Rory McIlroy, who was chosen to represent Ireland in Brazil’s 2016 Olympic games, announced in July that he would not be competing. The Northern Irish golfer issued an official statement, explaining that his concerns about the mosquito-borne Zika virus were behind this change of heart. The virus has been speculated to result in extreme birth defects when passed from mother to … [Read more...] about Rory McIlroy Withdraws From 2016 Olympic Games
Irish Soccer Fans Receive Award for Good Behavior
Fans of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland soccer teams were commended by the City of Paris for their displays of good sportsmanship during the 2016 Union of European Football Associations Championship. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said that both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland fans were awarded the Medal of the City of Paris for their “exceptional” behavior … [Read more...] about Irish Soccer Fans Receive Award for Good Behavior
40-Year Anniversary of “Brendan Voyage” Marked in Clare
Explorer and historian Tim Severin celebrated 40 years since he embarked on an epic 4,500 mile voyage across the Atlantic on a leather boat with Shannon Heritage in June at the permanent home of Severin’s original “Brendan Boat” in Craggaunowen, Co. Clare. Severin, right, undertook the voyage to prove the feasibility of the alleged journey of St. Brendan to the Americas more … [Read more...] about 40-Year Anniversary of “Brendan Voyage” Marked in Clare
Brexit Creates Worry for Northern Ireland
In June, the United Kingdom officially passed the referendum to end its membership with the European Union. A slim 51.9 percent majority voted in accordance with the “Leave” campaign, while 49.1 percent voted to remain. Statistics have shown that the majority of the Leave votes came from polling stations in Wales and rural England, whereas London, Scotland, and the majority of … [Read more...] about Brexit Creates Worry for Northern Ireland
Irish Eye on Hollywood:
McDonagh and McDormand Head to Missouri
For two decades now, playwright Martin McDonagh has been dazzling theater and movie audiences with Irish plays like The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Cripple of Inishmaan. More recently, he has written and directed critically acclaimed movies (with Irish as well as non-Irish characters) such as 2008’s In Bruges and 2012’s Seven Psychopaths. Back in the spring, McDonagh’s … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood:
McDonagh and McDormand Head to Missouri