Eugene McCarthy died at the age of 89 in December. He was born a farmer's son in far-flung Watkins, Minnesota, not the typical urban Irish Catholic of his generation who went into politics. But McCarthy's Irishness was central to his identity, as is evident in his writings as well as the issues about which he was passionate. McCarthy struck those who knew him as a scholar, and … [Read more...] about Eugene McCarthy Remembered
2006
Eugene O’Neill Documentary on PBS
Playwright Eugene O'Neill, the only American dramatist to win the Nobel Prize, will be the subject of a March 27 edition of PBS' documentary series "The American Experience." The show, entitled Eugene O'Neill: A Documentary Film, is produced by Arthur and Barbara Gelb, the authors of the famous O'Neill biography Life With Monte Cristo. The couple also wrote the script for the … [Read more...] about Eugene O’Neill Documentary on PBS
Waiting for Beckett: Remembrance of a Meeting on the Boulevard of Saint Jaques
April 13, 2006. Beckett's 100th birthday. In anticipation of that April, April future of Aprils past, I recall the first time I ever met him, Beckett, on now into a second decade, the man with the baggy greatcoat, the grey-shocked hair and the yellowed packs of Dutch cigars, sitting by himself in the lobby of the Hotel PLM-Saint Jacques, reading a copy of an Irish newspaper. It … [Read more...] about Waiting for Beckett: Remembrance of a Meeting on the Boulevard of Saint Jaques
The Future of the Great Blasket Island
Three miles out to sea, stark against the western horizon, storm clouds are swirling above the Great Blasket. The future of this unique island, renowned for its desolate beauty, its crumbling ruins and its cultural legacy, is under threat. After years of agitation, litigation, and endless negotiations, the Irish government declared last July its intention to purchase the … [Read more...] about The Future of the Great Blasket Island
Communion: An Irish Catholic Childhood Remembered
It is the early spring of 1945 in the Bronx. World War II is about to end. Over fifty of us, boys and girls together, cram into our classroom. Sister Mary Herbert stands tall at the front of the room in the black robes, black veil and white headband of a Sister of Mercy. She announces: "Now that you are all seven years old and have reached the age of reason you will be … [Read more...] about Communion: An Irish Catholic Childhood Remembered