“Growing up in an Irish household, I learned the importance of connection and community. My fiercely Irish mother instilled in me a relentless work ethic, the ability to find joy in the face of adversity and a zest for life – qualities that have been indispensable in navigating both life and business.” - Kathleen McQuade Ellmore, Business 100 honoree The … [Read more...] about The First Word: Hope, Heritage and Hard Work
First Word
Movers & Shakers
By Patricia Harty
Fall 2024
"He described his role in business as being that of ‘a catalyst, putting deals together and bringing individuals into a structure where they can play out their parts’. His one guideline was ‘whatever you are doing, jump right into the middle of it and don’t hold back.’” - Oisín O’Connell on his late father, Emmett O’Connell Welcome to the Fall 2024 issue. There are … [Read more...] about Movers & Shakers
The First Word: A Great Deal Left to Do
Reflecting on the past year, it appears to be a great time to be Irish. And if we Irish are being perceived as "great" at the moment, our creative artists are largely responsible. Time magazine's "Best of 1996" picked Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes as the best nonfiction book of the year, and it's been on the best-seller list for weeks now. Remember that wonderful review that … [Read more...] about The First Word: A Great Deal Left to Do
The First Word: Field of Dreams
Looking back over the year there are few images that stand out more in my mind than that of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa hugging after McGwire's record-tying home run. In a year beset with political scandals it was such a relief to watch McGwire and Sosa. You couldn't ask for two guys with more class - one an Irish American, the other an immigrant from the Dominican … [Read more...] about The First Word: Field of Dreams
An End to Shame?
Thomas Keneally's latest book The Great Shame should be in every Irish household, and it should be read, all 700 or so pages of it, by anyone with an interest in the history of Ireland. It is a great book, wonderfully written by the Irish Australian author of Schindler's List. Beginning with the tale of Hugh Larkin, a twenty-four-year old rebel transported for life in 1833, … [Read more...] about An End to Shame?