Irish America

Irish America

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Lydia Barrington Darragh: Irish Pacifist, American Patriot

By Ray Cavanaugh

Winter 2025

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It is understandable that the mention of wartime heroism tends to evoke images of combat valor. But there are other ways that people can contribute heavily to the wartime cause without taking a bullet, firing a bullet, or even setting foot on a battlefield.  Lydia Barrington Darragh was most certainly a noncombatant, but she served her adopted country well in crucial … [Read more...] about Lydia Barrington Darragh: Irish Pacifist, American Patriot

Roots: The McCooey Clan

By Mary Egan

Fall 2025

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The McCooey surname has Armagh roots, deriving from the Gaelic name Mac Cumhaigh, meaning “son of Cú Mhaighe,” which translates to “hound of the plain.” This surname is an Anglicized form of a patronymic, where the “Mac” signifies “son of,” and the personal name Cú Mhaighe was common in the region of Armagh. Famous individuals with the surname McCooey include the Gaelic poet … [Read more...] about Roots: The McCooey Clan

Armagh: The Orchard County

By Edna Cullen

Fall 2025

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From ancient kings to Bramley apples and modern-day resilience, this quiet corner of Northern Ireland offers rich rewards for travelers tracing roots and chasing meaning. County Armagh doesn’t scream for attention – and that’s precisely its charm. Tucked away in Northern Ireland’s lush heartland, it’s not the most obvious stop on a tourist trail. But for Irish Americans … [Read more...] about Armagh: The Orchard County

Leading With Purpose And Ambition

By Tom Deignan

Fall 2025

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Jane McCooey once had a profound epiphany about her career, which so far has ventured into the fields of law, tech, and high finance.   It came while she was playing Camogie. “You don’t really talk about work when you’re there – you just go to train and play,” the Armagh native and Morgan Stanley executive said during  our recent interview. “But half the … [Read more...] about Leading With Purpose And Ambition

The White House Conference

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Michael Keane writes on the historic White House Conference on Ireland held in Washington, D.C., May 23-25. In years to come historians will look back on the conflict in Northern Ireland and its resolution and will rightly judge that the Government of the United States, under President Bill Clinton, played a crucial role.  They will also point to a conference in Washington … [Read more...] about The White House Conference