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
1997
Beyond the Veil
A descendant of Famine immigrants recounts her trip home. It was our first trip to Ireland. And it was a trip my mother, Mary Lanigan Schmidt, always yearned to make, but never did. Now dead these 12 years, she left behind so much, including her First Communion veil from 1926, now yellow with age. I took two snippets of the delicate lace and brought them with me, a part of her, … [Read more...] about Beyond the Veil
From Ireland to Ellis Island
In the half-century that New York's Ellis Island served as a receiving station, more than 16 million immigrants passed through its doors. Ruth Ford talks to Irish immigrants about what they experienced. It is September, and cool inside the brick passageway connecting Ellis Island's registration hall with the moldering buildings that ring the island grasses. Outside, tourists … [Read more...] about From Ireland to Ellis Island
Back Home with Pierce Brosnan
Daylight hasn't quite settled over north Co. Wicklow yet, but even at 8.30 a.m., this Monday is already teetering on the brink of total disaster. For three days now, 70mph winds and vicious rainstorms have bullied the eastern coast of Ireland into a state of rain-saturated submission. Over the weekend, local news bulletins have become little more than official damage reports: … [Read more...] about Back Home with Pierce Brosnan
The First Word: Pulitzer and Lady Liberty
As we were going to press it was announced that our own Frank McCourt won a Pulitzer Prize for his memoir Angela's Ashes. Over the years many Irish Americans have been so honored. Boston Globe columnist Eileen McNamara (all four grandparents were Irish) was also a Pulitzer recipient this year. Two years ago Jim Dwyer (the son of immigrants), currently a columnist with The New … [Read more...] about The First Word: Pulitzer and Lady Liberty