Irish America
Irish America
Irish Architect James Gallier Sr. left an indelible mark on New Orleans with his masterful Greek Revival designs in the 19th century. His story began in Ireland where he was born James Gallagher. By Ray Cavanaugh There are a number of reasons why someone might change their surname. The reason might be as mundane as marriage. Or it might be as urgent as trying to escape a … [Read more...] about The Hidden Gallagher
180 years after his birth on June 28, 1844, the lessons of legendary Irish rebel, patriot, poet, and activist John Boyle O'Reilly deserve to be remembered and cherished. In today’s society of discontent and distrust mingled with guarded hope and optimism, O’Reilly would be hailed simultaneously as a disruptor of the status quo, a man unafraid to speak truth to power, a … [Read more...] about Window on the Past: Where Shall We Seek for a Hero?
He is best known for one part of one poem he published in 1873. Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s “Ode” (which is also referred to by its opening line, “We are the music makers”) actually consists of nine stanzas, but the first three stanzas are the ones of enduring popularity; the rest of the poem, in fact, is typically omitted when appearing in anthologies. But the three opening … [Read more...] about Arthur O’Shaughnessy: Reluctant Herpetologist, Ardent “Music Maker”
In late 1990s baseball, home runs were everywhere. The balls were allegedly juiced. The sluggers were definitely juiced. Players who had been lanky rookies would later display cartoon-sized muscles, thanks to a regimen of syringes in the posterior. Even hitters of mediocre power were expected to belt 15 home runs per season. About one century earlier, however, 15 round-trippers … [Read more...] about Window on the Past
The Irish Bambino
Calgary, nicknamed “Cowtown,” is home to the largest rodeo in the world, the Calgary Stampede, which annually draws millions of visitors. The first Calgary rodeo in 1912 was organized by a New Yorker with Irish roots, as Ray Cavanaugh explains. Cowboys seem like a self-assured lot. But Guy Weadick was more than self-assured; he was a bold visionary, and … [Read more...] about Window on the Past: Stampede of a New York Cowboy
