Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers passed away on this day in 2009 at the age of 74. Liam was the youngest and last surviving member of the famous folk group. Liam's membership in the group was essential. He was considered their best singer. Bob Dylan once called him the greatest ballad singer ever. Liam and The Clancy Brothers were very famous in both Ireland, the U.K. and the … [Read more...] about December 4, 2009
Today In History
August 25, 2009
Senator Ted Kennedy passed away at the age of 77 on August 25th of 2009. The youngest brother of President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, Ted Kennedy became one of America's longest-serving senators. He was a leader of the Democratic party. In March of 2009, Kennedy was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts in the Northern Ireland peace … [Read more...] about August 25, 2009
July 19, 2009
Irish American author of "Angela's Ashes" and Pulitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt passed away on July 19, 2009 in New York after battling melanoma cancer. Originally born in Brooklyn to Malachy and Angela McCourt, his parents moved the family back to Limerick after the death of his younger sister Margaret. The McCourts sunk very deep into poverty and this became the influence … [Read more...] about July 19, 2009
January 27, 2009
This marks the anniversary of President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union address. President Obama traces his Irish roots to Moneygall in County Offaly. The United States Constitution states that the president “…shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and … [Read more...] about January 27, 2009
August 16, 2008
Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners passed away on this day in 2008 at the age of 73. Drew began his career after moving to Spain, learning to play the flamenco guitar, and becoming interested in folk music. He returned to Ireland and founded "The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group" in 1962 along with Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney McKenna. The group would eventually change their name to … [Read more...] about August 16, 2008