This collection finds me looking back at where my ancestors came from and retracing their lives. All the photos were taken in Donegal and the islands off the northwest coast. Several are of my family, who live in Gweedore, County Donegal, a rural area, and on Gola, an island one mile off the coast of Gweedore. Gola, which has been deserted for the last 40 years, is where my … [Read more...] about Looking Back in Time: A Photo Essay
2006
Harris Wrecks Cork
Actor Ed Harris made his European stage debut in Neil LaBute's one man show, Wrecks, at the Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork in November. Brian O'Connell spoke to the four-time Academy Award nominated actor by phone as he prepared for his return to the stage after an absence of 9 years. ℘℘℘ Are you nervous about returning to the intimacy of the stage after such a long … [Read more...] about Harris Wrecks Cork
Hands Across the Water: From Gaelic to Graceland
This issue's CD Half Dozen includes three that are in large part sung in Gaelic, which bodes well for the language but poorly for the artist (unless of course you are Enya). For it is well nigh impossible to retain a name not of one's own language, even as far as the local music store, so be advised. Carry this review with you wherever you go. But first up we have a collection … [Read more...] about Hands Across the Water: From Gaelic to Graceland
Review of Books
Recently published books of Irish and Irish American interest. ℘℘℘ The Opal Deception Eoin Colfer The Artemis Fowl franchise keeps rolling along. Often dubbed "the Irish Harry Potter," written by former school-teacher Eoin Colfer, the fourth book in the Fowl series is now out, entitled The Opal Deception. In this latest adventure for kids and teens, Artemis, the brilliant … [Read more...] about Review of Books
The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan
The O'Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland. The Ui Neill dynasty split into two septs, the Northern Ui Neill and the Southern Ui Neill, around 400 A.D. The name is derived from two separate Gaelic words, … [Read more...] about The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan