It is a little-known fact that Ernie O’Malley, renowned for his role in Ireland’s revolutionary struggle, was also a passionate collector of Irish folklore. “The Enchanted Bay: Tales and Legends from Ernie O’Malley’s Irish Folklore Collection,” by Cormac K. H. O’Malley and Patrick J. Mahoney, is a testament to O’Malley’s multifaceted legacy. Ernie O'Malley (1897-1957) is … [Read more...] about “The Enchanted Bay”
History Archives
Irish Rebel John Devoy and America’s Fight for Ireland’s Freedom
The relationship between John Devoy, the legendary Fenian, and Eamon de Valera is explored by Terry Golway. In Neil Jordan's film Michael Collins, there's an 18-month gap in the pivotal conflict between Eamon de Valera and the movie's hero. We see Collins helping to hustle de Valera out of Ireland, bound for the United States. A few minutes later, de Valera returns to Ireland, … [Read more...] about Irish Rebel John Devoy and America’s Fight for Ireland’s Freedom
Solider to Stand Trial for Bloody Sunday Killings
IA Newsletter, February 1, 2025
We’re supposed to call him Soldier F, for legal reasons. His real name is widely known among those familiar with the history of Bloody Sunday, the massacre of 13 unarmed protestors in Derry on January 30, 1972 – another died shortly after. In all, 27 unarmed civilians were killed or injured by British soldiers that day – many of them while attending to the wounded or fleeing … [Read more...] about Solider to Stand Trial for Bloody Sunday Killings
Áedh Mac Breic: Patron of Headache Sufferers
He was a descendant of the Uí Néill dynasty and often served as a peacemaker for that contentious tribe, who even accused St. Patrick of putting a curse on them. Before he rose to prominence, Àedh was an illiterate farmer, a bumpkin of sorts who was bilked of his inheritance by his brothers. Seeking revenge, the future Saint abducted their maid and headed south. A local bishop, … [Read more...] about Áedh Mac Breic: Patron of Headache Sufferers
The Kindness of Strangers: Remembering the Tragedy of the Brig St. John in 1849
IA Newsletter, October 12, 2024
On 6 October 1849, emigrants on board the Brig St. John, caught their first sighting of American land as their vessel approached the coast of Cape Cod. The vessel was carrying as many as 140 passengers from counties Clare and Galway, Their destination was Boston where they would disembark the following day. The voyage had been uneventful and, to celebrate their safe arrival, … [Read more...] about The Kindness of Strangers: Remembering the Tragedy of the Brig St. John in 1849