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
2008
Top Honors for Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne
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
April / May 2008
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
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
Emotional Return to Belfast for Liam Neeson
By Mary Egan
April / May 2008
April / May 2008
New York-based movie star Liam Neeson flew home to Northern Ireland in January to take part in the final curtain call at Belfast’s historic Lyric Players Theatre on the banks of the River Lagan which is closing to make way for a $30 million redevelopment. Liam’s appearance on stage earned him a standing ovation from a delighted capacity crowd. Afterwards he went backstage to … [Read more...] about Emotional Return to Belfast for Liam Neeson