“Across generations, Irish Americans have demonstrated a determination not only to succeed, but to break new ground, to innovate and to inspire. The resilience and distinctiveness’ of Irish America is remarkable. Those recognized in this issue of Irish America are all critical to building on that legacy and carrying it forward in the 21st century.”
– Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason
Dear Reader: Despite deep cultural ties, Irish citizens face the same strict U.S. immigration system as people from almost anywhere else in the world. For some, corporate sponsorship provides a vital, though highly competitive pathway to living and working in the U.S. For others, college sports are a stepping stone to professional careers in the U.S.
Tony Reilly’s journey in America – one that led to his now billion-dollar U.S. company – began with a soccer scholarship to college in Kansas. As his company grew, Tony paid it forward. Today, he actively helps other Irish athletes achieve the same life-changing opportunities he had, through key philanthropic initiatives.
Historically, Irish immigrants’ contribution to nation-building is deep and enduring. Our Wall Street 50 honorees offer a compelling example of the profound impact the Irish continue to make in this milestone year, as America marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In “Yankee Doodle with a Brogue,” Thomas Fleming looks at the role the Irish played in the Revolution – on and off the battlefield. Meanwhile, John Doyle’s latest album, “Free by Nature,” focuses on the voices and stories of Irish-born soldiers and those of Irish descent who took part in the conflict.
The American victory over the British encouraged the Irish to resist the colonizing forces back home. Rosemary Rogers writes about Grace Gifford, an artist mostly remembered as the tragic widow of Joe Plunkett, who was shot by a firing squad following the Irish Rebellion of 1916.
The Irish language suffered greatly over the centuries of British rule, but three pages of book reviews by Darina Molloy in this issue show that we learned to write very well in English.
While celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary abound, it behooves us to remember that for the Native Americans, the Revolution brought devastating losses, fractured alliances, and massive territorial displacement.
David Francis Barry (1854-1934) was a frontier photographer renowned for his striking portraits of Native Americans and the American West. Nicknamed the ¿Shadow Catcher” by the Lakota people, his images in this issue will give you pause.
Meanwhile, photographer James Higgins’ “Out and About” photographs show that the community outreach that has always been part of our heritage continues today.
It is remarkable how that heritage remains a powerful anchor down through the generations – no matter the years away – Ireland remains “home” or “soul place.”
Enjoy Chris Ryan’s travel story in this issue, and be encouraged to take a quick trip over. In just seven days, he experiences a multitude of things, from music and food to scenery, as he motors around the island, and you can too.
Mortas Cine.
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