Bill Whelan, composer of Riverdance answers 15 questions. Renowned composer, producer and arranger Bill Whelan has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. The Limerick native has produced and arranged for Irish rock legends U2, Van Morrison, the Dubliners, Richard Harris and Kate Bush. He boasts an impressive resume beginning with his position as composer to the W. … [Read more...] about What Are You Like?
June July 2011 Issue
Ireland’s New Prime Minister on the Way Forward
On his recent trip to New York, between visiting Ground Zero and being welcomed at an Irish American community reception, Ireland's new Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, spoke with Patricia Harty about the changes taking place in the Irish government. Until the recent election one party, Fianna Fáil, had been in power for fourteen years. What’s it like to lead a party change … [Read more...] about Ireland’s New Prime Minister on the Way Forward
Citizen Artist, Robert Ballagh
The extraordinary life and work of Robert Ballagh is celebrated in a new book, "Citizen Artist" by Ciaran Carty I’ve often called Robert Ballagh the perfect Dubliner. He married the city, walked it, photographed it, painted it, and Dublin in turn – no mean city – has embraced him. He’s just done a portrait of James Joyce for U.C.D. If Joyce were around, he would have a lot of … [Read more...] about Citizen Artist, Robert Ballagh
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Celebrates 60 Years
Held in San Antonio, TX for the first time, CCE's annual celebration marked the organization's 60th anniversary. Hundreds of devoted Irish music and dance fans descended upon San Antonio for the annual Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann North American Convention on the weekend of March 25th. The annual event, held in different cities around the U.S., was extra special this year, as … [Read more...] about Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Celebrates 60 Years
Bill Clinton on Ireland’s Economic Crisis and Recovery
Excerpts from Bill Clinton's address at the 2011 Irish America Hall of Fame celebration. "Most of us go back to Ireland and feel immediately at home in a way that’s impossible to describe. Most of us feel an inexpressible pride, not only in our roots, but in the fact of the peace and the fact that, even amidst this horrible economic calamity, no one is talking about getting … [Read more...] about Bill Clinton on Ireland’s Economic Crisis and Recovery