Cuts to services, fear of crime, and loneliness brought on by emigration of loved ones have led to a huge surge in calls to a helpline for the elderly, The Irish Examiner reported at the end of January. Senior Helpline is the country’s only listening service for older people. In 2013, the center received more than 28,500 calls. The 345 volunteers who run the organization saw … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Social, Cultural Environment Is Harmful to Mental Health
2014
Members of U.S. Congress to Visit Derry/Londonderry
“When we stood together on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama during our 2013 Civil Rights pilgrimage, we vowed ‘Next Year in Ireland.’ In April we will fulfill that promise,” says Liz McCloskey, President of The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI), an organization founded in 1991 to advance leadership among political leaders in order to help bridge the divides of … [Read more...] about Members of U.S. Congress to Visit Derry/Londonderry
Irish Eye on Hollywood
The St. Patrick’s Day season brings with it two movies featuring Irish actors – one an established veteran and the other a versatile up and comer. First, there’s the always-busy Ciaran Hinds in McCanick. The crime flick features David Morse as the title character, a detective driven to the brink of insanity during his pursuit of an ex-con just released from prison. Belfast-born … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood
The Long Road Back to “White O’Morn” Cottage
It was a magical place – a romantic place – the mythical cottage of Mary Kate and Sean Thornton that was featured in John Ford’s classic 1952 movie The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Sadly, Sean Thornton and Mary Kate's real-life “wee humble cottage” currently lies in ruin. There is much more to this plot of land than just a set location. Most people do … [Read more...] about The Long Road Back to “White O’Morn” Cottage
American Song Becomes Anthem of Hope in Ireland
Legendary singer/songwriter Carly Simon was moved to tears by a new cover of her iconic “Let the River Run,” which became the theme song for Derry/Londonderry City of Culture celebrations. The new single by Stroke City native singers Damian McGinty (of the tv show “Glee”) and Mairead Carlin (of Celtic Woman) celebrates the close of Derry/London-derry’s year as U.K. City of … [Read more...] about American Song Becomes Anthem of Hope in Ireland