Jottings From Fifth & G: It's a long way ... or maybe not!

A soft but lilting tune penetrated my morning slumber. Rousing, as I often did, to my mother’s beautiful soprano voice, I heard her whisper “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” Though usually slow to rise, especially on chilly March mornings, this morn found me eagerly throwing back the covers and heading for the kitchen where Irish soda bread would be waiting. In our home St. Patrick’s Day was rivaled only by Christmas and Easter and celebrated with great respect for the saint who expelled snakes from Ireland and brought Christianity to the Gaelic clans.

My mother was born in Ireland at Fyhorra, the family farm in County Longford. She was the youngest of 11 children. When mom was 7 years old, her father recognized that the Depression and political upheaval were descending upon Europe. He sold Fyhorra and the three younger children and parents returned to the ranch he had earlier homesteaded in northeastern Oregon. (His brother, John, had managed the land during his 30-year absence. The saga of their journey to eastern Oregon is yet another Irish story.)

Thus, mom spent the remainder of her youth on the ranch close to Ione, Oregon. The three siblings would take turns riding Blackie, mom’s horse, to the one-room schoolhouse in Pine City and later Ione High School. Though mom cherished all her Irish family, she was closest to her immediate older sister, Camella. Stories of the antics they played on the hired hands with their cousins regaled my childhood. Yearly, in June, before harvest, Mom and I would visit my aunt and immediate as well as extended Irish family and friends in Heppner, Oregon. Here, my mother and I would bask in the warmth and gaiety of shared history, stories and, most of all, Irish heritage.

With time, my visits to Heppner became less frequent as I moved out of state for college and work. My cousins dispersed though we kept in contact. I did return occasionally to visit my beloved aunt and for cousins’ weddings. Sadly, my last visit was to attend Camella’s funeral.

In the mid-nineties, my cousin, Dom, sorely missing his brother, Mike, was able to relocate his law practice from Washington, D.C., to Eugene. With his return came the gathering of the clan for every celebration imaginable, but especially for St. Patrick’s Day in Heppner. Annually, family would arrive at the clapboard home on Cemetery Hill. Motels would overflow with relatives and leprechaun tricks abounded. A huge bonfire in the yard could be seen far and near, initially exciting the fire department. With time, however, they would keep an eye but reply to new callers, “Oh, it’s just the Monahans.” Every family musician (There are many!) would be called upon to perform in the Ceilidh (a Gaelic description of a social gathering often involving music.)

So supportive was Dom of Heppner and its St. Patrick’s Day traditions that 2007 found him as the Grand Master of the weekend events. Once again he urged family members to contribute their musical talents. Vocalist and niece Anne Monahan had recently married musician, Dan Schauffler, who was prevailed upon to perform on flute and saxophone for the festivities. An attendee asked him to which Irish family he was related. He replied, “O’ Schauffler.” Forevermore, that is his surname on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Irish are famous for their stories that transcend generations and there are many from these Heppner celebrations. Cousin Teresa shared this one from the 2007 event. Grand Marshall Dom had rented an empty storefront and hired caterers to host a dinner for his many Irish relatives and friends. Now the Irish are known for their large families. There are cousins that we know of but have never met. Seated across from Teresa was a smiling couple enjoying their meal. Teresa inquired, “How are you related to Dom?” “Oh, we’re not,” they replied. So hospitable is Heppner and the local folk, the Portland couple thought the dinner was just part of the fun and had wandered in.

Yes, Heppner is a very hospitable town. Its shamrock banners welcome all throughout the year, but especially on St. Patrick’s Day. This year’s event occurs March 15-17. Check out their website for family events including bed (yes, bed!) and foot races, parades, a brogue speaking contest, wonderful music and family fun.

It may be a long way to Tipperary … but not to Heppner. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!