Irish America

Culture

Irish Film Institute Unveils Century-Old Footage

By Maggie Holland, Assistant Editor
May / June 2019

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The Irish Film Institute (IFI) was at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York in April to launch its Irish Independence Film Collection, a culturally significant compilation of newsreel material from the early 20th century. With over 150 films in total, the footage, which features Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera, and Queen Victoria to name a few, gives fascinating … [Read more...] about Irish Film Institute Unveils Century-Old Footage

The Ireland Funds Gala

By Irish America Staff
May / June 2019

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The Ireland Funds 44th annual New York Gala raised over $2.3 million for Irish charities and causes. Actress Saoirse Ronan, Verizon’s Ronan Dunne, and Bridgewater Associates’ Eileen K. Murray were honored at the 2019 gala, which was held at Chelsea Pier New York on May 2. “Tonight’s gala is such a testament to the unwavering bonds between New York and Ireland,” said John … [Read more...] about The Ireland Funds Gala

“Wild Bill” Donovan: Irish-American War Hero and Superspy

By Geoffrey Cobb, Contributor
May / June 2019

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“Wild Bill“ Donovan had many fascinating friends, including Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond – the fictional, globe-trotting superspy. Donovan’s real-life feats, however, surpassed even Bond’s wildest exploits. Perhaps no other Irish American served his country more daringly, yet Donovan’s largely clandestine service to America is still greatly under-appreciated. ℘℘℘ Born in … [Read more...] about “Wild Bill” Donovan: Irish-American War Hero and Superspy

Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance

By Ellie Shukert, Contributor
May / June 2019

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A group of workers on the docks serenaded the passengers with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and “Come Back to Erin.” The sirens of other ships in the harbor wailed while the 314 Irish brides waved, held up their 140 babies, and sang “Auld Lang Syne” through floods of tears as the Henry Gibbins, a 12,000-ton U.S. Army transport vessel, sailed away from the Herdman Channel, … [Read more...] about Irish War Brides: A Little Irish Romance

The Last Irish Saloon

By Patrick Fenton, Contributor
May / June 2019

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An old-time bar in Brooklyn, Farrell’s has served as a community center since the 1930s, and is the last marker of what was once a thriving Irish neighborhood. ℘℘℘ Farrell’s Bar, on the corner of 16th Street and 9th Avenue in Brooklyn, has been in the same location in Windsor Terrace since 1933. It was the very first bar to open in New York after Prohibition. The writer Pete … [Read more...] about The Last Irish Saloon