Irish America

Irish America

By Bob Herguth IA Newsletter March 8, 2025

Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102

By Bob Herguth

IA Newsletter March 8, 2025

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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

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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

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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

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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

There is a There There

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
September / October 1997

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Twelve years ago we published the very first copy of Irish America magazine. Many of those who attended the launch party on October 16, 1985, didn't give it a prayer. "There's no there there," or similar words, were heard. The prevailing thought of the day was that the Irish were assimilated, and cared not enough about their heritage, to support a magazine called Irish … [Read more...] about There is a There There