Following his induction into the Irish America Hall of Fame (see more coverage here), it’s only fitting that Vice President Joe Biden should pay a visit to the home of his Finnegan and Blewitt ancestors. The vice president confirmed that he would be visiting Ireland some time this year at an Irish brunch he held in March for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in honor of St. Patrick’s day. … [Read more...] about Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas
Gabrielle Giffords Honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award
Gabrielle Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman who survived a deadly mass shooting in January 2011, was honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award on May 5, at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. Since resigning from Congress to focus on her recovery, Giffords has become a leading voice in the charge for gun control. She and her husband, former space … [Read more...] about Gabrielle Giffords Honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award
Breslin on Breslin
On June 10, at 8:30 p.m. (EST) readers in the tri-state area will be treated to a half-hour of veteran newspaper columnist and novelist Jimmy Breslin on what it means to be Irish, what makes him write, the responsibilities of a journalist, fiction vs. journalism, and preferring criminals to politicians. The half hour with Breslin is a preview of the highly anticipated Irish … [Read more...] about Breslin on Breslin
New North America Head for Tourism Ireland
In late April, Tourism Ireland announced that Alison Metcalfe, who is currently the U.S. vice president of marketing, will replace the long-serving Joe Byrne as head of Tourism Ireland North America on June 1. Metcalfe has worked with Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board since 1992, initially in Canada. She was promoted to her current position in 2007, and … [Read more...] about New North America Head for Tourism Ireland
Seoul Celebrates Irish Korean War Heroes
A memorial for the 159 Irish people who died during the Korean War was unveiled at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul on April 25. The unveiling was part of the larger Revisit Korea program, which brought 11 Irish veterans, family members of those who served, and active soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment to Seoul for the 60th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement, which … [Read more...] about Seoul Celebrates Irish Korean War Heroes