Irish America

First Word

Last Word: The Way Forward

By Sharon Ní Chonchúir, Contributor
February / March 2017

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Following the success of the 1916 commemorations, the Irish government has launched a five-year program to celebrate the wealth of Ireland’s creativity.  ℘℘℘ 2016­ was a momentous year for Ireland as the country marked a century since the Easter Rising. However, it was only the beginning of what will be five years of commemorations as Ireland reflects on its march towards … [Read more...] about Last Word: The Way Forward

Pete Hamill in His Own Words

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Pete Hamill was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in March 2016.  In his acceptance remarks, printed here, he talks about being "an alloy," and what he owes to other cultures. Like all the others here in this room—not simply the people winning awards but all of us-- I could not be here without the help of others, especially Anne Devlin from Madrid Street in the … [Read more...] about Pete Hamill in His Own Words

First Word: What I Learned from Hillary

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2015

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Our cover story on Hillary Clinton reminds us of her role in the Irish peace process – particularly her involvement in bringing women into the discussion and throwing a light on the role they played in their communities – work that was often under-recognized. Closer to home she taught me a lesson that opened my eyes to the fact that when it comes to giving women their due, we … [Read more...] about First Word: What I Learned from Hillary

The First Word: Let’s Talk About the Climate

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
August / September 2014

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I’m reminded as we go to press that in Ireland we always talk about the weather. “How about the weather now?” was an oft heard refrain of my childhood, one that brought the answer, “The weather is up.” The weather is up! Or should we say, something is up with the weather. It’s too darn hot – with my pale Irish skin and light eye color, I’m constantly running for cover. And … [Read more...] about The First Word: Let’s Talk About the Climate

The First Word: We Are All Immigrants

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
February / March 2014

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And  so it begins. A new year, and already a happy one with the election of an Irish mayor in Boston. And who better to embody the tough, tireless, tender trajectory of our Irish story, than Marty Walsh, son of immigrants and champion of the working class. Marty’s campaign, aimed at a range of ethnic and social groups, echoes the political leadership of … [Read more...] about The First Word: We Are All Immigrants