Single-Mindedly Brilliant: The Life of Fire Detective Thomas P. Brophy and his lasting legacy on the FDNY. ℘℘℘ He never married, had no hobbies, and often needed reminding just to eat. Thomas Patrick Brophy seemed to live for one thing: catching arsonists. Tirelessly stalking New York streets for leads, he would proceed to secure more arson convictions than any other … [Read more...] about The Brooklyn Fire Chaser
Issues
Sláinte!: Ahoy Me Hearties
Celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” on September 19 by upping your knowledge of these Irish buccaneers of yonder years. Read on and ye’ll discover the Irish men and women who sailed the high seas as pirates, buccaneers, and privateers. Some lived to a ripe old age. Some were cut down in their prime. All left their mark on the pages of history. Grace O’Malley (Grainne Ni … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: Ahoy Me Hearties
Review of Books
Recently-published books of Irish and Irish American interest. ℘℘℘ FICTION Every Breath You Take By Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke The latest thriller and newest undertaking in the Under Suspicion series by Mary Higgins Clark, co-authored with Alafair Burke, shows that the authors’ talent for weaving an intense, fast-paced suspense story has not diminished in the … [Read more...] about Review of Books
Those We Lost
Recent passings in the Irish and Irish American communities. ℘℘℘ William Flynn 1927-2018 Bill Flynn’s approach to business was always a human one. Colleagues called him a fair leader, attuned to the customer’s needs and concerns, which allowed him to look at the industry in ways that eluded others. In his 2008 interview with publisher Niall O’Dowd, Flynn offered … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
The Pope’s Visit to Ireland
When I was growing up in the 1980s, a photo of Pope John Paul II hung above many Irish fireplaces. That pope held a special place in Irish Catholics’ hearts, as he was the first and only pope ever to visit the country. He visited in 1979. There wasn’t another papal visit until this summer when Pope Francis came for the World Meeting of Families. He arrived in Dublin on … [Read more...] about The Pope’s Visit to Ireland