“Like Joyce she has lived in exile but never forgotten a single thing.” – Professor Declan Kiberd, UCD School of English and Drama, speaking about Edna O’Brien. UCD awarded O’Brien the Ulysses Medal in 2006. To start the New Year off right, we bring you our “Arts Special” issue, featuring a plethora of interviews (and feathers in the case of hatter Philip Treacy), books, … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Grip of Mother Ireland
Issues
Phoenix Couple Turn Tragedy Into Assistance
Phoenix couple Delia Garcia and Kelly Stokes decided to take what Delia called a “babymoon” last summer, a few months before the expected arrival of their baby boy. They had always wanted to visit Ireland and knew they wouldn’t have much time for taking trips once the baby arrived. Delia’s pregnancy had been perfect up to this point; she didn’t even have morning sickness, and … [Read more...] about Phoenix Couple Turn Tragedy Into Assistance
Irish Eye on Hollywood
Amidst all the hype (and jokes) concerning Sylvester Stallone’s latest return to the boxing ring as Rocky Balboa, little was said about the performance given by Belfast native Geraldine Hughes, playing a Philadelphia native opposite Sly. This could be the big break this theater veteran needed to crossover into Hollywood. Until Rocky Balboa in December, Hughes had appeared in … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood
Tara Keeps Her Crown
Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006 and Irish America cover story (Oct./Nov.) has been called to task about conduct unbecoming a beauty queen. It seems that the transition from the small town of Russell Springs, Kentucky to New York City has been a lot to handle for the petite blonde. On December 14, entertainment website TMZ.com broke a story saying she was going to be dethroned “due … [Read more...] about Tara Keeps Her Crown
Waking Up the Irish Echoes
Notre Dame’s Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies has become renowned for its scholarship and innovation. NIALL O’DOWD reports from South Bend, Indiana. It is three p.m. on November 16, 2006, the Friday before Notre Dame faces Army in the annual pitched battle between two of the most storied teams in college football. It is a late fall day, some straggler leaves still … [Read more...] about Waking Up the Irish Echoes