Don O’Neill, creative director of the up-and-coming label Theia, reflects on his journey from a small seaside town in Co. Kerry to the fashion houses of London, Paris and New York, and finally, a showroom of his own. When we meet at his garment district showroom on an afternoon in early April, it’s clear that Don O’Neill, creative director of the fledgling couture label Theia, … [Read more...] about The Irish Don of Fashion
The Glory Days of Celtic Park
One of the premier track- and-field training facilities in the world in its time, Celtic Park produced more than two dozen Olympic medalists who collectively won more than 50 medals for the U.S. Olympic team, and more than a dozen for other countries. In the early 20th century, amateur athletics were viewed as a rich man’s leisure activity, a notion largely influenced by … [Read more...] about The Glory Days of Celtic Park
Ireland’s Citizen Chronicler: Christine Kinealy
Acclaimed scholar Christine Kinealy, whose work has shed new light on forgotten elements of Irish history, talks with Daphne Wolf about growing up Irish in Liverpool and her tireless research towards setting the record straight on the Great Famine. In Juno and the Paycock, Sean O’Casey’s play of the Irish Civil War, two characters riff on the ways history can be censored and … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Citizen Chronicler: Christine Kinealy
A Climb to Give Thanks
New York City native Patrick Connolly celebrated his 90th birthday by making a pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. Most people, upon reaching their 90th birthday, celebrate the milestone in some way that is significant to themselves and to their loved ones. Most people, upon reaching their 90th birthday, however, do not climb mountains – significant or not. But most people are not … [Read more...] about A Climb to Give Thanks
A Gaelic Storm Lights Up St. Louis
Patricia Harty writes about Helen Gannon and the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Convention. Storm clouds gather over St. Louis, but Helen Gannon is unfazed as the tornado warning siren blares and we move into the center of the hotel, away from the windows. After many years of living here, she has made her peace with the weather patterns that in spring can range from heavy rain to severe … [Read more...] about A Gaelic Storm Lights Up St. Louis