Irish America

April May 2004 Issue

Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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Sitting with me in the sleek conference room of the AFL-CIO's executive suite overlooking the White House, John Sweeney presents a striking contrast to his surroundings. Portly in his suspenders and rumpled shirt with his jacket nowhere in sight, he appears totally unassuming. It would be easy to underestimate the man at first glance. The only way to gauge his emotions is by … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year John Sweeney: Defending America’s Workers

John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

By Sarah Buscher, Contributor
April / May 2004

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In March, 2004, John Sweeney, then president of the AFL-CIO with three million workers under watch, was Irish America Magazine's Irish American of the Year. In this far-reaching interview with Sarah Buscher, then Irish America's assistant editor, Sweeney talked about the plight of immigrants; working families; and growing up in the Bronx, the son of Irish immigrant parents. … [Read more...] about John Sweeney:
Defending America’s Workers

First Word: Everyday Heroes

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2004

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Congratulations to our Top 100 and to our Irish-American of the Year John J. Sweeney. In honoring Sweeney we honor a great labor leader who has three million workers under the umbrella of the AFL-CIO. We also take pride in the history of the Irish in the labor movement -- by 1900 it's estimated that 50 of the 110 labor unions were headed by Irish or Irish-Americans. We reflect … [Read more...] about First Word: Everyday Heroes

St. Patrick’s Day,
A World Away

By Pat Bigold, Contributor
April / May 2004

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Honolulu hosts the very last St. Patrick's Day parade on earth every year. No other parade is held closer to the International Dateline. It has an eclectic look with Polynesian school bands, Chinese lion dancers, beauty queens of various Pacific Island nationalities and even representatives of the British-themed Fox and Hounds Pub &Grub marching along-side Irish … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day,
A World Away

Noth and Meaney,
No Bad Apples

By Irish America Staff
April / May 2004

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Bad Apple, a fast-paced drama with dark comedic overtones, based on the novel by Anthony Bruno, had its premiere in New York City and aired on February 16 on TNT. Chris Noth and Colm Meaney play two FBI agents trying to bring down a loan-sharking business run by the mob. Things become increasingly intense after a series of crosses and double-crosses leave both agents at the … [Read more...] about Noth and Meaney,
No Bad Apples