A Short Story by Colum McCann It was a summer flood when our draft horse was caught in the river and the river smashed against stones. The sound of it to me was like the turning of locks. It was silage time and the water smelled of grass. The draft horse, Father’s favorite, had stepped in the river for a sniff maybe and she was caught, couldn’t move, her foreleg trapped … [Read more...] about Everything In This Country Must
1999
George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement
COMETH the hour, cometh the man. Philosophers have argued for a long time over the importance of the individual in history. Some say the forces of change, though seemingly blind, always produce that crucial man or woman who will be their instrument and cutting edge. Others argue that unless a person with the right qualifies, attributes and vision takes the driving seat, the … [Read more...] about George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement
The United Irishmen and their American Legacy
By Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.
When the rebellion of 1798 failed, many of The United Irishmen, including Thomas Addis Emmet, came to the United States where their influence was enormous.
You may well wonder why a historian of the United States should presume to write about the United Irishmen of 1798. There are two reasons: one personal, the other historical.
The personal reason is that I had the great good … [Read more...] about
The United Irishmen and their American Legacy
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Eamon de Valera The Long Fellow "I am in America as the official head of the [Irish] Republic, established by the will of the people in accordance with the principles of self-determination." Given that nobody born outside the United States can ever hope to become President of this nation, it is ironic that a humbly-born New Yorker was elected President of Ireland in … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Nationalists
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Eoin McKiernan Champion of Education "We can give no greater evidence of our love for Ireland than to join in the race to further the achievement of Irish children." Eoin McKiernan is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities in the U.S. on Irish affairs, and includes on his resumé such job descriptions as author, lecturer, script writer, TV presenter, … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Educators