Mary Pat Kelly, director, producer, screenwriter and contributor to Irish America magazine, doesn't always pick topics that interest the mainstream media. In 1984, she was commissioned by Rolling Stone to write about President Ronald Reagan's visit to Ireland. While in the country, she covered the elections. "In those days there was still a lot of violence. The idea of going … [Read more...] about Standing Proud
Cinema
Irish Eye on Hollywood
There seems to be an odd trend spreading throughout Hollywood: Irish actors playing American presidents. First there was Northern Ireland native and respected thespian Kenneth Branagh playing Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the May HBO movie Warm Springs. Branagh portrayed FDR's life before he became president, and the film's particular focus was with how Roosevelt dealt with his … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood
Omagh
Gerard McSorley was traveling the day a bomb shook the foundations of Omagh -- his hometown. He was returning to Dublin, where he was living at the time, and his sister, who was in London struggling to piece together the events of the day, was frantic to reach him. On entering his house, he answered the phone to his sister's hysterics. Images of bodies and general confusion … [Read more...] about Omagh
Irish Eye on Hollywood
Though the last James Bond film Die Another Day was a smash hit, some feel Navan-born star Pierce Brosnan is getting a bit old to play the dashing agent. At this point, it's unclear who will star in the next Bond pic. Asked recently about the ongoing uncertainty, Brosnan was quite blunt. "It's nowhere near a done deal. We've reached an impasse with the producers. They seem … [Read more...] about Irish Eye on Hollywood
Noth and Meaney, No Bad Apples
Bad Apple, a fast-paced drama with dark comedic overtones, based on the novel by Anthony Bruno, had its premiere in New York City and aired on February 16 on TNT. Chris Noth and Colm Meaney play two FBI agents trying to bring down a loan-sharking business run by the mob. Things become increasingly intense after a series of crosses and double-crosses leave both agents at the … [Read more...] about Noth and Meaney, No Bad Apples