Recent passings in the Irish and Irish American communities. ℘℘℘ Al Gavin Legendary boxing cutman Al Gavin passed away after suffering a stroke on Thursday, July 8, 2004 at the age of 70. The Brooklyn-bred retired landscaper was best known for his ability to quell the blood-flow of boxing wounds for such fighters as Lennox Lewis, Oscar de la Hoya and Mickey Ward. Earlier … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Olympics’ Golden Girl
Natalie Coughlin, an Irish-American swimming champion, came back from a shoulder injury and a career hiatus to win five medals for the U.S.A. in Athens. ℘℘℘ Natalie Coughlin took the swimming world by storm at this summer's Centennial Olympics. The Concord, California native won a gold medal for the women's 100 meter backstroke and a bronze for the 100 meter freestyle in … [Read more...] about Olympics’ Golden Girl
The Irish Issue
As the 2004 United States Presidential Election Approaches, Irish Americans want to be informed of the candidates' policies on Irish issues. Deanna Turner approached President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry about their positions on immigration, the recent deportations of Irish republicans, the new U.S.-U.K. extradition treaty, the Good Friday Agreement, and what the … [Read more...] about The Irish Issue
O’Toole in Charge
Boston Police Commissioner Kathy O'Toole serves as top cop to the nation's oldest police force and brings a global approach to the job. ℘℘℘ It's a week after the Democratic National Convention, and Boston's 37th police commissioner is warily eyeing my tape recorder. Since taking up the job six months ago, the city's first woman commissioner, Kathleen O'Toole, has had to deal … [Read more...] about O’Toole in Charge
Proudly We Serve
September 11 has become this generation's "Day of Infamy." The terrorist attacks forever changed the way we live, and have made our daily lives more difficult. A secure environment can no longer be presumed. Some post 9/11 changes, however, have been positive. Is there anyone who doesn't now have a greater appreciation for our police and firefighters, or greater respect for … [Read more...] about Proudly We Serve