It sure was big news when Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was chosen. And there has been talk about the prospect of having a black or Asian pope. But amid the widening papal radar, Ireland goes overlooked. Despite the nation’s overwhelming Catholic majority and hard-fought Catholic tradition, no Irishman has likely ever come close to the top position. In 2012 … [Read more...] about Paddy’s Papal Absence
History
Irish Film Institute Brings the Past Online
The Irish Film Institute has digitized over 1,200 minutes of Irish cinema, documentary, and public information films dating back to 1910. The free online archive (available at ifiplayer.ie) also includes a number of rare Irish-American reels. “We wanted to make sure we represented as many parts of the collection as possible,” head of the archive Kasandra O’Connell told the … [Read more...] about Irish Film Institute Brings the Past Online
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
“Mother of Orphans” Sculpture Renewed
Since July 9, 1884, a sculpture of humanitarian Margaret Haughery, otherwise known as “The Mother of Orphans” (June / July 2016 issue), has stood on the corner of Camp and Prytania Streets in New Orleans. This September, it received some long-overdue restoration work and a dedication plaque from the Monumental Task Committee, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the … [Read more...] about “Mother of Orphans” Sculpture Renewed
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