Irish America

Irish America

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Boston’s Great Civil War Sculptor

By Michael Quinlin
IA Newsletter, September 14, 2024

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Sculptor Martin Milmore of Boston (1844-1883), admired for his Civil War sculptures and for his classical statuary and busts of famous men throughout New England, was born in Kilmorgan, County Sligo on September 14, 1844, the youngest of five sons of parents Martin and Sarah Milmoe (nee Hart).  When the father died in 1851, Sarah emigrated with her five sons to Boston, where … [Read more...] about Boston’s Great Civil War Sculptor

Gene Kelly: Entertainer Extraordinaire

By Michael Scanlon

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Eugene Curran Kelly was an American dancer, actor, singer, director and choreographer who sought to create a new form of American dance accessible to the general public, which he called "dance for the common man."  December, 1990: It was made in Hollywood on the back lot of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer smack-dab in the middle of the century – 1952 to be exact. You've all seen it … [Read more...] about Gene Kelly: Entertainer Extraordinaire

Charles Thomson: America’s Forgotten Irish Son

By Eoin McKiernan

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When Congress ordered the official reading of the Declaration of Independence, Irish-born Charles Thomson performed that duty on July 9, 1776. It was Thomson who was called upon to organize the procedures for the election of the first president of the United States. The election over, Congress appointed Thomson as its representative to inform George Washington of the country's … [Read more...] about Charles Thomson: America’s Forgotten Irish Son

Six Things You Didn’t Know
About Mark Kelly’s Roots

By Megan Smolenyak

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It’s an understatement to say that Sen. Mark Kelly has an impressive resume. Navy Captain turned astronaut turned Senator and married to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, retired from Congress, and became a formidable gun control activist. Then there’s the fact that he’s a potential candidate for Vice President of the United States. … [Read more...] about

Six Things You Didn’t Know
About Mark Kelly’s Roots

But Always Meeting Ourselves

By Colum McCann
IA Newsletter, June 15, 2024

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A LONDON nursing home. The shape of a figure beneath the sheets. My grandfather could just about whisper. He wanted a cigarette and a glass of whiskey. “Come up on the bed here, young fella,” he said, gruffly. It was 1975 and I was 10 years old and it would be the first — and probably last — time I’d ever see him. Gangrene was taking him away. He reached for the bottle and … [Read more...] about But Always Meeting Ourselves