First Irish Heritage Certificate Awarded to 9/11 Hero

Posted on September 22, 2011 by TheWildGeese

The Wild Geese Collection has been established to celebrate the Diaspora that has stretched from Ireland to all corners of the earth. Since 1691, Irish men and woman have left their home and faced new challenges. They have wielded together an ongoing story of courage and diversity.

This week, the first Certificate of Irish Heritage has been awarded posthumously Joseph Hunter – a New York City fireman who worked hard to save people from the South Tower of the 9/11 attacks.

Joseph Hunter was last seen heading towards the South Tower with Squad 288 from Queens, New York City. He epitomises the strength and courage of Men of Action.

Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, presented the Certificate to Joseph’s family at Maspeth Fire Station in Queens:

‘Generations of Irish have been proud and privileged to serve with New York’s finest – in the Fire Department, the NYPD and other emergency services.’

‘We in Ireland felt the pain and loss of all Americans in the obscenity of 9/11 but we felt and particular pain in our hearts for those brave men and women of Irish heritage who lost their lives on that day’

‘Joe ended up losing his life in the Twin Towers, attempting to save the lives of others… I don’t think there is anybody more fitting to get the first Certificate of Irish Heritage than somebody who made such a sacrifice’

Joseph Hunter’s heroic story featured in an RTE radio documentary called ‘Still Waiting for Joe’, which was broadcast toward the end of August. After listening to this radio show, it was decided that Joesph Hunter become the first recipient of the Certificate of Irish Heritage.

‘Joseph was very proud of his Irish roots and in continuing the brave and selfless tradition of service given by the Irish to the FDNY… He would have been very honoured to receive the first certificate’

- Joseph’s mother, Bridget speaking at the ceremony.

The certificate was first suggested by Ireland’s Ambassador to Washington Michael Collins as means to strengthen the relationships between Ireland and some 70 million people of Irish descent in the world.

‘We should look at ways of encouraging and facilitating people, who are not entitled to citizenship, to give expression to their Irish ancestry’

Michael Collins speaking in 2009

Ireland has always recognised its descendants and The Wild Geese Collection regularly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Wild Geese all over the world. For many, this certificate will officially symbolise their ancestry and remind them of the intrepid story that are a part of.

From the end of September, will start issuing the certificates to the public. Each Certificate costs $60 and must be verified by at least one ancestor from Ireland.

Photos from The Savoy Taylor’s Guild

Posted on September 21, 2011 by TheWildGeese

Here are some more photos from our event at The Savoy Taylor’s Guild. We were supporting a charity event, in aide of the Kids Company charity.

The evening included an exclusive tasting of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection*, which has recently been voted ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ for the third time. Guests were invited to enter a prize draw, where prizes included a weekend at St. Andrews Golf Resort and a bottle of our super premium Irish Whiskey.

The Savoy’s Taylor’s Guild on The Strand is the flagship store. It offers specialist suiting services and a mezzanine floor with access to unique collections. The evening saw 50 guests attend the event, many of which continued on to the West End to enjoy London’s theatre offerings.

The proved very successful. The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey was very popular and was a great introduction for those who were new to drink whiskey.

Thank you to all who came down on Thursday 8th September, we hope you enjoyed yourself.

You can find more photos on our Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/thewildgeeseirishwhiskeycollection

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes’

Jackie O: Doing It On Her Own Terms

Posted on September 20, 2011 by TheWildGeese

UNTAMED has a very important meaning to The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection*. it was an intrinsic attribute of The Wild Geese, who pursued a dream of freedom. When they left Ireland they were untamed and walked their own path.

Tape recordings have recently been released of an intimate interview with former US First lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis. ‘Jackie O’ became a 1960s icon, and for a time was responsible for guiding the US nation as it mourned the assassination of her husband John F. Kennedy.

Her style and manner were iconic of 1960s America – always the superbly dressed hostess. But Jackie O was certainly more than this, and during her short time as the First Lady, she evolved the role beyond the President’s wife. Although not a politician herself, she found herself at the heart of politics during a critical time and offered a level of compassion needed during the brewing Cold War.

During a visited from Nikita Krushchev, the Soviet leader was asked to shake President Kennedy’s hand for a photo opportunity. Familiar with Jackie O’s hospitality, he simply said ‘I’d like to shake her hand first’. It seemed that although she wasn’t a political figure – diplomacy was second nature to her and she elevated the job of the First Lady.

This has resonated well after her death, as the current First Lady Michelle Obama has been thrust into the public view and echoes the manner of Jackie Kennedy.

The recent tapes – recorded by her friend and historian Arthur Schlesinger – were only to be released after her death, and offer an insight into this fascinating woman and the era she lived in. some of the recordings have revealed shocking revelations, particularly her opinions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin D. Roosevelt. But nevertheless, these are her own thoughts – the thoughts of a woman who many underestimated.

‘The fact this purring, Chanel-clad had claws shouldn’t have come as a shock’

- Daily Mail (UK)

Although sometimes shocking, the last interview with Jackie Kennedy about her time in a heavy political atmosphere reaffirms the values she took to and from the Whitehouse.

‘She was often underestimated’ said historian Sally Bedall (talking to NPR’s Neal Conan), ‘she was a far more intelligent, original, creative person than many people gave her credit for’.

The tapes show the enduring love she had for John F. Kennedy. When the US was faced with the Cuban missile Crisis in 1962, Jackie was not evacuated like many other politicians wives. She stayed by the side of the President because that’s where she felt she belonged.

‘Please don’t send me away to Camp David… Please don’t send me away anywhere. If anything happens, we’re all going to stay right here with you’

[extract from the taped interview]

Jackie O could play the perfect hostess to leaders across the world, but would not be tamed by the role. She called the world as she saw it, recognising and disagreeing with the hypocrisy of a fully politicised world. But, perhaps more importantly she knew the time and place to speak her mind – and dedicated herself not only to serving the US in a fragile time, but also to building a family, a legacy, that stills runs strong today.

‘She did it in her own way, and on her own terms, and we all feel lucky for that’

- John Kennedy Jr. speaking on the announcement of Jackie’s death.

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection is sold under the brand name ‘The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes’.

The Wild Geese at The Strand

Posted on September 9, 2011 by TheWildGeese

On Thursday The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey supported The Fairmont Group and Moss Bros during a charity event to raise awareness of Kids Company – an organisation that works to improve the lives of neglected inner-city children.

Taking place in the Savoy’s Tailor’s Guild, we met many new faces – some were seasoned whiskey drinkers, others were new to the whiskey experience. Either way, The Wild Geese had a very warm reception.

The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey was definitely a hit. The Rare Irish is a fundamental ingredient in our cocktail recipe, so this gives us a perfect opportunity to unveil some of our cocktails at future events.

Stay tuned for a full follow up on the event.

Men of Courage

Posted on September 9, 2011 by TheWildGeese

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Taking some time to remember this event is extremely important, as this single event has shaped the world today.

2,996 lives were lost on 11th September 2001 and over 6,000 people were injured. The aftermath has been mix of anger and sadness, tragedy and reflection; and in the discourse this event has seen many villains come to light. But there have also been heroes – those who have strived to help and establish peace once again.

9/11 in effect took place in the public eye. In the age of digital media and 24 hour news networks, it felt like every second was captured. The dramatic images of the smoking World Trade Centre have certainly shocked the 21st Century. But juxtaposed to this were the images of the survivors and emergency services offered a flicker of hope amongst such chaos.

The emergency services were extraordinary. They worked around the clock to save lives and attend to the injured, displaying remarkable bravery.

Since 9/11 countless stories have emerged giving even further insight into the events of that day. One has been posted on The Telegraph’s website:

Bob Beckwith was a retired New York Fireman. At the time, he was 69, but after seeing the devastation on TV, he decided that he had to do something.

‘I went down the next morning, dressed in my old uniform. There was a ring of cops and a ring of National Guard. I had to persuade both to let me through’

Although sometimes it can be hard to see the glimmer of hope that exists in such a crisis, 10 years on, as the dust has cleared, it is the heroes of 9/11 we are thinking of, as well as those who lost their lives. If anything can be learned from 9/11, it’s that compassion has not been eradicated and is perhaps stronger than ever.

2011 A Landmark Year for U2

Posted on September 8, 2011 by TheWildGeese

London played host to the GQ Men of The Year Awards on Tuesday night. The UK edition of the men’s lifestyle magazine collects together inspirational figures in the public eye each year and promises equal measure of style and excitement. And 2011′s ceremony didn’t disappoint.

U2 were awarded the ‘Best Band’ gong, topping a year which has seen the Irish band become even more colossal. Prior to 2011, the band has already been inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2005) and Rolling Stone Magazine has named them one of the ’100 Greatest Artists of All Time’.

But 2011 saw the band’s 360 Degree tour became the highest grossing tour in history, which began back in 2009. The tour travelled to Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

The impressive stage for U2′s 360 Tour

All too often, awards are handed out to bands without considering why they received it. In this case, U2′s global appeal have inspired people all over the world, since the 1980s.

Fellow musician Chris Martin (from Coldplay) recognised this. Writing for Rolling Stone, he discussed the significance of U2:

‘There are only a few people around brave enough to talk out… who use their fame in a good way. While everyone else was swearing at George Bush, Bono was the one who rubbed Bush’d back and got a billion dollars for Africa.’

‘When the time came for Coldplay to think about fair trade, we took his lead to speak out regardless of what anyone may think. That’s what we’ve learned from U2: You have to be brave enough to be yourself.’

Taking action is a prominent feature of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection*. Patrick Sarsfield and The Wild Geese had the courage to be themselves. Our Collection celebrates this and serves as a reminder that Men of Action can be found in the modern day world.

*In North America The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection is sold under the ‘brand name’ “The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes”.

GQ Awards Celebrate Stylish and Inspirational Men of 2011

Posted on September 7, 2011 by TheWildGeese

The GQ Men of The Year Awards took place last night in London. These awards celebrate the mixture of style and inspiration – recognising those in the public eye who are helping to make a difference.

The Winners List

Writer

Keith Richards

Band

International Man

Bradley Cooper

Solo Artist

Tinie Tempah

Actor

Benedict Cumberbatch

Tanqueray Most Stylish

Matt Smith

Inspiration

Mario Testino

Comedian

Rob Brydon

Chef

Heston Blumenthal

Politician

George Osborne

Woman

Lara Stone

Lifetime Achievement

Duran Duran

Designer

Tommy Hilfiger

Music Man

Hugh Laurie

Editor’s Special

Bill Nighy

Help For Heroes

The Armed Forces

Man of Next Year

Lord Sebastian Coe

Alfred Dunhill Cultural Icon

Sir Trevor Nunn

Sportsman

Rory McIlroy

TV Personality

Professor Brian Cox

The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection has been produced to celebrate Men of Action – beginning with Patrick Sarsfield and his followers.

Full coverage can be found on the UK GQ website.

Wild Geese Are Still Returning To Ireland

Posted on September 6, 2011 by TheWildGeese

Ireland’s tourism figures have risen over the last year.

Ireland’s Central Statistics Office recently announced that in the first 6 months of 2011, almost 3 million visitors arrived through Irish airports and ports. This is an increase from 2.6 million in 2010, confirming ‘a more positive picture overall than this time last year’.

Dublin Airport

When they left Ireland in 1691, Patrick Sarsfield and his followers took the name ‘Wild Geese’ – as a reminder of their homeland. They one day hoped to return to Ireland, just as wild geese do. But many of them – including Sarsfield – would not see Ireland again. Instead, they settled in communities all over the world. These recent figures are a reminder of this and it is touching to see the hopes and dreams of The Wild Geese are still alive – people are still ‘returning home to Ireland’.

The Rock of Cashel, in South Tipperary

Although 2010 was plagued by the closure of European airspace as a result of the Icelandic volcano, Ireland has hosted some very important visits this year – from Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II – each of which attracted a global audience, and have resulted in a rise in tourism.

The recent figures have also solidified the relationship between Ireland and the US. Visitors from the United States have increased by 17% with 462, 400 more visitors in the first half of this year.

During his visit in May, US President Barack Obama spoke about the bond between the US and the country of his ancestry:

‘This little country that inspires the biggest triumphs – - in America and Ireland alike – - are still to come’

With Ireland’s tourism industry facing a new prosperity, there have been discussions to open up new routes to Ireland from the US, making it easier for people on the West Coast to visit the home of their ancestors.

‘Americans spend more and stay longer than other nationalities, and anyone in Ireland can tell you they are the lynchpin of the modern tourist industry’

- Irish Central

George Clooney’s Most Promising Role

Posted on September 5, 2011 by TheWildGeese

George Clooney has recently halted all rumours suggesting that he may run for the US Presidency. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where he is showcasing his latest film ‘Ides of March’, Clooney acknowledged the difficulties that the role brings.

‘I have a very good job. So, I have no interest’

Clooney is no shrinking violet when it comes to political issues. Although he may not be destined for the Whitehouse, Clooney has not shied away from a fight for change. He is renowned for his humanitarian efforts, just as much as he is for his Hollywood roles.

As one of the most prominent figures of Hollywood’s Irish Love Affair - his great great grandparents emigrated from Ireland and settled in the US – Clooney has exploited his celebrity status to put change into action. George Clooney publicly supported Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign and has since discussed important issues thats are close to his heart with the President. He has significantly involved himself in bringing the Darfur conflict and its resulting atrocities to light, making several documentaries to better inform western audiences. With his fellow Ocean’s 11 cast members he helped to establish the Not On Our Watch organisation that works to end global atrocities such as those in Darfur.

His involvement with sensitive issues have prompted the rumours of Clooney running for Washington, and many have suggested that he could be the Democrats’ answer to Ronald Reagan. But although Clooney has played many roles in his career, ‘President’ does not seem to be one of them.

Instead, he continues his most recurring role – ‘The Idealist’, ‘The Hopeful’. Speaking about Ides of March, Clooney outlined the political atmosphere as he sees it – filled with cynicism – but he insists this will not last forever.

‘It’s temporary, it always is. Cynicism seems to be winning over idealism right now but I hope that will change soon’

Although this context refers to the US Political scope, this is an opinion that George Clooney has displayed in his attitude and actions. The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Collection has been produced to celebrate the uncompromising nature of Men of Action. Patrick Sarsfield was a hopeful and idealist and fought passionately for change, creating a timeless legacy in the process.

Monthly Archives: September 2011