November 1992
First Word: The Belly of the Beast
Prison literature from John Mitchell's Jail Journal to the prison diary of Bobby Sands has a revered place in Irish literature and the latest addition, though written from a cell in far-off Lebanon, is easily a match for the best. I highly recommend An Evil Cradling, the story of Irish's hostage Brian Keenan and his five-year struggle for survival in various Beirut hellholes. … [Read more...] about First Word: The Belly of the Beast
Music Review: Nashville Finds Its Irish Roots
By Jim Kelton November 1992
The Chieftains are the most Irish of all commercial bands and, therefore, the most universal in spirit. They embody their musical heritage with such fierce allegiance to its true origins that nothing compromises their integrity. They work with ballet companies, symphony orchestras, classical Chinese ensembles, and even hard-edged rock stars with miraculous consistency. No … [Read more...] about Music Review: Nashville Finds Its Irish Roots
Blazes Boylan
Compiled by Brian Rohan November 1992
Mary Calls for Aid to Somalia President Mary Robinson reported to the United Nations that she was "shocked and horrified" by what she saw during her late October visit to Somalia, the East African country where more than 1,000 people are dying of famine daily. The Irish President was at the U.N. in New York as a high-ranking delegate to plead for more international aid for … [Read more...] about Blazes Boylan
Running with the Bulls
By Keith Kelly November 1992
Matthew Carney was one of the most famous foreign-born runners of the bulls of Pamplona. Keith Kelly, on the trail of the elusive legend, discovers the spirit of bravado and romance that drew the Irish-American to Spain. Under the carnival lights at the feast of San Fermin in northern Spain I first heard of Matt Carney, the California-born Irishman who ran with the bulls every … [Read more...] about Running with the Bulls