Cead Mile Failte--Welcome!

Cead Mile Failte--Welcome! A bit about me My programs and stories News and Views Down Home Tales Irish Wake Tent Wake Decorum Basics of the Wake Bus Tours of Dublin & Tour Programs Favorite Links

Welcome to my website!

My name is Cathy Jo Smith but I also use the professional name "Caítlín na Sí, seanachai" (KAWCH-leen nuh SHEE, SHAN-uh-kee), which is Irish for "Katie of the Fairies, storyteller".

Like myself, this website is constantly changing--the basic tale remains, but I hope growth and development will continue.  I will try to post updates on a semi-regular basis and list up-coming performances as the dates become available.

I have added a page on the Irish Wake and on the tours of Dublin (Ohio) that I do in conjuction with the Dublin Vistitors Bureau. And the handouts from the Wake tent are now here as "Wake Decorum"and "Basics of the Wake".

How it all started...

It started when my daughter was in first grade. Her teacher had a program called "Mystery Reader". Each week, a different parent would come in and read a short book to the class--it was always kept secret and sometimes the parent would even come in costume.
Well, I picked right before Halloween and came in as a little Irish lady to tell them about the real origins of Halloween and read a story about overcoming fear.
The "Irish lady" was such a hit, she made a return visit in March with St Patrick's Day stories. Her visits extended to more classes and suddenly, without really trying, I had become a storyteller.

Storytelling you can take home...my books

My first book, "Adventures of Seamus McSeamus, an Irish Rover" is available for sale at Amazon.com  

I also have a booklet for sale directly from me--Wake Me When It's Over.  I think you can guess what that one is about...

Latest Updates and where I'll be next

All Hallows' Eve at Ohio Village

Ohio History Center, Columbus
Saturdays, October 15 and 22, 2011 
5:30-9:30 p.m.
I will be presenting the Irish Wake in the Yellow House
as part of the 19th century  family-friendly holiday re-creation
and there is a great telling of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", too!!
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Dublin Irish Festival
Coffman Park, Dublin, Ohio
Another great year, despite the storm forcing an early close on Sunday
NEXT YEAR IS THE 25th FESTIVAL--BE THERE!!!
August 3, 4 and 5, 2012
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Michigan Irish Music Festival
Muskegon, MI 
September 14-16, 2012
This was another great year of music and craic!
See you next year!
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