Celtic Culture Celebration: Irish Program

Irish Nationality Room Program

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE IRISH ROOM
A brief presentation of the history of the Irish Nationality Room and activities of the Irish Room Committee

WHAT THE IRISH ROOM MEANS TO ME BY JAMES W. KNOX
Introspection about his Irish heritage by Irish Nationality Room Chairman James Knox

PRESERVATION OF THE "OLD WAYS of FARMING IN IRELAND AND VINTAGE FARM EQUIPMENT
Kevin Kenny was born in co Galway which is the west of Ireland.  After he graduated from college in 1960 he migrated to Doneda co Kildare.  Doneda is a country area.  Farming is the main occupation of the people.  Kevin works on a small hobby farm using the old methods which includes planting potatoes, vegetables, cereals and corn, etc.  Kevin uses his father’s old equipment from his farm in co Galway which he restored to present day condition. 

  • VINTAGE PLOUGHING
    • Video content by Kevin Kenny showing the annual farming event in Tullamore
  • THREE AND FOUR GRAIN FORKS
    • Video content by Kevin Kenny demonstrating the use of two old wooden hay forks believed to be from the early 1800's. They were found in the barn after the passing of a relative.
  • THE SACRED TURF
    • Video showing how peat bog is gathered.  Peat bog is used for heat and cooking energy, and also contained useful properties to heal skin and foot ailments. Video by Kevin Kenny.
  • FERGUSON 20+ EQUIPMENT
    • Celebration after the farmer's work is done and shows their love for their farm equipment.

IRELAND
by Don Howe of Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
What is the Importance of Ancestry & Why did the Irish Come to Pittsburgh? The Ireland video illustrates some history, scenery, and the connection between the U.S. and Ireland. There is also a family connection between Pittsburgh (Knox Family) and Northern Ireland.

LIVINGSTON FARM VIDEO
by David Livingston & Deborah Livingston Kennedy of Market Hill, County Armag, Northern Ireland
The Livingston Family shows viewers the daily workings of a dairy farm works and traces their ancestry to Pittsburgh, PA. 

MEGAN MCKENZIE, 2019 AWARDEE OF THE JOHN F. KENNEDY/IRISH NATIONALITY ROOM SCHOLARSHIP
A self-described “Pitt Girl For Life,” Megan is currently pursuing a master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Pitt is ranked #3 in the nation for this advanced program! Congratulations to Megan! We wish her all the best in her career and future goals that include returning to Ireland as a healthcare professional and expand on her experience with study abroad.

JACK WEBBER PRESENTS THE IRISH NATIONALITY ROOM ARCHITECTURE
John “Jack” F. Webber, PhD, is the current Chair of The Irish Nationality Room Committee. Jack is a prolific writer, lecturer, and curator of Celtic culture and Irish history. His family hails from County Cork in The Republic of Ireland. 

ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES 2020
The Irish Room Committee presents the Irish countryside and music.

ERIN CASEY, 2020 IRISH NATIONALITY ROOM SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION
Erin Casey shares her experience doing a virtual internship in King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London.  She worked at Neuro-Rehabilitation department on their analysis of their Mind Motion Go project. This was a virtual reality system with motion tracking (similar to an Xbox 360 or Wii system) that has been in the pilot phase for over a year and has been used to help people with brain injuries with their physical therapy treatments. She was the 2020 Irish Room Committee/John F. Kennedy Scholarship Awardee.

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