As we look at the stories in this issue, we see that the strength of our nation comes from different places. In Lynn Tierney's "Mothers United," a tale of quiet courage and hope, we come to understand that the heroes are not just those who were lost, but those who survived. Reading how four women -- three of whom lost their firefighter husbands in the Father's Day Fire of June … [Read more...] about First Word: Mother Courage
First Word
First Word: Everyday Heroes
Congratulations to our Top 100 and to our Irish-American of the Year John J. Sweeney. In honoring Sweeney we honor a great labor leader who has three million workers under the umbrella of the AFL-CIO. We also take pride in the history of the Irish in the labor movement -- by 1900 it's estimated that 50 of the 110 labor unions were headed by Irish or Irish-Americans. We reflect … [Read more...] about First Word: Everyday Heroes
First Word: Happy and Peaceful New Year
As the year winds down I cannot but reflect not just on the past year but on the past 19 years. It's hard to believe, but the coming year marks Irish America's 19th year in existence. It's been a fascinating journey into the landscape of Irish America, which often proved to be unexplored territory. Looking back at our first issue, I see the foundations of what the future was … [Read more...] about First Word: Happy and Peaceful New Year
First Word: The Battle for the Truth
"I vow that the eyes of justice, the eyes of this journalist will not be shut again. No hand can deter me from my battle for the truth." –Journalist Veronica Guerin ℘℘℘ While Veronica Guerin starring Cate Blanchett (see cover story) may be the movie of the fall season, the real Veronica Guerin was anything but Hollywood. She was a dedicated journalist, wife and mother. So … [Read more...] about First Word: The Battle for the Truth
First Word: Heroes for Our Time
"You cannot put a rope around the neck of an idea. ... You cannot confine it in the strongest prison cell that your slaves could ever build." – Sean O'Casey on the death of Thomas Ashe. ℘℘℘ Just as I was getting annoyed that no one on the Larry King tribute to Gregory Peck mentioned the actor's Irishness, he mentioned it himself. "It must be that Irish stubborn streak in me," … [Read more...] about First Word: Heroes for Our Time