By Turlough McConnell The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the First Nations of Canada and Native Americans for their contributions to Irish Famine relief in 1847 at the National Famine Commemoration Day ceremony held in Kilmallock, County Limerick, on May 17th. Speaking at the event, he acknowledged donations from the Choctaws and Cherokees in the United … [Read more...] about On Famine and Native Americans: President Higgins leads Ireland’s Commemoration
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Thomas Moore: The Minstrel of Ireland
By James Flannery
Thomas Moore was the most popular poet of his day. His “Irish Melodies,” arranged and sung to traditional tunes, 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 alone. James Flannery gives us an … [Read more...] about Thomas Moore: The Minstrel of Ireland
Pope Adrian IV, King Henry II and The Siege of Ireland
By Rosemary Rogers
On December 4, 1154, Nicholas Breakspear, the first and only Englishman to ascend to the papacy, was unanimously elected the Catholic Church’s 107th pope. He chose Adrian IV, a posh name for a pope who proved deadly for the pesky isle across the sea, Ireland.
Quite unfairly, in 12th-century Europe, Ireland, a country steeped in spirituality, learning, and illuminated … [Read more...] about
President Trump Proclaims Irish Heritage Month
The President calls on Irish Americans to celebrate their "contributions to our Nation," adding,"Irish Americans are known as some of the toughest, most driven, and most devoted people on the face of the Earth." A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Irish Americans have played a crucial role in our great American story — courageously overcoming … [Read more...] about President Trump Proclaims Irish Heritage Month
The Friar and The Saint:
How St. Valentine Came to Dublin
How St. Valentine Came to Dublin
By David Murphy
IA Newsletter, February 8, 2025
IA Newsletter, February 8, 2025
A Carmelite priest was gifted the relics of Saint Valentine, now enshrined in Our Lady of Mount St.Carmel, Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin.
He will be forever linked with St. Valentine, but John Francis Spratt would be remembered as a beloved philanthropist, famous for his work among the poor and destitute in the Liberties of Dublin. He was one of the first to join Fr. … [Read more...] about
How St. Valentine Came to Dublin