Whenever I think of Bill Flynn, I think of the quote that is attributed to John F. Kennedy: “One person can make a difference and each person should try.” Bill Flynn did make a difference, and how he tried. He was fearless in his attention to Northern Ireland and his belief that with Irish American help the “Troubles” could be brought to an end. Looking back now I’m just as … [Read more...] about The Courage to Try
Issues
Padraig’s Day
By Cathal Dervan
October / November 2007
October / November 2007
If you drive across the mountain road that borders south Dublin, chances are you will see Padraig Harrington at work in the garden that serves as his office. Out the back of a modest but large dwelling he has installed a kidney-shaped green built to U.S. PGA specifications, two artificial putting greens, six small target greens, three bunkers filled with dif- ferent sorts of … [Read more...] about Padraig’s Day
The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
“Rise again, rise again / Tho’ your heart, it be broken / Your life about to end / No matter what you’ve lost / A home, a love, a friend / Be like the Mary Ellen Carter / Rise again.” – Words from the “The Mary Ellen Carter” as sung by Tommy Makem. (The Mary Ellen was a ship). We have a plethora of features in this issue and a fresh new look to celebrate the beginning of our … [Read more...] about The First Word: We’ve Come a Long Way
New York Takes Rose of Tralee Title
New York Rose Lisa Murtagh became the 48th Rose of Tralee on August 22 at the Festival Dome in Tralee, County Kerry. The Yonkers native, who beat out 30 contestants from all over the globe, is the first American Rose to take the famous tiara since Roisin Egenton, also representing New York, won in 2000. There was no rest for the lovely Murtagh, 27, who, after just one hour of … [Read more...] about New York Takes Rose of Tralee Title
Arts Flourish in Galway
By Bridget English, Editorial Assistant
October / November 2007
October / November 2007
Tourists and art aficionados crowded the streets of Galway City for the 30th annual Galway Arts Festival during the last two weeks of July. Despite the rainiest summer Ireland has seen in years, the street performers were out in full force. Colorfully dressed mimes posed as statues, the tunes of local musicians echoed through the streets, and theatrical groups such as The … [Read more...] about Arts Flourish in Galway