Born in Wilmette, Illinois on September B21, 1950, Bill Murray grew up, one of nine children, in an Irish Catholic family (one sister is a Carmelite nun). He left home in the early '70s to join Chicago's Second City comedy group and found fame with Saturday Night Live, before conquering Hollywood and becoming one of the most highly regarded actors of the day. This interview … [Read more...] about Bill Murray
Interviews
George Mitchell
There would not have been a peace agreement on Good Friday 1998 without George Mitchell. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams reflects the views of most Irish nationalists when he says: "Senator Mitchell's role was indispensable to the success of the negotiation process and to the securing of the Good Friday Agreement. There can be no doubt that without his patience and stamina the … [Read more...] about George Mitchell
Alice McDermott
In 1998, Alice McDermott's fourth novel, Charming Billy, captured the National Book Award. Few were surprised. McDermott had previously been nominated for two Pulitzers and another N.B.A. But McDermott was so sure she wouldn't win she didn't prepare an acceptance speech. Standing in front of hundreds of the most powerful people in the world of writing, she gracefully … [Read more...] about Alice McDermott
Frank McCourt
Frank McCourt went from retired New York City high school in a matter of months with the publication of Angela's Ashes, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Frank managed to save the fare for a boat to America by the age of 19, the point at which Angela's Ashes finishes. He arrived in New York City by ship, on the eve of the Korean War. The young Irish kid was drafted … [Read more...] about Frank McCourt
Donald Keough
Donald Keough's love of Ireland and all things Irish led to his involvement in fostering Ireland's economy. He led several groups of American businessmen, including Warren Buffett, on economic missions to the country over the years.In 1993, Keough retired as president and COO of The Coca-Cola Company, and that same year he and his wife, Marilyn, endowed a chair of Irish Studies … [Read more...] about Donald Keough