In celebration of the Thanksgiving weekend and to salute the upcoming holiday giving season, the good folks at Biddy Murphy, a Michigan based retailer of Irish gifts, have graciously sponsored a lovely array of Irish gifts for readers of Irish American Mom to win.
Thanks Biddy for being so generous and for once again working with Irish American Mom to bring the best of Irish gifts to our little corner of the world wide web.
Technically it's not Biddy who deserves my gratitude, but Ward Gahan, the founder of this wonderful Irish store.
And so, before I share the details of these wonderful prizes and how to enter for a chance to win, I thought I would share Ward's personal immigrant tale and his American evolution from Tipperary born Irish step dancer, to the proud owner of the Biddy Murphy store and online gift shop.
Real Irish Gifts From Real Irish People:
BiddyMurphy.com is a global online retailer for beautifully handcrafted Celtic gifts. I love their tag line - "Real Irish Gifts From Real Irish People" found on their online shop.
To tell you the truth you cannot find a more Irish proprietor than Ward Gahan. His name in Irish is Eamon O’Gaoithin, which means Edward or Ward Gahan.
Born in Clonmel, Co. Tipperay, Ward went to college in Ireland and started his working life in Dundalk, County Louth and and in Naas, County Kildare. During those years he fostered a great love of Irish culture, the infamous Irish craic, our sports, language, music and of course dancing.
Ward was a young Irish step dancer during his early years in County Tipperary. He actually qualified for the World Championships twice with a certain Michael Flatley. I love how Ward says on his website ... "I didn’t think he’d amount to much either."
Ending Up In Michigan:
Way back when in 1985, Ward made a decision to cross the pond and travel to Chicago, one of the most Irish of all American cities. But he did not stay there very long.
From Chicago he got a notion to hit the road to go see the rest of the United States, but I'm afraid he didn't roam too far.
Lo and behold, he ran out of gas (or petrol as we say in Ireland) on US-31 at Exit 20 in South Haven, Michigan, and it's there he put down roots, founding his Irish gift shop and making South Haven home.
Choosing Merchandise for Biddy Murphy:
Ward, and his Irish team of retail experts, love to deal with Irish companies and their distributors in North America. They have taken time to visit their manufacturing facilities in Ireland to personally get to know the people and artisans with whom they are working.
Ward is a member of the North America Celtic Traders Association and has been elected by the membership to serve terms on the board of directors.
He passed the Federated Jewellery Manufacturers of Ireland exam at the Royal Dublin Society, making him one of a select few in North America certified as proficient in the design, construction and sale of Irish made, gold, silver and diamond jewelry.
And so, what does this mean for you? Being from Ireland, Ward's team offers authentic Irish products at excellent prices with service that will keep you coming back again and again or as we say in Ireland, arís is arís eile, (pronounced ah-reesh iss ah-reesh ella).
The Prizes:
Ireland boasts a long history and tradition for sheep farming. The vast mountainous landscapes of the west of Ireland provide acres of wild land for sheep to graze.
Native Irish sheep found in County Galway and the west of Ireland have an extremely high quality, soft wool, just perfect for fabricating clothing with a luxurious feel.
This beautiful Irish wool scarf from Biddy Murphy is no exception, and it's lovely brown and pink tones are complimented by this uniquely designed Irish tweed cap.
Hanna hats are made with pure new wool from Donegal tweed and are designed and assembled by hand in Donegal town. Hanna Hats of Donegal are extra special since all of their hats are crafted from uniquely designed patterns.
The first prize, which one lucky winner will win, is this lovely hat and scarf.
The next prize is this beautiful Claddagh pendant featuring Ireland's most enduring symbol of friendship, faith, love and loyalty.
The third and final prize is for this beautiful Trinity Knot pendant.
Celtic patterns and knots are mystical symbols of Ireland used to represent faith, love, and unity. The trinity knot, a simple interwoven loop with neither a beginning nor an end, is an exquisite emblem of infinity and eternity.
The Giveaway:
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016. Any comment will do, but if you need inspiration why not tell us why you like to buy Irish gifts.
Three winning comments will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestants.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday December 7th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes' entries by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who supports and enters this little giveaway.
Feel free to tell your family and friends by sharing this post.
Thanks a bunch for spreading the word
about Irish American Mom and Biddy Murphy.
Update – Winners Chosen:
Good news. Our winners have been chosen using the randomized “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.
Congratulations to …..
Lorna Sixsmith - winner of the scarf and hat.
Kathleen - winner of the Claddagh pendant.
Jeff Ford - winner of the Trinity Knot pendant.
I’ll send our winners a quick e-mail to let them know about their little bit of Irish luck.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little Irish American Mom giveaway. Wishing the good folks at Biddy Murphy's continued success as they bring a little bit of Ireland to America.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings),
Irish American Mom
A Little Bit of Legalese - my disclosure notice: Irish American Mom did not receive payment for this blog post. I simply like to help spread the word about Irish and Irish American businesses. If I receive payment for a sponsored post I will always share that information with you. A big thank you to Biddymurphy.com for graciously sponsoring the prizes for this holiday giveaway.
Here are some more ramblings you might enjoy...
Ardmore - An Irish and American Town Name
Amy Mitchell
I love Irish textiles. They are so beautiful!
Arizona Dutt
There's nothing better than beatiful Irish goods! Thank you for the opportunity, would love to win!
Monica R
Such lovely gifts
Julia Christiansen
I love Ireland and it's history, it was the first country I decided to go to when choosing a vacation destination. It's truly a beautiful place ❤
Katie W
Beautiful craftsmanship. I would love to win, thank you for the chance!
Veronica Vatter
Lovely!
Deidre
When I had the chance to visit Ireland I was on a tight budget. I had to window shop! Lol! I actually did go past the windows and through the door to touch the gorgeous textiles and intricate jewelry designs. Who could resist?!
Thank you for offering so many lovely pieces. I would love to win but, if I don't I know where to shop 😜
Susan Z
These are all beautiful gifts (though the scarf is what's calling me)! Fingers crossed!
Carol Brady
I'm a Montgomery/Murphree and my husband is a Brady - need I say more 🙂
Maureen o Hanlon
I would love one of these prized
Patricia
Beautiful gifts, all of them, but as winter is fast approaching, the cap and scarf are looking extra nice! ☘
Melissa
Beautiful gifts! So many quality items to choose from at Biddy Murphy.
Maury
Beautiful things all! Thanks for posting about Ward...
Tina
The prizes are lovely.
Deborah Egizii
I seriously need to go check out their website! Would love any of these wonderful gifts.
Kathleen
I think I've spent a small fortune over the years buying Irish goods. There's nothing like it as the quality and workmanship cannot be surpassed!
Scott Pomfret
In these artifacts are memories yet undiscovered. You need only tickle the weave of the wool or smell the damp on its surface to conjure a world that still courses through the veins no matter how long you've been away. My great indulgence is the load of peat bricks I order each year for my fireplace and deliberately cause wafts of thick smoke to escape the chimney draft and come into the room, like a visitor sitting with you and getting warm and sharing some cheer.
Pat Egan Fordyce
Love all these beauties.......thank you for the opportunity!
Audrey Stewart
I always feel like I have a connection to Ireland. My mother's maiden was Welch. We are planning a trip there within the year. Next year, 2017.
Emily K
These are all so beautiful! I love purchasing Irish gifts for friends and family because behind each is a unique and loving message.
Suzanne
Thanks for the opportunity to win any of these great prizes. I'm from Michigan myself. I'll check out the Biddy Murphy website now, and remember to check out the store next time I'm in South Haven!
Suzanne
B Bentley
My Dad is from Galway and I love to buy Irish products because they transport back to my favorite place in the world.
Irish American Mom
Galway is one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland, and the whole wide world. So glad you've been able to visit the land of your ancestors.
Take care,
Mairéad
Sharon Rose (Lynch) Brown
I recently purchased a print Wild Irish Rose from your site.Its the first thing I see when I wake.Love Irish craftmanship.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - I'm delighted to hear you love your Wild Irish Rose print. Thanks so much for supporting my giftshop.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Helen Kelly/Pychevicz
My Family on the Kelly side all came from Galway and also on the Fitzgerald side from Rosecomon and the Adams side from Antrim. So I buy everything Irish that I can to stay connected to all of my Heritage as I am sure I will never make it there. LOVE Ireland which I consider Home as it is calling me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Helen - It's amazing how Ireland calls to her sons and daughters no matter how far away they may live or for how many generations they have been separated. Love of Ireland is in your DNA.
All the best,
Mairéad
Zee Johnston
I seems to be drawn to Irish woolens and Jewelry, it must be my Irish heritage!
Patricia Bresnahan
For Christmas this year I ordered 3 gifts for my very Irish husband. The one that has arrived thus far, the Irish Blessing plaque, is lovely. The other 2 have to be personalized so I have not yet received them. I look forward to patronizing your shop again in the future. Merry Christmas!
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - Thanks so much for purchasing presents in my giftshop. I hope the personalized gifts will arrive very soon, and I'm delighted to hear you love the Irish blessing plaque.
A very happy Christmas to you and yours,
Mairéad
Deb Harris
I love both giving & receiving Irish gifts because it reminds me of my heritage which I am very proud of. My mother was born & raised in County Kerry, she came to the US at 21 years old. All the items in your giveaway are beautiful. My husband loves the hats & has worn them for years. The necklaces are beautiful. I've always loved both the Claddagh symbol & Trinity knot they're a lovely symbol of Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deb - too love these symbols of Ireland. Their meanings are so deep and meaningful.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Christopher Young
Mairéad,
Thanks, as always, for the introduction to another great company. Wouldn't mind adding another Hanna hat to my cap collection haha, top notch quality. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kind Regards,
Christopher
Anita Carol Gambrell
Awesome sauce.... So pleased to have come across this site! Yah! For the Internet!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anita - So glad you found my little corner of the world wide web. Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sean J. Murphy
So Very excited to find this blog and make some contact with other proud Irish people...Love yer blog...
Sean J. Murphy on Face Book Please come and say hello.....Proud Canadian and Acadian
Irish American Mom
Thanks for your kind words, Sean. Nice to virtually meet you.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Anitra
Heading to Ireland for the first time in July. I've been think of getting my daughter a piece of Irish jewelry before we go. These pieces are all beautiful. Looks like I'll be heading over to BiddyMurphy.com! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anitra - I hope you and your family will have a wonderful and memorable trip to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
John Ongena
Nothing could be more beautiful than the west of Ireland and a scarf from the region would always bring back the warm memories.
Mary Ann
Oh my, so lovely! Hoping for the luck of the Irish. Thank you.....
Kimberly
Wow, this would be fantastic. Thanks for the opportunity.
Kayley
What a great giveaway! I hope I can visit Ireland someday. My parents actually named me based on the Celtic word Ceildah.
Shelley Day
Thank you so much for the opportunity to receive these beautiful gifts. Irish textiles are the most beautiful I have ever seen. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Christy
I love my Irish heritage & would love to own something from Ireland!!
Patricia Delaney
I love the necklaces. I am drawn to Celtic designs. Must be my irish roots. Thank you.
John McKenney
These all would be great gifts during the holidays. Much Luck to everyone!
Jennifer Westemeier
Just returned from Ireland!
KATHY L
Wish I could have brought more home from my trip to Ireland this past August. Love the colorful wool blankets the best!
Eileen Stansbury
I absolutely love Irish traditions! They have deep love of family which I cherish.
Mary Grice
I would like any of the gifts offered! Thank you for having these give aways! Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the readers of Irish American Mom! Mary
JJT
Very nice!
Bernadette
Love Irish gifts!
Kimberly Rafferty
I have been to this shop, it is lovely! 😊 They have a wonderful assortnent of products. Being near our gorgeous Lake Michigan is a bonus!
Ginger V
Beautiful Irish gifts. I love Irish woolens and Connemare marble.
Brigid O'Hara Koshko
I would love to share my heritage with my kids and this would be a wonderful way to do so. Beautiful! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Penny Wolf
How generous!
Abby Nolan
What a charming immigrant tale. It is lovely to find truly Irish gifts - wish that I were closer to this shop. I could browse for hours. I love Irish slate crafts, I "carefully" brought a slate mirror home from Ireland once. I treasure it still.
Irish American Mom
Hi Abby - Like you I love slate and once brought a slate clock back to America. I wrapped it well in bubble wrap for its transatlantic trip in my hand baggage.
Best wishes,
Mairéad