By Turlough McConnell The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the First Nations of Canada and Native Americans for their contributions to Irish Famine relief in 1847 at the National Famine Commemoration Day ceremony held in Kilmallock, County Limerick, on May 17th. Speaking at the event, he acknowledged donations from the Choctaws and Cherokees in the United … [Read more...] about On Famine and Native Americans: President Higgins leads Ireland’s Commemoration
Thomas Moore: The Minstrel of Ireland
By James Flannery
Thomas Moore was the most popular Irish poet of his day. His famed “Irish Melodies,” with exquisite lyrics by Moore composed to traditional airs, were translated into many languages and won him international fame. He was particularly dear to the hearts of Irish Americans and a million and a half copies of the music for “The Last Rose of Summer” were sold in the United States … [Read more...] about Thomas Moore: The Minstrel of Ireland
Pope Adrian IV, King Henry II and The Siege of Ireland
By Rosemary Rogers
On December 4, 1154, Nicholas Breakspear, the first and only Englishman to ascend to the papacy, was unanimously elected the Catholic Church’s 107th pope. He chose Adrian IV, a posh name for a pope who proved deadly for the pesky isle across the sea, Ireland. Quite unfairly, in 12th-century Europe, Ireland, a country steeped in spirituality, learning, and illuminated … [Read more...] about
Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast
In pre-Christian Ireland, the spring celebration on May 1 was called Bealtaine. Household fires were extinguished several days before the feast and people were forbidden to rekindle them until Druid priests lit a ceremonial bonfire on the Hill of Tara, stronghold of the High King. When Christianity supplanted pagan customs a new spring celebration was introduced: Easter, … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast
The Master of Suspense Had Irish Roots!
By Kevin Lewis
August/September 1999
His mother was Irish born Emma Jane Whelan. His father’s mother was also Irish. Hitchcock was educated at a Jesuit school and remained a devout Catholic through out his life. Hitchcock also adapted Irish playwright Sean O’Casey’s “Juno and the Paycock” for the screen. The name Alfred Hitchcock summons up images of the impassive, corpulent, bald-headed man in a black suit who … [Read more...] about The Master of Suspense Had Irish Roots!