The 32nd World Irish dance championships were held inGlasgow and drew dancers from around the world. David Kirkwood reports. Photography by Paul McSherry. ℘℘℘ Scotland, for ten days in spring, became the world Mecca for Irish dancing when dancers from across the globe descended on Glasgow. The 32nd World Irish Dancing Championships, Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne 2002, was held … [Read more...] about Steppin’ Out in Scotland
Robert Ballagh :
The Land and The Irish
In his latest work, Irish artist Robert Ballagh explores the relationship between the Irish and the land.
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March 10, 2002, New York: Looking remarkably fresh after a long plane fide from Dublin, artist Robert Ballagh took time to show me around the recent exhibition of his new paintings that were displayed so beautifully at the Irish Arts Center for an exhibition entitled … [Read more...] about Robert Ballagh :
The Land and The Irish
World Cup Fever
In our dreams we take out Spain, beat England on penalties and Jason McAteer scores the winning goal against Brazil in the World Cup Final. The Carlsberg beer ad which is running in Ireland at the moment may only be wishful thinking, but as the nation gears up for the greatest sporting occasion of the year, there is growing optimism that Mick McCarthy and the lads will do us … [Read more...] about World Cup Fever
Voters Head to the Polls
Will Bertie be back, will there be a Quinn tide, or will Sinn Féin's day finally come? These are the questions facing the Irish people as they head to the polls on May 17. It has been the longest campaign and the most polled contest in the history of Irish elections, even though the actual date for the contest was only announced towards the end of April. All the main … [Read more...] about Voters Head to the Polls
The Catholic Church in Crisis
As in the U.S., the Church in Ireland is in crisis over continuing allegations of clerical child abuse. The scandal has taken its first scalp with the forced resignation of the Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Brendan Comiskey, for his mishandling of child abuse cases in his diocese. But there is ongoing pressure on some of the church's most senior clergymen, particularly Cardinal Desmond … [Read more...] about The Catholic Church in Crisis