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John Dia dhaoibh a
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JOURNAL ENTRIES
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryBhuel a chairde, it is our last day here in Washington. Our final week saw us being entertained at the Irish embassy on Wednesday night. It was a grand affair and the craic was ninety, even though some of the Dunloy contingent were missing, apparently suffering from a mystery illness. Thursday saw us having our graduation ceremony by the Lincoln memorial and then on to the Four Provinces and Nanny O’Briens for a seisin ceol. Friday saw us attending a farewell meal for the host families were we also saw the world premiere of our documentary, which was superb, so well done Trina, Claire and Diane for all your efforts. As the end quickly nears and our time in Washington comes to an end we are already looking forward to our conference in September. It has been a fabulous 8 weeks even though some East Belfast elements tried to take over with their stirring. The group all got on exceptionally well together and many friends were made. It has been great. Slan a chairde agus go raibh maith agaibh. John
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryHow yis deing(How are you in Ulster Scots), We have been well treated in the last couple of days. Firstly on Saturday we went White Water tubing on the Potomac river. It was an enjoyable day although Katherine preferred to swim down the river and Sean og and Curly Carlin in his hotpants, had to be rescued after they got stranded on a rock in the middle of the river.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryBout ye(hello in Ulster Scots), since my last installment we have been quite busy in work. I spent time on Wednesday at the foundation centre researching funding for a project in Indonesia that Street Law are involved in. It is quite satisfying having so much responsibility placed on you and it really has been a great place to work with so many great people. I think I must have got the best placement by far. On Wednesday Katherine gave us all a presentation on Public Speaking. It was very interesting and went down well with the whole group. In the evening a select group of the best looking, most intelligent and generally nicest interns were brought to the Whitehouse for a tour. We got to get a few pictures taken and we saw the Oval office. No sign of Bill or Hilary, they were out of town. Yesterday and today I am spending in the library of Congress researching for Street Law. The time is flying by and soon we will be back in Eireann so we are trying to make the most of the time remaining. With this in mind we were very lucky last night when Pauls boss brought myself and Paul out for a few drinks. We frequented some very nice places were we enjoyed the banter and the craic.There was many a heated debate on trade unions and I am glad to say that learning from my “red” father that the Mackells once again stood firm and refused to give an inch.Both myself and Paul were amazed when Chris picked up all the bills and tabs. A real debt of thanks has to be paid to Chris and there will always be a welcome for him in the Speakeasy bar in Queens. Paddy, who has recently finished his thesis on Microsoft Excel, has arranged for us to go White water rafting tomorrow so that should be great fun. So much to do so little time! Slan libh.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryA chairde, just a short note to wish Cill Dara all the best against Ath Cliath in Croke park this Sunday in their replay. Orlaith, I forgot to mention that we saw N’Sync in New York, they were in the MTV shop. I hope all the clan in Selston are doing well and also Mary D. up in New York with the rest of the “intellectuals”. Slan agaibh
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryBhuel a chairde, I am just back from the Big Apple and I am exhausted. It was a non-stop journey of laughter and craic. We arrived on Friday morning and ten of us headed to the exclusive “Chelsea International hostel”. Five of the boys were put into one room were we would be sharing with an Israeli by the name of Dorn. One of the first things he said was not to wake him when we came in! He said it was lucky he did not have his gun with him, it was at this point I described to him the benefits of having two flexible and working knee-caps. Glad to say he soon piped down. Friday, we saw Statue of Liberty, Statton Island along with Wall Street, World Trade Centre( the view from the top is amazing, like being on top of the world) and Public Library were Ghostbusters was filmed. “Stirry” Gibson wanted us to frequent a bar named “Rawhide” but considering it was in the middle of the gay community, we felt it better to walk on. We ended up in a bar named “Peter McManus'”. We met a latino by the name of Richy Martino, who should have been a model- or so he kept telling us, over and over again. He also danced for us and gave Niamh a signed photograph(lucky girl). Paddy, who is well known for his love of all things European, had a great time with his new friend Inga from Belgium although Sean seemed to be heartbroken. After a quick singsong it was back to bed, to sleep with one eye open in case “Mad Dog”Dorn got any ideas. Saturday began with breakfast in a very, very, liberal cafe.(If only Granny had seen some of the characters here). Myself Sean, Bazza and Jonny headed towards Times Square and a bit of shopping. Times square was incredible, so busy and colourful and so much going on. We went into Macys(the largest store in the world) then into Toys’R’Us(largest toy store in the world). We took a dander along 5th Avenue then into Empire State building. It was like walking around on the set of a play, it didn’t sink in at all. We also met the comedian Jackie Mason and got a picture taken. We took a walk along broadway and then headed back to the hostel for dinner as we had arranged to meet Paddy, Niall and the girls at 6:00. At 7:45 the girls finally arrived and we headed over to Little Italy for some food. The food was average enough but the atmosphere was great, it was particularly funny when we got the waiters to sing happy birthday to Barry and to give him some cake- apparently his birthday is in November, but we couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. Afterwards we headed to “Flannerys” were Paddy, myself and Jonny entertained everyone with our dancing techniques. Sunday saw us go to Central Park, The Plaza hotel along with the Trump Towers and then retire sleepishly towards the bus for it was time to go home and mar a deir an seanfhocail “Nil aon tintean mar do thinteain fein” Slan go foill.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryLeanfaidh me ar aghaidh anois. On Friday we had the pleasure of attending J.O Wilson elementary school were we entertained the kids with a presentation on Ireland. Regardless of my bribe of $10 to the kids it was a highly successful day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. On Saturday we attended the Newcastle match and that was a great experience. The singing from the Shay Given groupies was phenomenol and I am sure he was ecstatic to hear such a vocal support. Afterwards we all headed to Adams Morgan for a couple of orange juices, it was here that I made a bid for workers solidarity between the workers of the burger joint and the troubled workers in Dundalk but unfortunately my American comrades were unwilling to keep the red flag flying high! Sunday was spent at a BBQ at Anns house, it was a highly enjoyable event particularly the 12 bar blues towards the end, in which Sparky Mark took a good slagging. Monday saw me attending a programme for Department of Defence teachers that Street Law organise. It was a great insight into Human Rights education and proved to be another great opportunity provided by my work placement. Wednesday saw us all entertaining the Project Children at Capitol Hill. They are an energetic group of kids and reminded us all what it was like when you were ten and could run around all day without losing any of your energy level. Today saw Adam, Ann, Aisling, Brian and Kevin give a presentation to congress on the Young Leaders Programme to a couple of Congressmen. Fortunately I got the opportunity to speak and I think I didn’t disgrace the proud Mackell name. It was a valued experience and I thank all those involved for their hard work and participation. Before I sign off, I would like to draw your attention to the slagging I have received fron certain uncultured individuals who through their primitive education have no knowledge of their “teanga duchais” (native tongue). I would therefore like to reply to them in a dialect common in North Antrim, which is Ulster Scots. Wy dint yee fick oof! I think even Carrick girls can understand this. Slan go foill agus leanfaifh me ar aghaidh tar eis an turas go Nua Eabharc.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryFailte ar ais, Yesterday we were fortunate enough to have a former state senator to give us a small presentation on leadership with regards cinematography. While I disagreed with some of her analysis with regards women and their role in society particularly within the political circus which is Northern Ireland, I found the discussion enlightening and informative. I suppose the only way to develop an opinion is after hearing both sets of information. Last night then the lads headed out to our Xandos friends apartment,it was nice to relax after a hard days work. I think our hosts Nick and Claire are my two favourite Americans I have met so far. At least they dont keepig asking you if you have leprechauns in Ireland. Today the more active among us i.e Adam, Emma, Niamh, Ann, Johnny and Brian and I went to see the Newcastle United football team train. We were there with some of the kids from Project children.(Adidas sponsor the team so I put in a request for some trainers and tracksuits to give to our East Belfast colleagues, all they need now is some White Lightning cider and they will feel right at home!) Got my picture taken with Warren Barton who took a lot of time to sign autographs and take pictures which was really decent of him. We also had a picture taken with Bobby Robson who has seen it all in the football world, including a lovely summers day in Stuttgart in 1988 when Ray Houghton put the ball in the net to put Ireland 1-0 up against Robsons England. Oh come back Jackie Charlton all is forgiven! The fine weather here reminds me of Summer days in Newcastle where the sun glistened on the sea and the brown topped Slieve Donard mountain appeared to reach the cloudless blue sky, as we rambled around the sandy coves and dunes, on past the elegant Slieve Donard hotel and across by the world famous Royal county Down golf course and you would look into the distance at the drab, dingy darkened smog rising over East Belfast and you would think to yourself “Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time” But even the great scenery of the Mournes cant compare to mid-summer madness of Washington, long may it continue. I am hoping to finally get to see “The Patriot” in the cinema tomorrow night and I also have to get my hair cut, I am refusing to go to a hairdresser and pay $20 so I am hoping Helen will cut it with the razor, she did a good job with Niall and Paddy. Paddy is still hoping that his style will come back in fashion. Leanfaidh me le mo scealta on Washinton amarach, slan go foill agus beannachtai maith do gach duine i gCo. Chill Dara riamh an cluiche mor deireadh seachtain seo chughainn.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryFailte ar ais, Yesterday we were fortunate enough to have a former state senator to give us a small presentation on leadership with regards cinematography. While I disagreed with some of her analysis with regards women and their role in society particularly within the political circus which is Northern Ireland, I found the discussion enlightening and informative. I suppose the only way to develop an opinion is after hearing both sets of information. Last night then the lads headed out to our Xandos friends apartment,it was nice to relax after a hard days work. I think our hosts Nick and Claire are my two favourite Americans I have met so far. At least they dont keepig asking you if you have leprechauns in Ireland. Today the more active among us i.e Adam, Emma, Niamh, Ann, Johnny and Brian and I went to see the Newcastle United football team train. We were there with some of the kids from Project children.(Adidas sponsor the team so I put in a request for some trainers and tracksuits to give to our East Belfast colleagues, all they need now is some White Lightning cider and they will feel right at home!) Got my picture taken with Warren Barton who took a lot of time to sign autographs and take pictures which was really decent of him. We also had a picture taken with Bobby Robson who has seen it all in the football world, including a lovely summers day in Stuttgart in 1988 when Ray Houghton put the ball in the net to put Ireland 1-0 up against Robsons England. Oh come back Jackie Charlton all is forgiven! The fine weather here reminds me of Summer days in Newcastle where the sun glistened on the sea and the brown topped Slieve Donard mountain appeared to reach the cloudless blue sky, as we rambled around the sandy coves and dunes, on past the elegant Slieve Donard hotel and across by the world famous Royal county Down golf course and you would look into the distance at the drab, dingy darkened smog rising over East Belfast and you would think to yourself “Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time” But even the great scenery of the Mournes cant compare to mid-summer madness of Washington, long may it continue.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryA chairde, On the social front we are all going to see Newcastle United play on Saturday which should be great fun and myself and a few others will be heading to a local elementry school on Friday to give a presentation on Ireland. My task is to give a short history lesson. Yesterday during a conversation with a Mexican in my office(no it wasn’t Brian Dawson or his free state compatriots, it was a real mexican) I found out that the Mexican cry for freedom is “It is better to die standing than to live on your knees”. Now where have I heard that before! I think we are heading to Nanny O’Briens tomorrow night for another seisin ceol and apparently Adam has invited some ladies to join us. Knowing his taste in women they probably have white sticks and guide dogs.
Sean Og Doherty is still busily preparing our trip to New York and that remains our longterm highlight. The best thing to come out of East Belfast since George Best or Van Morrisson has also pledged to come to New York but all us sons of mourne are hoping that this time the rough Castlereagh element wont try to take over proceedings and will behave themselves.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryTa bron orm, in my excitement over Doire being dumped out of the All-Ireland I forgot to tell you all that yesterday myself and Brian had the fortune of meeting the mayor of Washinton as he was jogging. He told us to contact him if we got into any trouble, why he thought I would be the type to get into trouble is beyond me. I have also been informed by Sean “ban” MacGiolla that the “spirit of St. Louis” was the first single-manned flight to cross the Atlantic and that contrary to my claim it was not the first plane to cross the great divide. Thank you for pointing out this blemish in my journal. Once again well done Ard Mhaca and also my adopted county of Cill Dara, although until Ard Mhaca win two All-Irelands in four years there will only be one fair county in Ireland and that title belongs to An Dun. Slan
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryCad e mar ata sibh abhaile? Since my last journal entry we have had a listening narrative day, where we learned the use of stories in leadership. We all told stories which involved either fire or water, being a lifeguard I had lots of stories about water and was able to share some of my experiences with the group. On Saturday evening we attended a classy BBQ which was a brilliant laugh even though some of the rowdy Castlereagh element tried to take over. Today myself and Brian went with our mentors Adrian and Susan to the Air and Space museum which was great. We saw the “Spirit of St.Louis” which was the first plane to cross the Atlantic. It really is a great museum. I nearly had a hairy moment when I spotted a fellow Irishman in a Linfield jersey. Not unusual you might say, except I was sporting my Celtic shirt. After a brief stareing match he figured that myself and Brian “the pride of Galway” Dawson were too much for him and he limped away graciously with both of our prides intact. It was a pity that comrade Bazza Gibson was not present as he would have taken great delight in singing the Glentoran symphany! Afterwords it was away for a mexican dinner and then home again. Another brilliant day which was rounded off by the news that Doire had been beaten by Ard Mhaca in the football. That will tighten you MacKenna!
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryConas ata sibh? Since my last entry we attended a very moving discussion on Wednesday night on the “real” Washington. Working with Street Law I had already been in contact with many of the poorer elements of Washington society so I knew what to expect but it was still a very enlightening experience to hear some of the stories all entwined with the same courage and self-determination to succeed. It showed us all how privelaged we really are, although life in the MacGiolla house in the ghettos of CutBush was sometimes hard. I always remember the Christmas eve that my father brought us to see Santas grave, “there will be no presents this year”! The experience of meeting these people was one of the main reasons why I chose to apply to the programme, I was sure that I would meet the men in the “grey suits” with their influence and power, but I was more enriched by listening to the stories on Wednesday night, that I heard from everyday kind of people. For the last few days in work I have been researching and writing a report on the conflicts in Indonesia. My report is coming on well and it has been really interesting to learn about the tribal differences that occur in Indonesia, they are not unlike the strife we have in the six counties in the north of Ireland. After this report is finished I am hoping to start work on a research project on the use of plastic bullets in crowd disturbances. I am already getting a great insight into human rights law and I am hoping that this newly acquired information will benefit me when I resume at Queens in September. On the social front Sean is busily preparing our trip to New York for the weekend of the 28th which we are all looking forward to particularly Paddy who will enjoy visitng Microsofts headquarters to give them a few tips on how to improve Microsoft Excel. Brian and myself are meeting up with our mentors on Sunday to go to some museums so that should be a good laugh. So much to do, so little time. Hope all of the posse in Wellesley Avenue are having a great summer and that Donnelly is still getting up for his morning swim. Ta suil agam go mbionn sibh ceart go leor. Slainte maith. Slan a chairde agus mar a deir an seanfhocail, tog go bog e.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryFailte a chairde, Since my last entry we had the pleasure of attending the wonderful play “Fool for love” which was brilliant. There was a question and answer session with the actors afterwards and this proved to be a great insight into the play. On Saturday myself and Paddy went to the swimming pool in Georgetown while the Gaddfather Mr. Adam Gadd preferred to go shopping with some foreigner, fuelling yet more rumours. On Saturday evening we then attempted to get into a nightclub were you had to be 40 with a mortgage and six kids to get in and even then you could not drink, so myself and Sean decided to make a retreat to the Lucky Bar for a couple of orange juices. On Sunday we went to a pool party where Paddy and Adam showed us their olympic standard diving as well as their great acrobatics. Monday morning saw myself Sean and Jonny representing our country as ambassadors on the golf course. Paddy was also supposed to come but due to a lecture he was giving in work on Microsoft Excel he was unable to attend. From the start there was a campaign of dirty tricks against us with our hosts sending around a cart full of free drink at every second hole and while myself and Sean both being tee-total were unaffected poor Jonny could not resist the devils buttermilk. Events came to a head when he crashed his golf cart into the back of another cart before ramming into the back of myself and Seans cart. Luckily we were unhurt although I fear Sean may never perform the birdy song again. After our round we were presented with prizes and we were delighted to improve on last years performance. Today in work I have been researching information on Indonesia for a project Street Law is involved in. The conflict in Indonesia is surprisingly interesting and it has been a real eyeopener thus far. I am continuing my film documentary career later on when the film crew visit my house so I will have to hurry home and have my monthly shower. Slan libh
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryUnfortunately the proposed trip to the Whitehouse fell through so I will have to wait another day to tell Bill that we both hail from the same family grouping -the Cassidy clan from Co. Fermanagh, although I hope to god we are not related to that other famous son of Fermanagh Mr. Nigel Fox. Last night was another seisin ceol in Nanny O’Briens which was well attended by the young leaders and the highlight had to be the medley dedicated to comrade Barry Gibson. I even saw grown men cry during our rendition of “Barry, can I hold you tonight”. On the work front today I made my television debut with the filming of a documentary, I am not at liberty to discuss the details of the documentary for fear of reprisals from numerous aggrieved actors guilds. Myself and Paddy are playing golf on Monday for the project children charity which hopefully will be good fun, unfortunately Paul “Flemo” Fleming has cried off blaming an old gardening injury for his withdrawl. When asked what his handicap was, Paul was heard to mutter, his swing! The cultured amongst us are attending the theatre tonight to view a production called “Fool for Love”. This jet set lifestyle is great and in the words of Irelands greatest poet “Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all of the time?”
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryDia dhaoibh, It has been quite a hectic few days. Firstly on Saturday night I made my American debut on stage at Pat Troys in Alexandria. I sang three songs and was then asked to sign a contract- promising never to see in America again! On Sunday myself and Adam jetted off to the countryside with our host family to see the beautiful Virginia landscape. While there we managed to play two rounds of golf which was great fun, we then did a spot of canoeing and also went to the beach were Adam thought it hillarious to tell me that there was a blood sucking leech on my arm(I didn’t faint, I merely lost my balance). The fire works display was brilliant but not as good as Seans kamikaze jump into the reflecting pool(a career in the circus beckons). This morning I gave a presentation on Ireland to the rest of the staff in Street Law and I even played a few songs for them on my well travelled guitar. The presentation involved human rights and centred mainly on ex-prisoners, it was very interesting to receive their questions and I think that everyone learned something. I am currently trying to charm my way onto a list of people from the office who will be visiting the Whitehouse in the coming week so I will need all of the legendary Mackell charm, passed on from father to son, to succeed. Slan go foill.
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryFailte, yesterday was a fabulous day. I managed to be lucky enough to be brought to the supreme court in the morning to hear the handing down of some decisions. The interest in the cases was phenomenal with cameras and T.V crews outside the court giving interviews and analysis. I tried my best to walk around in the background of the cameras but I was unable to get on the T.V. It was amazing to see the nine most powerful members of the judiciary in America in the one room (although I had met Justice Souter on Monday he didn’t even wave!) Today has also been great, this morning I attended a workshop for kids on human rights. It was interesting to hear what they had to say and it was also strange to hear them all call me “Mister John”. The respect has gone to my head and I believe that everyone should now make the effort to call me “Mister John”. Tonight I will be dusting off my trusty guitar and we are heading out to Nanny O’Briens for an Irish music session and I am hoping that everyone remembers that performing is thirsty work and should be rewarded! Slan
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryA chairde,
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryHello everybody, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Here in sunny Washington I am having a fabulous time. I am starting work tomorrow and I will be attending a reception with Justice O’Connor of the supreme court so I am really looking forward to that. On Saturday morning I attended a workshop for teens who had been involved in crimes with guns, it was a real eyeopener to the “real” America. I am giving regular free singsongs with my trusty guitar around the bars of Washington and I have really enjoyed meeting the interesting Americans particularly the waitresses! Thats all for now but I will be in touch soon
Young_Leader: John Mackell Journal_EntryJohn, welcome to Young Leaders 2000 from the Webmaster. We all look forward to following your summer adventure here in Washington, DC through your Journal. If you have any questions or problems with your Journal, please email webmaster@storywise.com. Good luck!
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