24th December 2007

QUICK LINKS: News | Entertainment | Sport | Comment & Cáint | Travel | Greencard | Roots | Discussions

Ireland's Call: Buy your Irish lotto tickets online

Fed up with reminding distant cousins back home to run out and buy your Irish lottery tickets for you? Well, thanks to the Internet you can now be master of your own lotto destiny once again. With www.playirishlottery.com you can choose your numbers, buy your tickets and receive your winnings all through one simple and secure site. Why not give it a try? After all, you know what they say about the luck of the Irish...

No chance of a white Christmas
Anyone harbouring hopes of a White Christmas this year will be disappointed.

Gardaí drive home anti-drinking-and-driving message
The Gardaí are reiterating their warning to motorists not to drink and drive this Christmas.

Irish quids in for Christmas
Christmas has come early for a host of Irish community organisations in Britain as the Irish Government announces it is awarding additional grants to almost 50 good causes.

This Christmas is one for 'optimism and peace'
President's festive message talks of a brilliant future for all the people of Ireland.

Don't deny us our roots
Stifling views of Irish identity in Scotland have once again been thrust into the spotlight following comments by leading media and educational figureheads.

Christmas parties can lead to staff sackings
SEVEN-in-10 Irish employers have sacked staff because of bad behaviour at the Christmas party.

Christmas as it Used to Be
The iPod generation might learn a valuable lesson from some grand Irish ladies who recently gathered to share memories of Christmases past in Ireland. APRIL DREW listened to their stories.

Quinn Hails North's Peaceful Holiday
NEW York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn was in Northern Ireland last week for her third visit since becoming speaker in January 2006.

American Sues Over Son
AN American student in Galway is taking the Irish State to court to block the deportation of her four-year-old son.

New Citizenship Rules
IMMIGRANTS who want to take out Irish citizenship will no longer qualify just because they have spent five trouble-free years in the country, the main current requirement.

Irish Voice Classifieds

P.S. - She's a Success!
For her legions of fans, the new film of Cecelia Ahern's bestselling book P.S. I Love You is a dream come true. Starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, CAHIR O'DOHERTY talks to the amazingly successful young Irish writer about her career to date.

Brennan's Holiday Treat
OH, the weather outside might have been frightful but the sounds were so delightful inside Connolly's Klub 45 as Moya Brennan enraptured the crowd with a mixture of songs from Signature and An Irish Christmas, her last two CDs.

Tapeire Takes Times Square
RIVERDANCE the juggernaut has floated the boat of so many talented Irish artists basking in the aura of the Celtic Tiger since the mid-nineties.

There Will Be Oscars
IN There Will Be Blood, the highly anticipated new film opening in limited release on December 26, we follow a madly driven businessman's pursuit of riches through the guise of oil.

Moloney Is Still a Legend
PADDY Moloney has never let grass grow under his feet. He has traveled around the globe and back with the Chieftains, maintaining a pace that would wither a man many decades younger.

Farewell to Christie: A true legend
It was a sad week for Irish music with the passing of folk legend Christie Hennessy. Speaking in his last ever interview on the BBC Irish Eye programme he told host Graham Clifford how writing music and entertaining fans brought massive joy to his life.

A musical evening without compare
TOM Beaumont the West London Rúnaí sent the Irish music page a review of the recently-held London regional concert which I'm going to share with the readers as it conveys the unique atmosphere of a Comhaltas concert.

Super Lee Takes Irish Title
ANDY Lee captured the Irish super middleweight title in sensational fashion in Dublin on Saturday night at the National Stadium.

No Offer for Venables...Yet
SENIOR FAI officials have categorically denied reports that Terry Venables has already been offered the Ireland job after Graeme Souness withdrew from the race to succeed Steve Staunton.

Munster Defeats Scarlets Again
MUNSTER maintained their march towards the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup with a second win in a row over the Llanelli Scarlets and a 22-13 win at Thomond Park on Sunday to keep them top of Pool 5.

Lee vs. Duddy? Could Happen
MINUTES after Andy Lee had added Jason McKay to the list of 12 losers already lined up on his 100% record as the bright young thing of Irish boxing, the legendary Emanuel Steward made a simple request in the press conference room at the National Stad.

57 Years of Hurt NEVER Stopped them dreaming
The Irish Post catches up with Keith Duggan, author of the acclaimed House Of Pain — a wonderful new book which delves into the damaged, hopeful soul of Mayo football.

Nobody did it better
Our Irish Soccer Icons series continues with a homage to one of the finest players to ever grace this planet, the incomparable George Best.

Born to run
Eamonn Coghlan's pride at son John's progress.

London team will be under Croke Park scrutiny in 2008
THERE will be just two new faces on the London County Board for 2008 following the annual Convention at the Emerald Rooms in Ruislip on Sunday last.

Changing Christmas fare through the ages
Most Irish people will sit down to dinner this Christmas and tuck into what they imagine is a traditional dinner. But exactly how traditional is our seasonal fare? MALCOLM ROGERS sets the record straight.

An Irish Christmas.
There's nothing better - The food, the drink, the traditions - and above all the friendliness of friends and family around you.

Hangover Cure
It's the day after. For many the post-Christmas experience consists a dry mouth...

Christmas Greats
10 great Irish places - 10 great things about Christmas in Ireland - 10 great Irish songs - 10 great Irish books

Christmas Postcards
Select from our varied and beautiful postcards and send your love to friends and family around the world.

Christmas Traditions
The candle in the window - The laden table - The wren boy procession - Traditional Gaelic salutation.

JOIN TO WIN ON IA
Enter to win 2 round trip flights to ireland. September/October winner is sarge.
Sponsored by AerLingus.com

GET THE CRAIC with Ian Dempsey
This week on The Craic we promise to get you in the festive mood! We chat to Cathy Jordan from traditional Irish band, 'Dervish', about Eurovision 2007 and New Year plans, Dusty fills us in on the entertainment news, we ask people on the streets what their plans are for Christmas and we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! www.GetTheCraic.com
Brought to you in association with IrishAbroad.com

GREENCARD

Legitimated Child
"I LIVED in the U.S. for five years in the 1980s. I was not legal. I met a man who was Irish and also illegal. I became pregnant, but to make a long story short the relationship didn't work out, and I returned home to give birth. He still lives in America and has since become a citizen. He has had little contact with our daughter over the years, but he has given her financial support. She is now 19. Though she has no interest in going to America at the present, this may well change and I'm wondering if her father would be able to get a visa for her? Though we haven't remained close I'm sure he would do this if he could."

Question and Answer: DNA Test?
Question: Do you think it is worth the money to order a DNA test? … I haven't been able to find where my ancestor came from in Ireland. Joseph Harney was born about May 12, 1853, somewhere in Ireland. He had a sister Kate, born about 1851. She married John Gillin about 1876 in Cleveland Ohio … Joseph Harney died in Cleveland on 5 December 1910.

Passenger Lists [Access with Irish Circle]
Irish Family Name Register [Free]
Irish Family Name Screensavers