Irish Architect James Gallier Sr. left an indelible mark on New Orleans with his masterful Greek Revival designs in the 19th century. His story began in Ireland where he was born James Gallagher. By Ray Cavanaugh There are a number of reasons why someone might change their surname. The reason might be as mundane as marriage. Or it might be as urgent as trying to escape a … [Read more...] about The Hidden Gallagher
Issues
Winter 2025 Review of Books
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
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





