Liam Moriarty explores the Stone Age archaeological wonder in County Mayo. When one thinks of Stone Age archaeological sites, Stonehenge, Altamira and Newgrange may come to mind. Most likely The Céide Fields will not. But it should. On the way to Ballycastle, County Mayo I was not sure what to expect. Neither was I sure, given the treacherous nature of the cliff-side Irish … [Read more...] about The Céide Fields
History
The 1930s: When Irish Catholics Changed America
Before the decade was over, America would be a vastly different nation, thanks in no small part to Irish Catholics. Nineteen hundred and twenty-eight was a dark year for Irish Catholics in America. It was, of course, the year Al Smith ran for president and lost. The anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant Ku Klux Klan played a major role in bringing down Smith, who lost “because of … [Read more...] about The 1930s: When Irish Catholics Changed America
Our Epic Journey to Affluence
Future historians will not ask why Ireland boomed in the Ahern decade but rather why the coming of the Celtic Tiger took so long One hundred years ago, this country produced not just a great cultural renaissance but also one of the first successful anti-imperial movements of the 20th century, both designed to foster creativity and self-reliance in our people. But why did it … [Read more...] about Our Epic Journey to Affluence
The Other Irish Riots of July
By Tom Deignan, Contributor
TOM DEIGNAN writes about the deadly “Orange Riots” in New York City in 1871. Thanks in large part to Martin Scorsese's epic movie, Gangs of New York, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Liam Neeson, the New York Draft Riots are now more or less permanently lodged in the consciousness of most Irish-Americans who are interested in their history. A slew of books … [Read more...] about The Other Irish Riots of July
The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan
The O'Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall Noigiallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland. The Ui Neill dynasty split into two septs, the Northern Ui Neill and the Southern Ui Neill, around 400 A.D. The name is derived from two separate Gaelic words, … [Read more...] about The Proud History of the O’Neill Clan