Four Limerick sisters, the owners of Culhane’s Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach, Florida, are “embarrassed and sad” that due to city laws there will be no Irish tricolor hanging outside the bar on St. Patrick’s Day.
Culhane’s Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach near Jacksonville, is owned by sisters Lynda, Michelle, Mary Jane, and Aine. Ordinarily there is an Irish flag hanging outside their bar, directly next to the American flag, to draw customers in but all this changed on February 20th when Aine saw men in uniform approach the bar.
Aine told IrishCentral a Greek restaurant up the street had been told to take down their national flag due to a local ordinance. When their Greek neighbors pointed out the Irish pub was also displaying their national flag the city of Atlantic Beach code officers dutifully threatened the Culhane’s with a fine.
The part-owner said “It’s sad. It’s a sign of freedom to fly your flag. It’s a shame. It’s supposed to be a celebration.”
They were told to take down their Irish flag or face a fine. Aine said “I don’t want to get on the wrong side of the City. We’ve always had a good relationship and we need the permits for the tents we set up outside the bar for our St. Patrick’s Day party”.
Weirdly this St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national holiday, their party will not include a tricolor.
Aine told IrishCentral “It was sad. We live by the law we’re not going to break the law so it is sad for us.
“We’re upset about it. We live in America. That’s suppose to mean something. It’s supposed to be the land of freedom and a land of opportunity”.
Michelle, one of the four sisters, has applied for a temporary permit to fly the tricolour for St. Patrick’s Day. She said “We’ll wait and see and say a prayer”.
Earlier this week Maria Mark, Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Atlantic Beach, agreed that the law, which states that no flag except the American flag, may be displayed outside a business is an oversight and would be addressed, but not in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
The Culhane girls believe in the “American Dream” they realized their own dream when they opened their authentic Irish bar and restaurant.
Back in 2005 the four sister from Shanagolden, County Limerick, decided to fulfil their life long dream, risk everything they had and open an Irish pub in Atlantic City, Florida.
The first of the four Limerick sisters had arrived in the 1990s, when she won a Green Card, and slowly the rest of her sisters followed. They settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but soon two of the sisters, tired of the harsh winters, headed south.
Aine said when they arrived to Florida they said “This is it. We’ve got to move here.”
Once the four sisters were reunited in Florida, in 2005 they decided it was time to fulfill their dreams.
“We always talked about opening an Irish pub and eventually decided, enough talk lets actually do it,” Aine told IrishCentral.
Aine said their upbringing on their father’s farm gave them the tools and experiences necessary to achieve their little slice of the “American Dream”. The girls farming father preached “nothing is free” and the girls were taught their strong work effort from a young age. Also years working in their uncle’s restaurant gave them a deep understanding of the drink and food trade.
The lesson they stand by is to “stick to the Irish ways” whether it’s food, music or alcohol. This mantra seems to work.
Since their story, about the Irish flag exploded in the press earlier this week Aine said their customers have been very supportive. Aine’s even worried they might be starting a letter campaign.
With or without an Irish flag Culhane’s Irish pub and their loyal customers will be partying hard this St. Patrick’s Day.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.WmcGowan | Mar 12, 2013, 11:00 AM EDT
Seems to me the Mayor could easily solve this problem. Instead of saying "We can't fix it before St. Patrick's Day" why doesn't she just issue a proclamation that March 17th is St. Patrick's day and in celebration of the contributions of millions of Irish-Americans to this country-the flying of the Irish National Flag will be allowed on this holiday?"
stukafaust | Mar 12, 2013, 08:34 AM EDT
The Florida Government may have a point about the flag, but I think they should be allowed to fly it on 18 days a year like as is the case with Belfast City Hall.
Smyrnian | Mar 12, 2013, 08:08 AM EDT
SeanO - Ireland is not a flag waving nation. This is true. I have, however, seem the tricolor flying at many homes in Ireland, including my own.
Joe Glackin | Mar 12, 2013, 01:45 AM EDT
@89west. I wasnt implying that Irish/american gangs were the downturn of those neighborhoods but referring to my main negative experience regarding our interaction back then.This was in reply to your comment"troubling to see and hear about greenhorns using this Country as a door mate" I left Bainbridge in 88 and only heard of a few hovels then.I left the U S in 1990 about 125 years after our ancestors created a mainstream into American society. Both Irish and Irish/American back then gained respect for their sacrifices etc in the civil war. 200000 Irish immigrants in total took part about 25 % Confederate 75% Union Armies.The Irish Brigade which incorp the 88th,69,63 NY infantry's etc. My son is there now and has every right to be as most of us have family from every generation past.He nor any Irish are abandoned as they can choose where to live. Every generation had/have instabilities to face as immigrants. Your Political views may not confuse that many and we all have a right to expression as individuals within respectful consideration.Your opinion on any flags that may seem alien or anti US is most likely "thumbing their noses at the US"
IrelandNorth | Mar 11, 2013, 03:50 PM EDT
"From Paris, the city of 'The Tricolour' and 'The Barricade', this flag has been proudly borne. I present it to my native land, and I trust that the old country will not refuse this symbol of a new life from one of her youngest children. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the 'Orange' and the 'Green' and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may not only be clasped but clenched in heroic brotherhood." Thomas Francis Meaghar, Dublin 1848.
IrelandNorth | Mar 11, 2013, 03:28 PM EDT
"From Paris, the city of 'The Tricolour' and 'The Barricade', this flag has been proudly borne. I present it to my native land, and I trust that the old country will not refuse this symbol of a new life from one of her youngest children. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the 'Orange' and the 'Green' and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may not only be clasped but clenched in heroic brotherhood." Thomas Francis Meaghar, Dublin 1848.
casualMBA | Mar 11, 2013, 01:26 PM EDT
Could not help noticing the lovely, successful colleens are from Shanagolden, home to the ruins of Ireland's Mount Vernon or Monticello, depending on your views of political and religious freedom. One of the Fitzgeralds' principal keeps is there in Shanagolden, Limerick. Crom (also spelled Croom)is on private property, if I am not mistaken. Would the ladies know if the reasons Ireland's national flag does not fly there, and that the Desmond Fitzgeralds are flayed historically through the shewing of their leadership and confiscations, are due to the Georgian courts or the ecclesiastical courts, since I assume it is not due to Michael Davitt's Land League? Could the collateral for 85 Billion (euros) not have justified a Fitzgeralds regional endowment, beginning with a national monument to its Monticello/Mount Vernon?
SeanO | Mar 11, 2013, 11:31 AM EDT
I have seen many an Irish Flag flying at Irish Homes and PUBS, In America, I have NEVER ONCE SEEN THE IRISH FLAG flown at their Homes in Ireland.N
89west | Mar 10, 2013, 08:56 PM EDT
Joe G. By 1990 and before, Bainbridge and Kingsbridge were on the slippery slope into oblivion for the Irish. I think the downturn of a once prosperous Irish neighborhood had little to do with narrowback gangs and more to do with the influx of latins. Pity the poor old Irish widow who had to live out her days, locked into her flat for fear of being brutalized and her meager possessions stolen or vandalized. For the most part, prior to 1965, the Irish came out to a stable environment, where an uncle, aunt or brother meet them at the gangplank with the offer of a job and a place to stay. Under such conditions, it was only a short time until the greenhorn was mainstreamed into American society. Today that is all different, there is no welcome and those that are here illegally, often times are living hand to mouth and in fear of being deported or worse. I am sure if you left in 1990, you had to have seen some of the hovels in Bainbridge that the Irish called home. With that said, the illegals have been abandoned by the old country and are not accepted and often times vilified by the people and institutions in country, a true man without a country that has fidelity to neither. I travel to Ireland every year and rarely, engage in the political discussions for the simple reason I'm poles apart and there is no need to confuse anyone with the facts, as I see them. I can understand Irish solidarity with the Palestinians and how the US is boxed in with the Balfour Agreement. Once you let the beast out of the cage it is impossible to put him back. However, much of the affinity and flag waving by the Irish for Castro and his like has more to do with thumbing their noses at the US and her allies than having a love fest with despots.
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 07:08 PM EDT
curtisjohnston- Fine british name you have there son..
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 06:44 PM EDT
I bet those 4 biddies don't know the colour of their flag either. The Irish certainly don't respect their flag thats for sure. It is always dirty & tattered.
curtisjohnson | Mar 10, 2013, 06:42 PM EDT
@anglo-nutzi cont. “The Irish will claim anyone as being Irish,look at the Obama joke... there is something lacking when a people have to claim others for their self-esteem.” There is something lacking in an anglo troll that spends endless hours trolling Irish websites to flaunt some absurd “Norman” supremacism when he obviously has minimal education or social standing. Incidentally, your German queen claims Irish ancestory on both sides of her family.
curtisjohnson | Mar 10, 2013, 06:41 PM EDT
@anglo-nutzi - “curtisjohnston- A british fabrication? Yet you converse in the english language? Follow english soccer teams & play english sports & you have a british name?” Yes, a british fabrication. English is a creole language which is ugly but efficient. I follow a lot of international sports and do not play english sports. This is not my real name, dumbass.
WoundedKnee | Mar 10, 2013, 05:25 PM EDT
"The Irish do Not respect their own flag & don't even know the right colour of their flag". Anglo-Norman is, unfortunately, right. I am always astonished by the number of Irish people who say green white and yellow or green white and gold when asked to name the colors of their flag. And I am saddened when going around Ireland to see the dirty tattered rags--once proud Irish Tricolors--hanging limply from hotels and booze joints. They're never taken down, and of course never washed. And I am disgusted to see how Irish drunks love to print the name of their favorite bar on the Irish Flag and brandish it at some soccer tournament. These are the people who are whining about some supposed insult to their flag? Give Me A Break!
WoundedKnee | Mar 10, 2013, 05:16 PM EDT
Cinderfella: Dublin Georgia is a dump. No one should go there.
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 04:58 PM EDT
Mick10000-If those Iris lassies used their brains in the first place then this wouldn't be an issue! I mean what the hell were they sad about? It seems they were looking for free publicity in all this.
Mick10000 | Mar 10, 2013, 04:53 PM EDT
Enough of the drama. There is a long standing protocol for displaying international flags. You simply fly both the US and the Irish flags. The US flag is to be flown on the right. Honor your country and your heritage ...and for God's sake use your brains!
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 04:48 PM EDT
Joe Glackin- The Irish will claim anyone as being Irish,look at the Obama joke... there is something lacking when a people have to claim others for their self-esteem.
Joe Glackin | Mar 10, 2013, 04:31 PM EDT
Regarding Che Guevara, many see him from different perspectives and I personally cannot give a plausible reason why a Statue to his honor would be erected in Ireland except for his Irish and Basque ancestry.
Joe Glackin | Mar 10, 2013, 04:24 PM EDT
@89west I lived in the States for a no of years and can proudly say,there was never any disrespect etc intended from my experience. However I left there in 1990 and cannot speak for present times. There was a problem with Irish /American gangs around Bainbridge and kingsbridge but it was all sorted.I would hate to think there was any abuse or disrespect against esp Irish/Americans or Population in general.To many of my generation 49 /50 the Irish/American help and support for us of various purposes were beyond admirable.When we went out all was seen to in accommodation etc. I and many others have had uncles ,grand fathers etc who went out in different times and served in WW 2, Korea and Nam. Iv always felt proud of the Irish input to U.S forces plus my Irish /american cousins who still remain.From living here 6 Counties we were never allowed fly the American flag as such.The flying of the stars and stripes inside Southern/free State , Im confident its from respect.I would hate to see the flying of your flag for financial gain. Its more to do with respect and welcoming.I have not seen the Cuban flag fly but some young have their rebellious hearts directed towards any revolutionary hero or villian. One mans hero is another,s terrorist.In the cities here there are some Palestinian flags in Republican areas. We here have an understanding of being oppressed , brutalized similar to Palestinians by Israel.Their ironic support for fascist neo nazi Loyalists whom they armed in the past at Britain’s request, is a contentious subject regarding America. Europe and America have major problems of difference regarding Israeli atrocities. However many of us can see the predicament America is in. Israel is of vital strategic importance and have America over a barrel. Their atrocities against Palestine create massive propaganda for Islamic groups, wherever they infest and then gain outside support.
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 03:58 PM EDT
Seanmor- Why don't you go back to Ireland & do something about it? NO you won't will you.. How many times have I heard drunken Irish braggarts in bars going on about fighting & dying for Ireland but not one of them ever doing it. Shouting at the top of their voices Up the IRA.
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 03:16 PM EDT
Seanmor- So does Sinn Fein
RobinForester | Mar 10, 2013, 02:49 PM EDT
I flew an US flag and the Union Jack July 4th, Independance Day, side by side in our garden in Amercica, and the all American neighbours loved it. At school our two daughters were regularly picked to march into the school hall with the US flag for the Morning School Assembly ceremony. If these bar owners had flown the flag alongside the US flag (a must) no one would have bottered.
anglo-norman | Mar 10, 2013, 02:31 PM EDT
curtisjohnston- A british fabrication? Yet you converse in the english language? Follow english soccer teams & play english sports & you have a british name?
89west | Mar 10, 2013, 12:38 PM EDT
Caoimhe......hope you are listening; gentleness is not your forte! You may live here but haven't troubled yourself to understand anything about the Country and those that call it home. It is troubling to see and hear about greenhorns using this Country as a door mate, especially, when they have partaken in the bountiful harvest. I don't blame you for your attitude, it is generally the rule rather than the exception. Those of us who sit back and accepted little or nothing from the new arrival, will get just that. Now about flying foreign flags in Ireland; what is troubling is the fact when mother overseer came over on the nigh boat last year, your government banned the display of of the Irish standard and nary a comment was made about this utter lack of national pride. Yes, one does see the US and other flags displayed in Ireland, however, that has more to do with cashing in on tourist cash rather than any love for the US. Speaking of flags I do wonder why so many Cuban flags can be seen flying throughout the country, is it that you have an affinity for brutal dictators or is it to show contempt for those that have suffered under their wrath. I still haven't heard a plausible reason why anyone would want to dedicate a statue to Che in your country.
Seanmor | Mar 10, 2013, 09:18 AM EDT
One thing about the Green, White and Orange flag that many people south of the artifician Irish Border seem to have forgotten is that the Orange in the flag represents the Orange people of the North. But Southern Partitionists not only regard the Orange Loyals as wholly British, they no longer perceive Nationalists as being part of Ireland. These Partitionists also consider the Six Counties to be a integral, natural and permanent part of Britain.But many of us at this side of the Atlantic still fondly embracre all of Ireland as our beloved homeland.
Deebo | Mar 10, 2013, 09:12 AM EDT
Problem solved, if you have the time. Have a banner made up of the tricolor and put it in the window. It's not flying a flag but just a banner in the window or frontage of the building. By the time they sort it all out it will be history.
cinderfella1 | Mar 10, 2013, 04:03 AM EDT
The Irish Flag should fly, and put the State Flag of Florida up there as well because it's a form of the St. Patrick Flag.
cinderfella1 | Mar 10, 2013, 03:55 AM EDT
Threaten to close your pub and move it to somewhere friendlier such as Savannah, Georgia, or Dublin Georgia. There's too many yankees in Florida anyway.
cinderfella1 | Mar 10, 2013, 03:53 AM EDT
If they don't allow the Irish Flag to fly, threaten to move your pub to Savannah, Georgia, where there is a large Irish population in the south, and if they are too many pubs there, Dublin Georgia would do nicely and welcome you with true southern hospitality. There's too many yankees in Florida anyway.
cillowen | Mar 09, 2013, 11:31 PM EST
not a problem - easy to handle - simply hand out hand held tricolor flags and/or dress in tricolor costume - staff and customers. Another approach would be by uniting star of david and tricolor and problem goes bye bye.
pilib04 | Mar 09, 2013, 08:43 PM EST
Smyrian has it right. Fly the flag and go to court. Very obvious Free Speech violation. Atlantic Beach Crypto-Fascists have no right to violate the First Amendment!
anglo-norman | Mar 09, 2013, 06:44 PM EST
The Cross of St Patrick is an Irish flag.
Joe Glackin | Mar 09, 2013, 06:35 PM EST
This is a major disappointment, disrespect to these girls, Irish Americans and Ireland. The reasoning etc from those in Authority is as duplicitous to our similar situation regarding St Patrick,s day here, rural (6 Counties). I know this article is about a bar in Florida ,but I felt like sharing a similarity The first St Patricks day parade was allowed in our main County town 4 yeasrs ago. This may seem strange to some, but we were not allowed have one until then. Unfortunately as many made their way in the Police confiscated all tricolours even from children. Some Police Officers faces revealed their reluctance in having to do this while others were indifferent. In fairness the Police were following orders from our local Politicians/Councillors decisions. It still remains so that no tricolours are permitted anywhere St Patricks day. Their reason given remains, its not the National flag ,ie Union Jack and is illegal . However when asked directly or through various media outlets ,”If flying non Union flags are illegal why are Loyalist paramilitary , Orange Order , Israeli , RAF , UDR,etc flags allowed to fly all Summer”. Is Israel, part of the British Union or these other flags representative of Britannia’s forced union on 6 Counties. I know this article is about a bar in Florida ,but I felt like sharing a similarity. @ seanmor. Etes-vous un ancien
Joe Glackin | Mar 09, 2013, 06:27 PM EST
This is a major disappointment, disrespect to these girls, Irish Americans and Ireland. The reasoning etc from those in Authority is as duplicitous to our similar situation regarding St Patrick,s day here, rural (6 Counties). I know this article is about a bar in Florida ,but I felt like sharing a similarity The first St Patricks day parade was allowed in our main County town 4 yeasrs ago. This may seem strange to some, but we were not allowed have one until then. Unfortunately as many made their way in the Police confiscated all tricolours even from children. Some Police Officers faces revealed their reluctance in having to do this while others were indifferent. In fairness the Police were following orders from our local Politicians/Councillors decisions. It still remains so that no tricolours are permitted anywhere St Patricks day. Their reason given remains, its not the National flag ,ie Union Jack and is illegal . However when asked directly or through various media outlets ,”If flying non Union flags are illegal why are Loyalist paramilitary , Orange Order , Israeli , RAF , UDR,etc flags allowed to fly all Summer”. Is Israel, part of the British Union or these other flags representative of Britannia’s forced union on 6 Counties. I know this article is about a bar in Florida ,but I felt like sharing a similarity. @ seanmor. Etes-vous un ancien
curtisjohnson | Mar 09, 2013, 06:24 PM EST
anglo-nutzi - "Why can't the Irish fly the Cross of St Patrick flag?" Because it's a british fabrication maybe. Granted, I do not care that much for the tri-color either - I'd prefer the flag unfurled by Eoghan Ruadh Ó Néill upon his landing in Ireland.
Smyrnian | Mar 09, 2013, 06:18 PM EST
Fly the flag and see what they do about it!
anglo-norman | Mar 09, 2013, 05:53 PM EST
Why can't the Irish fly the Cross of St Patrick flag? Afterall it is St Patricks Day.
anglo-norman | Mar 09, 2013, 05:40 PM EST
Those 4 biddies should know & respect the law of the town they live in instead of crying injustice & victimisation. America has given them a second chance.
puffin | Mar 09, 2013, 05:37 PM EST
No foreign flegs quite right.but then the Chinese own the USA,and the Germans own the Ireland,so who cares
JBRAFTREE | Mar 09, 2013, 05:15 PM EST
Well put Seanmor, Semper Fi!!
irislegalperson | Mar 09, 2013, 04:16 PM EST
Desty, What are you on about? What? Slavery? local government? social injustices? Selfish cowards? Listen I have no idea what you are on, or rambling about but my message is...Respect the laws of the land that you live in, especially when you have very little to complain about.
Butch1 | Mar 09, 2013, 04:00 PM EST
For goodness sake, all they have to do is fly the American flag above the Irish Flag and everything will be alright. That was the problem; they were not displaying the American flag and only displaying the Irish one thus, making it look like the bar was under Irish sovereignty and not American, which was insulting our own country. To correct this all they have to do is fly the American flag over an Irish one showing that the bar is on American soil and everything would be fine. No one's feathers should be ruffled.
seagreen | Mar 09, 2013, 03:59 PM EST
The four sisters are dealing with this a bit more rationally than some of the people commenting on here. Yes , the law is out of line, but the Greek restaurant had to remove their flag, and I'm sure a Japanese flag would have to be removed as well.. The town managers have admitted that the law may be a bit overbearing, and likelihood is that the law will be changed. The town will remember that in all they were good citizens, and respectful members of the community, and I am sure they will be allowed to fly the Irish flag at this time next year The Country is full of bizarre laws that are gradually being repealed. nice photo of four attractive ladies.
Seanmor | Mar 09, 2013, 03:52 PM EST
It is wrong to presume that every Irish person if very drunk on St. Patrick's day (and many other days also. A lage number of my generation of immigrants were TEETOTALERS, including me who never touched a drop, not even during the 4 years I served in the Marine Corps as an Irish citizen. And I have proudly displayed the Green, Whit and Orange flag as a marine and a civilian, and recently as a Legionnaire.
CaoimhinMc | Mar 09, 2013, 03:48 PM EST
And Anglo-norman your lot do respect there flag do they, bull, or should I call it by its proper name "the Butchers Apron" All countries in Europe double there security when the thugs wearing the apron are in town for sporting events. In Ireland we triple it.
Desty | Mar 09, 2013, 03:41 PM EST
@irislegalperson: I take serious issue with your overall message which seems to be "accept everything your local government does without complaining, or leave the country". Luckily some people are NOT selfish cowards, and thanks to them we no longer have slavery, and many social injustices have been defeated and set right. Luckily some people do not share your defeatist and utterly mean-spirited views.
irislegalperson | Mar 09, 2013, 03:27 PM EST
First of all, well done to the 4 ladies from Limerick. It is a great successful story having their bar business here in USA. But their bar business is in the USA and their patrons are living and working in USA. I saw that one or two of the ladies won the US Visa Lottery.. Congrads. Also said they are embarrassed they are causing this attention...Really? If that be the case then you should listen to the laws of the land that you are making your fortune in, if you are so intent on being Irish on the day then put on your green jersey, put up the green lights and banners and make a nice tasteful flag of Claddagh or whatever. You would swear my fellow Irish people choose themselves to be Irish since the day they came into the world and so entitled and different to everyone else in the world. If that is the only problem these ladies have.. can't fly our Tri colors in a land that made you rich, then you need to fly back to the Land that didn't and where you have harsh Irish weather and everyone complaining about it, along with everything else too. And by the way, you have plenty freedom in Ireland also. I am not trying to be mean spirited here but seriously! I find it embarrassing to think the 4 ladies are having an issue with this when we have so many other bigger issues going on around the world. Unfortunately for me on the 17th of March of every year is embarrassing to watch so many people get so drunk and disorderly on our streets here in USA when celebrating what is supposed to be an Irish Patron Saints day. Yea, fly the flag and be proud.
CaoimhinMc | Mar 09, 2013, 03:22 PM EST
89west dont be such an ass, thankfully you are a minority of the Americans I know anyway. There are many places and business in Ireland who besides flying Irish & European flags fly the USA colours alongside. Its a nice jester of goodwill and friendly. It would be a nice anyway if the authorities give a little leeway to the four gorgeous hardworking Irish Colleen's and let them fly there flag on there national day. Drop in 89 why don't ye, and taste warm Irish hospitably.
slainte9 | Mar 09, 2013, 03:13 PM EST
Boycott Atlantic Beach. Anglo-Norman white protestant supremacists should go back to racist Britain where they belong.
anglo-norman | Mar 09, 2013, 01:47 PM EST
The Irish do Not respect their own flag & don't even know the right colour of their flag.
JimmieM | Mar 09, 2013, 01:27 PM EST
Welcome to the Liberal world where the government controls EVERYTHING....every year, every week more things come under government control..and the people loose
Nelsonbarry | Mar 09, 2013, 01:13 PM EST
as long as the Irish flag is a little lower then the American one , it should not be a big deal. Hang it in a window girls. Does that mean that the chinese restaurants with chinese symbols should be taken off the buildings?
89west | Mar 09, 2013, 01:07 PM EST
What is troubling about these four broads, as well as, many others finding themselves in similar circumstances, is the fact, their good fortune can be attributed to the opportunities afforded to them here in the US. Yet they project the notion, their flag and allegiance is elsewhere. It is hard to believe this attitude would prevail in any other country in the world.
Beaux013 | Mar 09, 2013, 01:06 PM EST
The Tri Color to the truly Irish represents our struggles against 1200 years of oppression, which included the so called "famine"(created in large part by the British government at the time)which caused the death of millions of Irish. We had the highest casualty numbers in both the war of 1776 and the Civil War and the most U.S. Presidents as well. Yet we continue to be portrayed as drunks,"papists" and lazy layabouts by both the U.S. and British media-stereotypes the ignorant still embrace. To the ownership of Culhanes I leave these words made popular by the late Bobby Sands. "Tiocfaidh ar la." (Our day will come) stick to your principles-your day will come as well.
Pittsburghkid | Mar 09, 2013, 01:01 PM EST
It is necessary, because the Hispanics claim that the South West, and Southern state around the Gulf were stolen from them. La Risa (the race) wants them back.
WoundedKnee | Mar 09, 2013, 11:22 AM EST
Judibob: Maybe you're just ignorant of this, but the name of Ireland's national day is Saint Patrick's Day.
WoundedKnee | Mar 09, 2013, 11:20 AM EST
The Irish don't respect their own flag. I couldn't count know how many dirty ragged and tattered Irish flags I've seen flown from bars and hotels in Ireland. Or how often I've seen the Irish flag being flown as subordinate to the European Flag, and even the Papal flag. Plus, Irish drunks often deface their national flag, by printing the name of their favorite bar on it. So I don't have any sympathy for any Irish complaints--take care of the flag in Ireland before you come whining here.
Seanmor | Mar 09, 2013, 11:10 AM EST
judi: There are other ways of insulting anf offending Irish people besides previnting them from displaying their flag. One of these is by referring to Ireland's patron saint (who is also the patron saint of the New York Archdiocese) by a belittling, begrading name. I doubt if you would apply the "n" word to Matin Luther King's Day. If I were a business man, I would prefer NOT to have you as a customer, but I still wisy you a Happy St. P-A-T-R-I-C-K'S Day.
odonnell521 | Mar 09, 2013, 11:05 AM EST
Ah Florida, the land of angry old white people and blind patriotism.
judibob | Mar 09, 2013, 10:43 AM EST
Jacksonville Beach: My husband & I are patrons of Culhane's and we'll back there on St. Paddy's Day proudly wearing our Irish flags! Come on Atlantic Beach let them fly the Irish flag at least one day, like St. Patrick's Day!
racallahan | Mar 09, 2013, 10:32 AM EST
As a former inmate of the Peoples Republic of Florida....this is a First Amendment violation and the city should Pog Ma Thone!!!!! Fly the Tricolors anyway!!!!!!
Seanmor | Mar 09, 2013, 09:58 AM EST
miami: My wife is an New England Methodist and she helps me hang the Tri-Color on the wall of our garage every spring beside the banner of the Marine Corps (the militery branch in which I HONORABLY served for 4 years as an Irish citizen). Then she holds the ladder while I place the Stars & Stripes a few feet higher that the 2 other flangs. God bless America and God save Ireland. I should also mention that my best buddies in the marines were mostly Southern WASPS.
Joe Kelsall | Mar 09, 2013, 09:32 AM EST
As my countryman Brendan Behan said, and I think rightly: "There is never a situation so desperate that the arrival of a policeman can't make it worse!" Tog go bog E!
miamicanes | Mar 09, 2013, 09:32 AM EST
Jacksonville is all southern baptist, possible a reason. My Mother was a Irish M/E, Methodist, Episcopalian and alway had the Irish colors hung on St. Pat's day. Such little minds in Jax.
miamicanes | Mar 09, 2013, 09:27 AM EST
are they banning a parade also with the irish flag?
seanfer7 | Mar 09, 2013, 08:57 AM EST
Just moved down the road will be going over for a few pints just because of the stupidity. My guess is that the public might fear being taken over by a foreign power with 9 11 so close behind?
Seanmor | Mar 09, 2013, 08:33 AM EST
I greatly admire the Cullhane sisters and wish them every success in their thriving business. Come to think of it, one seldom sees the Tri-Colour flying anywhere in the 'independent' Irish state nowadays. The Europhiles there seem to prefer the E.U. flag to the Green, White and Orange