Junior Division of the LAOH Golden Rose Queen of Ireland Division #6

Tin Whistles were a very special Christmas Gift given to the Juniors by the members of our LAOH. The Juniors hope to learn to play the wonderful Irish musical instruments and have been practicing Irish tunes. Pictured left to right, seated are Macy Shea Marlow, Moira Lumsden, Erin O’Shaughnessy, 2^nd row: Olivia Williamson, Rachel Kepley, Kerra Loomis, , Colleen Baker, 3^rd row: Briana O’Malley, Ashleigh Kale, 4^th row: Christine Kerrigan, Lauren Kepley, Erin Loomis, Catherine Baker. Back row center:

Megan O’Shaughnessy.

The Photograph was taken at the AOH Mahoning County Division #6 Hall in Youngstown, Ohio. Missing from the photograph were Colleen and Kelly Kratofil, Breanne Donoghue, Kelly Hull, Katy Baker, Hannah Mogg, Megan McCarthy, Katie Thompson, Ashlynn Wardle, Katie Burdette, and Anna, Maura and Bridget Bobby.

The whistle is an ancient instrument, apparently originating in ancient China around 5000 years ago, making its way to Europe in about the 11^th century. In 12^th century Ireland there was evidence of whistle players in early literature and on the medieval High Crosses. Whistles were, and still are, called by many different names, including Fipple Flute, Vertical Flute, Flageolet, Tin Whistle, Penny Whistle and Feadog Stain the Irish name. Ireland has many great musicians accomplished on the Tin Whistle.

The Mahoning County Junior Division of the Golden Rose Queen of Ireland LAOH include music in all their meetings. “Our Lady of Knock” was the first song the girls learned. Each member has a music book and eventually will learn a number of songs. The Juniors did learn the “Irish National Anthem” in English and the Division sings both songs each year at the “Gathering of the Irish Clans” Irish Festival. In 2005, the Juniors have 2 music projects: the members are learning to sing the Irish National Anthem in Irish and will spend several meetings learning to play the Tin Whistle.

Membership in this Division is open to interested Catholic Girls between the ages of 6 and 16 years, Irish by descent or adoption. The dues are $2 a year. The members bring 25 cents to each meeting that is collected for charities. The primary goal of the organization is to promote friendship, unity and Christian charity.

A good number of the Junior meetings focus on having fun while learning about Ireland. The patron of the Juniors is Saint Brigid of Ireland. The Juniors communicate with “Pen Pals” at Holy Cross School in the Ardoyne area of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Through monthly special projects the Juniors learn Irish history, Irelands traditions, the lives of Irish Saints, and enjoy Irish dance and music. Currently they are researching their Irish ancestry and will include that heritage information in their personal Junior notebook. Our Division meetings include projects that promote American patriotism. A enduring benefit of our Junior membership has been the growth of bonds of friendship with girls who share similar interests, the development of leadership skills and the opportunity to do community service.

For information the Irish websites are: www.AOH-LAOH.com or www.irishofyoungstown.com.

Contact LAOH Junior Co-Coordinator Sally Murphy Pallante @330-533-7542 or LAOH President Joyce Kale Pesta @ 330-759-1495 or the Junior President Lauren Kepley 330-533-0918.