In pre-Christian Ireland, the spring celebration on May 1 was called Bealtaine. Household fires were extinguished several days before the feast and people were forbidden to rekindle them until Druid priests lit a ceremonial bonfire on the Hill of Tara, stronghold of the High King. When Christianity supplanted pagan customs a new spring celebration was introduced: Easter, … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast
Newsletter
1978 — the year of the three popes
By Mal Rogers
The Irish Post – March 24, 2025
On the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, MAL ROGERS looks back at 1978 when Karol Józef Wojtyła became Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church — at the end of a series of tumultuous events for the Vatican A woman walks past a mural in Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II (Photo by Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images) THE town of Wadowice in … [Read more...] about 1978 — the year of the three popes
Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102
By Bob Herguth
IA Newsletter March 8, 2025
The matriarch of one of Chicago’s best-known Irish-American clans, who was among the last-living links to the early 20th-century origins of the National Football League, has died. Virginia Halas McCaskey, principal owner of the Chicago Bears and daughter of late NFL pioneer George S. Halas, died Feb. 6 at the age of 102. She leaves behind a franchise that, while storied, for … [Read more...] about Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102
Carter and Thatcher Clashed on N.I.
Jimmy Carter’s involvement in Northern Ireland affairs was far more substantial than many Irish Americans may think. Former President Jimmy Carter, who has died at the age of 100, is remembered for his impact on foreign policy and his humanitarian work after his presidency. He was also very much interested in finding a peaceful solution to the Troubles in Northern … [Read more...] about Carter and Thatcher Clashed on N.I.
Lady Mary Peters: a champion of sport and community
By Ray Cavanaugh
Consisting of high jump, hurdles, long jump, shot put and running, the women's pentathlon was likely the best all-around measure of female athleticism. It is not much of a logical leap to conclude that the winner of the Olympic women's pentathlon (which has since added two events to become a heptathlon) was the most physically able woman on the planet. Out of roughly 2 billion … [Read more...] about Lady Mary Peters: a champion of sport and community