The future of the Rose of Tralee Festival, which features girls of Irish ancestry from around the world competing for the festival crown, was in grave doubt at the end of 2003, when Siobhán Hanley, the event's chief executive admitted that they needed to raise Euro250,000 to save the annual event. The Irish government refused to bail out the festival, saying that Euro500,000 … [Read more...] about Rose Festival Saved
Issues
America’s Top Cop
As Police Commissioner Ray Kelly rolls through the streets of Manhattan in the back seat of a black SUV he is fed a steady stream of information by his detail detective who rides shotgun. On this cold fall day there is the usual assortment of New York mayhem to report; a decomposed body has been found in a Queens park, a transit cop has twisted an ankle during a chase, a … [Read more...] about America’s Top Cop
First Word: Happy and Peaceful New Year
As the year winds down I cannot but reflect not just on the past year but on the past 19 years. It's hard to believe, but the coming year marks Irish America's 19th year in existence. It's been a fascinating journey into the landscape of Irish America, which often proved to be unexplored territory. Looking back at our first issue, I see the foundations of what the future was … [Read more...] about First Word: Happy and Peaceful New Year
Justice Time for Dublin/Monaghan Families
The bombs went off during the Dublin rush-hour, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 1974. Three car bombs exploded on Parnell Street, Talbot Street and South Leinster Street in the center of Dublin. An hour and a half later another bomb exploded on North Road, in the border town of Monaghan. There had been no warnings. In all, 33 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed and … [Read more...] about Justice Time for Dublin/Monaghan Families
Irish Troops Land in Liberia
A rapid reaction force of 450 Irish soldiers landed in Liberia as part of the U.N.'s 15,000-strong military intervention in the war-torn West African country. The troops will take part in a peace enforcement mission that is expected to last between three and four years. It is the Irish Army's first U.N. engagement since the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon came to a close last … [Read more...] about Irish Troops Land in Liberia