By Alberto Suris
As in years past, during the month of March, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 8, held several activities to celebrate the Irish Heritage Month. On Wednesday, March 4 they scheduled and announced an open house at the South Lawrence Public Library to Showcase the Irish Room and Hibernian Collection at the South Lawrence Branch Library, which houses one of the largest collections of Irish books, media, memorabilia and periodicals in the Northeast.
The visit of Vice Consul General of Ireland, Jillian O’Keefe, who is stationed in Boston, was added as a bonus to the schedule. She came to read to the students of Lawrence Catholic Academy. The book chosen: Finn McCool and the great fish, by Eve Buntin.
The book tells the story about Finn McCool, the largest giant in all of Ireland. He’s a fierce warrior, even beating the giant Culcullan and saving Ireland from the Scots.
Helpful and kind, he helps the farmers bring in the hay. And everyone in the village of Drumnahoon admires him. “He’s the best-hearted man that ever walked on Ireland’s green grass.” But for all his strength, courage, and goodness, there’s one thing that Finn lacks. He’s just not smart. And he knows it.
When a wise man living in a nearby village tells Finn about a magical red salmon with the wisdom of the world, Finn sets out to catch the fish. And he learns a thing or two about himself in the process.
And the children, too. When asked by Bill Sullivan, President – Division 8 AOH, what they should eat if they want to be smart, they knew that the answer was fish.
