History says, don't hope on this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime the longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise up and hope and history rhyme. So hope for a great sea-change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore is reachable from here. Believe in miracles and cures and healing wells. - Seamus Heaney (The Cure at Troy). The Americans, having … [Read more...] about The First Word: When Hope and History Rhyme
Issues
Sláinte! The Pleasures of an Irish Pub
By Edythe Preet
September / October 1997
We Irish are a garrulous folk, given to long-winded debates at the drop of a hat on just about any subject from politics to how one should brew a pot of tea. There's one thing however, on which just about every Irish man and woman will concur. One of the best places to meet and swap a tale or two is the neighborhood local. Pub that is. According to Bushmill's Irish Pub Guide … [Read more...] about Sláinte! The Pleasures of an Irish Pub
Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes
By James G. Ryan
September / October 1997
The names O'Byrne and O'Beirne (or Byrne and Beirne) are often regarded as variants of the same name, much to the annoyance of the less-common Beirnes. In fact, the names spring from totally different sources. O'Byrne is derived from the Gaelic O'Broin, meaning "descended from Bran," an 11th century King of Leinster. The O'Byrnes were chieftains of what is now County Kildare … [Read more...] about Roots: Byrnes and O’Beirnes
The Heroes of ’47
By Keith J. Kelly, Daily News journalist & son-in-law of Kerry football great Eddie Walsh.
September / October 1997
The 50th anniversary of the All-Ireland Football Final, played in New York. It's been fifty years since County Cavan pulled a stunning upset victory against County Kerry at the Polo Grounds in New York City, in the only All-Ireland Gaelic Football Championship ever played outside of Ireland. Back on September 14, 1947, the local press in New York seemed not to know what to … [Read more...] about The Heroes of ’47
A Tribute to Justice: The William Brennan Legacy
Interview by Sean O Murchu, edited by Irish America Staff
September / October 1997
The death of Justice William Brennan in July, after a long illness, was mourned by President Clinton, other dignitaries, family and friends who packed St. Matthew's Cathedral -- the same church where the funeral mass was celebrated for slain U.S. President John F. Kennedy in November 1963 -- in Washington, D.C. for his funeral mass. "We thank God for his life," said Clinton, … [Read more...] about A Tribute to Justice: The William Brennan Legacy