The awarding-winning writer Alice McDermott and Pittsburgh business leader Jim Rooney were honored at the annual Glucksman Ireland House NYU Gala on February 28. Some 300 gathered to toast the honorees at a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner with presentations of the Seamus Heaney Award for Arts and Letters to McDermott and the Lewis L. Glucksman Award for … [Read more...] about NYU Glucksman Ireland House Gala Honors
Issues
Downey Talks
Nowadays people think of Bob Downey as actor Robert Downey, Jr.’s father, but back in the ’60s and ’70s he was celebrated for his avant-garde movies – most notably, his 1969 satire Putney Swope, a send-up of both Madison Avenue and American race relations. After a screening of Putney Swope in N.Y.C. recently, Downey sat down with Glenn Kenny, the film critic and journalist, to … [Read more...] about Downey Talks
Judy Collins on the Town
Singer and author Judy Collins, just off an 18-month tour with Stephen Stills, and with hit song “Dreamers” on the Billboard charts, was back in New York City, her home since the ’70s, on February 4 to accept the Joe's Pub Vanguard Award & Residency for 2019. The award celebrates the career of a singular artist who has contributed to American life and pop culture. Alex … [Read more...] about Judy Collins on the Town
Business Awards in Philadelphia
Irish Ambassador to the United States Daniel Mulhall presented the Irish American Business Chamber & Network Awards at a luncheon on Friday, March 1, at the Union League of Philadelphia. Over 600 people were present. The Ambassador Award, given each year to a member company that has helped carry out the chamber’s mission of strengthening business and educational ties … [Read more...] about Business Awards in Philadelphia
Story and Song
Author Mary Pat Kelly launched her latest his torical fiction novel, Irish Above All, with a gathering at the Irish Rep. on February 11. It was a lovely celebration of Irish America, as Kelly regaled her audience with tales from her life and historical notes on the journey of her protagonist, her great-aunt Nora. She displayed an image of her parents’ wedding photo (her “one … [Read more...] about Story and Song