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: Politics
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Bill Clinton President "The [Irish] people want peace; the people will have peace." It is unparalleled in the history of the American presidency to have an occupant of the Oval Office who has worked so hard and so long to bring peace to Ireland. Soon after entering office, Bill Clinton took a calculated risk for peace when he granted a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Politics
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Song and Dance
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
The Dorsey Brothers Sultans of Swing To fans of jazz and swing, the Dorsey brothers need no introduction. As musicians, composers and dance band leaders, they are inextricably linked with the swing craze during the big-band era of the 1930s and 1940s. Their numerous hits include "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "I'll Never Smile Again," and "Boogie-Woogie." In all, they … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Song and Dance
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Sports
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Maureen Connolly Little Mo She was the first woman and the youngest tennis player ever to win the Grand Slam -- the four-in-a-row Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open -- and one of only five players to do so. Her name was Maureen Connolly, but to adoring fans she was "Little Mo." Born in San Diego on September 14, 1934, Connolly was just 18 … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Sports
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Stage and Screen
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
James Cagney Screen Giant "If you listen to the clowns around you're just dead. Go do what you have to do." Born July 17, 1899 on New York City's Lower East Side, James Francis Cagney was the second of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. His father was a saloonkeeper in the tough neighborhood where many of Cagney's contemporaries ended up in prison. In an … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Stage and Screen