The 1993 Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans also carries a section on "Great Family Fortunes." Unlike a similar list of the European great family fortunes, which would be top heavy with royalty and titled nobility, the American experience shows the true strength of a "bottoms up" society where, in the first instance, wealth was earned rather than bestowed. Put … [Read more...] about First Word: All in the Family
The Stones of Gallarus or Two Pounds For a Pint
By James T. Dette
September October 1993
Survival, we are told, is the first law of nature. If so, the Irish are the most law-abiding citizens in the world. That they survived centuries of English occupation and oppression is legend, but it was a recent trip that illustrated this in a very different way. It was my first trip to Ireland. To my knowledge I was the first descendant of James Burke, my mother's father, to … [Read more...] about The Stones of Gallarus or Two Pounds For a Pint
Black ’47
Rabble-Rousers with a Social Conscience "Free Joe Now," the song by Black 47, the Irish American group spearheaded by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne in 1990, became the anthem for those seeking political asylum for Joe Doherty, the Belfastman fighting extradition to the UK. These were early days for Black 47, the gigs were mainly fundraisers for one Irish cause or another — … [Read more...] about Black ’47
The Other Emerald Isle
By Norman Mongan
September October 1993
Normal Mongan visits Monsterrat, a tiny island in the Caribbean with an Irish past. Coming down the steps of the LIAT aircraft at Blackburne Airport on Montserrat, the first thing that catches the eye is the big green shamrock that adorns the airport building. "Welcome to the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" — the sign reflected in the puddles in the tarmac. The rain was on … [Read more...] about The Other Emerald Isle
Hibernia
By Liz Culligan
September October 1993
When Emmetsburg, a small mid-western town in lowa, undertook the task of refurbishing their statue of Irish patriot Robert Emmet, they were not prepared for the obstacles they would face and the length of time it would take. Now, after five years, the final chapter will be written with the rededication of the statue during the St. Patrick's Day celebration in March, 1994. The … [Read more...] about Hibernia