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Those we Lost

Matriarch of Chicago Bears Dies at 102

By Bob Herguth

IA Newsletter March 8, 2025

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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

Those We Lost

By Irish America Staff

Winter 2024

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Billy Lawless, champion for immigration reform, passes in ChicagoIn every march for immigration reform, amid all the Mexican and Central American marchers, you could always depend on one ruddy-faced Irishman leading a multiracial contingent of true believers behind the banner of “Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.” Billy Lawless became such a dependable voice for reforming … [Read more...] about Those We Lost

Hibernia: Those We Lost

By Mary Gallagher

Fall 2024

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Those We Lost Emmett O’Connell (1936-2024) Emmett O’Connell died on September 14, 2024. Named for Irish freedom-fighter Robert Emmet, O’Connell was born to parents from Cork and Sligo, raised in the South Bronx, and lived most of his adult life in Wexford. Having been a champion ice and roller-skater as a teenager, Emmett went on to found several energy and mineral … [Read more...] about Hibernia: Those We Lost

Eulogy for Emmett O’Connell

IA Newsletter, September 21, 2024

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Delivered by his son, Óisin Ó Conail18/September, 2024. St Aidan's Church, Clongeen, County WexfordA daoine uasal, representatives of the Order of Malta, Col. Steven Howard, Public Representatives. For years, whenever anyone would ask my father, “How are you doing, Emmett?” he would respond, “Stayin' ahead of the posse.” Well, Dad, it looks like the darn posse finally caught up … [Read more...] about

Eulogy for Emmett O’Connell

Irish Pub and Music Scene Legend, Steve Duggan has Passed Away

By Niall O'Dowd
IA Newsletter
April 6, 2024

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Cavan native, co-founder of Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar, and the man who helped many Irish musicians get their start in New York, Steve Duggan passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Duggan, a native of Cavan, will forever be remembered for creating opportunities for young talent to come and play in his NYC pub Paddy Reilly's, which became a home away from home for so many. As … [Read more...] about Irish Pub and Music Scene Legend, Steve Duggan has Passed Away