The surnames Gleeson and Gleason developed from the Irish name O Glasain, which originated in East County Cork. The Gaelic prefix “O” means male descendant of, and Glasain derives from “glas,” literally meaning “green” in the sense of inexperience as opposed to the color. There are many variations of the name, including Gleason, Glisane, Glison, Glyssane, O’Gleasane and … [Read more...] about Roots: The Gleeson Clan
Issues
Those We Lost: Recent Passings in the Irish-American Community
William Craig 1924-2011 William Craig, a controversial political leader from Northern Ireland who founded the Ulster Vanguard, died April 25 at the age of 86. Craig’s political career ended in 1979 but his influence on Northern Ireland’s politics will not soon be forgotten. While studying to become a solicitor at Queen’s University in Belfast, Craig founded the Unionist … [Read more...] about Those We Lost: Recent Passings in the Irish-American Community
Photo Album: She Liked Nice Things
Family photographs from Irish America readers. In the family room of my childhood home there was a large wall covered with photographs – vintage tintypes and black-and-whites were set among school portraits of the kids and snapshots from family vacations. My grandma Agnes and I would sit in that room for hours, playing a little game: I pointed to an old picture and she … [Read more...] about Photo Album: She Liked Nice Things
The Last Word:
The Walk of a Queen
Reflections on Queen Elizabeth's historic trip to Ireland.
The recent four-day visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland – the first by a reigning monarch in a hundred years – was a stunning triumph, capped by the five-minute standing ovation she received at a musical performance on her final night in the Irish capital. That performance included excerpts from Riverdance, which … [Read more...] about The Last Word:
The Walk of a Queen
Imagining Ireland With Gabriel Byrne
The acclaimed actor discusses his role as Ireland's first Cultural Ambassador, his experience as an emigrant, and his thoughts on the strong ties and the disconnects between Ireland and America. The most immediately striking thing about Gabriel Byrne, aside from his very light blue eyes and the chunky silver Claddagh ring he wears on his right hand (and the fact that he is … [Read more...] about Imagining Ireland With Gabriel Byrne