Member Profile: Jim Best
I’m a retired social studies teacher. I do a lot of basketball/soccer refereeing these days in New York City and the Tri-State Area. I’m married 27 years and the father of two.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Irish-born grandparents and uncle. I was raised to be proud of my Irish heritage. Up until a couple of years ago, I didn’t know much about the Irish language. I saw a YouTube video of Sinead O’Connor singing Óró Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile and that piqued my interest. I was genuinely upset to learn about the struggle that the language has gone through over the years. I decided that if Irish does indeed die someday; it won’t be because of me!
Cé Thusa?
Ainm/Name: Jim Best
Áit/Location: Sea Cliff, NY
Leibhéal/Level: A1 Beginner
Ról sa Chomhphobal/Role in the Community: Foghlaimeoir/Learner
Slí Beatha/Occupation: Basketball/Soccer Referee (Retired Teacher)
Am ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish: Dhá bhliain
Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies:
Yoga, Pilates, Hiking, Reading
Cad is Fearr Leat?
Ceol/Music: Gach sórt – all kinds!
Amhrán/Song: Too many to choose one, but “Rock n Roll” by the Velvet Underground is up there.
Bia/Food: Vegan Soul Food
Deoch/Drink: Diet Coke/Diet Dr. Pepper every so often, on the rocks.
Scannán/Film: Something like ‘The Big Lebowski’ or ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’.
Clár Teilifíse/TV Show: Mad Men.
Leabhar/Book: I did love “A Visit From The Goon Squad”. I’ve read “Ulysses” three times…just sayin’.
Ainmhí/Animal: Dog (Don’t tell my cat.) Cat (Don’t tell my dog.)
Laoch(ra)/Hero(es): Che Guevara, MLK Jr.
Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Dún Chaoin
Frása Gaeilge/Irish Phrase: Maith thú!
Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: Tuatha Dé Danann
Seanfhocal/Proverb: Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire.
Mana saoil/Life motto: You get what you earn.
Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish:
I’m too new to Irish to be handing out advice. I just try to enjoy the process. I’m grateful that I can find the time for daily practice.
Bígí páirteach!
Join the online Irish community at LetsLearnIrish.com.
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