There must be something in the water of Nenagh, County Tipperary. The town’s offspring seem to have unusually high traces of medal. Make that gold medal. 1956 Olympic 1,500 meter winner, Ronnie Delany, with the Tipperary Olympic Gold Memorial Committee has launched a project to honor three famous champions with Nenagh roots. Already fundraising has begun on the plan that … [Read more...] about Golden Boys
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Billy Collins as Soul Friend
A visit to Ireland with Poet Laureate Billy Collins. What draws an assortment of poets to Ireland to study with Billy Collins? If you've been to the Beara Peninsula, you understand the allure of this mountainous region in West Cork; if you are familiar with Billy Collins' poetry, its quirky bends and heart-stopping imagery, you would never even ask the question. … [Read more...] about Billy Collins as Soul Friend
In the Heat of Battle
Dubliners Alan Concannon, Tadgh Honan, Gerry Lynch Tyrone-man Noel McGillian stand dressed in Civil War regalia as part of the 140th anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of First Manassas or the First Battle of Bull Run in Leesburg, Virginia on August 3-5. In eerie likeness to the weather on the day of the battle, temperatures boiled into the 90s and 300 had to be treated … [Read more...] about In the Heat of Battle
Ladies of Mercy
On July 18, 2001, Dorothy Marie and Gwen Hennessey of the Sisters of St. Francis of The Holy Family, left their fellow sisters and friends to report to Pekin Federal Correctional Institute in Illinois. They were sentenced to six months for a November 2000 protest at the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia. Founded in 1946 and funded by U.S. taxpayers, SOA … [Read more...] about Ladies of Mercy
Into the Mystic
That one?!" Noreen Walshe responded to a fan at the Irish Arts Center in New York who told her that one of the paintings the Meath artist chose to display was a personal favorite. "You like that one?" Her eyes opened wide in question, then she cast them down to her feet, a blush blooming her cheeks. It was the color of a youthful spirit seasoned with the humility of a … [Read more...] about Into the Mystic