Reviews by Darina Molloy She Died Young: A Life in Fragments / By Brenda Fricker Brenda Fricker had a tough life, there’s no doubt about it. Maybe that’s why she chose the approach she did for her memoir – it’s more a selection of linked anecdotes and musing about her eight decades, rather than a chronological blow-by-blow account of what happened in exactly what order. It … [Read more...] about Winter 2025 Review of Books
Issues
Heroes of the Revolution
As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches, Edythe Preet looks to March 17, 1776, and the role the Irish played in America’s bid for freedom. Pop quiz: what color ink is used to sign legislative bills into law? If you answered black, you’d be right with one exception. On March 12, 1941 Massachusetts Governor Leverett Saltonstall … [Read more...] about Heroes of the Revolution
Sea Voyages With Father
Annie Burke shares memories of how her father, Jim Burke, helped her overcome childhood respiratory illness. My son, Jim, has been after me to write down some of the remembrances of my father I’ve shared with him over the years. Before it’s too late, I’m sure he’s thinking. He keeps referring to an old, faded photograph of a group of refinery workers. It’s one of the few I … [Read more...] about Sea Voyages With Father
From Japan to Philly, a Global Gaelic Revival
Michael von Siegel and Naoise Ó Cairealláin don’t have much in common. Von Siegel grew up in Landsdowne, outside of Philadelphia, while Ó Cairealláin was born across the Atlantic in Belfast. Both, however, have a distinct and passionate interest in the Irish language. Just like a lot of folks these days. “There’s so many meet-up groups now in the Philly area,” von Siegel … [Read more...] about From Japan to Philly, a Global Gaelic Revival
Irish Eye On Hollywood
By Tom Deignan Maggie’s Oscar Moment? When the Academy Award nominations are announced in late January, it will be a distinctly Irish affair, with Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal expected to be atop the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor lists respectively. But the real Irish fan favorite will be Maggie O’Farrell. Born in Coleraine, Derry, O’Farrell also spent part of … [Read more...] about Irish Eye On Hollywood





