On March 29, 2004 Ireland became the first country in the European Union to ban smoking in workplaces, including all restaurants and pubs. Although some smokers and the Irish Vintners Federation, a trade group representing pub owners, had opposed the ban, it has taken effect and largely been obeyed by patrons. Even in rural pubs, customers are taking the law seriously, which … [Read more...] about Smoking Ban in Full Force
Hibernia
Colombia Three Are Acquitted
Following on the heels of the very successful run of Tom Murphy's Bailegangaire, Irish Repertory of Chicago's 2004 season resumes in June with the world premiere staging of A Dublin Bloom, an adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses. This production is Irish Rep's contribution to the worldwide "Bloomsday 100" celebration, marking one hundred years since the most famous day in … [Read more...] about Colombia Three Are Acquitted
Chicago in Bloom
Following on the heels of the very successful run of Tom Murphy's Bailegangaire, Irish Repertory of Chicago's 2004 season resumes in June with the world premiere staging of A Dublin Bloom, an adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses. This production is Irish Rep's contribution to the worldwide "Bloomsday 100" celebration, marking one hundred years since the most famous day in … [Read more...] about Chicago in Bloom
Ghosts Beneath the Rails
William Watson never believed in ghosts. But the legend of 57 Irish railroad workers buried in a common grave has haunted the Springfield, Pennsylvania resident and history professor since the day he discovered the story of Duffy's Cut some years ago. Watson, the chairman of history and politics at Immaculata University in Chester County, was going through his grandfather's … [Read more...] about Ghosts Beneath the Rails
The First Irish American Olympic Champion
Born in South Boston October 28, 1868 James Brendan Connolly was the sixth son of childhood sweethearts John Connolly and Ann O'Donnell from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. But in 1895, Jim Connolly's parents were far from pleased. At the age of 27 their son gave them a great sense of pride when he entered Harvard to study engineering. Less than a year later, he … [Read more...] about The First Irish American Olympic Champion