Irish America

Fall 2023 Issue

Queen’s Builds on Legacy of Seamus Heaney

By Irish America Staff

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The work of Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet Seamus Heaney will inspire generations of future writers at a new $6.2 million landmark venue. The new Queen’s University project will create a Visiting International Seamus Heaney Chair in Creative Writing, alongside engagement programs with educational and community groups in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. The Seamus Heaney … [Read more...] about Queen’s Builds on Legacy of Seamus Heaney

Quote/Unquote Fall 2023

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"I have said repeatedly that there should be a humanitarian ceasefire to meet the urgent basic needs of the people in Gaza."It is essential that humanitarian relief is provided to those who need it. "This funding from Ireland will help the UN and others provide essential support to extremely vulnerable people, in particular those in Gaza who are dealing with acute and severe … [Read more...] about Quote/Unquote Fall 2023

Non Sanctorum in Hibernia

By Rosemary Rogers

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No Irish saint has been canonized for over 700 years - 1225 to 1975, Why? The great St. Lawrence O’Toole was canonized by the Vatican in 1225, and there has been only one Irish saint, Oliver Plunkett, canonized since then, almost eight centuries – 766 years to be exact. It’s an extraordinary fact considering that Ireland, the land of “Saints and Scholars,” was arguably the … [Read more...] about Non Sanctorum in Hibernia

Those We Lost: From a Legend in Philanthropy to a Legend of Music

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Charles "Chuck" Feeney 1931-2023 Billionaire philanthropist and member of the Irish America Hall of Fame Chuck Feeney died in October, aged 92.  A wildly successful entrepreneur, Feeney’s work ethic was equaled only by his goodwill. Combining the two, he founded and funded philanthropic organizations to distribute nearly all the fruits of his labors during his lifetime to … [Read more...] about Those We Lost: From a Legend in Philanthropy to a Legend of Music

How Name Changing Hid a Heritage

By Megan Smolenyak

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Barry Manilow. Yes, I know, most think of him as a Jewish fellow from Brooklyn – and he is. But he’s also a quarter Irish, and due to certain circumstances in his family, that Irish share has had a disproportionate influence on his family tree. - Megan Smolenyak Name Changing Though he wouldn’t have known it, when Barry changed surnames, he was the third generation … [Read more...] about How Name Changing Hid a Heritage