Anyone who has read Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes -- and by now that probably takes in about half the planet -- knows that what makes McCourt's memoir of an impoverished Irish childhood so magical is the unique "voice" the author uses to tell the story. McCourt struggled for many years until he "started writing in the voice of a child, immediate, urgent and without hindsight … [Read more...] about Angela’s Ashes Loses Its Voice
2000
The Boy from Southie
Michael Patrick MacDonald was in the third grade when the anti-busing riots broke out in South Boston in 1974. In his first book, All Souls, he harks back to that chaotic time. He talks to Lauren Byrne about growing up poor in Southie, that most Irish of enclaves. There's a certain grim thrill in meeting a writer around whom reports are swirling that he is having to lie low … [Read more...] about The Boy from Southie
Have the Irish Made It in America?
Sociologist and best-selling author Andrew M. Greeley looks at the various immigrant waves of Irish to this country and how they fared. Have the Irish made it in America? That the question is still asked shows that the Irish are still insecure about their success in this country. In fact, Irish Catholics are the most successful gentile ethnic group in American society and … [Read more...] about Have the Irish Made It in America?
The Connemara Prints
Fashion and celebrity photographer Kit DeFever (who has shot many Irish America covers) turns his eye on Ireland. The photographs below were taken in Connemara and are beautifully reproduced as prints on watercolor paper. Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the February / March 2000 issue of Irish America. … [Read more...] about The Connemara Prints
From Angel to Devil: The Real Byrne
A revealing insight into the life of Irish actor Gabriel Byrne. Gabriel Byrne is a paradox. Most articles focus on his dark, brooding persona while playing up his rugged, Celtic good looks, but to see him in person you're struck by his gentle manner and keen sense of humor. And while there is no denying that he is a Hollywood star with all that that entails -- homes in New … [Read more...] about From Angel to Devil: The Real Byrne