The Irish American folksong canon is a mix of ballads, vaudeville, traditional music — and the business acumen of Tin Pan Alley Little Nellie Kelly film poster (public domain) WITH St Patrick’s Day looming on the horizon, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed he will visit Washington as per tradition. So the White House will go green for the day, and one thing we can be … [Read more...] about The music of the exile
The music of the exile
West Belfast shooting linked to dissident republican feud
THE SHOOTING of a taxi driver in the Poleglass area of West Belfast last weekend has been linked to a feud between dissident Republican groups. A man was hospitalised and remains critical following the incident which is thought to have occurred around 10:30 GMT on Sunday morning. Political party, Republican Network for Unity, has since claimed the victim as one of its members. … [Read more...] about West Belfast shooting linked to dissident republican feud
Ireland doubles down on support for Ukraine
It is three years today since Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine. The occasion has been marked by both international solidarity with the beleaguered nation, as well as condemnation of the United States’ perceived recent role in escalating harmful rhetoric around Ukraine’s role in the war. US President Donald Trump has called Ukrainian leader … [Read more...] about Ireland doubles down on support for Ukraine
From Macroom to Millbank — the story of an Irishman and how he reshaped the Labour Party
MOST political observers will tell you that government plans — be they economic, social or international — usually come in two parts. And they can be labelled (1) smoke; (2) mirrors. Because of course public perception can mean the difference between being in power or not. One Cork man learnt that lesson very early in his career. In Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund’s book … [Read more...] about From Macroom to Millbank — the story of an Irishman and how he reshaped the Labour Party
Sheila Clerkin, stalwart of Irish dance in London, dies aged 92
SHEILA CLERKIN, a much loved figure from the world of Irish dancing has died. Sheila, teacher adjudicator and feis musician passed away on January 28, 2025 aged 92. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s and eventually succumbed to pneumonia. Sheila grew up in London – and in Ireland during the Second World War (Tipperary and Armagh). She was the eldest daughter of Harry … [Read more...] about Sheila Clerkin, stalwart of Irish dance in London, dies aged 92