Irish America

Colin Lacey

The United Irishmen and the 1798 Rebellion

By Colin Lacey

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The Society of United Irishmen, founded in Belfast on October 26, 1791 by radical political thinkers, including Theobald Wolfe Tone, Hamilton Rowan, Samuel Nellson, Henry Joy McCracken and Thomas Russell, the organization's declared objective was "equal representation of all the people in parliament" and the establishment of a political system that would include all religious … [Read more...] about The United Irishmen and the 1798 Rebellion

The Transatlantic Cable That Changed the World

By Colin Lacey

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Colin Lacey writes about the historic underwater cable that linked Kerry’s Valentia Island to Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, and why the island deserves to be added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The connections between Ireland and Newfoundland run deep. The Irish began visiting there as far back as the 17th century, first as seasonal fishermen, and later migrating … [Read more...] about The Transatlantic Cable That Changed the World

Mother Teanga

By Colin Lacey, Contributor
June / July 2017

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The Irish language has roots stretching back at least 5,000 years and shares words with Sanskrit, the ancient classical language of India.  Almost all of us can speak a little Irish and often do. Words like “galore” and “brogue,” for example, or “smithereens” have all passed directly from Irish into English, often with little change to their original pronunciation. So the … [Read more...] about Mother Teanga

Michael Flatley

Lord of the Dance

By Colin Lacey, Contributor
October / November 2000

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Michael Flatley, star of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Feet of Flames, has revolutionized Irish dance, making it relevant all over the world. ℘℘℘ I just always saw Irish dance differently. When I retired from competition I just knew the minute I was done that I would start trying new things that weren't really allowed in competitions. I actually felt very restricted in … [Read more...] about Michael Flatley

Lord of the Dance