James Cagney Screen Giant "If you listen to the clowns around you're just dead. Go do what you have to do." Born July 17, 1899 on New York City's Lower East Side, James Francis Cagney was the second of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. His father was a saloonkeeper in the tough neighborhood where many of Cagney's contemporaries ended up in prison. In an … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Stage and Screen
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Sports
Maureen Connolly Little Mo She was the first woman and the youngest tennis player ever to win the Grand Slam -- the four-in-a-row Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open -- and one of only five players to do so. Her name was Maureen Connolly, but to adoring fans she was "Little Mo." Born in San Diego on September 14, 1934, Connolly was just 18 … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Sports
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Song and Dance
The Dorsey Brothers Sultans of Swing To fans of jazz and swing, the Dorsey brothers need no introduction. As musicians, composers and dance band leaders, they are inextricably linked with the swing craze during the big-band era of the 1930s and 1940s. Their numerous hits include "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "I'll Never Smile Again," and "Boogie-Woogie." In all, they … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Song and Dance
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Law
William J. Brennan, Jr. Lion of the Court "The law is not an end in itself, nor does it provide ends. It is preeminently a means to serve what we think is right. " Considered one of the most influential shapers of public policy in the nation, the late Justice William Joseph Brennan, Jr., was best known for his support of civil rights, and particularly freedom of speech. … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Law
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community
Dorothy Day Heroine "Don't call me a saint. I don't want to be dismissed so easily." From time to time there comes an individual whose life exposes the limitations of the written word. Dorothy Day was such a person. Her strength, singularity and ability to nudge humankind a little further up the ladder of emotional and spiritual evolution goes beyond language. As a … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community





