U2 and The Cranberries are among notable Irish musicians featured on a new set of stamps celebrating great Irish songs. The Cranberries’ global smash hit “Dreams” is included along with U2’s “With or Without You,” “Danny Boy” by John McCormack, and “On Raglan Road” by Luke Kelly. Each of the songs have been chosen by An Post (the Irish postal administration) because of the way … [Read more...] about Great Irish Song Stamps
Danny Boy
Music and Merriment at Irish America’s 2019 Hall of Fame
On Thursday, March 14, hundreds gathered in the Cotillion Room of the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan for Irish America magazine’s 10th annual Hall of Fame luncheon. This year’s inductees were lawyer, public servant, and peacemaker John C. Dearie; broadcaster Adrian Flannelly; Academy Award-winning director Terry George; Irish Repertory Theatre founders Charlotte Moore and … [Read more...] about Music and Merriment at Irish America’s 2019 Hall of Fame
Danny Boy Uncovered
In his book Danny Boy – The Beloved Irish Ballad to be published in March, well-known Irish-American writer Malachy McCourt offers an explication of the history, facts and myths surrounding the well-loved Irish air. McCourt explains that "Danny Boy" is unique in that people are willing to overlook a bad rendition if the singer is earnest and the moment is true. It is certainly … [Read more...] about Danny Boy Uncovered
The Pipes Aren’t Calling in RI
This July, the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island announced that no longer would the haunting tune of "Danny Boy" which so many have used to say goodbye to their loved ones, be permitted at funerals because it is a secular song, and therefore not suitable for Mass of the Christian Burial. Church officials felt it would lead to requests for other secular songs. Response to … [Read more...] about The Pipes Aren’t Calling in RI
The Blue Ribbon
When I was 13 years old, my mother took my siblings and me to Rockaway Beach in New York City for the day. After we romped in the ocean and were sufficiently sunburned, we ended up at a rather run-down Irish tavern that was hosting a singing contest. Since I can carry a tune, my mother made me enter. All the entrants, adults and kids alike, sang well-known Irish songs. I … [Read more...] about The Blue Ribbon