Gaelic

Gaelic is the traditional language of Ireland. While under British rule, the language was persecuted and the Irish were forced to only speak English. As Ireland worked toward gaining independence, interest in Gaelic flourished, causing many people to learn or relearn the language as a sign of national pride. Even when speaking English, many of the Irish characters use Gaelic phrases now and then to emphasize what they are saying.

The Pledge

In an effort to combat alcoholism, many people took a Pledge to abstain from drinking. This public promise, usually with religious overtones, was supposed to help people to control their drinking habits. Characters like Freddie in "The Dead" take the Pledge often under the pressure of their relatives, but the commitment does not last long.

The League

Leagues were formed as another effort to combat alcoholism. The groups wanted to promote abstinence from alcohol as...