The man who brought Irish dance to the global stage. He’s been the world’s most famous lord for the past 15 years. Now Michael Flatley is poised to become a movie star . . . and a 3D one at that. The Chicago native always had it in the back of his head that his wildly successful stage show, Lord of the Dance, would translate well to film, given the right circumstances. But … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley: Irish America Hall of Fame
April May 2011 Issue
William J. Flynn: Irish America Hall of Fame
A leader in business and a force for progress in the Northern Ireland peace process. When William J. Flynn was celebrated in a special issue of Irish America in 2008, the outpouring of praise from both sides of the Atlantic was immense. Irish President Mary McAleese, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness, Edward Cardinal … [Read more...] about William J. Flynn: Irish America Hall of Fame
Denis Kelleher: Irish America Hall of Fame
The Irish Immigrant who became a titan of Wall Street. Denis Kelleher, the son of a shoemaker, immigrated to New York in 1958, at age 18, with $1.50 in his pocket. He was in search of a better life and determined to provide for his widowed mother back home. In a matter of days the bright young Kerry man charmed his way into a job in Merrill Lynch. In less than a month he went … [Read more...] about Denis Kelleher: Irish America Hall of Fame
Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Activist, humanitarian, diplomat. Often referred to as the shy Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith has quietly blazed her own trail while still holding true to the family legacy of public service. The last of the Kennedy siblings still living, Kennedy Smith has devoted her life to advocating for the disabled and working towards peace in Northern Ireland. Early Life Jean Ann Kennedy … [Read more...] about Jean Kennedy Smith: Irish America Hall of Fame
Dr. James Watson: Irish America Hall of Fame
He helped map the structure of DNA. Next up is a cure for cancer. James Watson helped unravel the structure of DNA, a feat so stunning that it is considered the greatest scientific achievement of the 20th century. A Nobel Prize winner as a result, Dr. Watson is deeply proud of his Irish heritage and is “very pleased” to be inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame on March … [Read more...] about Dr. James Watson: Irish America Hall of Fame