John Cardinal O'Connor was installed as Archbishop of New York in March, 1984, and elevated to Cardinal in May, 1985. He was born, the fourth of five children, in a row house in a blue-collar Philadelphia neighborhood on January 15, 1920. After ordination, he worked as a diocesan priest before joining the Navy. He served as a chaplain in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. When … [Read more...] about John O’Connor
Edna O’Brien
From the publication of her very first book, The Country Girls (1960) to her most recent books, Edna O'Brien's works have gained wide acclaim, particularly among American readers. One of Ireland's most influential writers, she is famous for her rich and sensuous prose, and her books often deal with disappointments in love. In 1986, she talked to Susan O'Grady Fox about growing … [Read more...] about Edna O’Brien
Bill Murray
Born in Wilmette, Illinois on September B21, 1950, Bill Murray grew up, one of nine children, in an Irish Catholic family (one sister is a Carmelite nun). He left home in the early '70s to join Chicago's Second City comedy group and found fame with Saturday Night Live, before conquering Hollywood and becoming one of the most highly regarded actors of the day. This interview … [Read more...] about Bill Murray
George Mitchell
There would not have been a peace agreement on Good Friday 1998 without George Mitchell. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams reflects the views of most Irish nationalists when he says: "Senator Mitchell's role was indispensable to the success of the negotiation process and to the securing of the Good Friday Agreement. There can be no doubt that without his patience and stamina the … [Read more...] about George Mitchell
Alice McDermott
In 1998, Alice McDermott's fourth novel, Charming Billy, captured the National Book Award. Few were surprised. McDermott had previously been nominated for two Pulitzers and another N.B.A. But McDermott was so sure she wouldn't win she didn't prepare an acceptance speech. Standing in front of hundreds of the most powerful people in the world of writing, she gracefully … [Read more...] about Alice McDermott