IN olden times, Ireland's icons were comely maidens strumming harps or perhaps mythical heroic warriors such as Cuchulainn, bravely besting the enemy in his lair. In more recent times, a flame-haired temptress called Maureen O'Hara fit the bill. Not any more. Shortly, the symbol of Ireland to millions worldwide is just as likely to be a Black athlete, speaking with a British … [Read more...] about The First Word: The New Irish Heroes
Roots: Jordan, Rice and Power Families
By James G. Ryan
May/June 1994
Readers have asked about the origin of the names Jordan, Rice and Power, only the last of which is in any way common. However, some explanation is provided below. The name Jordan is common in England but few Irish Jordans are derived from the English source. The Irish Jordans are derived from a Norman family which settled in Connaught in the 12th century. The name is derived … [Read more...] about Roots: Jordan, Rice and Power Families
In Pursuit of the Supernatural
By Jane Campbell
May/June 1994
John Banville's first book, Long Larkin, was published in 1970; his most recent novel, Ghosts, has just come out. In the intervening years he has produced nine novels and received many awards. In 1989 he won the Guinness Peat Aviation Award for The Book of Evidence, which was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In addition to being one of the most highly regarded writers … [Read more...] about In Pursuit of the Supernatural
Sláinte! The Feast of Bealtaine
By Edythe Preet
May/June 1994
The Celtic feast of Bealtaine (Bright Fire) began on the first day of May with the lighting of the May Fires. The clan gathered to celebrate the end of the dark months and the return of the light. The fires symbolized the earth's life-giving forces-fertility and rebirth after the dormant winter months. Dancers enacted the sun's movement through the skies and the Maypole and … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Feast of Bealtaine
Captain Paddy and Son
By Pat Crowe
May/June 1994
Captain Paddy turned his boat around and pointed it toward the open waters of the North Atlantic. He has fished these waters along the rocky cliffs of County Donegal for so long that he no longer observes their rugged beauty. Sometimes he ventures far out to fish for salmon, today he would look for crabs and lobster and see to his numerous traps. The mighty gales and the strong … [Read more...] about Captain Paddy and Son