"When anything absurd, forlorn, or desperate was to be attempted, the Irish Brigade was called upon." – George Alfred Townsend "Oh, God, what a pity! Here come Meagher's fellows" was the cry in the Confederate ranks. Nevertheless, the Rebels kept up the relentless fire. Captain John Donovan, in the 69th New York, called the combined cannon and rifle fire "murderous" as … [Read more...] about The Irish Brigade In the Civil War
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Songs of the People
Tom Russell's folk-rock album bears witness to American immigrant history. Singer and songwriter Tom Russell is a man of many worlds. Born in Southern California, he has led country music bands that played honky-tonks in such far-flung locales as Vancouver, Canada's skid row and Oslo, Norway, traveled as a carnival entertainer in Puerto Rico, and taught criminology in … [Read more...] about Songs of the People
Sláinte! The Feast of Lughnasa
The most joyous event of the Celtic year is Lughnasa (August 1), the beginning of the annual harvest. The Celtic calendar was structured on nature's agricultural cycle and great festivals were celebrated at the start of each season: Imbolc (spring), Beltaine (summer), Lughnasa (autumn), and Samhain (winter). All honor the life-giving sun, but only Lughnasa derives its name from … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Feast of Lughnasa
Roots: Caulfield: The Clan of Confusion
The name Caulfield is one about which much confusion arises. A name of several origins, few patronymics have acquired so many anglicized versions, the more common being MacCaul and MacCawell. Other variations include MacCall, MacHall, MacCarvill, MacCowhill, Callwell, Howell, Campbell and Gaffney. In parts of Galway and Mayo Caulfield has been used as the anglicized form of … [Read more...] about Roots: Caulfield: The Clan of Confusion
Book Reviews
FICTION For almost five decades now, legendary newspaperman Jimmy Breslin has dispensed wisdom, wit and justice with his hard-hitting columns. But Breslin has also published a dozen books now, and his novels have inspired a generation of Irish American writers. His 1973 novel World Without End, Amen chronicled the civil rights movements in both America and Northern Ireland, … [Read more...] about Book Reviews