Irish America

April May 2008 Issue

Irish American of the Year: Thomas Moran

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2008

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The name Moran is a derivative of the Irish word mór meaning big. Tom Moran, our somewhat reluctant Irish American of the Year (I suspect he agreed to accept the honor in the hopes that it would draw attention to Concern Worldwide), is big by name and big by nature. He looks like a line backer – the kind of guy you would want in your first line of defense. And for many people, … [Read more...] about Irish American of the Year: Thomas Moran

The First Word: America’s Gung-ho Spirit

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
April / May 2008

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Niall O’Dowd first introduced to me the idea that it was time for peace in Northern Ireland. I was living in San Francisco at the time and working for The Irishman (a newspaper Niall had founded). Frankly, I was doubtful. I had gone to the demonstrations outside the British Consulate during that terrible spring and summer of 1981. Bobby Sands, who had begun his hunger strike in … [Read more...] about The First Word: America’s Gung-ho Spirit

Top Honors for Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne

April / May 2008

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Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway received Irish America’s “Artistic Achievement Award” at this year’s Top 100 Awards ceremony. The presentation came at the end of the Galways’ six-week tour of the U.S. which began in February and was highlighted by performances with the San Antonio Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and a recital at the Kennedy Center in Washington, … [Read more...] about Top Honors for Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne

The High Kings are Stepping Out

By Debbie McGoldrick
April / May 2008

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Celtic Woman took the world by storm when they debuted in 2004, topping the charts and touring to standing-room-only audiences. Now it’s the boys’ turn. Meet the High Kings, a quartet of ultra-talented Irish musicians who hope to match the smashing success of their corporate sisters. The group was created last year by Celtic Woman’s producer Dave Kavanagh and composer/musical … [Read more...] about The High Kings are Stepping Out

Irish Eye on Hollywood

By Tom Deignan, Contributor
April / May 2008

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Saoirse Ronan (featured in our Top 100, page 44) didn’t take home an Academy Award at the big show on February 24, but the 13-year-old Hollywood star has a busy 2008 planned. Ronan was nominated as a best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Atonement.  Prior to the Oscars, Ronan was happy just to be going to the show, which was nearly canceled because of the prolonged … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood