Grand Marshals of St. Patrick's Day Parades across the nation. From New York to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and from Rock Island, Illinois to New London, Wisconsin, thousands of people from a range of backgrounds will come together to cheer on and participate in St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Here’s a look at some outstanding Irish Americans around the country who have been chosen by … [Read more...] about A Who’s Who of Grand Marshals
Chicago
Chicago and the Irish
Before he was president, Barack Obama was an ambitious young politician who learned a valuable lesson thanks to the Chicago Irish. The year was 1999. Obama, a state senator, announced he was going to challenge Congressman Bobby L. Rush, a legend in the working-class African-American wards of Chicago’s South Side. Decades earlier, the South Side was heavily Irish. It was the … [Read more...] about Chicago and the Irish
Chicago’s Irish Spire
By Abdon PallaschAugust / September 2007
Irishman to build tallest building in Western Hemisphere. Dublin native Garrett Kelleher, 46, aspires to erect the biggest, most expensive skyscraper ever built on the shores of Lake Michigan. The beautiful, curving “Spire” is the creation of Zurich-based Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Kelleher, a father of six – number 7 is on the way – says he doesn’t need to sell … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Irish Spire
Hizzoner
Mayor Richard J. Daley is back among us – live on the Chicago stage It’s him. The legendary Mayor Richard J. Daley, in the opening scene, kneeling to take morning communion as the priest says with a slight Irish accent, “The Lard be with you.” Daley, his hair slicked back, his jowls motionless, solemnly in responds in Bridgeportese along with his minions standing behind him: … [Read more...] about Hizzoner
Chicago in Bloom
Following on the heels of the very successful run of Tom Murphy's Bailegangaire, Irish Repertory of Chicago's 2004 season resumes in June with the world premiere staging of A Dublin Bloom, an adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses. This production is Irish Rep's contribution to the worldwide "Bloomsday 100" celebration, marking one hundred years since the most famous day in … [Read more...] about Chicago in Bloom