Colm Tóibín on June 13 became the first Irish author to be awarded the interna- tional IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for his novel The Master. The award is the largest of its kind, with a prize of $125,000. A four- judge panel from Britain, Canada, Ireland, and Italy chose between 132 novels from 43 coun- tries and in translation from 15 non-English languages. The Master is a … [Read more...] about First Irish Winner of IMPAC Award
2006
PBS to show Irish Documentary
Mıxed Blessings, a new documentary, tackles the topic of a changing Ireland and how it is redefining itself. The Ireland of the past, the one of rain-swept fields, packed Catholic Mass, and thatched-roof pubs is long gone. Ireland is fast becoming a secular, urbanized and wealthy state. It is now her challenge to not only deal with the benefits of the new success but also it’s … [Read more...] about PBS to show Irish Documentary
Tiernan tours and guests on Letterman show
One of Ireland’s most talented come- dians, Tommy Tiernan, has been stateside recently and very busy. As we go to press, Tiernan’s Loose tour at the Actors Playhouse is wrapping July 15 and then he’s off to Toronto to headline the Irish Gala at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. While he was in the Big Apple he made a guest appearance on The David … [Read more...] about Tiernan tours and guests on Letterman show
From Annascaul to the Antarctic
Sharon Ní Chonchúir takes a look at the incredible adventures of Tom Crean, one of Ireland's greatest explorers, and talks to Rachel Holstead, who has been commissioned to write a piece of music about his life and exploits. FEBRUARY 1911 Tom Crean froze as he felt the sea-ice shift ominously under his feet. The familiar creaking and grinding told him the ice was beginning to … [Read more...] about From Annascaul to the Antarctic
An American Triumph Over Tragedy
Why the second act of this heroic Irish-American career is second to none. When John G. Duffy graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx he was possessed with a spirit of adventure, like most young men looking toward their future. He toyed with several courses of study, including engineering. His heroes were as varied as his interests: he was as inspired by Jackie … [Read more...] about An American Triumph Over Tragedy