Irish America

Irish America

By James G. Ryan September / October 1997

Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes

By James G. Ryan

September / October 1997

by Leave a Comment

The names O'Byrne and O'Beirne (or Byrne and Beirne) are often regarded as variants of the same name, much to the annoyance of the less-common Beirnes. In fact, the names spring from totally different sources. O'Byrne is derived from the Gaelic O'Broin, meaning "descended from Bran," an 11th century King of Leinster. The O'Byrnes were chieftains of what is now County Kildare … [Read more...] about Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes

Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102

By Bob Herguth

IA Newsletter March 8, 2025

by 2 Comments

The matriarch of one of Chicago’s best-known Irish-American clans, who was among the last-living links to the early 20th-century origins of the National Football League, has died. Virginia Halas McCaskey, principal owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of late NFL pioneer George S. Halas, died Feb. 6 at the age of 102. She leaves behind a franchise that, while storied, for … [Read more...] about Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102

The Heroes of ’47

By Keith J. Kelly, Daily News journalist & son-in-law of Kerry football great Eddie Walsh.

September / October 1997

by Leave a Comment

The 50th anniversary of the All-Ireland Football Final, played in New York. It's been fifty years since County Cavan pulled a stunning upset victory against County Kerry at the Polo Grounds in New York City, in the only All-Ireland Gaelic Football Championship ever played outside of Ireland.  Back on September 14, 1947, the local press in New York seemed not to know what to … [Read more...] about The Heroes of ’47

A Tribute to Justice: The William Brennan Legacy

Interview by Sean O Murchu, edited by Irish America Staff

September / October 1997

by Leave a Comment

The death of Justice William Brennan in July, after a long illness, was mourned by President Clinton, other dignitaries, family and friends who packed St. Matthew's Cathedral -- the same church where the funeral mass was celebrated for slain U.S. President John F. Kennedy in November 1963 -- in Washington, D.C. for his funeral mass.  "We thank God for his life," said Clinton, … [Read more...] about A Tribute to Justice: The William Brennan Legacy

Living on the Fringe

By Frank Shouldice

September / October 1997

by Leave a Comment

Frank Shouldice explores the relationship between Irish travellers and the settled community. When Mary Robinson announced she would not be staying on for a second term of office as President of Ireland it was worth observing the reaction from various quarters.  For most people, the announcement heralded a conclusion to a uniquely popular presidency. As a most impressive … [Read more...] about Living on the Fringe