Aunt Peggy Last year my mother began to hang old photographs and framed documents on what she calls the “family wall” in her living room. No need for a coat of arms or Céad Míle Fáilte sign when we have the family wall. There’s my Donegal-born paternal grandfather’s naturalization certificate from 1935, which states “British” as his former nationality. There’s my mother’s … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Neither a Nun Nor Married
Issues
The Genius of Day-Lewis Brings Lincoln Alive
In the last decade, Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the greatest actors of our time, has made only five films. But when he chooses to play a part he commits to it fully, as his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s latest biopic exemplifies. Between roles? It’s all about his family, he tells Patricia Danaher. Daniel Day-Lewis is in an extremely good mood. He’s in such … [Read more...] about The Genius of Day-Lewis Brings Lincoln Alive
The First Word: Finding the Way
“First determine that the thing can and shall be done and then we shall find the way. – Abraham Lincoln As we go to press, we learn that Lincoln received 12 Oscar nominations – more than any other film this year. It’s timely then, that we feature Daniel Day-Lewis on our cover. Day-Lewis is an incredible actor who first came to prominence in a triumph-over-adversity movie … [Read more...] about The First Word: Finding the Way
Pakistani Schoolgirl Activist Wins Tipperary Peace Award
Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old Pakistani girl who survived a violent attack by Taliban gunmen in retaliation for her advocacy of girls’ education, is the recipient of the 2012 Tipperary International Peace Award. Yousafzai, a native of the Swat Valley region of Pakistan, gained prominence in 2009 after writing a blog for BBC Urdu chronicling her experience of the Taliban’s … [Read more...] about Pakistani Schoolgirl Activist Wins Tipperary Peace Award
Ireland Begins Six-Month EU Presidency
The New Year marked the start of Ireland’s six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. The transition began with a ceremony at Dublin Castle on New Year’s Eve, at which Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Táiniste Eamon Gilmore and Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton laid out Ireland’s agenda for the months ahead. Kenny emphasized that the presidency … [Read more...] about Ireland Begins Six-Month EU Presidency