The First Word, by Patricia Harty. Our hearts weep for Boston. This most Irish of American cities has seen its share of tragedy, but when the bombings at the marathon turned a sporting celebration into a scene of destruction, it was a fresh horror that is hard to process. This city, where at least a quarter of the population are of Irish heritage, is one of the cornerstones … [Read more...] about The First Word: Grace and Healing
Issues
Maze Prison to Become Peace Center
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness have jointly praised plans for the redevelopment of the 347-acre Maze-Long Kesh prison site near Lisburn, Co. Antrim into a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre. The plans include a business campus for renewable technology and life sciences linked to the universities. Maze Prison, also known as the H-Blocks, housed numerous … [Read more...] about Maze Prison to Become Peace Center
Irish Twins Born 87 Days Apart Set World Record
Waterford twins Katie and Amy Jones-Elliott are headed to the Guinness Book of Records after they were born 87 days apart. As reported by the Irish Mirror, Maria Jones-Elliott, went into labor after four months of pregnancy but gave birth to only one of her daughters, Amy, at a slight 1 lb. 3 oz. Katie would not arrive until three months later. The chances of survival for … [Read more...] about Irish Twins Born 87 Days Apart Set World Record
Irish Government Proposes New Abortion Legislation
Two weeks after an Irish jury concluded that poor medical care – including the refusal to perform an emergency abortion – led to the death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar in a Galway hospital in October, the Irish government proposed new legislation that will allow for abortions in situations where a woman’s life is in danger. The proposed legislation, titled the … [Read more...] about Irish Government Proposes New Abortion Legislation
Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas
Following his induction into the Irish America Hall of Fame (see more coverage here), it’s only fitting that Vice President Joe Biden should pay a visit to the home of his Finnegan and Blewitt ancestors. The vice president confirmed that he would be visiting Ireland some time this year at an Irish brunch he held in March for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, in honor of St. Patrick’s day. … [Read more...] about Irish Visits in the Works for Biden and Obamas