Global Insights Features Halloween's Country of Origin, Ireland

"Táim an-bhuíoch as ucht a bheith anseo sna Stáit Aontaithe, ach táim níos buíoch as ucht a bheith i mo Éireannaigh. That means, I'm so grateful to be here in the United States, but I’m even more grateful to be Irish,"  said Ruby Mcgrath, '28, psychology, from Spiddal, Co., Galway, Ireland.

Global Insights will feature three students from Ireland on Oct. 31 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Registration is required.

Mcgrath will co-present with Jack Burke, '25, psychology, and Sean Comiskey, '26, secondary education, Cit/History, both from Dublin, Ireland.

Burke remarked on the appropriateness of the program's Oct. 31 date.  "A fact about Ireland is that Halloween originated in Ireland. The holiday dates back to the Samhain festival which honored the dead and ancestors of Ireland." 

Both Burke and Mcgrath spoke of their love for the Irish language. "I  grew up in a primarily Irish-speaking area, known as the Gaeltacht. Irish or Gaelige was the only language I was allowed to speak conversationally in primary school. I never understood why they disproved of us speaking English with each other, but I get it now. It was a way of keeping the language alive. I’m so proud to be fluent in the language; it’s the language of my ancestors who they fought hard for it, to keep it alive," said Mcgrath. Burke agreed, saying "Another thing that I would like to promote is the Irish language. Oftentimes, people mistakenly refer to the language as ‘Gaelic’ but we simply call it ‘Irish.’ It is a beautiful dying language that not many non-Irish know about."

"The culture of Irish people is to always help when possible, and I strive to replicate that at all times." - Jack Burke

Burke, who has traveled to 19 countries, speaks fondly of the Irish people and culture. "The people of Ireland are the friendliest people I’ve encountered in all of my travels. They are always willing to stop and talk and offer assistance if needed. The culture of Irish people is to always help when possible, and I strive to replicate that at all times."

Mcgrath's favorite activities include "sea swimming" year round, but especially in October "as the seasons are changing and the water gets a bit chillier." Burke, along with supporting his local soccer team, enjoys listening "to traditional Irish music with a pint of Guinness, in any small pub. My personal recommendation is The Cobblestone Pub in Dublin." 

Burke, Comiskey and Mcgrath will discuss more on the origin of the Halloween holiday, and Irish country and culture at the Oct. 31 program.

Register for Global Insights Ireland. 

This program is sponsored by The Office of Global Education, and co-hosted with the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Cultural Centers and Office of Residence Life.

For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.