An Irish New Year – January, 2025

Céad Míle Fáilte – and welcome to your first Letter from Ireland for 2025! In true Irish New Year fashion, the morning frost is glistening on the fields around me here in County Cork, and the air has that crisp, clean feeling that only January can bring. How are things in your part of the world today?

I’m starting into a cup of Barry’s Tea, so join me with a cup of whatever you fancy as we welcome in this Irish new year together. January in Ireland has always been a time of both reflection and celebration – a month when we honour old traditions while welcoming new beginnings.

Today, as I sit here on January 5th – and tomorrow being “Little Christmas” as we call it in Ireland – I’m reminded of how this date holds special significance in Irish tradition. Known as “Nollaig na mBan” (Women’s Christmas) in Irish, it’s the day when traditionally, Irish women would finally get a rest after all their hard work over the Christmas season. The men would take over the household duties, and the women would gather in the local hotel, pub or each other’s homes for a bit of well-deserved relaxation and celebration.

Speaking of Irish New Year celebrations, did you know that this month holds a fascinating chapter in Irish history?

An Irish New Year’s Tale: Dublin Castle, January 1922

It was on a cold January morning like this one in 1922 that Michael Collins arrived at Dublin Castle to take possession of the castle and what was to become “The Irish Free State” from the British authorities. Picture the scene – the last British Viceroy, Lord FitzAlan-Howard, cordially shaking hands with Collins, marking the formal handover of power after centuries of British rule. When Collins arrived to sign the documents, he was reportedly seven minutes late. A British official who commented on Collins’ tardiness received the rebuke: “Blast you, sure you people are here 700 years and what bloody difference does seven minutes make now?”

That moment at Dublin Castle was more than just a ceremonial exchange – it was the culmination of centuries of struggle and the dawn of a new era for Ireland. Though Collins himself wouldn’t live to see how things would unfold, being killed in an ambush a few short months later, his vision of an independent Ireland would gradually take shape through the decades that followed. The path hasn’t always been smooth, but the Ireland of today, with its vibrant culture, strong economy, and proud place on the world stage, would surely bring a smile to that young man who arrived those seven minutes late on that January morning.

Celebrating Irish New Year 2025: Looking Forward

Speaking of new beginnings, here we are, over a century later, witnessing our own moments of change and possibility. While our challenges may be different from those faced by Collins and his contemporaries, that same Irish spirit of resilience, hope, and determination continues to guide us forward. In homes across Ireland and among our diaspora worldwide, people are welcoming this new year with that characteristic blend of pragmatism and optimism that has served us so well through the generations.

As we step into this new year together, I’m reminded of an old Irish saying: “Tús maith leath na hoibre” – a good beginning is half the work. Whether you’re tracing your Irish roots, planning a visit to Ireland, or simply enjoying these letters from afar, I hope 2025 brings you many good beginnings.

That’s it for this week, and for our first letter of 2025. I raise my cup in your direction and wish you “Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit” (pronounced “ah-vleen fwee vasha dit”),

Wishing you a Prosperous New Year,

Mike.