Irish American philanthropist and entrepreneur Chuck Feeney, who has been engaging in philanthropic projects across the globe for over thirty years, announced in August that his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, will make its final grants in 2016, including those to Ireland. 84-year-old Feeney, deemed “the quiet giant of Irish philanthropy” by the Irish Examiner, has said … [Read more...] about Chuck Feeney to End Irish Grants
Hibernia
California’s First Irish Hunger Memorial
The community of Eugene, California welcomed the state’s first Irish Hunger Memorial at its dedication ceremony in Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in September. It was the product of efforts by the Irish Cultural Society of Stanislaus County and the San Francisco Chapter of the Irish American Unity Conference, and about 100 locals were present to see it unveiled. The memorial’s … [Read more...] about California’s First Irish Hunger Memorial
America’s Oldest Irish Pub Closes
The oldest Irish pub in America shut its doors once and for all in September. Patrick’s of Pratt Street, a tourist attraction and local haunt alike, was established in Baltimore by Patrick Healy in 1847. The business lived out its first fifteen years on the corner of S. Schroeder and Lemon Streets, during which time it went by Healey’s. Eventually it was moved to its permanent … [Read more...] about America’s Oldest Irish Pub Closes
Ashford Castle Is Named the Best Hotel in the World
Ashford Castle, a massive hotel located at the shores of Lough Corrib on 350 acres of verdant Co. Mayo land, has been prestigiously ranked as the best hotel in the world by Virtuoso, a luxury travel network composed of 9,000 global specialists. The award was given to the five-star luxury hotel at the Best of the Best Awards during Virtuoso Travel Week, a luxury travel show in … [Read more...] about Ashford Castle Is Named the Best Hotel in the World
Donegal Man Shaves Seconds off Sheep Shearing World Record
Co. Donegal man Ivan Scott (below left) has recently beaten the Guinness World Record for the fastest time in shearing a single adult sheep. Scott, 33, hails from Kilmacrennan and broke the record live on RTÉ’s Big Week on the Farm in April, shearing his sheep in 37.9 seconds, beating the previous record of 39.31 seconds which was set in Australia in 2010. Scott is no tyro when … [Read more...] about Donegal Man Shaves Seconds off Sheep Shearing World Record