Hibernian Independent
Twice a month the Hibernian Independent goes where no newsletter has ever gone - covering the Irishness of the Portland area. Subscribing to the newsletter is easy. Just send your email to portlandhiberniansociety@gmail.com Read the PDX Hibernian Independent to keep up with the popular topics and current controversies in Ireland.

Here, there, everywhere on St. Patrick’s Day
“In sunshine and in shadow” members of The Portland Hibernian Society and friends gathered at The Cross on Mount Calvary on March 17, 2025.

The Spirit of Our Irish Ancestors Remembered on St. Patrick’s Day
The March meeting of the Portland Hibernian Society will take place Monday, March 17 10:30 A.M. at The Cross of the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Oval Office Visit ON. St. Patrick’s Day ON.
Will it just be shamrocks, smiles, hand shakes and some blarney on March 12 when Ireland’s leader visits the White House? Or will tariffs, Gaza and Ukraine come up for discussion?

Will Trump host the Taoiseach on SPD in the Oval Office?
The latest word on whether Ireland’s Taoiseach will meet with President Trump at the White House on Saint Patrick’s Day is that a visit may be scrapped if there’s a government shutdown.

The Father of Oregon: An Unlikely Irishman
A deep dive on Doctor John McLoughlin is overdue. Who was The Father of Oregon anyhow? Find out at the Portland Hibernian Society meeting Feb. 20 at Kells.

Ever wonder what life was like in Belfast during The Troubles?
Gerard McAleese (l) left Northern Ireland and settled in the Pacific Northwest eventually opening Kells on SW Second in 1990.


Why the ancient winter wonder of Newgrange resonates today
Older than Stonehenge, Newgrange in Co.Meath has been the site of Winter Solstice wonders for more than 5,000 years.

Consul General coming to town and Irish holiday happenings
Ireland’s West Coast Consul General Micheal Smith (right) at the Oregon Potato Famine Memorial with (l to r) Bill Gallagher, Brian Doherty and Denise McElwain.

What’s being said about Say Nothing
New Hulu adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe’s “Say Nothing”, David O’Longaigh presenting on Irish folk and Celtic musical traditions, Corrib Theatre Waiting for Godot, the cross at Clonmacnoise and more!

A November to Remember
David O’Longaigh hosts an evening discussion of the real roots of Ireland’s vibrant musical culture Nov. 21 at Kells Restaurant.
JFK came early and often to Oregon
One of JFK’s frequent visits to Oregon when he was running for President brought him to Milwaukie High School.

Meeting Tonight and News From Ireland
Rugby star Bundee Aki was one of more than three thousand new Irish citizens welcomed in ceremonies this month.

How 12 “devoted nuns” made history here.
Anyone “taught by nuns” knows that not all Sisters were created equal, at least in the eyes of their students. Some were sent by God to teach us and guide us through childhood and adolescence with a firm but gentle hand. Others we didn’t get along with so well. Here in Greater Portland, there have been a number of historically important Orders.

Ireland’s Impressive Olympics
The 64 women and 69 men who went to Paris to represent the Republic of Ireland at the Olympics returned to a hero's welcome at the GPO with more than just medals. More medals than Ireland had ever won at the Olympics. They also brought home stories. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Greater Portland Irish Summit - Aug. 15 @ Kells
The representatives of the All Ireland Cultural Society, Irish Network Portland , the Oregon Branch of Comhatas Ceoltoiri Eireann and Corrib Theater who were to speak on January 18 will be joining us on August 15 at Kells. Along with your Portland Hibernian Society, these four organizations are keeping Ireland alive in our part of the world.

Peter Courtney never forgot where he came from
SENATOR PETER COURTNEY – WE ‘LL NOT SEE HIS LIKE AGAIN IN THE OREGON LEGISLATURE

Celebrating Bloomsday - 2024
Ulysses was published in Europe in 1922 but not in America until 1934. Hundreds of copies were smuggled in before that. (Ernest Hemingway was one of the “bookleggers”.) Every June we commemorate Bloomsday.

Pre-Bloomsday Special Edition
The latest edition of the PDX Hibernian Independent includes information about the PHS Bloomsday Celebration, the court case that Ulysses won, the fate of the Tri Color, Ronald Reagan in Tipperary and reactions to Ireland’s recognition of Palestine.