The acclaimed actor discusses his role as Ireland's first Cultural Ambassador, his experience as an emigrant, and his thoughts on the strong ties and the disconnects between Ireland and America. The most immediately striking thing about Gabriel Byrne, aside from his very light blue eyes and the chunky silver Claddagh ring he wears on his right hand (and the fact that he is … [Read more...] about Imagining Ireland With Gabriel Byrne
Arts
Citizen Artist, Robert Ballagh
The extraordinary life and work of Robert Ballagh is celebrated in a new book, "Citizen Artist" by Ciaran Carty I’ve often called Robert Ballagh the perfect Dubliner. He married the city, walked it, photographed it, painted it, and Dublin in turn – no mean city – has embraced him. He’s just done a portrait of James Joyce for U.C.D. If Joyce were around, he would have a lot of … [Read more...] about Citizen Artist, Robert Ballagh
Portrait of an Irish Artist: Louis le Brocquy
A 20th century master. Louis le Brocquy, one of the most important and influential Irish artists of the last century, died at age 95 in his family home on April 25th, 2012. The following is a feature from the June/July 2011 issue of Irish America on his incredible life and legacy. After seven decades of painting, Louis le Brocquy has clearly established himself as one of the … [Read more...] about Portrait of an Irish Artist: Louis le Brocquy
Mary Higgins Clark: Irish America Hall of Fame
A bestselling author who is proud to call herself "an Irish girl from the Bronx." The oldest living resident of New York died recently at age 111 and in a New York Times article only months earlier, she told the reporter that she had kept her mind alert by reading Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins Clark. A Higgins Clark novel keeping someone alive? Usually someone dies in the … [Read more...] about Mary Higgins Clark: Irish America Hall of Fame
Michael Flatley: Irish America Hall of Fame
The man who brought Irish dance to the global stage. He’s been the world’s most famous lord for the past 15 years. Now Michael Flatley is poised to become a movie star . . . and a 3D one at that. The Chicago native always had it in the back of his head that his wildly successful stage show, Lord of the Dance, would translate well to film, given the right circumstances. But … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley: Irish America Hall of Fame