Jean Kennedy Smith has now been ambassador to Ireland for two years, during which time she has played a leading role in the peace process. Niall O'Dowd interviews and profiles the 1995 "Irish American of the Year." "Next to President of the United States, Ambassador to Ireland is surely one of the best jobs an Irish American can hold," says Jean Kennedy Smith who was … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year: A Very Special Envoy
Feature
Sláinte!: The Night of the Big Portion
By Edythe Preet
January/February 1995
In Ireland the last night of the year was called Oiche na Cada Moire, The Night of the Big Portion. It was common practice to have a big supper that night to ensure a full cupboard and plenty to eat in the twelve months to come. Of course, the custom dated back to a time when crop success meant the difference between feast and famine. Spells and incantations were invoked to … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: The Night of the Big Portion
The State of the Irish Lobby
By Eamon Lynch
January/February 1995
Will the political events of November effect a change in the American role in the Northern Ireland peace process? The mid-term election in the United States produced a Republican landslide, and cost some noted Irish-Americans their seats, but the results are not as worrying for the Irish government and Sinn Féin in terms of the peace process as one might expect. However … [Read more...] about The State of the Irish Lobby
Interview with the Vampire Maker
By Colin Lacey
January/February 1995
With his 1992 Oscar-winning film, The Crying Game, Irish director-screenwriter Neil Jordan staked a claim as a major force in the international film industry. In 1994, Jordan's spectacular film version of Anne Rice's cult novel, Interview with the Vampire, consolidated that claim. Starring box-office heavyweights Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Christian Slater the movie is … [Read more...] about Interview with the Vampire Maker
Sacred Mysteries
There are few men of the cloth world-wide who arouse the passion and interest that Chicago's Andrew Greeley does. Priest, sociologist, Irish historian, and best-selling novelist, Greeley is always controversial. In New York recently to promote his latest novel, Irish Gold, a romance mystery with historical overtones, he talked to Patricia Harty. "The Irish are the most … [Read more...] about Sacred Mysteries