History has largely forgotten Patrick Ronayne Cleburne. Perhaps this is not surprising. Like many Irishmen throughout history, he fought on the losing side of a foreign war and, as we know, history is written by the victors. However, since Americans are presently given to Civil War retrospectives, it is fitting that we remember one of the Confederacy's greatest military … [Read more...] about Patrick Ronayne Cleburne: Stonewall Jackson of he West
Sons & Mothers
By Jim Dwyer
May/June 1996
It's been 15 years since the Hunger Strikes in Ireland left ten men dead and changed the course of Northern Irish politics. Now a new movie gives voice to the suffering of the mothers whose sons died on hunger strike. Jim Dwyer talks to filmmaker Terry George about his latest work, Some Mother's Son. It's been 15 years since the Hunger Strikes in Ireland left ten men dead and … [Read more...] about Sons & Mothers
Roots: The O’Sullivans Past & Present
By James G. Ryan
May/June 1996
The O'Sullivan Clan of Munster has produced fine military leaders, sporting heroes, politicians, movie stars, songwriters, and even a space walker, as the following history of one of the most popular Irish names illustrates.The O'Sullivans or Sullivans are one of the most populous of the Munster families. In Irish O'Sullivan is O'Súileabháin. And there is no doubt that origin … [Read more...] about Roots: The O’Sullivans Past & Present
Renewing the Spirit
The sound of bagpipes in the distance drifts in through the open window of the yellow cab as I head down Broadway to New York University. It's the first real spring day after a long winter and the bagpipes seem to herald the return of warmer weather, and the renewal of the spirit that spring brings. How does one express the effect that that ancient sound has when it reaches … [Read more...] about Renewing the Spirit
Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House
By Joe Zentner
March/April 1996
Nestled in the foothills of the San Ramon Valley near San Francisco, a concrete block residence sits prominently amidst the landscape. At one time the site provided this country's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright a sanctuary in which to create masterpieces of American drama.Built in 1937, the home today serves as a memorial to Eugene O'Neill's contribution to this country's … [Read more...] about Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House