Chuck Feeney, the Irish-American billionaire known for both his generosity and distaste for the limelight, has announced that he will bring his extraordinary charitable giving to a close by the end of 2016. Feeney, who made his fortune as the co-founder of the Duty Free Shoppers Group, founded Atlantic Philanthropies in 1982 as a channel for his donations. Since then, he has … [Read more...] about Philanthropist Chuck Feeney Winds Down ‘Giving While Living’
Issues
Honorary Degrees from Galway and Ulster
A number of very deserving Irish and Irish-Americans were selected by the National University of Ireland, Galway and the University of Ulster in the North to receive honorary degrees this summer. At Galway’s graduation ceremony on June 29, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd; Irial Finan, Coca-Cola’s executive vice president and president of Bottling Investments; novelist … [Read more...] about Honorary Degrees from Galway and Ulster
Quote Unquote: Commencement Addresses
A selection of quotes – some poignant, some hilarious – from commencement addresses by Irish and Irish-American speakers throughout the States. “We better understand that we are just part of a bigger whole and not divided by political labels or gender or race, but are stronger as a nation because of what binds us. Those differences are our heritage. Identities do matter and we … [Read more...] about Quote Unquote: Commencement Addresses
Those We Lost
Recent passings in the Irish and Irish-American communities. Katie Beckett 1978 – 2012 In 1981, Katie Beckett, at the age of 3, helped bring about major healthcare reform. On Friday May 18, at the age of 34, she passed away due to complications from a digestive disorder. Born Mary Katherine Beckett in 1978, Katie contracted viral encephalitis four months later. The disease, … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Irish Eye on Hollywood
The latest in Irish and Irish-American film and television. 1. A husband-and-wife political team in which the man is a womanizing former president and the woman is currently serving as Secretary of State. . . Sound familiar? Well, if you’re thinking of the Clintons, you’re only partially right. Because just such a family is also at the center of the USA cable network’s new … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood