Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners passed away on this day in 2008 at the age of 73. Drew began his career after moving to Spain, learning to play the flamenco guitar, and becoming interested in folk music. He returned to Ireland and founded "The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group" in 1962 along with Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney McKenna. The group would eventually change their name to … [Read more...] about August 16, 2008
The Global Irishman: Brendan McDonagh
HSBC’s Brendan McDonagh is a new breed of international Irishman. Just six months after assuming his job as head of HSBC Finance in North America, Brendan McDonagh volunteered to appear before Congress, in March 2007, to address the growing subprime mortgage-lending crisis. It was a typical move by the 49-year-old Irishman who has become known throughout his career for a … [Read more...] about The Global Irishman: Brendan McDonagh
The First Word: Global Irish
As more and more talk turns to globalization, the Irish are in a unique position – in terms of the global context, we are already there. Whether it is running the world’s top rated hotel in Dubai, in the operating room of Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, or running a telecom business in the Carribean – no matter where you turn you will find the Irish. We have spread … [Read more...] about The First Word: Global Irish
Robert Downey Jr. & Sr. Moments
Iron Man started the summer block busting season with a $100.7 million opening at the box office, and marked a tremendous comeback for 43-year-old actor Robert Downey Jr., who in recent years has waged a public battle against drug addiction, which included a stint in jail. Jr., who plays a billionaire industrialist who invents a hi-tech suit of armor that transforms him into a … [Read more...] about Robert Downey Jr. & Sr. Moments
Irish Eye on Hollywood
Amidst the popcorn blockbusters of the summer, keep an eye out for veterans as well as up-and-coming Irish talent in Hollywood. First up, Pierce Brosnan stars alongside Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia!, based on the musical, which itself was based on the songs of Swedish supergroup Abba. Mamma Mia!, scheduled for a July 18 release, is about a bride-to-be who is searching for her … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood