William Kennedy on his unsung origins. My grandfathers, George Kennedy and Peter McDonald, died before I was born. I came to know something of them through talks with my parents and other relatives, a few artifacts, death certificates and obituaries, and two photographs that defined them for me forever. Both photos are working-class portraits. The portrait of George … [Read more...] about Two Grandfathers
Feature
The Player
Mark O'Meara, golf's mister nice guy, is interviewed by John Kernaghan. Some men are defined by how they win, some by their bearing in defeat. For Mark O'Meara, golf's great grandson of Ireland, his composure on a day of personal loss but team triumph fleshes out a portrait of classical sportsman. The scene at the 17th green on the last day of the Ryder Cup competition at … [Read more...] about The Player
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Eoin McKiernan Champion of Education "We can give no greater evidence of our love for Ireland than to join in the race to further the achievement of Irish children." Eoin McKiernan is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities in the U.S. on Irish affairs, and includes on his resumé such job descriptions as author, lecturer, script writer, TV presenter, … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Mary Harris "Mother" Jones Miners' Angel "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Mother Jones was one of America's most effective union organizers. At a time when few women were activists, she was a fearless crusader for the rights of American workers and became the champion of child laborers. But most of all, she was the "miner's angel" often risking … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Eamon de Valera The Long Fellow "I am in America as the official head of the [Irish] Republic, established by the will of the people in accordance with the principles of self-determination." Given that nobody born outside the United States can ever hope to become President of this nation, it is ironic that a humbly-born New Yorker was elected President of Ireland in … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists