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
1990
Roots: The O’Reillys
The O'Reilly family name is derived from the Gaelic "O'Raghailligh," which means descendants of Raghaillach. The O'Reillys were the most powerful sept of the old Gaelic Kingdom of Breffny, and the family is still very numerous in the area which made up this kingdom, i.e., Cavan and the surrounding counties. The name is frequently shortened to Reilly or Riley. Members of the … [Read more...] about Roots: The O’Reillys
Entertainer Extraordinaire: Gene Kelly
It was made in Hollywood on the back lot of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer smack-dab in the middle of the century—1952 to be exact. You've all seen it and thrilled to it. You'll probably see it again as will your children and your children's children. Magic has a way of doing that to us. Of all the thousands of musical scenes in motion pictures and the hundreds of stars who performed in … [Read more...] about Entertainer Extraordinaire: Gene Kelly



