The press launch for Showcase Ireland, Ireland's largest trade fair, was held at The 21 Club in New York City on December 10th. The Crafts Council of Ireland felt it appropriate to hold the launch in New York to demonstrate their appreciation of the friendship and economic ties between Ireland and the United States, and to show solidarity with New York in the light of recent … [Read more...] about Showcase Ireland
Gift Idea for Art Lovers
Irish sculptor John Behan's bronze memorial "Arrival" was recently unveiled at the UN Plaza in New York. Behan describes the work as having an emphasis "...on hope, the future. The people walk down the gangplanks into a new world having survived the wild, stormy voyage across the Atlantic. But the sculpture speaks to us of all peoples, not merely the Irish." Behan's work is … [Read more...] about Gift Idea for Art Lovers
McCourt Returns to Teaching
Frank McCourt has been giving accent coaching to veteran American actor Paul Newman. After a dinner one night, Paul told Frank that he was playing an Irish character and would like some `accent' coaching. It was arranged that Paul would visit Frank at his apartment where Frank proceeded to read Paul's lines into a recorder. They then enjoyed coffee and a chat as Paul regaled … [Read more...] about McCourt Returns to Teaching
Danny Boy Uncovered
In his book Danny Boy – The Beloved Irish Ballad to be published in March, well-known Irish-American writer Malachy McCourt offers an explication of the history, facts and myths surrounding the well-loved Irish air. McCourt explains that "Danny Boy" is unique in that people are willing to overlook a bad rendition if the singer is earnest and the moment is true. It is certainly … [Read more...] about Danny Boy Uncovered
Quiet Man Celebrations
If you happen to have a neighbor, or even a friend, who has recently returned from a visit to the ould sod and, after a couple of drops of the crathur', they start babblin' on about strange sightings in counties Mayo and Galway, take a good pinch of salt and, please, be patient, all will be explained! It is just over 50 years since one of the first Technicolor films ever to be … [Read more...] about Quiet Man Celebrations