Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods

Go Upstairs and be Downunder!!

I want to let you know about a great fundraiser we are hosting for a local youth group.
We're having an Australian Wine tasting party upstairs at Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods
on Saturday May 3rd., from 6pm -9pm. Tickets are $40 and ALL proceeds go towards
the cost of the trip and we'll give 10% of sales at the store that night also.
INXS, Bee Gees, Rick Springfield, Men at Work....need I say anymore???

You can buy tickets online by clicking here.

03/28/2008

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods Post Paddy's Day

Paddy's Day Roundup:

Well it was quite the weekend wasn't it? Somebody said to me that it was becoming
like Groundhog Day by the Monday, but sure we had a great time.
Thanks to Christine Gribble for her photo exhibit, if you need wedding or family portraits
she has a beautiful portfolio, even if she was pictured with Lord Stanley's Cup.
John, Joan & Robin gave us some great traditional music while Tom Mooney brought
a tear to a few eyes with his rendition of Danny Boy. Saturday & Monday!!
I'm sure Tom won't mind me passing on this link sent to me of a rather less reverend version

The party went down well with the Class from Lake Michigan College all passing the test
with flying colors. We even had some political commentary on Ronald Reagan's trip to
Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary (thanks Sheelagh) and the person who managed to become
inextricably attached a size 10 Claddagh ring on his size 12 finger did bring it back next
day for a full refund. The wonders of Kerrygold butter!!

Sarah from the Erin Quinn School of Irish dance also was amazing with her soft shoe
and hard shoe exhibit of dancing. And she's dancing under 10. A great big "bualadh
bos" (boola boss) round of applause for her and her family for traveling to South Haven.

Weekly On-line Specials:

The mother of all Irish Language Courses is Buntus Cainte. It's been in print for forty years
so they must be doing something right. A book with 2 CDs and is great for beginners and
those wanting just a few phrses when they travel. FREE Shipping while stocks last.

Heraldic Names pins are available on-line with FREE shipping to you or a friend
anywhere in the US. they have a family crest and short name origin and history card.

Photos from Paddy's Weekend:
See more of the moments from the Weekend, click this link here to go on-line.

What our Customers have to say....

"Hello Mr. Ward Gahan -

This note of appreciation is a bit overdue as the order I placed (for two tops) arrived a week ago.
I am very pleased with my items and even more pleased with the customer service you provided.
Thank you very much. And, thank you for the bonus Crunchie bar you included as well!!
That was such a lovely surprise!

I will most definitely think of Biddy Murphy when I need to order something again.

Take care,

-Dagny"

03/14/2008

St. Patrick's Weekend Issue March 14th 2008

La Fheile Naomh Phadraig Shona Daoibh (Happy St. Patrick's Day):

Law ay-le nave faw-rig dee-iv. I know, it sounds JUST like it looks!!

It's a bit ironic that the weekend after Wales beat Ireland to win the RBS Six Nations
Rugby Triple Crown that the Irish are celebrating another Welshman around the world.

Yes indeed folks, Paddy was from Wales. 'Tis a small consolation that Scotland beat England...
post Celtic Tiger and Good Friday agreement and all, I'm glad to say we've moved
beyond the triumphilistic nationalism!

Calendar of Events for Paddy's Weekend.

Saturday: March 15th

10am -10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Complimentary Samples
Rashers & Bangers and Black & White Pudding!

10am -11am: Best Irish Pajama party. Prizes for all entries.
Show us what you think is your most appropriate
outfit to wear , got green or shamrock pajamas or.....???

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.
Learn a few words of Irish Gaelic besides pog ma thon.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours.
Watch a slide show of Connemara & Counties Cork, Kerry & Clare

2p-4pm: Christine Gribble Photos of Ireland Exhibit and Artist Meet.
The artist will be available to talk about her trips and tell you about her work.
See above.

4-6pm: Live Irish Music & Irish Dance lessons.
Joan Donaldson, John Van Voorhees & Robin Tinholt will provide live music while we
give some Irish dance lessons for beginners. If you can walk up the stairs you qualify.

Between the music and dance we'll have some poetry and prose reading from Joan.

Sunday: March 16th

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Complimentary Samples

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

2-3pm Children's book reading.
Mr. Cabbit is in the House. Local writer Michella Brown introduces
Mr. Cabbit her Irish character. She will be reading and entertaining
kids of all ages.

3-4pm Erin Quinn Irish Dancers and dance lessons.
Having performed with Riverdance, Erin has a very successful Irish dance school in West Michigan.
Come see some of her pupils perform. The outfits are amazing!!

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

5pm-6pm Sean n'Os singing .
A presentation of traditional Irish singing.

Monday March 17th, (St. Patrick's Day)

10am-6pm: Complimentary drinks and hors d'ouvres all day.
Drop in to drown the shamrock and experience a bit of the Emerald Isle
along the shores of Lake Michigan.

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Complimentary Samples

11-2pm Children's Activities.
Area schools will be learning a little about St. Patrick
and the island of Ireland and its people.

What our customers have to say....

We had to rush an order for a customer who was heading to Iraq.
Austin & Stella, Go néirí leat. (guh nie-ree lat) Best of Luck.

" I just wanted to follow back up with you and let you know how pleased we were
with the mug, the service, the communication, and most of all the person receiving the gift
loved it.
Thank you so very much
Stella and Austin"

'Till next time....

Go raibh maith agat

Slan go foill,

Ward Gahan

03/07/2008

St. Patrick's Weekend Events - Issue March 7th 2008

Cead Mile Failte:

We have all kids of activities over the next weekend
Sat. 15th /Sun 16th / Mon.17th (St.Patrick's Day)

Fun and unique entertainment for all membes of the family so plan on coming down
to see us and wear some green.

Saturday: March 15th
10am -10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples
10am -11am: Best Irish Pajama party. Prizes for all entries.

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours
2-4pm: Photographs of Ireland exhibit by photographer Christine Gribble

4-6pm: Live Irish Music with Prose & Poetry readings. Irish Dance lessons.

Sunday: March 16th

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

2-3pm Childrens book reading

3-4pm Irish Dancers and dance lessons

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

5-6pm: Sean nos (Old Style) singing recordings

Monday March 17th, (St. Patrick's Day)

10am-6pm: Complimentary drinks and hors d'ouvres

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples

11-2pm Children's Activities

See the website homepage for a full schedule of events. www.biddymurphy.com

We're sponsoring Kennedy's Kitchen Concert!

Here's a chance to hear some great local Irish music with loads of energy and passion.
On Saturday March 15th from 3:30pm-, Kennedy's Kitchen, sponsored by
Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods will be playing at Foundry Hall in South Haven.
Buy tickets on our website. Click Here.

What our customers have to say....

I just wanted to follow back up with you and let you know how please we were with the mug,
the service, the communication, and most of all the person receiving the gift loved it.
Thank you so very much
Stella and Austin

West Cork Photos

One of the great features of this album is that you can see on a map of Ireland where
the picture were taken. I've included comments and you can also make some or ask
questions on-line too...go ahead! Click Here

Go raibh maith agat

Slan go foill,

Ward Gahan

02/29/2008

Biddy's Bits Newsletter Issue Feb 29th 2008

Cead Mile Failte:

We are all getting in swing for the high Holy Season.
The Irish Classes have been growing in attendance and everybody
now has as we say as Gaeilge, a cupla focail (koop-la fuk-ill) or "a few words".

Spring Catalog

Our new catalog sales have been going gang busters with all kinds of
fun paraphanalia for all the Hibernians.
Call the shop or check it out on-line. Click Here.

We have Butlers Organic Irish Chocolate for $6.95,

Grow your own Shamrock pot for $9.95,

Irish Mother T-Shirt from $14.95.

Living Shamrock Pendant beautifully boxed for $29.95

Shamrock Sweaters for adults and children from $19.95!

We're sponsoring Concert at Foundry Hall!

On Saturday March 15th from 3pm-5pm, South Bend based Kennedy's Kitchen
will be playing at Foundry Hall in South Haven. We'll also be having our own Seisiun
at Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods all day long but we'll hope to have the lads
over in the afternoon sometime to press the flesh. See the calendar of events below.

Calendar of Events for Paddy's Weekend.

Saturday: March 15th
10am -10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples
10am -11am: Best Irish Pajama party. Prizes for all entries.

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

4-6pm: Live Irish Music & Irish Dance lessons

Sunday: March 16th

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

2-3pm Childrens book reading

3-4pm Irish Dancers and dance lessons

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

Monday March 17th, (St. Patrick's Day)

10am-6pm: Free drinks and hors d'ouvres
10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples
11-2pm Children's Activities

What our customers have to say....

" Great, thank you again!
The tracking number works fine and I see that it is on time.
I appreciate all your help!- Tony.."

Picture Album

Galley Head Lighthouse in West Cork is run by the Irish Landmark Trust.
We stayed there for a few days. Don't forget to look at the map location on the
album to see exactly where they are taken.
You can also leave comments or questions.
Please forward to friends.
Click Here

Go raibh maith agat

Slan go foill,

Ward Gahan

02/22/2008

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods New Catalog

Cead Mile Failte:

The Irish Language Culture Class at Lake Michigan College had over
twenty participants and continues Monday nights at 7pm through St. Patrick's Day.
A lovely sunny weekend is forecast for South Haven so drop in to see us from
10am to 6pm Sat and 11am to 5pm Sunday.

New Catalog

Our new spring catalog is available and you can see exactly what's in it by going
to our on-line section Click Here.

We have t-shirts & pajama pants from $9.95,

Sweatshirts & Turtle Necks from $19.95,

Rugby shirts from $49.95.

Children's & Infants clothing from $14.95

Party favors and Costume jewelry from $2.95!

Lots of items for the High Holy Holiday coming up.

We're sponsoring Kennedy's Kitchen Concert!

Here's a chance to hear some great local Irish music with loads of energy and passion.
On Saturday March 15th from 3pm-5pm, Kennedy's Kitchen, sponsored by
Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods will be playing at Foundry Hall in South Haven.
We will be having a get together at our shop on 610 Phoenix St. that afternoon to
meet the band ...details to follow.

Calendar of Events for Paddy's Weekend.

Saturday: March 15th
10am -10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples
10am -11am: Best Irish Pajama party. Prizes for all entries.

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

4-6pm: Live Irish Music & Irish Dance lessons

Sunday: March 16th

10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples

11am -12 noon : Irish Language Class for beginners.

1-2pm: Travelogue. Visiting Ireland ideas and select tours

2-3pm Childrens book reading

3-4pm Irish Dancers and dance lessons

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

4-5pm: Irish Essay & Poetry Reading

Monday March 17th, (St. Patrick's Day)

10am-6pm: Free drinks and hors d'ouvres
10am-10:30am Traditional Irish Breakfast Free Samples
11-2pm Children's Activities

What our customers have to say....

"Thank you for such great service - you are the only place I could find online that carries
Ireland rugby jerseys for toddlers.....now our son will perfectly outfitted for our local
St Patrick's day festivities as well as for watching 6 Nations matches.

Go Ireland."

Jessa G
New York

Picture Album

Go raibh maith agat

Slan go foill,

Ward Gahan

02/12/2008

Biddy Murphy Open Late Wed. Feb 13th until 7pm

Just a quick note to let you know that because we were forced to close due to blizzards last Sunday....
We will be staying open until 7pm on this Wednesday night. I know that there may be some guys who are doing things on Irish time for Valentine's Day so lads...you have a few extra hours to get down to 610 Phoenix St., for that very special unique gift.

On-Line Special Discounts:

When you get a chance take a look through our on-line specials available to our newsletter subscribers. We added some great product so click here to see what's on offer.

Pictures from Ireland:

Apparently some readers couldn't access the on-line album by clicking the image so here it is again.

Slan go foil

Ward Gahan

02/08/2008

Biddy's Bits Newsletter Issue Feb 8th 2008

Cead Mile Failte (Kay-ud Meel-uh Fawl-che) 100,000 welcomes from yet again another snowy Michigan. The ice and snow stretch out as far as one can see on the Lake this morning. It changes daily depending on the temperature and wind direction.

St. Valentine

According to Irish Historical Mysteries, it may not be widely known outside Ireland that the Carmelite Church in Whitefriar Street in Dublin City claims to hold the remains of St Valentine. The Carmelites first arrived in Ireland in 1271, and today there is a community of 17 in the Monastery attached to Whitefriar Street Church. The story of how the remains of St Valentine came to rest in Whitefriar Street is interesting, and involves a famous nineteenth-century Carmelite attached to the Church, Fr John Spratt. Fr Spratt visited Rome in 1835, and apparently largely on the strength of his powers as a preacher, Pope Gregory XVI decided to make his Church a gift of St Valentine's body, then believed to be in the Cemetery of St Hippolitus in Rome. The remains of Valentine were duly transferred to Whitefriar Street Church in 1836, and since that date have been venerated there, especially around the time of the Saint's Feast Day.

Class at Lake Michigan College

Starting Monday Feb. 18th from 7-8:30pm I will be hosting a class that will cover language, culture, history and practical tips for those planning to do some traveling or genealogical research. Click the link above or call 1-800-252-1562 ext. 7500

On-Line Specials

We have just yesterday added over twenty items at special on-line pricing for registered guests. These items are one offs that have mostly been discontinued by the manufacturers. When they're gone...they're gone! So don't wait. Buy them on-line now at not to be repeated pricing!

More Images from our latest buying trip to Ireland

We had a great reaction to the last postings, especially those of Biddy.

Here are some more from Moone High Cross in Co. Kildare. It's the second tallest High Cross in Ireland. Please E-mail me with questions or comments. See our replicas

Happenings of Interest:

But I'll bet it's lovely and warm at Quinn & Tuites in Grand Rapids Saturday night where Craic Wisely are playing at 9pm. Bill always hosts a great show. Also this Sunday at Foundry Hall in South Haven at 7pm see Peter Mulvey. He was busking on Grafton St. some years ago after graduating from Marquette University.

Please forward or sign-up your friends for our newsletter.

Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter...agus Slán go fóil.

Ward Gahan

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods

610 Phoenix St., South Haven MI 49090

02/02/2008

Biddy's Bits Newsletter Issue Feb 1st 2008

Cead Mile Failte:

La Feile Bride ...today is St. Bridget's Day. Snow is falling in her home County of Kildare today and also white falling snowflakes make it so quiet here in South Haven. The schools and some businesses are closed in the area but Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods is open until 6pm. And 10am -6pm on Sat. We always have some Web-Orders to fulfill and get out to the post office. Sure anyway, it's only 8"-12" today so what's the problem?? It should be a great weekend for the Ice-Breaker Festival in town, with skating exhibits at the outdoor rink and the chili-cook off downtown. Want to see the Circus then go to Listiak Auditorium in South Haven Sat. night at 7:30. There's this one clown......

Last Weekend for 40% Clearance Sale:

This is it, the last few days to get those clearance items. We're open from 10am to 6pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. That should give us enough time that evening to go see Tom Brady do the business!!

Showcase Gift Exhibition, Dublin:

The international gift buyers' show at The Royal Dublin Society in Ballsbridge was a great success again. We found many new and unusual items for you at great prices:

Stylized & very adaptable ladies capes that are in traditional colors from Louth

Blended material Scarves and Hats from Killarney

Gents jewelry & ladies brooches made in Dublin and Wicklow

Woolen caps, colored cardigans & footwear from Mayo

Frames and clocks made from Northern Ireland Slate.

Fun Tartan products from The UK

Leather belts and wallets from Co. Cork

Old favorites are back such as:

Connemara and Amethyst jewelry from Kilkenny

Hand painted pillboxes and make-up mirrors from Co. Kerry

Waxed Cotton Caps and hats from MizehHead in Cork

Valentine's Day:

Yes it's time.....Don't forget to drop in to us or checkout the website for a gift with a Celtic meaning for your Valentine. The Claddagh with the heart for love, the hands for friendship and the crown for loyalty

Footnote about St. Bridget:

According to the Catholic-Forum She is the patron saint of the following... babies ; blacksmiths ; boatmen ; cattle ; chicken farmers ; children whose parents are not married ; dairymaids ; dairy workers ; fugitives ; infants ; Ireland ; Leinster, Ireland ; mariners ; midwives ; milk maids ; newborn babies ; nuns ; poets ; poultry farmers ; poultry raisers ; printing presses ; sailors ; scholars ; travellers ; watermen......what a woman!!

In many Irish households one would see a St. Brigids cross above a doorway or over a baby's crib. She provides protection to all who pass beneath her cross. You will see St. Bridget crosses on the railings of our building at 610 Phoenix St., in South Haven.

Images from our latest trip to Ireland:

Click Here

01/04/2008

Biddy's Bits Clearance Newsletter Jan. 4th 2008

Friday Jan 4th 2008.

40% OFF Clearance Sale Continues through Sunday Jan. 13th.

Gold & Silver jewelry, t-shirts, pottery, glassware, crystal...all on clearnace. 40% off the marked price for 9 more days in our store at 610 Phoenix St., in South Haven.

Click here to see our Specials page if you want to buy on-line as we will be offering some of the in-store clearance items on-line over the next few days.

South Haven in The Irish Times

"Ice covers the South Haven Lighthouse and gantry along the Lake Michigan shore in South Haven in the US state of Michigan, on St. Stephen's Day" Courtesy of Merissa Ferguson of the Kalamazoo Gazette/ AP

Showcase Ireland

We will be travelling in the coming weeks to Dublin's RDS in Ballsbridge, along with buyers from 30 other countries to view the 560 exhibitors at " Ireland's premier craft, gift, fashion & interiors fair". Click here for images of some of the products on offer. We'll have lots of photos to share when we return and we'll have a Spring kick off party to launch our new season. Stay watching Biddy's Bits for more details.

Existing Customer Extra Bonus Offer

If you bring in or mention this e-mail we have a special offer exclusively for you.

Spend more than $35 get $5 off

Spend more than $65 get $10 off

Spend more than $125 get $25 off

Spend more than $250 and get $60 off

This offer for registered guests applies storewide excluding Food items, Media, Special Orders & existing Clearance and Christmas items!!

You must mention this e-mail and register to receive these special discounts!!

Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter...agus Slán go fóil.

Ward Gahan

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods

610 Phoenix St., South Haven MI 49090

12/31/2007

Biddy's Bits Clearance Newsletter Dec. 31st 2007

Dec 31st 2007. A Happy New Year to all our customers. "Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh" (AH vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh Heev)
Which literally means -"You have a Prosperous New Year."

Thank you all so much for yet another very successful year in South Haven. As I always say, there may not be a whole lot of Irish but there are enough people with good taste!!

We're going to Dublin in the next couple of weeks for the Ireland's biggest Gift and Craft Buyers Show. Where will we put all the new products? Need to make room!! That's where you come in.....

Clearance Sale:

As a special thank you to our registered customers I wanted to give you a "heads-up" about our January Sale which begins for the General Public on January 1st at 2pm and goes for the next two weekends through Sunday January 13th.

As a registered customer you will be able to grab the bargains today Monday 31st Dec. from 10am to 6pm and tomorrow New Years Day when we open at 10am!! Come on DOWN!! This is it...we will not have another sale like this all year.

Christmas items get one free when you purchase an item of equal or greater value.(Excluding Waterford Glass & CDs/DVDs)

Clearance Racks and Tables through out the store get 40% off Select

Gold, Diamond and Silver Jewelry
Jerpoint Glass
Heritage Crystal
Rugby Shirts
Sweaters
T-Shirts, Children & Adult
100% Irish made Wool Blankets & Throws
Much, Much more

Existing Customer Extra Bonus Sale

If you bring in or mention this e-mail we have a special offer exclusively for you.

Spend more than $35 get $5 off

Spend more than $65 get $10 off

Spend more than $125 get $25 off

Spend more than $250 and get $60 off

This offer for registered guests applies storewide excluding Food items, Media, Special Orders & existing Clearance and Christmas items!!

You must mention this e-mail and register to receive these special discounts!!

Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter...agus Slán go fóil.

Ward Gahan

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods

610 Phoenix St., South Haven MI 49090

12/21/2007

Biddy's Bits Newsletter Issue Dec. 21st 2007

Nollaig Shona Daoibh go Leir. "Nul-ig shun-ah dee-uv guh lay-ir"
A very Happy Christmas to you all.....as they say "as Gaeilge ", in Irish.

Biddy Bash:

The party continues tonigth with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, Guinness and Wine until about 8pm ish..... Come on down and join in the craic!!

Opening Hours:

We're open until 8pm tonight, Friday and from 10am to 6pm Sat/Sun and 10am to 3pm on Christmas Eve. We'll open again at 10am on St. Stephen's day.

What's New?

We just received a late shipment from Guinness so we have lots of Ladies & Gents Rugby shirts and othe Guinness wear!

Up late tonight?

You can see a live webcast of the Winter solstice again tonight at Newgrange Co. Meath. Broadcast at 8:30am Irish time (3:30am EST) . Click here to see the sunlight stream up the passageway into the chamber...amazing!

Plans for 2008:

Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods in association with Lake Michigan College will host a class:

Introduction to Irish Language, History & Culture at Lake Michigan College in South Haven:

Learn some Irish phrases and be able to speak a bit of the Blarney with the natives. The 5 week course will cover language, culture, history and some practical tips on those planning to do some traveling or genealogical research. For the true Hibernian or even if you only have a casual interest in the Irish.

Date: Mondays, February 18 - March 17

Time: 7 - 8:30 pm

Place: First four classes at South Haven Campus,

March 17 class at Biddy Murphy Celtic Goods, South Haven

Cost: $20 (plus book and DVD)

Instructor: Ward Gahan 269-637-7506

Thank you for taking the time to read the newsletter...agus Slán go fóil.

Ward Gahan