“Across generations, Irish Americans have demonstrated a determination not only to succeed, but to break new ground, to innovate and to inspire. The resilience and distinctiveness' of Irish America is remarkable. Those recognized in this issue of Irish America are all critical to building on that legacy and carrying it forward in the 21st century.” - Ambassador Geraldine Byrne … [Read more...] about First Word: Trailblazers Past and Present
Fall 2026 Issue
Photo Album: Toomey’s Diner
By Peg Toomey Fisk Fall 2026
Michael Twomey emigrated to the U.S. in the 1880s from County Cork. The Twomeys primarily settled across the New York and New England region. My dad, John Toomey (the name changed from Twomey to Toomey on arrival in America), and his brother owned and operated Toomey’s Diner in Brooklyn on the corner of Rogers Avenue and Empire Blvd, from 1935 to 1965. Since it was only two … [Read more...] about Photo Album: Toomey’s Diner
Building a Billion Dollar Business
By Tom Deignan Fall 2026
Leadership, Learning, and Life: Tony Reilly’s journey from soccer scholarship to the world of finance.Tony Reilly, founder and CEO of Ascend Advisory Group, talks to Tom Deignan about his early days in the U.S., his mentors, his company, and how having "more" means giving "more" back. “I’ve Always Been a Dreamer” Tony Reilly vividly remembers a life-changing moment from his … [Read more...] about Building a Billion Dollar Business