Even though Samhain had passed a few days earlier, some spirits remained to join the women of Nollaig Na mBan NY’s celebration. The group, founded by Maura Mulligan, celebrates the Celtic fire festivals, and raises money for selected women’s charitable groups. Currently we donate to the Ukrainian National Women’s League.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, we met at the Laurels and enjoyed the Irish hospitality of “two lads from the same village” who opened their restaurant/pub on East 14th Street.
For Samhain, participants choose a spirit and tell their story. This year, the creative organizers/hosts Mary McIntyre and Deirdre Batson suggested the theme “Truth, Myth, Legend?” Attendees went deep into research on Celtic mythology and history, making the luncheon informative and, despite some dark themes, fun, especially with their inventive costumes.
After a warm Fáilte from Deirdre and Mary, an seanchai Jim Hawkins held us spellbound as he channeled the storyteller Eamon Kelly, describing how the spirits invented Bodhrán tippers (sticks), to help the great player Stevie Mac (McNamara) save his fingers.
A few benign figures from Celtic mythology appeared. Diane Hawkins was a butterfly, explaining its symbolism in personal transformation and rebirth. Mary McIntyre chose Banba, a striking goddess figure who tried to protect her people.
Mary McIntyre.
The other mythological figures came from the dark side. Ellen Hasell was the hooded crow, the Morrigan, inciter of battle, bringer of death; Maureen Farrell as Calleigh, the Hag of Beara, a harbinger of winter and old age; Sheila Houlihan as Dullahan – a coachman whose appearance often signified death, and a predecessor to our legend of the Headless Horseman. Deirdre Batson, as Balor, God of Chaos, the one-eyed monster, who also incited — you guessed it — death.
Fitting perfectly into the theme, Anne Lilly, gave a powerful rendition of the original song, “Waltz of the Damned” from a one-woman show called “Performance Hell.” We were treated to wonderful poetry. Shelley Ann Quilty-Lake read Annie Finch’s perfect poem “Samhain.” Two unique talents Margaret McCarthy and Bernadette Cullen presented original work. Margaret’s was from her forthcoming chapbook about the legend of Deirdre, and Bernadette read “The Myth of Icarus.”
Margaret McCarthy.
Dan Brown told the story of Myles Joyce — falsely convicted and hanged for a brutal murder in 1882, his ghost haunted the prison. President Higgins pardoned Joyce more than 130 years later.
Mary Fee brought us a tale from her Irish childhood — the Grim Reaper recited “Hy Brasil,” about the island of legend off Ireland’s West Coast. Mary also brought the pièce de resistance for dessert, her delicious báirìn breac.
After guests from the Ukrainian National Women’s group thanked Nollaig Na mBan NY for its continued support, our hosts held a Ceremony of Light, a moment to remember those who joined the spirit world in 2024.
