Roots detective Megan Smolenyak explores the National Library of Ireland’s online collection of Catholic parish registers, uncovers entries for ancestors of a few well-know Irish Americans, including Bruce Springsteen, and offers a guide to finding yours.
Ancestors of Irish American Celebrities in New Online Catholic Parish Registers
The last few years have been kind to those … [Read more...] about On the Prowl for Springsteen’s
Irish Roots
October November 2015 Issue
On the Prowl for Springsteen’s
What’s So Funny?
Three comedic performers with Irish roots share how they get to the laughter. Is it the collective painful history as a people? The tendency not to take themselves too seriously? The influence of Irish hospitality? Or maybe they were just born that way. The larger-than-life Malachy McCourt, the sardonic Kevin Brennan, and the sophisticated, witty Maureen Langan shed some light … [Read more...] about What’s So Funny?
The Girsa Girls of Irish Trad
With their melodious voices, masterful musicianship and enthusiasm, the Irish American women’s group Girsa has captured the hearts of audiences everywhere by bringing a creative mix of vocals, fiddle, accordion, banjo, tin whistle, bodhran, guitar, and piano to their shows. Kristin Cotter McGowan stops by a Girsa rehearsal. ℘℘℘ “Cup of tea? Of course you’ll have one!” My … [Read more...] about The Girsa Girls of Irish Trad
Dangerfield Lives!
The Ginger Man at 60
At 89, J.P. Donleavy celebrated 60 years of his best-selling cult-classic, The Ginger Man. At his countryside retreat near Mullingar, he spoke to Noel Shine about his extraordinary life and the novel that gave rise to his notoriety all those years ago.
This article originally appeared in the October/November issue of Irish America. Dunleavy passed away on September 11, 2017 … [Read more...] about Dangerfield Lives!
The Ginger Man at 60
A Long Day’s Journey: New Ross to New London
By Sean Reidy, Contributor
Sean Reidy visits the O’Neill family home in New London, Connecticut, and on his return to Ireland, visits the O’Neill homestead in County Kilkenny. In May 2015, I visited the Monte Cristo Cottage in New London, Connecticut, the childhood home of celebrated playwright Eugene O’Neill. I made the journey with Richard Hayes, Head of Humanities at Waterford Institute of … [Read more...] about A Long Day’s Journey: New Ross to New London