It is perhaps a love of words that endears the Irish to Saint Patrick. Son of a West Britain Roman family, at age sixteen Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Six years later he escaped, fled to the coast, and was hired on as kennel master to a German boat that was transporting Irish wolfhounds to the continent. After many hardships, he at last … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: Saint Patrick
February 1, 1994
On this day in 1994, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams was permitted by the US government to enter the country and speak in New York City at a special conference organized by the National Committee on American Foreign Policy. This effectively broke the US policy of "censorship by visa denial." Throughout much of the Clinton administration, Adams was continuously denied a US visa … [Read more...] about February 1, 1994
November 29, 1993
The Northern Ireland peace process took another momentous step forward on this day in 1993 by appointing ten members onto an executive power-sharing board under the leadership of David Trimble. Furthermore, the British and Irish governments began making constitutional changes that were laid down in the Good Friday Agreement. Martin McGuinness, former IRA member, was appointed … [Read more...] about November 29, 1993
January 20, 1993
In 1993, William Jefferson Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd president of the United States. The Democrat was the former governor of Arkansas, his native state, serving previously as Arkansas’ Attorney General. During his presidency, the Irish American would dedicate much time and effort into the peace process in Ireland. In the decades following his presidency, he founded … [Read more...] about January 20, 1993
August 30, 1992
U2 played the last of two shows on their ZooTV tour at Yankee Stadium in New York City on this day in 1992. They are the first Irish band to ever do so and only the second rock artist to play this venue. Billy Joel was the first. They played such hits as "Desire," "Where the Streets Have No Name" and several songs off their newly released album "Atchung Baby." … [Read more...] about August 30, 1992