The movie Leaving Las Vegas, based on John O'Brien's novel, stunned audiences and had critics raving. But the coming success did not mean much to O'Brien, who took his own life soon after selling the movie rights. His new work, finished by his sister, also reflects his dark side. Writer John O'Brien did not live to see the phenomenal success of the movie based on his novel, … [Read more...] about The Life and Times of John O’Brien
Roots: Walsh, Welsh (or Brannagh)
By James G. Ryan
November/December 1996
The name Walsh or Welsh is one of the most numerous of Norman associated names found in Ireland. It seems to have been the name used independently by the many different groups of Welsh people who arrived in Ireland with the Normans during the 12th century. The name simply means Welshman and its early Norman form was "Le Waleys" but this became gradually anglicized to Walsh. The … [Read more...] about Roots: Walsh, Welsh (or Brannagh)
Neil Jordan: The Man Who Made Michael Collins
For years we have been waiting. Director John Ford, way back when, was interested. In the early '80s Robert Redford talked about doing it. At different times Kevin Costner and Tom Cruise were said to be scouting locations in Ireland. Even Mickey Rourke was talked about. Well, at last, almost 75 years after his death, we have our movie Michael Collins made by an Irish director … [Read more...] about Neil Jordan: The Man Who Made Michael Collins
The First Word: Capture the Moment
Thomas Cahill's prescient piece in this issue entitled "The Irish Moment" captures much of the extraordinary success that Irish and Irish American ventures are enjoying at present. Even The New York Times tipped its august cap recently in a piece entitled "The Irish Are Ascendant Again" by Dinita Smith, which noted among other facts that "there are now some 100 Irish names on … [Read more...] about The First Word: Capture the Moment
Memoir of an Irish Childhood
By Pete Hamill
September October 1996
Author and raconteur Frank McCourt, in his autobiography, has "examined his ferocious childhood, walked around it, relived it, and with skill and care and generosity of heart, transformed it into a triumphant work of art," writes Pete Hamill. Frank McCourt has written a triumphant book. His memoir of an Irish childhood is in turns hilarious, heart-scalding, bitterly angry. … [Read more...] about Memoir of an Irish Childhood