When Shivaun O'Casey first met Irish-born Nobel Literature Prize winner Samuel Beckett, she was a shy young girl of 16 studying acting in London. In the 32 years that have followed that meeting, she has kept in close contact with Beckett, now recognized as one of the leading 20th century playwrights, whose dark visions of life inspired a revolutionary stage movement called … [Read more...] about “Happy Days” For O’Casey and Beckett
Interview
To Hell and Back
By Jane Campbell November December 1993
Ex-hostage Brian Keenan speaks to Jane Campbell about his book, his experiences, and his life post-imprisonment. In 1985 Brian Keenan, feeling that his life was stagnant, left his native Belfast for a teaching job in Beirut. That he both sought and found change and a challenge is an irony not lost on him, but the change — capture and imprisonment by fundamentalist Shi'ite … [Read more...] about To Hell and Back
Harrison Ford
By Frances Haines November December 1993
The king of Hollywood talks to Frances Haines about his controversial role in Patriot Games Son of an Irish Catholic emigrant, Harrison Ford has weathered the storm of Irish-American protest over Patriot Games. From his father, Chris, who found that his religion and ethnic origins prevented his getting work in the New York of the 20s, Harrison has always fiercely defended his … [Read more...] about Harrison Ford
Chairman of the Boards
By Frank Shouldice
November December 1993
Irish runner Eamonn Coghlan is heading a team of runners in the New York City Marathon who have more than winning as their goal. He talks to Frank Shouldice. When Eamonn Coghlan steps onto the starting line at the Verrazano Bridge this year it will be the second time he has taken part in the New York City Marathon. It was Fred Lebow, a co-founder and current director of the … [Read more...] about Chairman of the Boards
Black ’47
Rabble-Rousers with a Social Conscience "Free Joe Now," the song by Black 47, the Irish American group spearheaded by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne in 1990, became the anthem for those seeking political asylum for Joe Doherty, the Belfastman fighting extradition to the UK. These were early days for Black 47, the gigs were mainly fundraisers for one Irish cause or another — … [Read more...] about Black ’47