From the time of St. Brendan, the Irish were drawn to America. Maybe it came from gazing out on the vast Atlantic Ocean and wondering what was on the other side. Brendan made his legendary trip in an ox-hide currach. Later the Irish reached "Inishfail" -- that "island of destiny" envisioned by the poets -- as migratory fishermen making their way to Newfoundland in the holds of … [Read more...] about The First Word: In the Beginning . . .
In This Issue 1999
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: The Services
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Reverend Francis Duffy Fighting Father "If I've helped anyone become a better man and he loves me for it, that's my Distinguished Service Cross." Beloved pastor and battlefield legend, the Reverend Francis Patrick Duffy, also known as "Fighting Father Duffy," was truly a man of the people. From the rarefied world of academia to the trenches of World War I France to … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: The Services
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Writers and Media
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Nellie Bly Newshound "Energy rightly applied can accomplish anything." Nellie Bly's biographer, Brooke Kroeger, captured the essence of his admirable subject when he wrote: "In the 1880s, she pioneered the development of 'detective' or 'stunt' journalism, the acknowledged forerunner to full-scale investigative reporting." Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran on May 5, 1864 to … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Writers and Media
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Builders
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Henry Ford King of the Road "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." He changed the future of this country, and indeed the world, with his revolutionary line of stylish, affordable motor cars. Today the name Ford is synonymous with quality, safety and value for money. He wouldn't have had it any other way. Born July 30, 1863, Henry Ford … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Builders
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Dorothy Day Heroine "Don't call me a saint. I don't want to be dismissed so easily." From time to time there comes an individual whose life exposes the limitations of the written word. Dorothy Day was such a person. Her strength, singularity and ability to nudge humankind a little further up the ladder of emotional and spiritual evolution goes beyond language. As a … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Community