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
Film
Ladder 49: A Film with Heart
Much has been written about fire-fighters since 9/11, and while no film could do justice to the heroism of the country's "bravest," Ladder 49 does a good job of exploring the everyday lives of firefighters, the dangers involved, and the emotional impact on families. Starting Joaquin Phoenix (fire-fighter Jack Morrison) and John Travolta (Chief Mike Kennedy), and directed by … [Read more...] about Ladder 49: A Film with Heart
Maureen O’Hara: “The Greatest Guy”
This interview with silver screen legend Maureen O'Hara was the cover story for the June/July 2004 issue of Irish America. The photograph is from 1999, when O'Hara served as Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City. Maureen O'Hara is in fine fettle despite having a slight cold. It's the day after St. Patrick's Day and she's ensconced in a suite at the … [Read more...] about Maureen O’Hara: “The Greatest Guy”
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