Dublin International Charity Bazaar

Its no surprise that Ireland is a very special place for The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey* and we're always really happy to support a worthy cause that helps the Irish people.

Back in November the Cuban Embassy in Dublin hosted the annual Dublin International Bazaar. This was held to raise money for six local charities and give a contribution to the Lord Mayor of Dublin's winter fuel fund.

Attended by 2641 people, the event was an astounding success, raising €56,635.55 for the following charities:

• Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart 
• Focus Ireland
• Headstrong
• Irish Wheelchair Association 
• National Rehabilitation Hospital
• Ruhama

Some bottles of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey* Single Malt were included in a raffle and were also sold on a stall separately, being bought within the first hour!

It was an honour to be a part of such an event and congratulations to all those who organised it.

In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name 'The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes'.

Remembering Partrick Sarsfield

1691

This week marks the anniversary of Patrick Sarsfield's death. 

A courageous Man of Action, he relentlessly fought for freedom and dreamed of one day returning to Ireland to enjoy this important liberty. Tragically, he would never return to his homeland, but sparked the story of The Wild Geese - a story that lives on to this day. 

The high quality of our multi award winning Collection of Irish Whiskeys reflects the rich and significant story that inspires it. Each bottle of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey commemorates these brave men and women who left Ireland seeking a new life.

Man of Action

Educated at a French Military, it is thought that Sarsfield was always prepared to take action - preferring to face daring pursuits in battle, rather than plan strategic campaigns of war. This passion burned in him throughout his military career. He first saw service in the army of Luxembourg as an ensign, and served in the army of King Louis XIV of France between 1671-1678. 

When James II ascended to the English throne in 1685, Sarsfield served under the King's commander in Ireland, Richard Talbot. Although James II recognised Sarsfield's raw courage, he didn't think that he was capable of high command or initiating strategies of war. 

Nevertheless Sarsfield served with distinction in the Williamite War. In 1690, Sarsfield served under St. Ruth, who he often disagreed with. But when St. Ruth fell in battle, Sarsfield ordered a hasty retreat. Unable to turn the tide of the battle, Sarsfield organised a strategic retreat - saving many of the men who served under him. 

He continued the war effort, by leading the defence of the Second Siege of Limerick. Faced with escalating odds, and realising that many more lives would be lost in a prolonged campaign, Sarsfield negotiated the Treaty of Limerick. In the Treaty, he ended the war and secured the rights of his people. 

The Wild Geese

But Sarsfield was unable to live under English rule. With many of his followers he boarded ships bound for France, and left Ireland believing he had ensured freedom for the people he had fought for. Taking the name 'Wild Geese', Sarsfield and his followers believed that one day they would enjoy this freedom in their homeland. 

Unfortunately the Treaty was not honoured by the English and Sarsfield served in European armies for the following three years. While fighting for King Louis XIV he received a Meréchal-de-camp (lieutenant-general commission), but was badly wounded in the Battle of Landen. Taken back to Huy, Belgium, Sarsfield did not recover from his injury and died three days later. 

It is thought that upon examining his bloody wound, and realising that he may soon die, his last words were 'Oh if only this were for Ireland'. Sarsfield was buried in Huy, in St. Martin's Church. Although is body was laid to rest in Belgium, it is clear that his heart belonged in Ireland. 

 

Oxegen Festival

As we've been discovering, Ireland is a hotbed for music. Talented artists are making their names known throughout the world, but Ireland also plays host to a string of popular festivals - where music of all kinds come together. One of the most successful is the Oxegen Festival, which will take place this weekend at Pauchestown Racecourse in Co. Kildare.

The line-up is rich with well known talent, which isn't surprising. Last year the festival won the Best Line-Up at The Irish Festival Awards. The 2010 line-up included Muse, Eminem, Arcade Fire and Jay-Z. However, Oxegen also won this award at the European Festival Awards ceremony in Groningen, Holland.

This recognition is attracting visitors from all over the world, and throughout the weekend the important eyes in the music industry will be fixed upon Ireland, so it's a great place to showcase some local talent. The Script will be one of the headliners on the main stage and Two Door Cinema Club and Imelda May will be making an appearance.

Here's a preview of what a weekend at Oxegen looks like, when Snow Patrol performed in 2009:

Wild Geese Continue Their Winning Streak

The Republic of Ireland football team won a shock victory over Italy on Monday night, when they faced off in Liege, Belgium. The win over the four time world champions followed Ireland's Carling Nations Cup success and their win over Macedonia which qualified them for the Euro 2012 tournament.

Ireland's manager, Giovanni Trapattoni took made a brave decision to effectively play a reserve team believing that this would give younger, inexperienced players the opportunity to gain much needed international experience.


Ireland's latest string of victories have revealed the talent and determination of many of their players. Simon Cox, scored one of the goals that lead Ireland to beating Italy less than a month after his debut:


'It's been a great few months. I have enjoyed my club football and then to get the call-up to come away with Ireland was a terrific boost for me... Then to get a goal on my debut, and then get a goal against Italy was just great'.


Cox was eligible to play for Ireland because of his Irish roots - linking back to his Irish born grandmother - and exemplifies the dream of The Wild Geese. Although, they left Ireland, they dreamed of one day returning. Although many of them didn't get the opportunity to return, their legacy continues into the modern day. Simon Cox retuning to represent his country is a humbling realisation of this dream. Looking back at the match, Cox said 'It's an unbelievable honour for me'.


A few days before the match with Italy, Robbie Keane entered the record books after scoring his 50th international goal and becoming the highest goalscorer in Britain and Ireland. After inspecting the list of top goalscorers, Keane commented: 'I am very delighted and very proud to be amongst that elite. But for me, it's all about the team and the team performs'.

'You can set your stall out to reach certain goals, and my goal was to reach Niall Quinn's record [of 21]. I reached that and then you look to another one, so I am obviously delighted that I did that. When I first came into the Ireland squad, Niall Quinn said to me I would get 50 goals, so it's probably down to him'.


Some exemplary achievements of modern day Wild Geese.

'Is Fedidir Linn' - President Obama Celebrates His Irish Heritage

President Obama concluded his historic visit to Ireland yesterday, with a visit to his ancestral home in Moneygall, Co. Offaly.

The rural village, which has only one street was where his great-great-great grandfather, Falmouth Kearny lived, before emigrating to America. After meeting distant relatives and spending time in the local pub, Mr. Obama and his wife Michelle, returned to Dublin where the President addressed a crowd of 40,000 spectators.

'If there is anyone out there who still doubts that Ireland is a place where all things are possible, today is your answer. Today the 44th American President comes home' - Taoiseach Enda Kenny introduces Mr. Obama to the crowd

Mr Obama introduced himself to the crowd, saying: 'I've come home to find the apostrophe that we lost somewhere along the way', echoing his humble roots and the importance of his Irish heritage. He continued  to emphasise the continuing importance of the relationship between Ireland and the United States - 'This little country that inspires the biggest things - - your best days are still ahead. Our greatest triumphs - - in America and Ireland alike - - are still to come'. He paid tribute to the previous US Presidents who claimed Irish heritage - including Bill Clinton and the significance of John F. Kennedy's influence in a world terrified by the Cold War: 'And when an Iron Curtain fell across this continent and our way of life was challenged, it was our first Irish president... John F. Kennedy, who made us believe 50 years ago this week that mankind could do something as big and bold and ambitious as walk on the moon. He made us dream again'. 

'And America will stand by you, always' - Barack Obama addresses the crowd in College Green

The visit has been another continuation of the Story of The Wild Geese and reminds us of the inspiration behind The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey:

'Overtime the migrants formed communities, often intermarrying and became a vital force in their host societies. However, they never forgot their homeland and dreamt of one day returning to Ireland'

Mr Obama encouraged the Irish people to remember what Ireland and the United States had achieved together. He roused the crowd by saying: 'Remember that whatever hardships the winter may bring, springtime is always just around the corner. And if they keep on arguing with you, just respond with a simple creed: Is feidir Linn. Yes We Can'.

The President also promised that this would not be a one-off visit, as his eighth cousin, Henry Healy said 'He has promised he's coming back and we can't wait and we'll have a hooley'. 

Obama Celebrates His Irish Ancestry

President Obama and the First Lady arrive at Dublin Airport

Ireland welcomed US President Barack Obama this morning. The President's visit marks a celebration of Obama's Irish heritage. Welcomed by Ireland's deputy Prime Minister Tanaiste Eamon, The President and his wife, Michelle Obama continued on to meet Irish President Mary McAleese, where after a warm welcome, the President expressed- 'Thank you so much. We're thrilled to be here'. 

The President signs a guest book in the drawing room of The Aras an Uachtarain

Mr. Obama is scheduled to visit the village of Moneygall, Co. Offaly - the place of his Irish heritage. His great-great-great grandfather, Falmouth Kearney left Ireland for America 160 years ago and Mr. Obama is expected to meet with fellow descendants, including his distant cousin Henry Healy, who still lives in the rural village and Healy's aunt, who is thought to be Obama's oldest living relative in Ireland, who said 'it's very exciting for us all... We all had great excitement in the beginning when the word came through he was related to us'. The entire village has been anticipating the visit for well over a month, by re-painting houses, laying fresh pavement and tidying gardens - playing the generous and friendly hosts the Irish are renowned for.

Henry Healy, Barack Obama' eighth cousin and Moneygall resident

Obama first discovered his Irish roots while campaigning for the Presidency in 2008. 'It was brought to my attention... that my great-great-great-grandfather on my mother's side hailed from a small village in County Offaly'.  Although this visit marks the start of Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, the trip has been more popularly known as a homecoming and gesture of solidarity and kinsmanship. Obama has elaborated on this, saying: 'The friendship and the bond between the United States and Ireland could not be stronger... Obviously it is not just a matter of strategic interests. It's not just a matter of foreign policy, for the United States and Ireland carries a blood lineage'. 

Many t-shirts were printed to mark Obama's first visit to Ireland

The President of The United States has always traditionally visited Ireland. It is a country of great importance to the formation of the American nation, and it is thought that there are up to 40 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry. 


Ahead of the visit, the Irish Ambassador to the United States, Michael Collins, explained that the visit was 'a chance for the President to really celebrate the ties between our countries and the kind of unique feelings that the American people have for Ireland'. He continued, saying that 'the visit of the president represents a very bright moment for us', a fitting statement, as upon being greeted by Mary McAleese, Obama noted that 'The sun's coming out - I can feel it'. 

The Wild Geese Tasting in Dublin

We flew to Ireland on Tuesday, touching down at Dublin airport just in time to attend an event at the capital’s Residence Club, where The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection had gathered for an informal tasting. The event was hosted by The Decent Cigar Emporium and our Collection was invited along as the perfect accompaniment to the evening.

The route to The Residence Club took us through Dublin’s centre, and the view crossing the Liffey on the historic Penny Bridge was memorable. Resting on the river was the 19th century ship Jeanie Johnston, which carried Irish emigrants to Canada during widespread famine in Ireland between 1847 and 1855. It reminded us of the widespread Irish immigration across the world, dating back to where the story of The Wild Geese began in 1691 and made us think of the numerous Wild Geese who had migrated from Dublin over the centuries.

Modern architecture regularly clashed with nineteenth century buildings, a reminder of both the rich history of the city and its dynamic development. The city’s vibrancy was obvious and rested in a hub of positive and welcoming attitude.

We found The Residence Club at 41 St. Stephen’s Green, inside a striking townhouse which echoed a late nineteenth century Dublin. Nestled just outside of the city centre, The Residence Club offered an intimate setting and the perfect environment to mingle with patrons. Conversation was rife about the relaxing smoking laws, as patrons gathered outside on the roof terrace. Luckily the weather was warm, and the log fires that illuminated the terrace were reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer’s night.

Expert, but casual tasting guides were on offer, where people could learn about the subtleties of our products. Its always superb to hear feedback from people on a one-to-one basis. For some, tasting The Collection was a first time experience, with one woman adamant that her father (‘the ultimate judge’) must try the whiskeys. Others were already familiar with The Wild Geese and indulged in it regularly.

One of the best parts of the evening was working with the crowd from The Decent Cigar Emporium, who were as keen to learn about The Wild Geese as we were to learn how to light a perfect cigar. 

'A very good whiskey!'

'Really lovely, The Single Malt is great!'

'I'm a really big fan of whiskey, and this is definitely an excellent Irish Whiskey'

'Easy going down on the palette'
'Very nice and Mellow'

'Really Gorgeous'

'Fantastic!'
'Very nice, delicious... definitely need to recommend this to my father'

The team at The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey would like to show our gratitude to Marie Chawke and all the staff at The Residence Club for hosting a very enjoyable evening and offer a very warm Thank You to all who attended the event and tried our Collection, particularly Katherine Lucy, Ian Pepper and Aiden Doyle. 

Also a huge thank you to Nathan, Paul and all the staff at The Decent Cigar Emporium. We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did.