W.B. Yeats had his second coming on June 11 with actors, writers, and other members of New York's creative community slouching towards the microphone to read from the hilarious new novel Yeats is Dead. It was all in a good cause, however, with the proceeds from American sales going to Amnesty International and a pound per book from all Irish and U.L. sales. Written in … [Read more...] about Amnesty Celebrates 40 Years
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Sister Act
How a committed sister freed her brother from prison. In 1980 the body of Katharina Brow was found in her trailer home in Ayer, Massachusetts. She had been stabbed to death and robbed of money and jewelry. Suspects were questioned but the case languished for two years until an anonymous phone call tipped the police that Kenny Waters had admitted to the crime. Kenny … [Read more...] about Sister Act
The Irish Brigade In the Civil War
"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
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