verling faced in obtaining treatment for his son are reminiscent of Martin Kearney’s struggle with epilepsy. (TheJournal.ie is a well-regarded online newspaper in Ireland, suggesting that it can be regarded as a credible news source. The information Verling provides regarding the epilepsy monitoring unit closures is easily confirmed with further cybersleuthing, thus supporting the article’s validity.) [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"The Blasket Islands: Historical Information." History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. Dingle Peninsula Tourism, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets.html
This site is authored by Dingle Peninsula Tourism. There is likely to be bias towards tailoring content to reflect a more positive image of the locale than an objective one. However, the site is quite informative about culture, natural settings, and historical summaries of the Blaskets. It’s a good site to learn some basic background information on the Blasket Islands, like a well-informed outline, so it has research value. Its primary purpose, though, is tourism, and so the site is ideal for someone planning a trip to the Blaskets.
"Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy AssociationShedding a Light on Epilepsy." Epilepsy Ireland. Epilepsy Ireland, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.epilepsy.ie/
The site for Epilepsy Ireland is a very detailed, comprehensive, easy-to-understand factual source for all types of information about the disease. The articles concisely and explicitly lay out important information pertaining to the epilepsy care in Ireland, statistics, causes, and local sources of aid for patients across the country. While this is a good site for research on the state of the disease in Ireland, it is best suited to those affected, and their loved ones, to access unbiased secondary facts and sources of primary care for the condition.
Burgoyne, Mindie. "Carol Cronin - Dingle Artist - on Thin Places Impacting Creativity." Thin Places: Where This World Meets the Eternal World. WordPress.com, June 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thinplace.net/2011/06/carol-cronin-dingle-artist-on-thin.html
This article discusses the Dingle Peninsula with respect to the concept of thin places- those areas around the globe where it seems that the purported distance between heaven and earth collapses, allowing the two realms to mesh. The article is sourced from a blog, whose author believes strongly in the existence of these places and posts affirmatively about them – bias is inherent and unavoidable. The source here is a valuable primary interview with artist Carol Cronin, who discusses the pull of the peninsula on her, and its influence on her artwork. This is a good research source for the primary clip, and an interesting informational source for the casual reader.
Hickey, Donal. "Blanket Development Ban Proposed to Protect Great Blasket Island." Blanket Development Ban Proposed to Protect Great Blasket Island | Irish Examiner. The Irish Examiner, 22 Dec. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/blanket-development-ban-proposed-to-protect-great-blasket-island-177922.html
The Irish Examiner is a fairly credible online news source, so bias is not a huge concern here. The tone of the article is rather impartially summarizing, and less analytical, gathering the secondary information necessary to understand the situation at hand in one short text. This is ideal for research, and the site is a good place to look for various current event and news updates on different aspects of Irish culture and society. The article here examines the development ban being proposed by the planning council of county Kerry to halt further tourist-related development on the Great Blasket island to preserve its heritage, and lists such concerns as inadequate tourist accommodations in the list of considerations to be made.
Weiner, Eric. "Where Heaven and Earth Come Closer." NYTimes.com. The New York Times, 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/travel/thin-places-where-we-are-jolted-out-of-old-ways-of-seeing-the-world.html?pagewanted=all
The New York Times is a credible news source, so bias is generally not an issue. However, this article was an exploratory travel article based more on subjective experiences and opinions than cold hard facts, so there is author bias present, being that the source is the author himself. Still, the article serves as informative to the nature of a thin place, and provides many examples of such locations around the world. Overall, this article is a decent primer on the spiritual definition of a thin place, while doing a fair job of explaining the haziness of these parameters.
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Pratibha Anand
Theme: The Blasket Islands and The Dingle Penninsula
“Ireland’s Blasket Islands.” Smithsonian Magazine. The Smithsonian Institution, April 2009. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/ricksteves/Irelands-Blasket-Islands.html
This website provides easily digestible and accessible information about the Great Blasket Centre and the Blasket Islands and also provides step-by-step directions on how to get to the island from both Dunquin and Dingle Town. Additionally, there are links to a variety of videos and other articles written about this region of Ireland. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Smithsonian Institute. Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for “modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times”. The website also offers a variety of links to relevant articles, pictures, and videos. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland.” Dingle Peninsula Tourism. Fàilte Ireland Tourist Office, 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets.html
This source provides pictures and a detailed outline and overview of the Blasket Islands that includes sub-sections that provide information on name origins, flora and fauna, birds, the people, population statistics, the way of life, tillage, fishing, changes in the way of life, houses, furniture, food and sustenance, sheep, meals, fish, delicacies, drink, fire and light, lamps, social activities and recreation, music and song, and visitors and their influence. The source also lists information about the Blasket Centre, the Blasket Island Ferry, and the Blasket Island Eco Marine Tour. (This website is sponsored by a reputable source, the Fàilte Ireland Tourist Office, and offers a compendium of resources for visitors to the Dingle Peninsula including several links to other reputable and primary source websites and frequent updates. Moreover, this source offers information that parallels cited information from other sites, adding to the validity of the source.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Islands.” Irish Classics. Granta Books, 2000. Web.18 Apr. 2013.
http://irishislands.info/blaskets.html
This website chronicles the history of the Blasket Islands and provides a wealth of interesting information including maps, photographs, bird species counts (and their pictures), and excerpts from the works of Blasket Islands authors (in Irish along with their translations). (This source offers verifiable information with numerous citations and a thorough bibliography of books and articles; the additional links to relevant websites and objective source data further lend support to the information provided by offering background details.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“The Great Blasket Island Off The Dingle Peninsula Coastline.” Explore the Dingle Peninsula: The Complete Guide. Horgan, Gerald. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-region.com/island.htm
This website contains a brief history and background of the Blasket Islands and is the self-proclaimed “complete tourist guide to the Dingle Peninsula” as well as “the best guide to bed & breakfast, self-catering accommodation, activities, and more.” The website further provides a real-time weather forecast of the region and includes a breathtaking three-minute video of the island. (This resource is likely valid due to the various links to related and reputable sources provided that offer similar details regarding the Blasket Islands. Moreover, there is a video with primary footage of the island provided along with several additional links to accommodations, activities, restaurants, places to see, taxis, and tours.) [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Islands Photographs” Paintings and Photographs by Helene Brennan. Brennan, Helene, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.
http://www.helene-brennan.com/c53-blasket-islands-photographs
This website is a significant resource when exploring the Blasket Islands as it provides stunning visuals (photographs) of the islands along with a description for each place shown. A very brief description of the island’s history is also provided. Through the photographs, viewers may truly get an idea of what it might have been like to live on the majestic islands through breathtaking panoramic views of seascapes, hillsides, sunsets and sunrises, the beach, the skies, and more. (This source is most probably valid and reliable due to the links provided that enhance the quality of the information provided by offering background details and the very frequent informational updates. Furthermore, the photographs act as primary source documentation and the photographer – an Irish woman – has been living in Western County Kerry since 1999 and used to live on the Dingle Peninsula “for a number of years”. She also maintains a frequently updated blog whose focus is Ireland, and County Kerry/the Dingle Peninsula in particular). [Reviewed 18 Apr. 2013]
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Rowena Benedictos
Theme: Islands full of stories
Eastlake, John. “Orality and Agency: Reading an Irish Autobiography from the Great Blasket Island.” Oral Tradition. Center for Studies in Oral Tradition, 2009. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://journal.oraltradition.org/files/articles/24i/06_24.1.pdf
This is an academic journal article from the journal Oral Tradition. The article investigates the collaborations among the Blasket Island authors and challenges the notion that oral tradition is a dynamic rather than static form of storytelling. The article also examines the significance of the author’s agency and the reader’s perception between the native as the representative type and the native as an author. This article also explores the nature and history of each of the Blasket Island authors in substantial depth. (Because this academic journal article is a peer-reviewed source and includes references to all of its resources within the article, this journal article can be considered highly reputable.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
“Houses in Great Blasket Island.” National Archives: Census of Ireland 1911. The National Archives of Ireland, n. d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Kerry/Dunquin/Great_Blasket_Island/
This webpage provides the census for the Great Blasket Island in 1911. Not only does this provide information about the residents of each of the houses on the Great Blasket Island, but the webpage also includes the original census paperwork taken in the year 1911. The organization of this website is based on house number and the surnames of each household. (This is an excellent primary source provided by the reputable National Archives of Ireland, regulated by Ireland’s federal government; this census project is also partnered with he Library and Archives of Canada, the National Library of Ireland, Dublin City Library and Archives, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Irish Railway Records Society, Fingal County Council Archives, the Ulster Museum, Waterford County Examiner, and the Irish Examiner—contributing to the census’s credibility.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
Lucchitti, Irene. “The Blasket Islands and the Literary Imagination.” Shima: The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures. Shima, 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.shimajournal.org/issues/v7n1/h.%20Lucchitti%20Shima%20v7n1%2096-105.pdf
This is an academic journal article derived from the international journal Shima. In this article, the author of this article discusses the history and culture of the Blasket Islands. In addition, the article explores the representation of the Blasket Islands in literature after the inhabitants have emigrated from the islands. The article also explores several literary motifs that appear in Blasket Island literature, which makes for an interesting read. (This article, which includes citations and references at the end, comes from a peer-reviewed source from a large academic community, making for a highly valid source; this article also appears to be represented by the University of Wollongong, contributing to the article’s validity.). [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
Nolan, Lewis and Betty Nolan. “On the Famine Trail in Search of Ancestral Roots.” Ireland Revisited, Part 6. Nolan Travels, 1997. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.lewisnolan.com/nolantravels/97ir6.html
This webpage presents the experiences of Lewis and Betty Nolan during their travels on the Blasket Islands in 1997. Not only does the webpage provide great details about their thoughts, feelings, and some history that they had learned, but there are also pictures provided regarding their experiences. The website also presents two perspectives regarding the travels of the Blasket Islands, one from Lewis Nolan and one from Betty Nolan. This provides the reader greater insight since the reader can then make much more educated inferences about the Blasket Islands since the reader is provided multiple perspectives on the same experience. (Although some bias may be present regarding the history detailed in the website, this website mostly serves as a credible primary source, documenting the personal thoughts and photographs of travellers of the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
“Oíche nollag.” RTÉ Archives. RTÉ, 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/921-peig-sayers/289580-peig-sayers-taifeadai-on-ghort/
This webpage provides an audio of Peig Sayers telling a story of Christmas Eve at the beginning of the twentieth century in the year 1947. The audio is in her native tongue of Gaelic Irish. Because this is the original audio, the audio could be classified as a primary source. (The audio comes from RTÉ, a reputable source and Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster; the multiple press releases and awards that RTÉ has received contribute to the broadcaster’s credibility in addition to the support from the Minister, Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, and Energy and Natural Resources.) [Reviewed 16 Apr. 2013]
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Valerie Buccio
“A Brief History.” Bádóirí an Bhlascaoid Teo. Blasket Island Ferries/Eco-Ventures. Blasket Island. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/briefhistory.html
I wanted to know more about the Blaskets’ history and this site was very helpful in doing so. No one knows why the name came to be, but some think it comes from brasker, which is “a dangerous place.” I don’t think that fits though. People have lived on these islands before and today can still camp out on them. I don’t see any harm there. Also, they are beautiful and I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to visit them. It was a hard life to live on the islands though, which is maybe where the danger comes in. There was sacrifice and hardship. The highest population on the islands was after the famine when there were 176 people living there. Eventually though, the island was abandoned. I like how this site refers to the island as a “her” rather than “it.” (This site is very visual and pulls the reader in. There is a good balance are writing and pictures to keep the attention strong. I really like how at the end of the article, it suggests reading, “The Blasket Islands, next Parish America.” I focused on the “brief history” section, but to the left there are links for more information. At the top there are numbers and email addresses to get in touch with the people who run the page, which make it more reliable.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“Blasket Island Boat Tours – Slea Head - Dingle.” YouTube. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuqGG9AD4wA
This short video shows boat tours. I really liked how it took many different angles of the island and the water. We have discussed a lot in class about the rocky edges and wild waves of the water. The video also demonstrates how there are no docks for boats to go right up to the island. There are no words, but it is still a great video and informative. The music is upbeat and fits well with the video. The tour goes from Dunquin Pier around the coast of the Blasket Islands. On the tours you could see seals, dolphins, sharks, and many birds. (I liked reading people’s comments about this video. It gave me more insight and information about the Blaskets. I also like how the person who posted the video gave a phone number for more information on the boat tours. That alone helps me know this video is reliable.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life.” Radio Boston. 90.9 wbur Boston’s NPR news station. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
This site is like no other. It is a radio station online. I find this very interesting and very informative about the Blasket Islands. The speakers focus on Peig Sayers. She was one of the native Irish speakers of the Blasket Islands. There are parts where they record Sayers speaking. It is absolutely stunning to hear. Listening to people talk about something is much better than reading articles. In addition, there is a short article on this site to add emphasis on what was said in the segment. On the show, Robert Kanigel is a guest speaker. He is the author of, “On an Irish Island.” He is knowledgeable about so much when it comes to the island. (Having a guest speaker who is an author is credible. He has published books and obviously knows what he is talking about. The radio station being able to get guest speakers shows their hard work and dedication. No one would be a guest speaker on the show, if it wasn’t a show that people could count on.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“Explore The Blasket Islands-Na Blascaodai.” The Blaskets- Na Blascaodai. Discover Ireland.IE. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Ireland-s-Islands/South-West-(Kerry)/The-Blaskets-Na-Blascaodai
This website stood out to me because it uses the names Irish people call the islands. For example, the Blasket Islands are known as Na Blascaodai to the Irish. Another example is the Great Blasket, which is known as An Blascaod Mor. This island was abandoned in 1953 when the last twenty-two people were moved to the mainland. It is open to visitors, but no one lives there anymore. I think camping there for a night would be quite the experience. It amazes me how many literature writers have come from this island. As I talked about in a previous post, Peig Sayers is a world-renowned writer. She documented island life. She is just one example of many. (There is so much key information on this one website. There are multiple links to send readers to various places. I like how there is a Google map included. If they are linked with Google, there has to be trust and credibility there. To the right of the website there are links of activities, food, culture, etc. There are also links at the top and bottom of the page. The copyright is big and bold at the bottom of the page as well.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
“County Kerry, Ireland.” Kerry. KerryHoliday.co. Web. 21 April. 2013.
http://www.kerryholiday.co.uk/blaskets.html
Until this website, I had never heard of the Blasket Sound. It is the two miles of sea between the mainland and the Blaskets. This website has a lot of information about the abandonment of the islands and general information as well. It states that the main reason people had to move to the mainland was because fuel became so scarce. Traveling between the two lands was long and tiring for people. All the houses have fallen into ruins. I would like to visit and see these houses. Even if they are ruins, it would still be an amazing experience. Every winter there is more damage done to the island. I like how there are images of new houses for the people who moved from the islands to the mainland. Peig Sayers’ house is one of those shown. She appeared in a few of the websites I looked at. This demonstrates how important she was the role she played. (There is no author shown on this website, which makes me question it. However, other websites I have looked at have some of the same information. When you find the same information on multiple sites that makes it more reliable. I like the coloring on this website. It really stands out.) [Reviewed 21 April. 2013]
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Kristie Han
"An Accordian Player on the Blasket Islands." The Kennelly Archive. Kenelly. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.kennellyarchive.com/search-all/670236/1/80/
This archive gives many great pictures of the artist, Maria Simmons Gooding on the Blasket Islands painting and finding inspiration for her new paintings. The photographs are taken by Padraig Kennelly and his wife Joan. Some of the pictures include what the canoes actually looked like and what it would be like in the day of the life of a Blasket Islander. The prints are also for sale and they also give some insight to who Maria Simmons Gooding is and how she finds inspiration for her art.
"The Blasket Center." Ionad and Bhlascaoid Mhóir. Heritage Ireland. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/IonadandBhlascaoidMhoir-TheBlascaoidCentre/
This website gives more information on the Heritage Center of the Basket Islands located on the mainland in Dún Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. The Heritage center contains exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks to preserve the rich history of the Blasket Islanders and is a great way to get a glimpse into the life of a Blasket Islander. It is a very informational website outlining the hours, rates, and facilities included in the Heritage Center. It shows how much work was done to preserve the history of the Blasket Islands and is open to the public.
"The Blasket Islands School of Art." The Blasket Islands School of Art. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketislandsschoolofart.com/index.html
This website gives information on the Blasket Island School of Art. It is a great website because the mission of the school is that anyone can capture the Beauty of the Island. The school is not just for people studying art, it is for everyone including people with no painting or artistic skills. The school has a studio located in Dún Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula overlooking the Blasket Islands. This is an interesting website because it advocates the beauty and art of the Blasket Islands and encourages everyone to paint and capture that beauty with the help of experienced teachers and tutors.
Brennan, Helene. "Irish Artist Helene Brennan." Blasket Islands Photographs. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.helene-brennan.com/c53-blasket-islands-photographs
This website is a collective gallery done by artist Helene Brennan. She is a photographer who captures the beautiful, natural views of the Blasket Islands. This website is great because it gives beautiful photographs of the sea and landscapes of the Blasket Islands. Her prints are available for sale and the great thing about this website is that she gives tags if you want to search for a specific print or prints similar to it. She also puts the name of where she took the photograph so you can locate that place if you were to ever visit the Blasket Islands.
Hickey, Donal. "Evacuation of Blasket Re-told." Today's Stories. Irish Examiner, 04 July 2012. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/evacuation-of-blasket-re-told-199555.html
This article outlines the brief history of what happened when Eamon de Valera evacuated the Blasket Islands. It summarizes a new book that is being released in 2012, titled Scéal agus Dán Oileáin (The Story and Fate of an Island). This is an interesting article because it shows both sides of the story of the evacuation. It mentions that the Islanders “plead” for help to get off the Island, and it also mentioned that de Valera was blamed by some for accelerating the abandonment of the island. This article gives a little insight on the attitudes and history of the evacuation of the Blasket Islands. It is part of the Irish Examiner newspaper and it an opinion article, but still reliable.
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Kevie Kawasaki
Foley, Caitlin. "Blaskets to Springfield." Blaskets to Springfield. N.p., 13 May 2008. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://cfoleyblaskets.blogspot.com/
This source speaks of life on the and off the Blasket Islands. This source has an oral recording of Martin Kearney and Maggie Kearney. They give a brief history of where they were from and why they left the Blasket Islands and how life was after. Because this source is of a first hand experience living on the Blaskets and life after from real people from the Blaskets it is a valid source. His source is also a very rich resource for Martin Kearney and the Kearney family. [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
"Living Memory: A Blasket Island Story." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Oct. 2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9LEq7341Qo
This source is a video of a radio segment done about stories from the Blasket Islands. This source plays one segment done by Radio Kerry portraying a for Blasket native telling children stories about his life on the Blaskets. The stories may be scripted and not recalling true events but they are events that could have happened and give an insight into what life on the Blaskets may have been like. Because the stories aren’t real it isn’t a source to get real events but to find out what life on the Blaskets was like. [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
McCabe, Carol. "Islands Magazine." To the Great Blasket. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.islands.com/article/To-the-Great-Blasket-
This source gives some history about life on the Blaskets. This source was written as an ode to the people on the Blaskets in a way that major events and what life was like are expressed. A major focus is the evacuation of the Blaskets and what that must have been like for the islanders. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
"Sea Life." Sea Life. N.p., 2010. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/sealife.html
This source provides information about life on the Blaskets. This source was written by the people who can take you to the Blasket Islands located in Derry. This source gives many links to different aspects of life on the Blaskets from the people to the seal life, which this link directs you to. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 13 Apr. 2013]
"Www.dingle-peninsula.ie." History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets2.html
This source provides information about life on the Blaskets. This source covers many different aspects of life on the Blaskets from the food to the furniture. This source also has information about how to get there, where to stay, and other visitor information. This site is a complete compilation of history and information to know when visiting. Because the information here matches other sources it is a valid source. [Reviewed 12 Apr. 2013]
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Suzie Lee
“Blasket Island A Brief History.” Blasket Island A Brief History. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketisland.com/briefhistory.html
This section of the website talks about the brief history of the Blaskets, which are composed of six islands. According to this website, nobody really knows why that became the name, but one suggestion was that it might have come from the Norse word, “brasker,” which means “a dangerous place.” In the Great Blasket Island, the biggest island of all six islands, by 1916, about 176 people lived, but later, the island was abandoned by its people. Donkey was one of the most important inhabitants on the island. Also, from early 1920’s to the late 1930’s, the Great Blasket Island produced some talented writers. (This website is credible because this website is run by the people in Ireland, and some of the writings, including the copyright, are in Irish. This website is for touring information, so it is obvious that the information they put on are accurate.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Horgan, Gerald. “The Great Blasket Islands off the Dingle Peninsula Coastline.” The Great Blasket Islands off the Dingle Peninsula Coastline. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013
http://www.dingle-region.com/island.htm
This website touches on the history of the Great Blasket, one of the six islands in the Blasket Islands. It states that the Great Blasket was once home to 170 people who were living in the stone houses on the steep slope, facing the mainland. The life on this island was tough because there was no source of power other than burning turf from the hill, and there was no source of food except a few animals that they grew, such as cows and seafoods. On top of this, only few crops could grow on this island. Irish historians believe that monks inhabited the Blaskets in the fifth and sixth centuries. Also, it was believed that the Vikings used the islands as the jumping-off points for invading the mainland in the ninth and 10th centuries. This website also has a video of the sceneries of Blasket Islands. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written on the bottom of the page. Also, this website is created for the purpose of exploring the Dingle Peninsula, so it is trustable that it has the right information.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“www.dingle-peninsula.ie.” History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/index.html
This page on this website did a terrific job describing general living life in Blasket Islands. There are many categories that they each describe. For furniture, it says that it was simple and basic. One or two wooden beds were common, and some even had an iron bed. For food, there was no shop, so they had to go to the mainland for flour and other household goods. Sheep was very important, and the number of sheep indicated a man’s wealth. It goes on and on about how they cook fish, how many meals they have per day, and etc. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written on the bottom of the page. Also, this website is created for the purpose of visiting the Dingle Peninsula, so it is trustable that it has the right information.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“Blasket Island Boat Tours - Slea Head - Dingle.” YouTube. YouTube, 15 June 2009. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuqGG9AD4wA
This is a video on Youtube that shows the route of the boat trip to the Blasket Islands from Dunquin Pier on the Slea Head peninsula. (This video was on Youtube uploaded by a travel agency.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Tulloch, Richard. “GREAT BLASKET ISLAND – the Abandoned Heart of Irish heritage.” Richard Tullochs LIFE ON THE ROAD. N.p., 7 Sept. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://richardtullochwriter.com/2011/09/07/great-blasket-island/
This is a blog done by a man named Richard Tulloch. He is originally a writer, but now, he travels and writes travel articles and share them on his blog. On this certain page, he talks a little bit about the history of the Blasket Islands. He stated that when the population fell down to 21 in 1953, the government decided that it couldn't support the Great Blasket anymore and eventually evacuated all the residents to the mainland. He also mentions that one remarkable feature of the Great Blasket is that even though nobody received any education past grade six and many islanders were illiterate of Irish, it produced a number of significant writers. (This website is a good source because the author actually went to the Dingle Peninsula and observed the Blasket Islands. Even though he couldn't really get to the Great Blasket Island due to the weather, this gives readers a sense of what it is.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life.” On Great Blasket Island A Different Way Of Life Radio Boston RSS 20. N.p., 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
This particular page of the website talks about the Great Blasket Island. Not only this has a picture and a short writing about it, but also, it has a recorded version of the talk between the host and the guest who was Robert Kanigel, an author of the book, “On an Irish Island.” During the talk, Kanigel mentions that people were dependent on each other and therefore helped each other. On top of that, because the islanders were apart from the rest of the Europe, everything about the Great Blasket was pure and unique; they were cut off from the modernity. He mentions that this is why scholars and writers started to open their eyes to this island - because of its pure culture. This is what Kanigel said on the radio: “The appeal to the visitors at this time, a resurgence of interest in Irish culture and the Irish language, was that the Blasket Irish was something pretty close to pure [that was] uncontaminated [and] untainted by English.” (This website is credible because it’s a radio station.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
“GoKerry - Na Blascaodaí/ Blasket Islands.” GoKerry - Na Blascaodaí/ Blasket Islands. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.gokerry.ie/locations/na-blascaoda-blasket-islands/
This page is full of great information on the Great Blasket Island. Not only it talks about all the six islands that make up the Blasket Islands, but also, it goes into the literature side of the place. For example, it talks about Tomás Ó Criomhthain who was the first islander to write his stories down. Another example given was Peig Sayers. She was a storyteller, and she wrote her autobiography in 1936, and it became a set text in Irish schools. (This website is credible because it has a copyright written at the bottom of the page. Also, it has a space for comment, which indicates that they are confident about the information that they put out.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
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Lubna Mazin
Theme: Epilepsy
"Epilepsy Center: Symptoms, Seizures, Treatments, Causes, and Tests." WebMD. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/default.htm
This WebMD article on epilepsy goes into different categories dealing with epilepsy. These categories are broken down into overview and facts, symptoms and types, diagnosis and tests, treatment and care, living and managing, and support and resources. The article then goes on to include articles that more clearly examine: Causes of Epilepsy, Epilepsy Seizure Symptoms, Epilepsy Drugs, Ketogenic Diet, Epilepsy in Children, Types of Seizures, Surgery for Epilepsy, Biofeedback, Diagnosing Epilepsy, EEG, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, as well as Epilepsy and Pregnancy. (This site is a trusted unbiased source; it has received numerous awards including the “Most Trusted and Recommended Internet Brand” award.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"The Mission of the Epilepsy Foundation Is to Stop Seizures and SUDEP, Find a Cure and Overcome the Challenges Created by Epilepsy through Efforts including Education, Advocacy and Research to Accelerate Ideas into Therapies." Epilepsy Foundation. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
The Epilepsy Foundation is a good site to learn about epilepsy as well as getting involved in the movement. The site is split up into sections that tells you about epilepsy, living with epilepsy, resources, how to get involved, current research, and gives you different communities you can become a part of. This site is a great way to learn about different opportunities one can contribute to. An interesting fact I learned from this site is that approximately 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. (This is a trusted unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Neuroscience for Kids - Epilepsy." Neuroscience for Kids - Epilepsy. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/epi.html
This is an overview of epilepsy. This site was very short and did not go into much scientific detail. It did however separate the way information was told by having topics. These topics include: Types of Epilepsy, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Famous People with epilepsy, and Organizations. Although this source was short it did have good information. (This was an unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Read What Your Physician Is Reading on Medscape." EMedicineHealth. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/epilepsy/article_em.htm
This site is much like the WebMD site it gives you a great medical perspective of epilepsy. The information is divided into sections including: Epilepsy Overview, Epilepsy Causes, Epilepsy Symptoms, When to Seek Medical Care, Exams and Tests, Epilepsy Treatment, Self-Care at Home, Medications, Next Steps, Follow-up, Prevention, and Outlook. The only bad thing is that it does not go into in depth detail. (This site is a trusted and unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
"Tips on Seizure Rescue Medication for Kids." Epilepsy and Seizure Information for Patients and Health Professionals. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. http://www.epilepsy.com/
This site is an interesting branch created by the Epilepsy Foundation. This site focuses on the treatment of epilepsy. For example it has articles describing the side effects of different medications. It also has information on the different types of surgeries. This is a great resource for families dealing with epilepsy and trying to find different options for treatment. (This is a trusted and unbiased source.) [Reviewed 20 April 2013]
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Howe Qui
Irish Radio Transmitters Society. "BLASKET ISLAND IRELAND, 1958 IRISH RADIO AMATEURS' OUTING - YouTube." YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSM2O4EyZSU
Maurice Lyons filmed this video sometime between 1958 and 1959. This video resource shows the lifestyle of people on the Blasket Island, and also demonstrates the natural beauty found on the island. The film shows how they fished, how they prepared their goats, and their schools. (The information provided through this video is qualitative, and expresses the raw natural beauty of the people who inhabit it and mother nature herself.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Holiday, Kerry. "The Blasket Islands, County Kerry, Ireland." Kerry, a special place. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.kerryholiday.co.uk/blaskets.htm
This resource by Kerry Holiday outlines a brief history of the Blasket Islanders. According to this source, the Blasket Islanders left their island in 1953, when their only source of fuel, turf, was depleted. Interestingly enough, the island was known for their preservation and refinement of the Gaelic language. Scholars were known to visit the island during the summer in order to study language more deeply. (Information provided by this source is historical.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Marine Tours. "The Blasket Islands | Spectacular islands off the West Coast of Kerry near Dingle." Marine Eco Tours Ireland | Whale watching Dolphins Birds and Marine life | Dingle. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.marinetours.ie/blasket-islands.html
The Great Blasket Islands were dubbed "Great" because of it was the greatest island in Ireland with about 200 inhabitants at it's peak. This resource provides such wonderful pictures. (This resource acts mainly as a site for potential tourists to visit in order to advertise the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
Blasket Islands Ferry. "Landscape | Blasket Islands Ferry." Blasket Islands Ferry and Eco Adventure in Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.blasketislands.ie/landscape.htm
This resource portrays the visual beauty of the Blasket Islands, and speaks of history of the former taoiseach Charley Haughey. It also speaks of the wildlife that inhabits the island, unobstructed by human activity.
Kanigel, Robert. "On Great Blasket Island, A Different Way Of Life | Radio Boston." Radio Boston. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/03/09/great-blasket-sayers-kanigel
Robert Kanigel speaks of how the Blasket Island was full of renaissance men and women because of their isolation from the rest of Europe. Their language and way of life became a preserved historical snapshot of what used to be. Unfortunately, the island was abandoned in 1953. (This resource shows the nostalgia that the Irish people feel towards the Blasket Islands.) [Reviewed 21 Apr. 2013]
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Stephanie Schrab
Connell, Jackie, ed. “Friends of IDW Newsletter – June 2008.” International Dolphin Watch. International Dolphin Watch, Jun. 2008. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
http://newsletter.dolphinfriend.com/assets/applets/Newsletter_June_2008.pdf
This newsletter provides an excellent introduction to Fungie, the famous “Dingle Dolphin,” who is said to have made his home in Dingle Bay since 1983. Fungie’s role in the culture of the Dingle Peninsula is evident in the artwork of Maria Simonds-Gooding (some of which can be seen in the newsletter), who counts the dolphin as a great influence on both her artwork and her life. (The International Dolphin Watch appears to be a credible source, for the newsletter describes it as having “an unblemished reputation as a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping dolphins since it was founded by Dr. Horace Dobbs in 1978.” In addition, the information regarding Simonds-Gooding and Fungie was verified by both Simonds-Gooding’s website and Dr. Judith Coe (who has spoken with Simonds-Gooding personally), further supporting the newsletter’s validity.) [Reviewed 12 Apr. 2013]
Cunningham, John. “How Emigration Changed Ireland: The Impact of Emigration.” Cassidy Clan. Cassidy Clan, 2007. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://www.cassidyclan.org/lecture.htm
While this essay does not mention emigration from the Blasket Islands, many of the themes presented by Cunningham are also evident in Dr. Judith Coe’s video interviews with the Kearney family. Cunningham does an excellent job of explaining the dichotomy between national identities that emigrants from Ireland experience, and his perspective can be applied in gaining insight into Martin Kearney’s feelings on his national identity. (The editor’s note describes John Cunningham as noted historian in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, suggesting that he is a credible secondary source. Further investigation shows that the Cassidy Clan is a non-profit hereditary association, and their “3 Shamrock Award” from Telecom Ireland suggests that they are a valid source of information on Ireland.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013]
Foley, Caitlin. “Martin Kearney.” Blaskets to Springfield. Blogger, 13 May 2008. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.
http://cfoleyblaskets.blogspot.com/2008/05/martin-kearney.html
Although it is brief, this interview transcript is valuable in providing Martin Kearney’s own perspective on his life, as unfortunately Dr. Coe did not begin her interview project until after his death. Martin Kearney’s discussion of his early life on the Blaskets, as well as his immigration to America, illustrates the transition faced by the many Blasket Islanders who moved to Springfield before and during the islands’ evacuation. (Foley’s introduction to the project seems to have some inaccuracies, as she appears to confuse Martin’s sister Maureen with a cousin named Mauried. However, the photograph accompanying Martin’s interview transcript confirms his identity, and the information is concurrent with Dr. Coe’s interviews with his family members, so it appears as though the interview with Martin is a valid primary source.) [Reviewed 17 Apr. 2013].
SeizureAware. Epilepsy Ireland. n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.epilepsy.ie/go/seizureaware
This website for the SeizureAware campaign highlights Epilepsy Ireland’s efforts to shatter the stigma that continues to surround epilepsy in Ireland today. While the articles, videos, and survey results are related to epilepsy among Irish people in Ireland, much of the information can be extrapolated to understanding the perceptions of epilepsy among members of the Irish immigrant community in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Epilepsy Ireland’s authority is inherent in its status as a long-standing association dedicated to improving the lives of Irish people who have epilepsy.) [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
Verling, John. “My son has epilepsy and stigma still surrounds the disease.” The Journal.ie. Journal Media, 11 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thejournal.ie/readme/column-my-son-has-epilepsy-and-stigma-still-surrounds-the-disease-786658-Feb2013/
This article provides excellent firsthand insight regarding various aspects of epilepsy in Ireland, including stigma, daily life, and the controversy over the recent closures of the epilepsy monitoring units in Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital. The challenges that Verling faced in obtaining treatment for his son are reminiscent of Martin Kearney’s struggle with epilepsy. (TheJournal.ie is a well-regarded online newspaper in Ireland, suggesting that it can be regarded as a credible news source. The information Verling provides regarding the epilepsy monitoring unit closures is easily confirmed with further cybersleuthing, thus supporting the article’s validity.) [Reviewed 19 Apr. 2013]
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Anushka Tandon
"The Blasket Islands: Historical Information." History and Heritage of the Blasket Islands, Ireland. Dingle Peninsula Tourism, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/blaskets.html
This site is authored by Dingle Peninsula Tourism. There is likely to be bias towards tailoring content to reflect a more positive image of the locale than an objective one. However, the site is quite informative about culture, natural settings, and historical summaries of the Blaskets. It’s a good site to learn some basic background information on the Blasket Islands, like a well-informed outline, so it has research value. Its primary purpose, though, is tourism, and so the site is ideal for someone planning a trip to the Blaskets.
"Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy AssociationShedding a Light on Epilepsy." Epilepsy Ireland. Epilepsy Ireland, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.
http://www.epilepsy.ie/
The site for Epilepsy Ireland is a very detailed, comprehensive, easy-to-understand factual source for all types of information about the disease. The articles concisely and explicitly lay out important information pertaining to the epilepsy care in Ireland, statistics, causes, and local sources of aid for patients across the country. While this is a good site for research on the state of the disease in Ireland, it is best suited to those affected, and their loved ones, to access unbiased secondary facts and sources of primary care for the condition.
Burgoyne, Mindie. "Carol Cronin - Dingle Artist - on Thin Places Impacting Creativity." Thin Places: Where This World Meets the Eternal World. WordPress.com, June 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thinplace.net/2011/06/carol-cronin-dingle-artist-on-thin.html
This article discusses the Dingle Peninsula with respect to the concept of thin places- those areas around the globe where it seems that the purported distance between heaven and earth collapses, allowing the two realms to mesh. The article is sourced from a blog, whose author believes strongly in the existence of these places and posts affirmatively about them – bias is inherent and unavoidable. The source here is a valuable primary interview with artist Carol Cronin, who discusses the pull of the peninsula on her, and its influence on her artwork. This is a good research source for the primary clip, and an interesting informational source for the casual reader.
Hickey, Donal. "Blanket Development Ban Proposed to Protect Great Blasket Island." Blanket Development Ban Proposed to Protect Great Blasket Island | Irish Examiner. The Irish Examiner, 22 Dec. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/blanket-development-ban-proposed-to-protect-great-blasket-island-177922.html
The Irish Examiner is a fairly credible online news source, so bias is not a huge concern here. The tone of the article is rather impartially summarizing, and less analytical, gathering the secondary information necessary to understand the situation at hand in one short text. This is ideal for research, and the site is a good place to look for various current event and news updates on different aspects of Irish culture and society. The article here examines the development ban being proposed by the planning council of county Kerry to halt further tourist-related development on the Great Blasket island to preserve its heritage, and lists such concerns as inadequate tourist accommodations in the list of considerations to be made.
Weiner, Eric. "Where Heaven and Earth Come Closer." NYTimes.com. The New York Times, 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/travel/thin-places-where-we-are-jolted-out-of-old-ways-of-seeing-the-world.html?pagewanted=all
The New York Times is a credible news source, so bias is generally not an issue. However, this article was an exploratory travel article based more on subjective experiences and opinions than cold hard facts, so there is author bias present, being that the source is the author himself. Still, the article serves as informative to the nature of a thin place, and provides many examples of such locations around the world. Overall, this article is a decent primer on the spiritual definition of a thin place, while doing a fair job of explaining the haziness of these parameters.
Additional Resources
The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick is a magical place. Take a look at their Autumn 2012 events listings, Of Our Times. The IWA has an amazing line-up of Artists-in-Residence and students have many opportunities to hear, learn, play, sing, dance, research, write, serve and create, across a wide range of teaching/learning activities, classes and programs.
Judith Coe
Judith Coe