This is a photo of my maternal grandmother Mary Clifford, or Nom as she was always known to me. She was born in the rural picturesque parish of Cartron, Kilmore, Co Roscommon in 1913. Kilmore is a tiny townland tucked away between Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. At the young age of 16, Mary left Ireland behind and set out for a new life in America. As with all the … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Mary’s Gift
Issues
Adrian Jones: Wall Street 50 Keynote Interview
After eight years in the Irish military and eighteen with Goldman Sachs, Adrian Jones understands what it means to be an effective leader. With his strong ideas about what needs to change in Ireland, he might be just the leader the diaspora needs. Not many immigrants living in America are confronted with their country’s history on the way to work. But for Adrian Jones, a … [Read more...] about Adrian Jones: Wall Street 50 Keynote Interview
The First Word: The Irish World
“I’ve lived almost half my life outside of Ireland but I am definitely Irish in terms of the teams I support, the sports I watch, what newspaper and websites I read first.” – Adrian Jones Early September mornings in New York take on that European feel. A breeze in from the river – no humidity. Everything clean from the overnight thunderstorm. Heading down the bike lane on … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Irish World
Irish Awards for the Diaspora
The Irish government announced the first recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards. Ireland has a diaspora of over 70 million around the world, many of whom maintain a close connection with the country of their ancestors. From philanthropy to activism, from education to business and the public sphere, many of the diaspora have demonstrated exceptional passion … [Read more...] about Irish Awards for the Diaspora
Is Ireland Losing Its Religion?
A new Gallup poll indicates a decline in religious affiliation in Ireland. Fifty years ago, Ireland was one of the most religious countries in Europe, but according to a recently released poll, taken by the Gallup International in 2011, Ireland now ranks among the top ten atheist nations worldwide. These results are a huge shift from the last poll, in 2005. In the six years … [Read more...] about Is Ireland Losing Its Religion?