Irish director Neil Jordan, currently filming The Gambler with Nick Nolte, in France, recently beat off stiff competition for the film rights to Peter Carey's best-seller The True Story of the Kelly Gang. In the novel, Carey, an Australian who won the Booker Prize for Oscar and Lucinda, gives a first person account of his country'y most powerful legend, Ned Kelly, the son of … [Read more...] about Jordan to Film Ned Kelly
Hibernia
The Last Hurrah
President Bill Clinton's third, unprecedented and final visit to Ireland as President had all the feelings of a homecoming. And why not? No other American President has devoted as much time, political energy and determination to bringing peace to Northern Ireland and economic development to the country as a whole as Bill Clinton. And it was clear from the crowds that lined the … [Read more...] about The Last Hurrah
The Irish Arrive
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern was in New York last December to present of a sculpture to the United Nations. Entitled Arrival, the bronze piece was created by John Behan, Ireland's foremost sculptor, and was installed on the north lawn of the UN headquarters. Situated only yards from the East River, and standing 23 feet high, it depicts a nineteenth-century emigrant ship … [Read more...] about The Irish Arrive
Steve Allen (1921 – 2000)
If the stars are twinkling a bit more lately, it's because one of Earth's brightest has taken his place in their midst. On November 1, Steve Allen passed away in his sleep and into the realm of legend. His wife, actress Jayne Meadows, once described him as "a good Irish Catholic boy. One of the true, clean wits around." He was that, and much more -- a comic genius, musician, … [Read more...] about Steve Allen (1921 – 2000)
The Faithful Departed
The face of Catholic Ireland is changing beyond recognition. Ten years ago, well over 80 percent of Irish Catholics went to Mass at least once a week. That number is now down to about 60 percent and falling fast. The empty pews seem staggering to anyone who has been away from Ireland for a while, and it's noticeable that those who are at Mass are mostly older people. Fewer … [Read more...] about The Faithful Departed