Six years after finding a box in her attic with her great-great-grandfather’s photographs and letters from his time in the American Civil War – and one book later – author of Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke: An Irish Immigrant Story and former educator Ellen B. Alden donated these artifacts of the early days of the Irish American experience to Boston College’s John J. Burns … [Read more...] about Trove of Irish Civil War Letters Donated to Boston College
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Book Notes:
Novelist Edna O’Brien to Become a Dame of the British Empire
It has been reported that renowned Irish novelist Edna O’Brien will be made an honorary Dame of the British Empire for her contributions to the field of literature. Because O’Brien is a native of County Clare, the title will be unofficial. O’Brien jump-started a career of over five decades with her acclaimed debut novel, 1962’s The Country Girls, establishing a worldwide … [Read more...] about Book Notes:
Novelist Edna O’Brien to Become a Dame of the British Empire
Book Notes:
Sunday Times Longlists Irish Writers
The Sunday Times recently announced the winner of their EFG Short Story Award, a £30,000 prize: American Courtney Zoffness, who won for her story “Peanuts Aren’t Nuts” and beat out several Irish names, both big and small, for the award.
Among the Irish longlisted was Leitrim psychotherapist P. Kearney Byrne – who counts this as her second nomination for the award despite being … [Read more...] about Book Notes:
Sunday Times Longlists Irish Writers
A Touch of the Irish
The seeds of Robert F. Kennedy’s compassion lay in his understanding of the past struggles of his Irish ancestors. On March 17, 1964, Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to address the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. His address that evening was rich in purpose but also in sentiment. It was his first speech since Dallas. He had chosen this Irish American … [Read more...] about A Touch of the Irish
George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement
COMETH the hour, cometh the man. Philosophers have argued for a long time over the importance of the individual in history. Some say the forces of change, though seemingly blind, always produce that crucial man or woman who will be their instrument and cutting edge. Others argue that unless a person with the right qualifies, attributes and vision takes the driving seat, the … [Read more...] about George Mitchell: A Keystone of the Good Friday Agreement